Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has called on Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) member states to reinforce their unity by recognising their ancient ties, cultural kinship, and shared destiny, during his address at the 23rd MSG Leaders’ Summit in Suva, Fiji.

Drawing on the deep ancestral roots of the Lapita civilisation, Prime Minister Marape reminded the gathering that Melanesian peoples—stretching from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Fiji, to Polynesia and beyond—have coexisted in this region for thousands of years.

“Mr Chairman, we are an ancient people. Our heritage goes back over 4,500 years. The Lapita cultural footprint unites us—our roots, our sea, our heritage, and our people,” he said. “Though our modern borders were shaped by sovereign processes and the United Nations system, MSG must reflect our cultural unity, common ancestry, and where we are headed as one Melanesian family.”

Prime Minister Marape described MSG as the anchor of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), especially in times of regional uncertainty, urging member states to uphold MSG’s identity while complementing broader Pacific mechanisms.

Support for West Papua and New Caledonia

PM Marape reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s support for collective dialogue on sensitive issues such as New Caledonia’s self-determination and the West Papua question, praising the maturity and openness of discussions under Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s chairmanship.

He welcomed Indonesia’s continued participation in MSG dialogues, clarifying that such engagement does not infringe on Indonesia’s sovereignty but underscores MSG’s duty to uphold Melanesian cultural and land rights across all jurisdictions.

“MSG has a responsibility to all Melanesians — whether in sovereign Indonesia, in the Torres Strait under Australian sovereignty, or elsewhere. Our discussions must protect people’s rights without impinging on national borders.”

Letters reflecting unified MSG positions on both New Caledonia and West Papua are to be sent to the respective governments in Paris and Jakarta.

Institutional Reform and MSG Membership Clarity

PM Marape commended the consensus reached on future appointments of the MSG Director General, calling for transparent and merit-based selection processes, alongside equitable rotation among member states.

He also supported the review of MSG membership guidelines, to clarify pathways for full, associate, and observer status—ensuring consistent standards and avoiding confusion or political sensitivities in the future.

Championing Trade, Culture, Sport, and Climate Action

On regional economic and social cooperation, Prime Minister Marape advocated for strengthening intra-MSG free trade, promoting Melanesian cultural exchanges, and using sport— particularly soccer —as a unifying force.

He proposed that the MSG Prime Ministers’ Cup become a regular event to bring together men’s and women’s teams from across the Melanesian family, helping to foster identity, competition, and youth engagement.

Turning to climate change, Prime Minister Marape praised Australia’s renewed leadership and urged further commitment to Pacific climate priorities. He announced PNG’s participation at COP this year, aligning with Brazil and other forest nations, and called for recognition of the Pacific Ocean’s role as a vital carbon sink.

Closing: MSG’s Role in a Larger Pacific Vision

Prime Minister Marape concluded by reaffirming that MSG is not separate from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) but rather plays a vital sub-regional role focused on Melanesian identity, while enhancing and anchoring the broader Pacific vision.

“MSG is here to promote and protect Melanesian people’s rights, cultures, and development aspirations—but always within the broader context of Pacific cooperation and engagement with foreign partners,” he said. “We are not different from PIF. We are part of it—complementing, enhancing, and entrenching its work as the premier regional organ.

“Papua New Guinea stands committed to our Melanesian family. As we mark 50 years of independence, we thank our MSG brothers and sisters who have walked with us—and we look forward to growing stronger together for the next 50 years and beyond.”