Suffering in Silence IX – Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG) barely makes international news, despite being one of the most diverse and naturally rich nations in the world, with more than 800 languages spoken, 1,000 ethnic groups and an array of crude oil, natural gas, gold, copper, silver, timber, coffee and palm oil. Yet, more than half of the population are in need of humanitarian assistance. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in cooperation with CARE Germany invites you to reflect on the current crisis in PNG. This event is the ninth in a ten-part series, which shines a light on the "ten most under-reported humanitarian crises in 2020".

The pandemic hit the island state especially hard. The healthcare system was already under pressure with tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, polio and malnutrition. Many households do not have access to drinking water and the country is prone to natural disasters. The largely rural and agriculture based nation was consequently facing public health threats, hygiene emergencies and economic concerns throughout the year of 2020. However, the young democracy and its people have shown extraordinary resiliance in the face of these challenges.

What is the current political situation in PNG? Why does a country so rich of natural resources depend on humanitarian aid? How has COVID affected the nation? What aspects of gender equality must we discuss? How do the people show resilience? Why does PNG not make the mainstream news? Are there solutions how this crisis can be mitigated in the years to come? We hereby invite you to examine and ask these questions in conversation with our international experts.

You are also cordially invited to tune in for FNF's next and last event on the under-reported humanitarian crises on 26 July on Zambia.