PRIME Minister James Marape has issued a strong directive to all ministers and departmental heads to intensify their work programmes as the country enters a crucial period in 2026.
Speaking ahead of the mid-year mark, the Prime Minister emphasised that May signals a turning point for Government, with limited parliamentary sittings remaining before the next national election and growing global and domestic challenges requiring urgent attention.
“It is now May, and I expect all ministers and department heads to be fully at work, progressing their responsibilities with urgency and discipline,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister highlighted mounting pressures from global economic conditions, including rising energy costs linked to international oil prices, as well as ongoing recovery efforts from recent natural disasters.
“These challenges are not new to us. We have faced COVID-19, major natural disasters, and political turbulence in the past. We will get through this as we always have — with resilience and determination,” he said.
Drawing from his recent official visit to China, Prime Minister Marape reflected on the work ethic and discipline observed within one of the world’s largest economies.
“I shared with my ministers and Members of Parliament that in China — now the world’s second-largest economy — public servants and leaders are not paid higher than those in Papua New Guinea. That was surprising,” he said.
“Yet the level of commitment, the discipline, and the sheer volume of work they put into building their country speaks volumes. From a developing nation in the 1970s and 1980s, they have risen to become a global economic powerhouse, driven by research, innovation, and hard work.”
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea must reflect on this example and lift its own performance.
“This is a moment for all of us — ministers, department heads, and public servants, including myself — to step up our game and work tirelessly for our country. We cannot afford to lag behind,” he stressed.
Prime Minister Marape has instructed all Government agencies to submit progress reports outlining achievements and implementation status as Papua New Guinea approaches the halfway point of the year.
“I want clear indications of how we are tracking as we approach mid-year 2026. There are less than four
parliamentary sittings remaining before elections, and we must use this time wisely,” he stated.
The Prime Minister further urged leaders to exercise prudence, focus on delivery, and ensure key national priorities are advanced and completed.
“This is a time to tick off critical directives and bring major programmes into maturity. Our work must translate into tangible outcomes for our people,” he said.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Marape indicated that he will personally review progress across Government sectors throughout May and the coming months, with the goal of consolidating achievements before Papua New Guinea marks its 51st Independence Anniversary in September.
“I will be spending time assessing the work that has been progressed so far, with the expectation that much of it will reach completion as we approach our 51st anniversary. This is about delivering results for our country,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed his confidence in the Government’s ability to navigate current challenges and deliver on its commitments.
“Papua New Guinea has overcome difficult times before. With focus, unity, and hard work, we will continue to move forward,” he added.