Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to national development and regional collaboration, emphasising education as a key driver of progress. Speaking at the welcome dinner of the 2025 Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) in Port Moresby tonight, Prime Minister Marape reflected on PNG’s journey since gaining independence in 1975 and outlined his vision for the nation’s future.

Prime Minister Marape highlighted Papua New Guinea’s vast geographic landscape, larger than Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and its unique cultural diversity, home to over 830 distinct languages. He noted that despite the challenges presented by this diversity, the nation remains united and has maintained a strong democratic foundation for nearly 50 years.

“As we approach our 50th year of nationhood, we must reflect on how far we have come and set a clear path for the future,” the Prime Minister stated. “Our strength lies in our diversity, and together we must amplify our efforts to build a stronger, more developed nation.”

Education as a Cornerstone of Progress

Highlighting the importance of education, Prime Minister Marape stressed that it is the foundation of PNG’s transformation. He shared his personal journey from a remote village with no electricity or English exposure to becoming the country’s leader, attributing his success to the power of education.

“My vision is for every child in PNG to have access to quality education up to Grade 12,” the Prime Minister said. “Education must be a right, and no child should be left behind. Through flexible learning, artificial intelligence, and technology-driven instruction, we can ensure that our students receive world-class education that prepares them for the future.”

The Prime Minister called for the harmonisation of educational standards across the Pacific, ensuring that qualifications earned in PNG and other island nations are internationally recognised. “We need a common Pacific certification standard that allows our people to work freely within the region,” he stated. “Our workforce must be competitive and mobile, not just within PNG, but across the Pacific and the world.”

Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged the role of technology in education, advocating for the use of artificial intelligence and ICT in teaching. “We must embrace AI and digital learning tools to provide quality education, especially for those in remote areas,” he said. “No child should be left behind in this digital age.”

Economic Growth and National Development

Prime Minister Marape also pointed to the remarkable transformation of Port Moresby, particularly the expansion of infrastructure and the presence of international investments, including the Hilton Hotel, which symbolises the nation’s aspirations.

“Our goal is to develop PNG into a strong, self-sustaining economy,” he said. “With a population of over 10.6 million and a predominantly youthful demographic, we must provide opportunities that empower our people and drive national growth.”

Reflecting on his own upbringing in a remote part of the country, Prime Minister Marape emphasised the importance of infrastructure development in linking communities to economic opportunities. “When I was young, my village had no roads, and today, we are investing heavily to change that,” he said. “Infrastructure is the backbone of development, and my government is committed to ensuring connectivity for all.”

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of mobilising human capital, increasing employment opportunities, and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance economic productivity. “For our nation to grow, we must create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and equip our people with the skills to participate in a globalised economy,” he stated.

Pacific Unity and Global Engagement

Acknowledging the broader Pacific community, Prime Minister Marape stressed the need for regional cooperation and economic integration. He encouraged Pacific nations to strengthen their partnerships and build a resilient, self-reliant economic bloc capable of addressing global challenges, including climate change and geopolitical tensions.

“We are not enemies to anyone; we are friends to all,” he said. “The Pacific has always been independent in its own right, and we must stand together as one family to advance our shared interests.”

Prime Minister Marape also highlighted the historical significance of the Pacific, referencing ancient civilisations in PNG. “Our people have been here for thousands of years, with settlements dating back over 10,000 years,” he said. “We have always been innovators and traders, and today, we must embrace modern opportunities to ensure prosperity for future generations.”

Prime Minister Marape’s address at the CPEM 2025 welcome dinner serves as a call to action for Pacific leaders to embrace change, drive national progress, and work together towards a shared vision of prosperity.