Papua New Guinea is now part of the prestigious global engineering community, as the country has officially been voted in as a new member of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) during the recent World Tunnel Congress held in Sweden.
Representatives from 80 countries gathered at the congress, where 46 voted in favor of PNG’s inclusion.
Papua New Guinea joining the 50-year-old organization ushers in a new chapter for national development in tunnelling and underground infrastructure, both critical to the mining and petroleum industries that power most of its economy.
The announcement comes as PNG rolls out infrastructure initiatives under the Connect PNG Programme, including the development of railway systems that will require advanced tunnelling through mountainous regions.
Joining the ITA connects PNG to a network of international expertise in underground construction, safety protocols, and engineering innovation, crucial elements for the successful delivery of complex projects.
"This membership is not just a win for PNG—it is a strategic step towards embracing global engineering standards and preparing our nation for the next 50 years of advanced transport infrastructure,” the PNG delegation said in a statement.
The ITA guides member nations on best practices in underground construction, safety, and innovation in the tunnelling and railway sectors.
The association extended congratulations to the team behind the Connect PNG Programme and “all stakeholders who helped bring Papua New Guinea into this prestigious global engineering community.”
From 9 to 15 May, Stockholmsmässan was the ITA’s platform for the future of underground infrastructure. More than 3,000 experts from around 80 countries gathered at the world-leading congress and exhibition.
The World Tunnel Congress (WTC) is an annual international congress and exhibition. For the first time, Sweden hosted the event, which was organised by the Swedish Rock Engineering Association with support from the ITA.
“The World Tunnel Congress is a strategically important event that reinforces Stockholm’s position as a leading city for sustainable infrastructure and technological innovation,” says Karin Mäntymäki, Head of International Market Development at Stockholm Business Region.
