THE Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) Project proudly showcased Papua New Guinea’s innovative approaches to child nutrition, social protection and community engagement during Day Two of the Pacific Community of Practice Conference currently underway at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby.
The conference as brought together Pacific Island representatives, development practitioners and government stakeholders to share experiences, strengthen partnerships and discuss practical solutions to common development challenges facing the region.
During the program yesterday, the CNSP Project highlighted its achievements and implementation strategies, drawing significant interest from Pacific counterparts, particularly in relation to the Project’s innovative delivery of health and cash grant services to beneficiaries across Papua New Guinea.
One of the key features that attracted strong attention from delegates was the Project’s cashless transaction system for the monthly Small Cash Grants provided to mothers and caregivers. The system was recognised as a progressive and effective mechanism that strengthens accountability, transparency and accessibility for beneficiaries while reducing risks associated with manual cash handling.
The positive feedback from regional counterparts further encouraged CNSP implementing teams and reinforced the importance of strengthening and sustaining the Government of Papua New Guinea’s investment into child nutrition and social protection systems.
Another major highlight of the conference was the official showcase of the CNSP Project’s mascot, “NextGen,” which was introduced as a creative and engaging tool for Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC).
The mascot generated excitement and positive engagement among conference participants throughout the day, especially during interactive sessions and networking breaks. As the official icon of the CNSP Project, NextGen symbolises hope, healthy living and the promise of a stronger future generation for Papua New Guinea.
The use of NextGen demonstrates the CNSP Project’s commitment to delivering awareness messages through innovative, people-centered and family-friendly approaches hat encourage positive behavioural change around child nutrition, health, wllbeing and social protection.
An important component that also distinguishes the CNSP Project as a unique Government initiative is its strong commitment towards Code of Conduct obligations and the prioritisatior of Environment and Social Safeguards (ESS) throughout all project operations and service delivery activities.
Ms. Serah Chapau, Social Risk Inclusion and Gender (SRIG) Specialist with the CNSP Project under the Department for Community Development and Religion, shared insights on these aspects of the project, folowing a recent ESS training facilitated in Madang Province.
“The Environment and Social Safeguards are not just a compliance requirement; they are the backbone of ensuring the CNSP Project in PNG truly delivers safe, inclusive, conflict- sensitive and sustainable outcomes – protecting women, children and communities while ensuring government systems can carry it forward,” Ms. Chapau stated.
Ms. Chapau further emphasized the importance of the Project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) in promoting transparency and accountability throughout implementation
“The CNSP Project GRM is established for transparency and accountability reasons. This mechanism, if fully supported and functional, gives women, caregivers and communities a platform to raise concerns. It also builds trust between government, project stakeholders and communities, ensuring data collection and grant distribution are transparent,” she added.
Papua New Guinea’s participation in the Pacific Community of Practice Conference continues to provide valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, regional collaboration and mutual learning among Pacific Island nations facing similar social and development challenges.
The CNSP Project remains honoured to be part of a learning and sharing network where governments and development practitioners work together to improve knowledge, build partnerships and strengthen systems that contribute toward healthier children, stronger families and more resilient communities throughout the Pacific region.