Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to national unity, regional empowerment, and inclusive development at the historic signing of the 2025 Port Moresby Papua Accord.
Held at the State Function Room in Parliament House, the signing ceremony brought together key national and regional leaders from PNG’s Southern (Papuan) Region, ahead of the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations next month.
In his address, Prime Minister Marape praised the enduring contributions of Papuan leaders, past and present, underscoring that PNG’s strength lies in its diversity and unity.
“Fifty years on, our nation calls for greater unity than division,” PM Marape said. “Diversity builds and not destroys. Diversity harnesses talents and mobilises resources and human ingenuity for our country to prosper.”
He thanked the Chairlady of the Parliamentary Governors’ Council and Central Province Governor Hon. Rufina Peter, along with all Governors and Members of Parliament from the Papuan Region, for their leadership in advancing dialogue and partnership.
Drawing on the example of the United States, Marape noted, “The greatest democracy and economy today was built not by language or tribe, but on the principle of human equality embedded in Christian values.”
Highlighting Papua’s foundational role in PNG’s independence and leadership, the Prime Minister said, “Right from day one, the Papuan side has contributed as much as the New Guinea side. Papua has had four Prime Ministers — Bill Skate, Mekere Morauta, Peter O’Neill, and myself.”
PM Marape challenged the country to move beyond artificial regional divides, reminding citizens, “We were a people before there was a Papua. We were a people before there was a New Guinea. Let us step away from the notion of a Papua–New Guinea divide.”
On governance, Marape called for full utilisation of powers granted to Provincial Governments under the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local-level Governments. He asked, “Since 1995, when has one Provincial Government fully utilised its powers? If it hasn’t happened, where is the problem?”
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to decentralisation and provincial empowerment, pointing to Sections 42 and 44 of the Organic Law which grant governors and local-level governments significant authority over education, health, land, tourism, agriculture, and resource management.
On development, he announced a K1 billion investment in infrastructure and connectivity projects across the Southern region, including road links from Port Moresby to Alotau, Kikori, and Kerema aimed at unlocking tourism, agriculture, and trade opportunities.
He also highlighted new export opportunities: “For the first time, Total is conducting deep-sea exploration at Mailu (Abau district). China has approved our coffee and seafood exports. Abau district in Central Province is now sending crabs directly to Singapore.”
Concluding his remarks, PM Marape issued a call to action for public servants and leaders alike: “Let us not be talkers — let us be workers. The power lies in our hands. If we unlock these structural impediments together, we can grow the economy and better serve our people.”
Expressing gratitude to the Papuan people, he said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have played your fair share and carried us. Let us continue to work together in unity. God bless.”