Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, OBE, has officially launched the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) Reset @50 Conference at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, calling for National Transformation through Accountability and Shared Prosperity.
Speaking under the theme, “From Independence to Empowerment: Delivering on PNG’s Promise,” the Chief Secretary outlined a bold vision for Papua New Guinea as the nation reflects on 50 years of sovereignty and looks toward a future of disciplined growth.
The conference, which brings together leaders from the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) PNG, State-owned Enterprises (SOE), the business community, and development partners, serves as a critical platform to take stock of national progress and commit to the work ahead.
In his keynote address, Chief Secretary Pomaleu emphasized that the “PNG Reset @50″ is not a rejection of the past, but a deliberate choice to build upon successes while correcting areas where the nation has fallen short.
“A reset is a deliberate and responsible choice to learn from experience, to build upon what has succeeded, and to renew our national commitment to disciplined, transparent, and inclusive development,” Mr. Pomaleu said.
He challenged participants to confront practical questions regarding budget alignment, institutional integrity, and whether development benefits are truly reaching citizens in every corner of the country, from Lae to Mendi and Madang to Milne Bay.
Recognizing the vital role of the accounting profession, the Chief Secretary highlighted that accountants are central to the credibility of the government and the resilience of the economy.
He noted that their work ensures that expenditure reflects national priorities and that accountability remains a “lived reality” rather than an abstract principle.
“Accountants are not merely record-keepers; they are stewards of public trust, guardians of financial integrity, and advisers to decision-makers,” Mr. Pomaleu said.
In addition, Mr. Pomaleu stressed the importance of restoring budget integrity, improving procurement systems, and harnessing data for evidence-based decisions.
Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary has called for deeper collaboration across all sectors of society, including government, the private sector, churches, and civil society. A key pillar of this future is the urgent embrace of digital transformation.
“We must embrace digital transformation with urgency: reliable data systems, secure national identity frameworks, and improved connectivity,” he said.
“These are instruments to reach citizens more effectively, strengthen service delivery, and reduce waste.”
The Chief Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to moving from “aspiration to delivery” and ensuring that every citizen shares in the dividends of development.
Finally, Chief Secretary Pomaleu urged all participants to engage in frank and constructive dialogue to generate practical, implementable ideas.
“This is the essence of the PNG Reset @50: a renewal of purpose, a commitment to disciplined governance, and a pledge to ensure that every citizen shares in the dividends of development,” he concluded.