The Advisory Council

The Company's Program Rules provide for the Board to appoint up to seven eminent and appropriately skilled Papua New Guineans, each for a term of two years, to serve on the Company's Advisory Council. They are to provide impartial advice and comment on the Program of the Company. the Council reports to the Chief Executive Officer. Its function is to provide the CEO with:

• strategic advice on the development and implementation of the Program, including advice on the integration of the Program's initiatives within the overall development objectives of Papua new Guinea;
• assistance with sharing and disseminating information about the Program to Project Partners and Stakeholders;
• feedback in relation to Project proposals put to the Company for funding;
• assistance to monitor and review Projects funded by the Company.

The members of the Council are: Ms Felecia Dobunaba, Chairperson, Dr Betty Lovai, Rev. Samson Lowa, Mr Brown Bai, Mr Steven Nion, Dr Navu Kwapena and Mr Blasius Iwik, all eminent Papua New Guineans who bring significant expertise to PNG Sustainable Development Program Ltd. They represent key sectors of the wider community and provide the Company with access to independent monitoring and advisory support. Two members, Dr Betty Lovai and Mr Blasius Iwik, are from Western Province, ensuring that the Company maintains its special focus on the province. Mr Ati Wobiro replaced Mr Gago Mamae in 2004 as Secretary to the Advisory Council.

The Advisory Council held four meetings in Port Moresby on 27 January, 5 July, 27 July and 22 October 2004, and made visits to Daru Island in Western Province and to West New Britain to observe the socioeconomic impact of oil palm estate and smallholder operations. The Council has been able to monitor progress on the Company's sustainable development program activities and provide advice to both the Management and the Board on the Company's sustainable development program policy, strategy and project initiatives.

For more information about the members of the Advisory Council click here »