ISG Workshop Strengthens Maritime Governance and Security in Papua New Guinea
January 16, 2025
In early December, the Defense Security Cooperation University’s (DSCU) Institute for Security Governance (ISG), at the invitation of the U.S. Embassy Port Moresby, conducted a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) workshop with Papua New Guinea’s government ministries and agencies. The workshop aimed to promote a cohesive approach to maritime governance and enhance the country’s ability to respond to sea-based challenges.
The event was supported by DSCU’s Defense Institute for International Legal Studies (DIILS), the U.S. Coast Guard District 14, and the U.S. Department of State’s Global Defense Reform Initiative advisor to Papua New Guinea.
Discussions centered on Papua New Guinea’s National Oceans Policy 2020-2030 and the development of a whole-of-government implementation plan. Topics included the law of the sea, interagency cooperation, fusion centers, maritime authorities, and deep-sea mining.
The workshop highlighted the strong partnership between the United States and Papua New Guinea and was supported by agreements such as the 2023 bilateral Joint Maritime Law Enforcement Agreement – focused on countering illicit transnational maritime activities – and the Defense Cooperation Act.
These efforts underscore a shared commitment to strengthening maritime governance and security in the region.
