Port Moresby — June 8, 2026 — More than 30 women leaders from Papua New Guinea’s Highlands region and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville gathered in Port Moresby for a three-day workshop titled Women Leading Peace Training, Reflection and Peer Exchange. The event, held from June 3–5, was organized under the ‘Empower Her – Papua New Guinea Peace Initiative’, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund.
The workshop aimed to strengthen collaboration between women peace actors from both regions, enhancing their role in conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding. Despite facing barriers to participation in political and peace processes, women in PNG continue to lead efforts in dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion.
Opening the workshop, Ms. Shalini Bahuguna, UN Resident Coordinator in PNG, emphasized: “Women are not only affected by conflict; they are leaders, mediators, organisers and decision-makers. Through this initiative, we are creating space for women to strengthen their skills, share experiences, and lead efforts to build lasting peace.”
Participants deepened their understanding of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, shared lessons from personal peacebuilding journeys, and explored practical approaches to conflict prevention and resolution.
Bougainville South MP and Deputy Speaker Hon. Rose Pihei reflected on her experience: “It only takes a heart to start making a difference. Many women begin this work without formal training, driven by a commitment to their communities. When we invest in their leadership, they become powerful agents of peace and change.”
The initiative builds on UNDP’s concept of Infrastructures for Peace, strengthening connections between community leaders, civil society, and institutions to support inclusive and sustainable peace outcomes. It is jointly implemented by UNDP, UN Women, OHCHR, and UNFPA, in partnership with national and local stakeholders.
This workshop marks an important step in empowering women peacebuilders across PNG, ensuring their voices and leadership are central to building a more peaceful and resilient future.
