PAPUA New Guinea’s 25 years of unbroken peace following the Bougainville conflict is a living proof that even the toughest conflict can be resolved through peaceful talks agreements.
Foreign Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko told world leaders at the 2026 Peace building Commission Ministerial -Level meeting in New York on September 24 that national ownership, localized prevention and regional frameworks are critical to sustaining global peace.
The Minister called for a shift in perspective, emphasizing that women and young people are active partners and participants in preventing tribal violence and build peace.
He stated that External assistance cannot be a substitute for national ownership but can support and fund local institutions and help people prevent and resolve their own conflicts.
Tkachenko said the Bougainville conflict lasted more than 10 years and claimed about 20000 lives, but PNG choose peace over war through dialogue and mutual respect.
He said the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement created a roadmap that has kept peace for 25 years and the new 2025 Melanesian Agreement shows both the National Government and Bougainville are still willing to talk peacefully.
“Our Melanesian Agreement of 2025 for the Bougainville peace process exemplifies both parties willing to engage in peaceful dialogue,” he said.
Minister Tkachenko said PNG’s first -ever National Prevention Strategy 2025-2030 was launched in September 2025 in the presence of UN Secretary-General to address sources of conflicts and promote inclusive and peaceful communities.
“This provides an important framework to address sources of conflicts and promote inclusive and peaceful communities across the country.” Papua New Guinea also believes that regional originations and regional approaches deserve greater recognitions, “he added.
Tkachenko called on the international community to make peace building a key part of development, governance and global corporation and to create a peace system that listens to what countries really need.
He said Papua New Guinea is ready to work with the United Nations, other member states, regional organizations and development partners to achieve this shared goal.