SDG DATA PORTAL LAUNCHED TO TRACK NATIONAL PROGRESS

PICTURE CAPTION: Secretary for Department of National Planning & Monitoring Mr Koney Samuel.

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN
PAPUA New Guinea has launched its first-ever Sustainable Development Goals Data Portal, a tool designed to track the country’s progress on global development targets.

The launch was announced in Port Moresby during the dissemination of the nation’s 2025 Voluntary National Review Report, a milestone that comes as PNG celebrates its 50th Golden Jubilee of Independence.

Secretary for National Planning and Monitoring, Mr. Koney Samuel, said the report shows that only 16 percent of SDG targets are on track, while major gaps remain in areas such as gender equality, reducing inequalities, and environmental protection.

To address these challenges, the SDG Data Portal will centralize information, strengthen accountability, and provide evidence-based tools for planning and investment across government and development partners.

Mr. Samuel described the report as a collective story of the nation, urging government, private sector, academia, civil society, youth, churches, and communities to work together to accelerate progress before 2030.

He also noted the report has been recognized internationally as a best practice in the Asia-Pacific region, thanks to strong partnerships with the United Nations ESCAP and the UN Country Team.

He said, “When we mark our 100th Independence Anniversary, let future generations look back and say this was the moment we chose to reset, act and deliver.”