11/12/2025
MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION IN FOSTERING DISABILITY INCLUSIVE SOCIETIES IN BOUGAINVILLE.
International Disability Day, celebrated in Bougainville, marked a significant milestone towards advancing inclusion between CARE International PNG and the Bougainville Disabled Persons Organisation.
With the endorsement of the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s Department of Community Development, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between CARE International in PNG’s Bougainville office and the Bougainville Disabled Persons Organisation. The MoU reaffirmed their shared commitment to collaborate broadly and inclusively to promote and advance disability inclusion across the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB).
This MoU, established with support from key disability stakeholders and advocates, including Kevin Akike, aims to enhance coordination, promote inclusive participation, facilitate knowledge sharing, encourage joint advocacy, and create opportunities for capacity building for the two organisations.
Ms Aidah Kenneth, President of the BDPO, stated that making this MoU visible sends a clear message about the governments and partners’ commitment to disability inclusion.
The Secretary for ABG’s Department of Community Development, Mr Medley Koito, reiterated that the signing of this MoU is an indication of the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s (ABG) commitment to implementing the Bougainville Disability Policy and called for a commitment to put it into action.
CARE remains committed to learning from our partners and ensuring everyone is included in community development and humanitarian responses.
Through the Bougainville Partnership, Australia and New Zealand support the MoU between the two organisations. In partnership with the ABG, Australia and New Zealand actively promote cross-sector collaboration among implementing partners and grantees to ensure that disability inclusion is integrated into programs and communities across the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.