By GINNAH MINI
The National Capital District (NCD) is hosting the 7th Pacific Urban Forum (PUF7), which aims to showcase solutions for the region’s growing cities and towns.
The three-day forum started today and will end on Thursday.
Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the delegates and acknowledged the Motu-Koita for hosting the visitors for the forum and the citizens of Papua New Guinea.
“Papua New Guinea remains one of the least urbanized nation on earth, with less than 20 percent of our population living in towns and cities,” Mr Marape said.
“Urbanization is not a bad concept. If planned well, it allows government to deliver water, electricity, health, education and other essential services to our people.”
NCD Governor and PUF7’s Co-Chair, Powes Parkop, in his welcome speech to delegates, said the forum aimed to exchange ideas and ensure actionable outcomes.
“We in Port Moresby and PNG believe that together we can address pressing urban challenges and work towards sustainable and inclusive future of our community,” Mr Parkop said.
“This is a greater opportunity for us in PNG to contribute to enhancing the rich discussion and cooperation that has been taking place globally and regionally between all urban communities to address the challenges that we face and find solutions to these challenges.”
Minister for Housing and Urbanization, Dr Kobby Bomaraeo, had submitted PNG’s proposal for NCD to host the PUF7 during the last forum in Suva, Fiji, in 2023.