Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has departed Papua New Guinea today to attend the 13th annual World Governments Summit in Dubai from 3–5 February 2026, as part of a broader programme of high- level global economic, governance, and investment engagements.
The summit, held under the theme “Shaping Future Governments”, will bring together more than 150 governments, global policymakers, technology leaders, and development partners to explore innovative solutions to shared global challenges, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), economic growth, and future-ready governance systems.
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea’s participation reflects the Government’s firm commitment to embracing AI-driven reform to improve efficiency, transparency, and fairness in public administration.
“My government intends to integrate Artificial Intelligence into government systems to reduce human emotion and interference in critical decision-making processes,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He said the Marape-Rosso Government is actively seeking the best AI and ICT systems available globally to modernise government operations and support long-term national development.
“Attending this summit is a significant step towards identifying world-class AI systems and developers. My government is already working towards securing the best ICT and AI proponents worldwide to support our Reset@50 reform agenda,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said the summit will also provide Papua New Guinea with the opportunity to engage directly with global AI experts and innovators, particularly in areas aligned with economic transformation, institutional reform, and future-ready governance.
The Prime Minister’s visit follows an invitation from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.
He will participate in a series of strategic engagements beginning Wednesday and is scheduled to return to Papua New Guinea on Friday.
Prime Minister Marape said Dubai has emerged as one of the world’s most strategic centres for global trade and investment, serving as a critical junction linking Europe, Asia, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
“Dubai is now an epicentre of global commerce and investment. It connects markets across Europe, Asia, Central Asia, West Asia, and Africa. Papua New Guinea must be present in these spaces if we are serious about expanding trade, attracting investment, and positioning our nation effectively in the global economy,” he said.
During the visit, Prime Minister Marape will be accompanied by Ambassador-Designate Frank Aisi, who will be formally presented ahead of his posting to represent Papua New Guinea across the Arab world and Africa, based in Dubai.
The Prime Minister said the establishment of a diplomatic and trade presence in Dubai will play a pivotal role in strengthening Papua New Guinea’s international engagement and commercial outreach.
“Our embassy presence in Dubai will serve as a strategic gateway — linking our exporters, investors, and businesses to markets across Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. This visit will also allow us to explore broader economic and trade opportunities for our country,” he said.
While the Prime Minister is overseas, the Deputy Prime Minister will continue to act to ensure the continuity of government business.
Prime Minister Marape reiterated that international engagements of this nature are aligned with the Government’s broader agenda to grow the economy, diversify trade linkages, modernise governance systems, and position Papua New Guinea competitively in global markets.