The Government of Papua New Guinea has launched its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) alongside a national SDG data portal, marking a major step toward transparency and evidence-based planning. Supported by the Joint SDG Fund, these initiatives aim to strengthen data-driven decision-making and enhance accountability across government agencies.
The 2025 VNR, presented at the United Nations in July and recognized as a regional best practice, provides a comprehensive assessment of the country’s development landscape. Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Koney Samuel, emphasized that the VNR is a “living document” intended to catalyze investment and guide the remaining five years of SDG implementation. A key finding highlighted the urgent need to address significant data gaps, a challenge now tackled by the newly launched data portal.
Developed with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the SDG data portal centralizes information on Papua New Guinea’s progress toward the Goals, allowing stakeholders to monitor outcomes and inform policy. Minister for National Planning, Hon. Sir Ano Pala, described the portal as a “landmark achievement” that makes development data publicly accessible and supports planning across sectors.
The VNR and data portal are closely linked within the government’s broader ‘Reset’ agenda, which seeks to drive accountability and evidence-based decision-making. Together, these tools provide Papua New Guinea with both a clear assessment of current development progress and a dynamic platform to guide future policies, ensuring the country’s path toward the 2030 Agenda is informed by data and a shared vision for sustainable development.
