In August 2025, the Key Populations Advocacy Consortium (KPAC PNG) held its first-ever Annual General Meeting (AGM) since its establishment in 2018. This was a landmark achievement in strengthening community leadership within Papua New Guinea’s HIV response.
Supported through the Indo-Pacific HIV Partnership, which is funded by the Australian Government and delivered by Health Equity Matters, this milestone reflects the power of long-term investment in community-led organisations. For KPAC PNG, the AGM wasn’t just a governance requirement – it was a defining moment in building ownership, accountability and resilience.
KPAC PNG’s Executive Director Lesely Bola said:
This AGM shows the strength of our communities – even in the face of setbacks, we are building something powerful together.
More than 60 members attended, representing KPAC PNG’s six national community-led organisations, including those who travelled from remote provinces. For some, it was their first experience of formal governance processes. The day included elections for Board office bearers, a regular monthly Board meeting and the launch of KPAC PNG’s new Strategic Plan, all underpinned by a fully updated and legally compliant constitution developed collaboratively with members throughout the year.
KPAC PNG’s first Annual General Meeting
The journey to this point was far from easy. It took eight months of dedicated mentoring, coaching and negotiation to prepare KPAC PNG’s 18 National Delegates to take on leadership roles. With support from local technical advisers and peer organisations, Delegates gained the confidence to debate, make decisions and shape the future direction of their consortium.
KPAC PNG’s Chairlady Cathy Ketepa observed:
What we see today is not just an AGM, it is history in the making for community-led leadership in PNG’s HIV response.
This milestone demonstrates what is possible when community-led organisations are resourced and supported to lead. It represents far more than a single event. It marks the consolidation of KPAC’s governance foundations, the strengthening of its leadership voice and the creation of a platform from which community organisations across PNG can advocate for and deliver more effective HIV prevention and care.
Across the Pacific, Health Equity Matters is helping to build similar momentum. From Fiji to Papua New Guinea, investments in governance, organisational development and leadership are creating sustainable structures that ensure communities most affected by HIV are at the forefront of the response.
KPAC PNG’s first AGM is a powerful reminder that community-led organisations are not just participants in the HIV response. They are leaders, decision-makers and drivers of change.
