Greetings and Acknowledgments
Honorable Governors for
• Central Province – Hon. Rufina Peter
• Gulf Province – Hon. Chris Haiveta
• Milne Bay Province – Hon. Gordon Wesley
• National Capital District – Hon. Powes Parkop
• Oro Province – Hon. Gary Juffa
• Western Province – Hon. Taboi Yoto
• Ministers of State
• Members of Parliament
• Experts and Presenters
• Distinguished Leaders
• Esteemed guests:
* Dr John Momis
* Brigadier General Ted Diro
* Dame Josephine Abajai
* Mr Geleva Kwarara
* Dame Carol Kidu
* Sir Moi Avei
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dabai Namona and thank you for giving me the opportunity to deliver the keynote address at the opening of the Papua Governor’s Dialogue.
Before I continue, let me give recognition to the past, present and future traditional Landowners of this land that we live and stand on and are able to convene the Papua Governors’ Dialogue.
It is an honor to stand before you today at the Papua Governors Dialogue, a forum of great significance to the future of our regions and our nation.
I, extend my gratitude to the organizers for bringing us together and to each of you for your commitment to dialogue and collaboration.
Introduction and Background
The Papua Region of Papua New Guinea holds immense economic, cultural, and geopolitical significance. Comprising the provinces of Central, Gulf, Milne Bay, Oro, Western and the National Capital District, the region is home to diverse communities with unique histories, identities, and aspirations.
However, despite its rich natural and human resources, the region faces persistent socio-economic and governance challenges that require collective leadership, collaboration, and strategic policy interventions.
The Papua Governors’ Dialogue provides a platform for the governors and key stakeholders of the region to engage in meaningful discussions on critical issues affecting Papua’s development trajectory.
Through this initiative, leaders will align on shared priorities, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen inter-governmental cooperation to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
The 2025 Papua Governors Dialogue will discuss key areas such as;
1. PNG’s Nationhood and Development: Papua Region’s Experience and Perspective;
2. PNG’s Nationhood and Development: Papua Region’s Future; and
3. Foundations for a Prosperous and Peaceful Papua Region and a United PNG for the next 50 years.
To all the participants, I know you will have three days filled with open dialogue, the outcome of which may help us direct our country onto a part that continues to protect our democracy, promote the rule of law, grow our economy and improve the standard of living for our people and keep us united in our diversity.
The Significance of the Papua Governors Dialogue
This gathering is more than just a meeting of leaders; it is a testament to the unity, strength, and shared aspirations of the provinces that form a critical part of Papua New Guinea.
In this dialogue, we see the embodiment of cooperative leadership-a recognition that the challenges we face cannot be addressed in isolation but through collective vision and action.
The Papua Governors Dialogue is an example of the importance of keeping Papua New Guinea together as one people, one nation and one country despite our diversity.
Our Shared Challenges and Opportunities
As we meet today, we are confronted with a dual reality. On one hand, we face challenges: improving infrastructure, addressing healthcare and education gaps, managing land disputes, and enhancing economic opportunities for our people and law and order issues.
On the other hand, we are presented with immense opportunities. Papua New Guinea is blessed with abundant natural resources, a vibrant and diverse culture, and a population brimming with potential.
The Goal of this forum is to “Give Hope and Confidence” to the people of Papua Region through the demonstration of a united and responsible political leadership with a vision for the next 50 years. Key Objective Areas for Collaboration As a regional platform for the Governors and key stakeholders of the region to engage in meaningful discussions on critical issues affecting Papua’s development trajectory, the primary objectives of the Papua Governors Dialogue are:
1. Strengthening Regional Cooperation through fostering stronger collaboration among the Papua provincial governments and the National Capital District to address common development challenges; and establishing a formal mechanism for sustained dialogue and joint initiatives on regional development.
Governance is the foundation of sustainable development. Transparent and accountable leadership fosters trust and ensures resources reach those who need them most. This dialogue can be a platform to share best practices and strengthen governance across our regions.
2. Enhancing Economic Growth and Investment This forum aims to identify strategic economic opportunities to stimulate investment and employment in the region; and explore policies that promote trade, infrastructure development, and private sector participation.
Economic growth at the provincial level is crucial for national progress. By investing in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and small-medium enterprises, we can create jobs and lift our communities out of poverty. Let us explore ways to share resources, knowledge, and strategies to accelerate local economic development.
3. Addressing Social and Governance Challenges – by examining key governance issues, including service delivery, law and order, and regional autonomy; and develop coordinated approaches to address social issues such as health, education, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
The future of Papua New Guinea lies in the hands of our youth and women. Programs to support education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship must be prioritized. I encourage provinces to collaborate on initiatives that provide opportunities for these critical groups to thrive.
4. Safeguarding Papua’s Cultural and Environmental Heritage – this dialogue will discuss and promote policies that protect and sustain the region’s natural resources, biodiversity, and traditional knowledge; and strengthen frameworks for climate resilience, environmental conservation, and sustainable land use.
5. Charting a Vision for the Future of Papua region – by establishing a shared development vision that aligns with the national strategic framework and international development goals; and develop policy recommendations to be presented to the national government for greater regional representation and support.
Infrastructure remains a pressing need across our provinces. Roads, ports, and communication networks are the arteries of economic activity. I urge all provinces to work together to identify priority projects that can be advocated for collectively at the national level.
Papua Governors’ Dialogue specific objectives
I note from the concept notes that this forum’s specific objectives are to;
1. Provide a brief overview of the country’s development journey since Independence;
2. Assess Papua region’s development journey since Independence; sharing experiences (covering several generations) and facts on the advancement/progress made on the political, administrative, economic, social, cultural and spiritual fronts/aspects, the challenges encountered and the missed opportunities;
3. Assess the game changers in each sector of society and the economy of the country and the Papua region; and
4. Chart the course of Papua region for the next 50 years.
At the conclusion of this forum, The Papua Governors Dialogue aims to achieve:
(i)The 2025 Papua Accord that will outline priority areas for regional cooperation and policy recommendations; and
(ii) A roadmap for institutionalizing the Dialogue as a recurring regional platform.
Today’s dialogue is not just about addressing immediate concerns but about shaping a shared vision for the future of our nation. Let us put aside differences and focus on what unites us—the desire to create a better Papua New Guinea for generations to come.
Conclusion
In closing, I want to commend all the governors present here for your unwavering dedication to your people. The strength of our provinces defines the strength of our nation.
By fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility, the Dialogue will help ensure that Papua region’s leaders and stakeholders work together to build a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive future for the region and its people.
The National Government is doing all we can to improve the lives of our people but we cannot do it alone. We need everyone to think for the greater good of our people and country and let us each do what we can in our own big or small way to build a better Papua New Guinea.
The 2025 Papua Governors’ Dialogue will serve as a milestone event in Shaping the future of the Papua Region, as we commemorate Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
I look forward to fruitful discussions and collaborative outcomes from this dialogue. Let this be a turning point in our shared journey toward prosperity and unity.
Thank you, and may God bless Papua New Guinea.