By Ancilla Ilave
The Papua New Guinea University of Technology will host a three-day conference that focuses on food, nutrition, and climate resilience to strengthen the agricultural systems and agricultural development in the country.
The conference will be held from 1-3 July 2026 in Lae.
According to PNG UOT and Chairman for the Organizing Committee Professor Tom Okpul, the most important thing is the theme itself; ‘Transforming Food Systems for Nutrition and Resilience in Papua New Guinea,’ gives the idea of how and what is planned to be achieved during the conference.
He said it’s about transforming food and nutrition and resilience in farming practices.
“PNG University of Technology is proud to host this, but we are supported by our stakeholders, and this includes the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA), the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and also under their auspices, the International Food Policy Research Institute, IFPRI, as it is called, PNG Biosecurity Agency, Coconut Industry Corporation, and Cocoa Board, and participants from Australia, New Zealand, and abroad.” Okpul said.
He said they are expecting 300 to 400 participants, so there’s a huge number of people coming to discuss food security, nutrition, and PNG’s agricultural systems.
“In terms of ensuring that we have enough food for sustenance of our rural population and also at this day and age, we are looking more into commercialization,” Okpul said.
Vice Chancellor of PNG UoT Professor Ora Renagi said the conference reflects the University’s commitment to applying science, technology, and innovation to address national development challenges.
“Food and nutrition are among the most critical issues confronting Papua New Guinea and the wide Pacific region. “Ensuring food security, improving nutritional outcomes, increasing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable food systems, and addressing emerging challenges associated with climate change, population growth, and changing lifestyles required coordinated efforts across multiple disciplines,” Renagi said.
He said the conference would provide an important opportunity to connect research, policy, and practice.
Secretary for the Department of Agriculture and Livestock Dr. Sergie Bang welcomed the conference as an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation across sectors involved in food production, nutrition, and rural development.
“Food security is a national priority that requires coordinated action across agriculture, health, education, research, and the private sector,” Bang said.
He said the conference provides an important platform to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and identify practical solutions that will improve livelihoods and nutrition outcomes for the country.
