The NARS Transformation and Policy Engagement Framework was initiated to strengthen coordination and representation within Papua New Guinea’s National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in alignment with the National Agricultural Sector Plan 2024–2033. Under a Memorandum of Agreement with the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), CAPDEV CONSULTANTS LTD was engaged to provide strategic advisory services, establish institutional governance for the Agricultural Research and Development Coordination Facility (ARDCF), and facilitate policy dialogue at the inaugural NARS Policy Forum. The engagement assumed that key sector institutions required a unified operational mechanism to address systemic challenges in research funding, capacity, and policy coordination. Thus, CAPDEV delivered a keynote policy paper, provided operational guidance for the interim NARS Secretariat, assessed collaboration with international peer bodies like CGIAR, and offered editorial stewardship for forum proceedings. Key recommendations hinged on embedding sustainable governance structures, optimizing international research partnerships, and implementing the National Agricultural Innovation Fund to drive sector-wide transformation.  Keywords: NARS, NARI, Agricultural Research and Development Coordination Facility (ARDCF), policy advisory, institutional governance, international collaboration. 

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Keywords: NARS, NARI, Agricultural Research and Development Coordination Facility (ARDCF), policy advisory, institutional governance, international collaboration.