The Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability (SPCPS) is a joint effort by the U.S. government and partners to address root causes of instability and build durable, inclusive peace. It realizes the vision of the bipartisan Global Fragility Act of 2019. Together with partners, we’re advancing SPCPS through 10-year whole-of-U.S. government plans that were created through extensive consultations and will be continually updated. Papua New Guinea is one of five partner countries/regions identified in the SPCPS.

10-Year Plan Objectives in Papua New Guinea

The 10-year plan for Papua New Guinea was developed after consultations with more than 100 stakeholders, including members of the security sector, private sector, civil society, local government, and donor community. The plan aligns with Papua New Guinea’s own plans, such as Vision 2050, and reinforces the U.S. government’s growing partnership with the most populous, diverse, and resource-rich country of the Pacific Islands. This includes a focus on partnerships to advance gender equality, elevate women peacebuilders, and prevent and respond to gender-based violence. Our efforts aim to:

  1. Strengthen community capacity to prevent, mitigate, and peacefully respond to violence.
  2. Support sustainable and equitable economic growth through improved livelihoods opportunities.
  3. Improve justice systems and professionalize security forces.

SPCPS Activities in Papua New Guinea

To advance the SPCPS in Papua New Guinea, the United States, led by State, USAID, Defense, and Treasury, is leveraging resources from across the U.S. government. This includes both activities supported by the Prevention and Stabilization Fund, which was authorized by U.S. Congress for SPCPS, and other U.S. government efforts aligned to the 10-year plan objectives, such as:

Police Service Professionalization (State Department): Supporting gender-sensitive reform efforts through law enforcement professionalization, gender integration, and institutional support.

Peace Project (USAID): Strengthening community capacity to peacefully respond to violence and conflict, especially against women; supporting sustainable livelihoods opportunities and equitable economic growth; and, improving community mediation and justice systems.

“Support Her Empowerment, Women’s Inclusion for New Security”, SHE WINS (State Department): Advancing local women’s leadership and women-led civil society organizations in Jiwaka, Chimbu/Simbu, and Hela communities to address peace and security challenges.

Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Course (Defense Department): U.S. Indo-Pacific Command partnering with Papua New Guinean Defence Forces to deliver training and develop a gender advisory workforce with an emphasis on gender-based violence prevention and response.