Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed his Government’s unwavering commitment to National Unity, Regional Empowerment, and Inclusive Development during the historic Signing of the 2025 Port Moresby Papua Accord, held today at the State Function Room, Parliament House.

The Signing, which marks a significant milestone following the outcomes of the Papua Governors’ Dialogue, brought together key national and regional leaders from the Southern or Papuan Region of the country, ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations next month.

In his address, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the contributions of Papuan leaders, past and present, and emphasized that the strength of PNG lies in its diversity and unity.

“Fifty years on, our nation calls for greater unity than division,” PM Marape declared. “Diversity builds and not destroys. Diversity harnesses talents and mobilizes resources and human ingenuity for our country to prosper.”

He thanked Chairlady of the Parliamentary Governors’ Council, and Central Governor Hon. Rufina Peter, and all Governors from the Papuan Region for their leadership and partnership in regional dialogue. “To all Parliament Governors, to all Members of Parliament from the Papuan region of our country, I thank you for embracing this conversation of progress and unity,” he said.

Referencing the United States as an example of a nation built on diversity, the Prime Minister noted, “The greatest democracy and economy today was built not by language or tribe, but on the principle of human equality embedded in Christian values.”

PM Marape acknowledged the foundational roles played by Papua in PNG’s journey to independence:

“Right from day one, the Papuan side has contributed to the country as much as the New Guinea side. If you count the divide of Papuan territory and New Guinea territory, Papua has had four Prime Ministers — Bill Skate, Mekere Morauta, Peter O’Neill and myself.”

He urged the country to look beyond artificial divides and recognize the deep ancestral and trade connections among the regions:

“We were a people before there was a Papua. We were a people before there was a New Guinea. Let us step away from the notion of a Papua–New Guinea divide.”

Marape also used the occasion to call for full utilization of existing legal powers by Provincial Governments

under the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local-level Governments.

“Since 1995, when has one Provincial Government utilized its powers? If it hasn’t happened, where is the problem? Pangu Party borne Provincial Governments after Independence to unite the country, not divide our country.”

He committed his Government to further decentralization and empowerment of Provinces, referencing Sections 42 and 44 of the Organic Law which grant wide-ranging powers to Governors and LLGs in education, health, land, tourism, agriculture, and resource management.

On development, PM Marape announced that over K1 billion worth of infrastructure and connectivity projects are being rolled out across the Southern region, including road links from Port Moresby to Alotau, Kikori and Kerema, to unlock tourism, agriculture, and trade.

He also highlighted new Export opportunities: “For the first time, Total is doing deep sea exploration at Mailu (Abau district). China has approved our coffee and seafood exports. Abau district in Central Province is now sending crabs directly to Singapore.”

Closing his remarks with a call to action, the Prime Minister challenged public servants and leaders alike:

“Let us not be talkers — let us be workers. The power lies in our hands. If we unlock these structural impediments together, we can grow the economy and better serve our people.”

Prime Minister Marape concluded with a heartfelt appreciation to the Papuan people:

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have played your fair share and carried us. Let us continue to work together in unity. God bless.”