In August 2025, Key Populations Advocacy Consortium PNG marked a major milestone by holding its first Annual General Meeting (AGM), at a time of significant change and challenge for the HIV response in Papua New Guinea.
The AGM brought together representatives from KPAC’s six national member organisations to reflect on progress, formally endorse key governance frameworks, and elect the consortium’s Board. Coming in a year marked by funding disruptions across the sector, increasing pressure on community organisations, and a continued rise in HIV cases nationally, the meeting represented an important moment of consolidation, leadership, and collective resolve.
“This AGM is about more than compliance,” said Cathy Ketepa, Chairlady of KPAC PNG. “It is about ensuring that community-led organisations are strong, credible, and ready to lead at a time when the HIV response in PNG needs us more than ever.”
A key outcome of the AGM was the formal endorsement of KPAC’s updated Constitution. The revised, fully compliant Constitution brings KPAC into line with regulatory and governance requirements and clearly defines the consortium’s purpose, structure, decision-making processes, and accountability mechanisms. Members recognised this as a critical step in strengthening KPAC’s legitimacy as a national body and its ability to responsibly manage funding, partnerships, and advocacy on behalf of its members.
The AGM also included the election of KPAC’s Board, providing members with the opportunity to affirm leadership that reflects the diversity, experience, and community focus of the consortium. The newly elected Board is tasked with guiding KPAC through its next phase of growth, strengthening oversight, and supporting strategic engagement with government, donors, and national stakeholders.
Alongside constitutional and governance matters, members reflected on the broader context facing the HIV response in Papua New Guinea. With rising HIV notifications, persistent stigma and discrimination, and disruptions to funding and service delivery, participants emphasised the importance of strong, coordinated, community leadership.
“We are operating in a very different environment than even a few years ago,” said Lesley Bola, Executive Director of KPAC PNG. “This AGM sends a clear message that community organisations are organised, accountable, and ready to step up, even in difficult circumstances. Strong governance is not optional. It is essential if we are going to sustain services and advocate effectively for our communities.”
The meeting also reaffirmed KPAC’s commitment to strengthening the organisational capacity of its member organisations. Discussions highlighted the importance of robust governance, safeguarding, financial management, and leadership systems as foundations for sustainable service delivery and effective national advocacy.
Importantly, the AGM created space for open dialogue and shared learning across member organisations. Representatives discussed challenges faced in their respective communities and identified opportunities for deeper collaboration, peer support, and collective advocacy.
Holding its first AGM marks a turning point for KPAC PNG. It signals a transition from establishment to consolidation, and from informal coordination to formalised national leadership. In a year defined by uncertainty and increasing need, the AGM reinforced the importance of a strong, united, and community-led response to HIV in Papua New Guinea.
