By DALCY LULUA
The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has officially entered into a partnership with the City of Long Beach in California, USA, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement marks the beginning of a sister-city relationship aimed at promoting mutual cooperation in urban development, environmental sustainability, education, tourism, cultural exchange, and local governance.
NCD Governor for Powes Parkop and the Director of Community Engagement in the Office of the Mayor of Long Beach, Jeff Williams, signed the MoU, which was witnessed by senior city officials and representatives from both administrations.
The partnership is expected to create new avenues for knowledge sharing and collaboration between the two coastal cities.
In his remarks, Governor Parkop highlighted the importance of such international partnerships in enhancing Port Moresby’s capacity to address urban challenges.
“This MoU is a significant milestone for us. Long Beach is a city with advanced systems in waste management, transportation, and inclusive urban development. We look forward to learning from their experience and also showcasing our culture and development to the world,” Mr Parkop said.
Mr Williams welcomed the partnership as an opportunity to build global friendships and foster development that benefits communities in both cities.
“We are excited to collaborate with Port Moresby and exchange ideas and innovation in city management, while also promoting people-to-people connections between our residents,” he said.
The MoU outlines a framework for technical exchanges, capacity building programs, business and investment linkages, and youth engagement initiatives.
This agreement is part of NCDC’s broader effort to internationalize the city and seek global cooperation that aligns with its development goals under the Port Moresby Urban Development Plan 2030.
Officials from both cities expressed optimism that the partnership will bring tangible benefits in the years ahead, creating a model for international cooperation at the city level.