Launching of “INA GADONA” Newsletter Issue #1

Dear valued members, stakeholders, and contributors,
Greetings from the Institute of National Affairs! It is with immense pride and excitement that I welcome you to the inaugural edition of
our newsletter, INA Gadona. This platform marks the beginning of a new chapter for INA, where we aim to keep you informed, engaged,
and inspired by the work we undertake and the insights we gather to support Papua New Guinea’s development journey.
As we reflect on the past year, 2024 brought its share of challenges and learning opportunities. One significant event that left an
indelible mark was the “Black Wednesday” incident, a sombre reminder of the resilience needed to navigate our complex social and
economic landscape. Despite such trials, we have continued to push forward, driven by our shared commitment to fostering progress in
PNG.
This edition highlights some of the remarkable work INA has been involved in. A standout project has been our partnership with the
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in 2023 undertaking an extensive rural household, agriculture & nutrition survey
across PNG. The progressive reports from IFPRI provide extensive information on the current situation for rural PNG households.
We are also pleased to share updates on various case studies, including the aspects of information financing including overtime Coral
Sea Cable and the PNG National Identity Systems, which offer critical insights into national infrastructure and identity development.
Furthermore, the National Capital District (NCD) Informality Diagnostic Survey was a milestone achievement, utilizing digital data
collection methods by dedicated enumerators to provide valuable insights into informal sector dynamics.

Our seminar series continues to be a cornerstone of knowledge-sharing, featuring esteemed speakers such as veteran politician, farmer
and professional Bart Philemon, who provided an in-depth review of PNG’s governance over the last 30 years, and Professor Martin
Davies from Washington and Lee University, who presented on real wage growth in PNG from 1999 to 2018. These discussions not only
shed light on PNG’s economic trajectory but also sparked critical dialogue on shaping a more sustainable future.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our contributors and partners who have made these achievements possible. Your support and
collaboration are the driving forces behind INA’s efforts to provide meaningful insights and practical solutions for PNG.
As we embark on this journey with INA’s official Newsletter “INA Gadona”, I invite you to engage with us, provide your feedback, and
continue supporting our mission. Together, we can drive meaningful change and create a brighter future for Papua New Guinea.

Paul Barker
Executive Director – Institute of National Affairs