The National Statistical Office (NSO) and Papua New Guinea Civil and Identity Registry (PNGCIR) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at improving the collection, management and sharing of national population and identity information.
The two government agencies formalised the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Port Moresby today, paving the way for closer cooperation in strengthening PNG's national data systems and improving the information used for government planning and public service delivery.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by First Secretary to the Minister for Administrative Services, Stanislaus Ivahupa, alongside National Statistician Alfred Mokae, Acting Registrar General of PNGCIR Leslie Simon, senior government officials and members of the media.
Speaking at the event, Mr Mokae said combining the expertise and capabilities of the two institutions would help improve the reliability, consistency and effective use of information collected across the country.
He said accurate population and identity records were essential for government institutions to make informed decisions, distribute resources appropriately and deliver services to communities.
Under the agreement, NSO and PNGCIR will work together across six priority areas, including improving population and demographic statistics, strengthening data quality and standards, and developing secure information-sharing arrangements between their systems.
The partnership will also encourage stronger coordination with provincial administrations and government agencies while exploring the possibility of using selected Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary police stations as National Identification (NID) registration and service centres.
The initial proposal will focus on the National Capital District and will be subject to the necessary approvals.
Other areas of cooperation include technical assistance, staff training and institutional capacity development.
Mr Mokae said the partnership was also aligned with NSO's Transformation and Modernisation Agenda, which seeks to establish the office as a professional, efficient and trusted institution within PNG's National Statistical System.
He clarified that the agreement would not override the legal responsibilities of either organisation, particularly in relation to personal information, privacy and confidentiality.
Access to or exchange of restricted personal records will not be automatic. Any sharing of such information must be supported by appropriate legal authority, written approval and agreed security measures.
A Joint Technical Working Group will be established to coordinate the implementation of the agreement.
The group will begin with a two-month programme to identify priority activities, assign responsibilities and establish expected results. Formal assessments will then take place after two and six months, followed by annual reviews.
Mr Mokae said the partnership must deliver practical improvements rather than become another government agreement that remains on paper.