Unggai youth group launches ground-breaking survey to shape local development
In a bid to craft a data-driven future for their community, a newly formed youth-led organisation has completed an extensive baseline survey across the Unggai Local Level Government [LLG] area.
The exercise, conducted on 30-31 December 2025, marks a significant step in localising development planning and attracting external investment.
The initiative, titled Beautiful Unggai Our Future [BUOF[ Initiatives, is a non-political, community-based organisation founded three months ago by 100 Unggai lineage members.
Its mission is to consolidate local expertise and partner with governmental and international actors to address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
The comprehensive survey sought to document the LLG's socio-economic conditions, cultural assets, environmental and climate issues, and natural resource potential.
It also audited existing community partnerships, external support, and the state of basic government service delivery.
Newly elected Unggai LLG President Micheal Leinama said: “For any sustainable development, it must be a co-partnership between communities and government.
“Government must recognise and partner with community-based organisations. Most importantly, communities need to be organised to secure support beyond the government purse.”
BUOF’s organisational structure is notably hybrid, being the first of its kind for a Community-Based Organisation [CBO] in Papua New Guinea to formally incorporate LLG leadership, including the President and ward councillors, as ex-officio members of its board.
The group’s vision is to forge a “smart, safe, sustainable, modern, healthy and wealthy Unggai society,” positioning it as a potential exemplar of community-led development for PNG.
Kim Roary, Chairman of BUOF Initiatives, stressed the need for unity beyond political lines.
“Communities need to be proactive,” he asserted.
“We must create organisations to advocate and address issues like biodiversity loss, HIV/AIDS, and electoral integrity. Resilience means building capacity to source donor funding for community-prioritised projects.”
The survey was made possible through sponsorship from local businesses and professionals, including CNU Hire Cars Ltd and Night Owl Security Service.
A full report of the findings is now being prepared for presentation to the Unggai LLG and the Unggai Bena District Development Authority to inform official planning and strategy.