The National Security College, in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs representatives from the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, delivered the first ever ‘Women in National Security: Why diversity is in Papua New Guinea’s national interest’ course in Port Moresby at the Hilton Hotel on 25–27 September 2019.

This new initiative led by Home Affairs supports Australia’s Pacific step-up and our recently agreed Comprehensive Strategic Economic Partnership with Papua New Guinea contributing to the commitment of the Australian Government in addressing shared security interests of both countries.

Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Police, the Hon Bryan Kramer MP highlighted the key role that women play in building trust in national security.. He further added, ‘These workshops are important to have frank discussions, share ideas and experiences, build relationships, and apply strategic thinking to make better informed decisions moving forward.’

The Australian Deputy Head of Mission in Port Moresby, Caitlin Wilson, opened the two day intensive course on 26 September which was attended by approximately 50 participants from more than 10 agencies across Papua New Guinea’s national security and international relations community, non-government organisations and the private sector.

Counsellor Home Affairs Andrew Edgar commented that the positive response from participants and senior officials from the Government of Papua New Guinea has been overwhelming.

The course provided an opportunity for current and emerging leaders, both men and women, to explore how greater diversity in thinking can benefit PNG’s growth and prosperity, create more effective organisations, strengthen human security, and provide a framework for more sustainable peace and stability. The course also provided a platform for participants to further develop strong people-to-people links.

The National Security College looks forward to further developing the ‘Women in National Security;’ agenda, running the ‘Diversity in the National Interest’ course, held 12-13 March 2020, and hosting the College’s third Women in National Security Conference in November 2020.