I was pleased to serve as the Independent Moderator for the second round of formal consultations between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government, held from 7 to 10 April in Port Moresby.

This round forms part of a scheduled series of four consultations taking place between March and June 2025. It built upon the outcomes of the first meeting, during which Prime Minister James Marape and President Ishmael Toroama presented their respective visions for Bougainville’s political future.

The primary focus of this round was to identify and agree upon key issues requiring resolution to advance toward a mutually acceptable political settlement. Discussions centred around four thematic pillars: Political, Institutional, Economic, and Parliamentary matters.

Within these pillars, the parties engaged in constructive dialogue on a range of critical topics, including consultation processes, the nature of the future relationship, transitional timing, institutional preparedness, fiscal arrangements, political economy, constitutional considerations, parliamentary processes and awareness.

In the final session today, Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Hon Manasseh Makiba and ABG Vice President Hon. Patrick Nisira reaffirmed their government’s unwavering commitment to the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the path of peaceful dialogue. They acknowledged the importance of sustained engagement and mutual respect in navigating this historic process.

The next consultation is scheduled to take place at Burnham, New Zealand — a location of historical significance, having hosted key negotiations in 1997 that led to the Bougainville Peace Agreement which was signed in 2001.

I commend both parties for their continued dedication to peaceful dialogue, and I remain honoured to support their efforts toward a lasting and meaningful resolution

Bougainville Independent Moderator, Sir Jerry Mateparae