Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, OBE has reaffirmed the National Government Commitment to host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Meeting in 2033, a national event that requires the Government investment of K500 million.
Mr Pomaleu said National Undertaking like this requires disciplined strategic planning, sustained political support and broader partnerships across government, provinces and the private sector.
The Chief Secretary made these remarks while addressing the Heads of Committee on APEC Policy Implementation (CAPI) on Tuesday 24th of February 2026 in Port Moresby.
Mr. Pomaleu emphasized that drawing on our experience from previously hosting APEC, we must do more than prepare venues and protocols.
“We debuted in terms of hosting APEC in 2018, we didn’t know too much. Now we know a little bit more. So, the focus from here on is to again build momentum but to have a very long-term view about what should happen and we must have long term strategic planning focus. Let’s look at our infrastructure requirements and spread those out in terms of both development and investment,” he said.
Further, Mr. Pomaleu stressed that we must work harder to link APEC outcomes into visible benefits for our people, and ensure that investments and policy reforms are sequenced and implemented so they deliver measurable returns.
The Chief Secretary pointed out that there is no point in hosting the event if we cannot clearly articulate what it means to our people.
Mr. Pomaleu has also highlighted Key Priorities which include:
• Preparing a comprehensive National APEC 2033 strategy that sets out infrastructure, investment and institutional requirements, and timelines for delivery.
• Ensuring inclusive engagement with provincial governments so events and investments benefit communities beyond our capital.
• Strengthening partnerships with the private sector to mobilise financing for critical infrastructure and hospitality needs.
• Revisiting our policy priorities to reflect emerging global trends — notably the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI), climate resilience and low‑carbon development, and innovations in education and services such as our smart village concepts initiative going into 2033.
• Developing a clear theory of change and performance framework to guide how APEC
investments and initiatives translate into social and economic outcomes.
He mentioned that we are mindful of the lessons from hosting previous APEC in 2018 hence, it is essential that the macroeconomic and trade benefits of APEC be clearly communicated and domesticated so citizens can see and understand the value.
Mr. Pomaleu said transparency, strong project management, and adherence to approval and reporting protocols will be central to maintaining public confidence and sustaining political support over the decade ahead. APEC 2033 will therefore be program-managed.
He urged senior officials and Agencies Heads to give priority to the APEC work program, demonstrate leadership in negotiating and implementing cooperation, and report regularly on progress.
A draft National APEC 2033 Strategy is being prepared and will be circulated for input from all relevant stakeholders.
“Our APEC strategy for hosting 2033 is being drafted and will be discussed for your input. And it covers different silos of preparations.
Obviously, there are some advanced negotiations in securing our behavior technical corporation that we need to talk about to ensure sustainability of some of our important cooperation and of course the strategies that we require to deploy to bring our people along the way into 2033,” he said.
In closing, Mr. Pomaleu acknowledged the technical cooperation already underway and our partners for their support. He also welcomed Director Policy Support Unit, Mr. Carlos Kuriyama, who has outlined further on the technical and partnership matters, and all colleagues for their continued support and engagement as we prepare for APEC 2033.
“Thank you for coming. We need senior officials to give prominence to our APEC work program,” the Chief Secretary said.