Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended the Special Parliamentary Committee on Child and Youth Wellbeing for producing what he described as one of the most important reports tabled in Parliament in recent years, saying it provides a clear roadmap for securing Papua New Guinea’s future by investing in its children and young people.

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Committee Chairman and National Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, Deputy Chair Hon. Francesca Semoso, and members of the committee for their dedication and leadership in undertaking extensive parliamentary inquiries into the state of child and youth wellbeing across the country.

Prime Minister Marape said the report rightly challenged leaders to look beyond the nation’s first 50 years of Independence and focus on building a stronger foundation for the next 50 years.

“This report is not just about children. It is about the future of Papua New Guinea,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“As we celebrate 50 years of nationhood, we must ask ourselves what kind of country we will leave for the next generation. The answer lies in how well we educate, nourish, protect and empower our children today.”

The Prime Minister said he was encouraged that the committee acknowledged significant reforms already undertaken by the Government, including the Tuition Fee Free Policy, increased investments in health services and vaccines, the Civil Identity Registration Act, renewed attention to youth development, and the establishment of the National Youth Development Authority.

“These reforms demonstrate our Government’s commitment to investing in our people, but I also accept the committee’s findings that implementation must improve if we are to achieve measurable outcomes.

“The report reminds us that having policies and budgets alone is not enough. Results on the ground must be our measure of success.”

Prime Minister Marape said the report’s findings on childhood malnutrition, immunisation, birth registration, education, water and sanitation, and youth unemployment highlighted areas that required stronger coordination across all levels of government.

He said improving the wellbeing of children and young people would remain central to the Government’s Reset PNG agenda and long-term national development strategy.

“The wealth of our nation is not measured only by our minerals, petroleum, forests or fisheries. Our greatest national asset is our people, especially our children and young people.

“If we get their education right, their health right, and create opportunities for them to succeed, Papua New Guinea will enjoy lasting prosperity and stability.”

Prime Minister Marape said he particularly welcomed the committee’s recommendation to strengthen accountability for service delivery and improve coordination between national, provincial, district and local- level governments.

He noted that these recommendations aligned closely with his Government’s ongoing reforms aimed at improving performance across the public service.

“The committee has reinforced what this Government has consistently advocated—that every kina spent must translate into better outcomes for our people.

“We must move beyond measuring success by budgets allocated and projects announced. We must measure success by healthier children, better schools, stronger families and more opportunities for our young people.”

Prime Minister Marape also praised Governor Parkop’s leadership in championing child and youth wellbeing, saying his work reflected a genuine commitment to shaping the country’s future.

“Governor Powes Parkop and the committee members deserve the appreciation of Parliament and the nation. They have elevated an issue that transcends politics and goes to the very heart of nation-building.

“Their report should not gather dust on a shelf. It should become a working document that guides policy, budgeting and implementation across government.”

The Prime Minister said the Government would carefully study the committee’s recommendations and work with Parliament, relevant agencies and development partners to strengthen programmes that improve outcomes for children and young people.

“As we celebrate our Golden Jubilee, let us remember that the next 50 years belong not to us, but to the children of Papua New Guinea.

“The greatest legacy we can leave is a nation where every child is healthy, educated, protected and given the opportunity to fulfil his or her God-given potential.”