Peacebuilding to Prevent Violence in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

This paper was originally presented to a panel ‘Dialogues for peace: Is there a need for a national peace strategy?’ at the 2025 PNG Update conference held at the University of Papua New Guinea, 21–22 August 2025. While the causes of some conflicts in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are common to other countries, many are shaped by its unique sociocultural and development context. Conflicts range from interpersonal to intergroup violence and civil wars waged with high powered weapons, to conflict associated with climate change refugees and sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV). These conflicts call for active and effective solutions to ensure people and communities are guaranteed peace and freedom. Community initiated peacebuilding in different parts of PNG has met with varying levels of success and differing challenges. These peace initiatives have demonstrated the resilient spirit of local people who are united by a common resolve that violence should never be part of a peaceful and progressive community.