PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to national development and regional collaboration, emphasising education as a key driver of progress.
Speaking at the welcome dinner of the 2025 Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) in Port Moresby, Prime Minister Marape reflected on PNG’s journey since gaining independence in 1975 and outlined his vision for the nation’s future.
Prime Minister Marape highlighted Papua New Guinea’s vast geographic landscape, larger
than Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and its unique cultural diversity, home
to over 830 distinct languages. He noted that despite the challenges presented by this
diversity, the nation remains united and has maintained a strong democratic foundation for
nearly 50 years.
“As we approach our 50th year of nationhood, we must reflect on how far we have come
and set a clear path for the future,” the Prime Minister stated. “Our strength lies in our
diversity, and together we must amplify our efforts to build a stronger, more developed
nation.”
Education as a Cornerstone of Progress
Highlighting the importance of education, Prime Minister Marape stressed that it is the
foundation of PNG’s transformation. He shared his personal journey from a remote village
with no electricity or English exposure to becoming the country’s leader, attributing his
success to the power of education.
“My vision is for every child in PNG to have access to quality education up to Grade 12,” the Prime Minister said. “Education must be a right, and no child should be left behind.
Through flexible learning, artificial intelligence, and technology-driven instruction, we can
ensure that our students receive world-class education that prepares them for the future.”
The Prime Minister called for the harmonisation of educational standards across the Pacific,
ensuring that qualifications earned in PNG and other island nations are internationally
recognised. “We need a common Pacific certification standard that allows our people to
work freely within the region,” he stated. “Our workforce must be competitive and mobile,
not just within PNG, but across the Pacific and the world.”
Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged the role of technology in education,
advocating for the use of artificial intelligence and ICT in teaching. “We must embrace AI
and digital learning tools to provide quality education, especially for those in remote
areas,” he said. “No child should be left behind in this digital age.”
Economic Growth and National Development
Prime Minister Marape also pointed to the remarkable transformation of Port Moresby, particularly the expansion of infrastructure and the presence of international investments,
including the Hilton Hotel, which symbolises the nation’s aspirations.
“Our goal is to develop PNG into a strong, self-sustaining economy,” he said. “With a
population of over 10.6 million and a predominantly youthful demographic, we must
provide opportunities that empower our people and drive national growth.”
Reflecting on his own upbringing in a remote part of the country, Prime Minister Marape
emphasised the importance of infrastructure development in linking communities to
economic opportunities.
“When I was young, my village had no roads, and today, we are investing heavily to change that,” he said. “Infrastructure is the backbone of development, and my government is committed to ensuring connectivity for all.”
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of mobilising human capital, increasing
employment opportunities, and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance economic
productivity. “For our nation to grow, we must create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and
equip our people with the skills to participate in a globalised economy,” he stated.
Pacific Unity and Global Engagement
Acknowledging the broader Pacific community, Prime Minister Marape stressed the need
for regional cooperation and economic integration. He encouraged Pacific nations to strengthen their partnerships and build a resilient, self-reliant economic bloc capable of
addressing global challenges, including climate change and geopolitical tensions.
“We are not enemies to anyone; we are friends to all,” he said. “The Pacific has always
been independent in its own right, and we must stand together as one family to advance
our shared interests.”
Prime Minister Marape also highlighted the historical significance of the Pacific, referencing
ancient civilisations in PNG. “Our people have been here for thousands of years, with
settlements dating back over 10,000 years,” he said. “We have always been innovators and
traders, and today, we must embrace modern opportunities to ensure prosperity for future
generations.”
Prime Minister Marape’s address at the CPEM 2025 welcome dinner serves as a call to
action for Pacific leaders to embrace change, drive national progress, and work together
towards a shared vision of prosperity.