By SEPKOLIN WALNE
Prime Minister James Marape says the Government’s Reset PNG@50 initiative aims to shape Papua New Guinea over the next 20 years.
Mr Marape said this period would be the “our most important window”. He supported his message with both biblical and demographic reasoning.
“Psalm 90 says 70 years is a full life. If we are lucky, we may reach 80. This generation — those born in the 60s and 70s must now lead,” Mr Marape said.
He noted South Korea and Israel as examples of small nations that progressed rapidly through discipline and reform.
“South Korea overtook us in 1975. Today, their per capita income is US$33,000, ours is just past US$4,000,” added.
Mr Marape said the five key priorities of Reset PNG@50 were:
1. Uphold the Constitution
• Restore integrity in governance
• Strengthen parliamentary systems
• Limit terms and introduce accountability reforms
2. Advance Human Development
• Universal access to education, healthcare, electricity and communications
• Support for maternal health and rural connectivity
3. Evidence-Based Governance
• Stronger oversight committees
• National identity system
• Improved data collection and financial analysis accountability
4. Smart and Sustainable Growth
• Private sector–led economy
• Reform SOEs
• Unlock customary land for housing and agriculture
• Support SMEs and job creation
5. Delivery and Accountability
• Overhaul bureaucracy
• Link spending to outcomes
• Strengthen monitoring and project implementation.
“In 20 years, most of my generation will be gone. What will we leave behind?” Marape asked.
“You don’t need to be Prime Minister to contribute. Wherever you are, in your job, in your home, do your part.
PM Marape urged all public servants to review their performance.
“Simple things, like financial reporting, matter. If you can’t manage the basics, you can’t be entrusted with more,” he said.