Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to begin in PNG Schools in 2026

The Duke of Edinburgh chatting with Puma Energy chairman Ziri Zrust and Nasfund chief executive officer Rajeev Sharma in Port Moresby (Image: Supplied)

Papua New Guinea will join more than 130 countries worldwide in offering The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, with a pilot program set to begin in three Port Moresby secondary schools in 2026.

The initiative was confirmed during a high-level roundtable discussion attended by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and Prime Minister James Marape. Puma Energy and the TISA Group have signed on as founding partners, providing financial and logistical support to establish the program locally.

The Award, established in 1956, gives students opportunities to develop resilience, leadership and practical life skills outside the classroom, with accreditation recognised by universities and employers globally.

Jubilee Secondary, De La Salle Secondary and Gordons Secondary have been selected as pilot schools ahead of a nationwide rollout.

The Duke of Edinburgh with government delegates during the meeting (Image: Supplied)

“Every young person deserves the chance to discover their purpose, passion and place in the world,” The Duke of Edinburgh said. “Through the support of Puma Energy and the TISA Group, young people in Papua New Guinea will soon have this opportunity.”

Puma Energy chairman Jiri Zrust said supporting young people was an investment in the nation’s future, while TISA Group emphasised the importance of extending education beyond the classroom.

The roundtable brought together senior government, church, business and education leaders, including Governor General Sir Bob Dadae, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko and Cardinal Sir John Ribat.

PNG will become the latest Pacific nation to adopt the globally recognised program, which already operates in Australia, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste.