By DALCY LULUA
Prime Minister James Marape has departed Papua New Guinea for Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where global leaders, policymakers and business executives will gather from January 19 to 23.
Speaking ahead of his departure, Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea has once again been invited by the World Economic Forum to participate in the annual meeting, which this year is themed
“The Spirit of Dialogue in a World of Many Contests.”
The Prime Minister said the theme reflects ongoing global tensions, including geopolitical rivalries, territorial disputes and internal conflicts in various parts of the world.
“We’ve seen what’s happening in Venezuela, Iran, Sudan, the continuing stress in Israel and the Gaza Strip, and the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This year, the World Economic Forum deliberately chose the theme of dialogue-finding dialogue in a contested world,” Mr Marape said.
He highlighted PNG’s growing international profile, noting that the country has been allocated a prime presentation slot at the forum.
“Papua New Guinea is now given a prime time slot. Next week Tuesday or Wednesday, we are given a slot and a conference hall to make presentations, and we expect our presentations will be well attended,” he said.
He added that PNG’s presentation will take place just minutes before a scheduled address by the President of the United States in a neighboring venue,
underscoring the significance of the country’s placement at the forum.
The Prime Minister described Davos as the permanent home of the World Economic Forum, which he said has served for more than 50 years as a global think tank and hub for innovation, economic ideas and frontier thinking.
“The World Economic Forum pulls together leading minds and leading businesses on Earth. Last year’s conversations I participated in focused on artificial intelligence. This year, the focus is on the spirit of dialogue and the spirit of technology,” he said.
Mr Marape said PNG’s cultural identity and experience in managing diversity positions the country well to contribute meaningfully to discussions on dialogue and unity.
“Papua New Guinea is known for its ability to maintain dialogue, as Melanesians always do, with strong Christian values. Despite being the most linguistically and culturally diverse nation on Earth, we have managed to maintain unity through dialogue at community, inter-tribal and inter-provincial levels.”
He said global observers increasingly recognized PNG’s strengths and growing influence, both economically and politically.
Mr Marape also pointed to PNG’s active engagement in regional and international forums, including the Pacific Islands Forum, ASEAN, APEC, the Commonwealth and the United Nations, as well as its participation in South–South cooperation.
He said the country’s rising international
standing was reflected in the attendance of numerous world leaders during Papua New Guinea’s recent Independence celebrations, as well as the visit by the United Nations Secretary-General.
“I want to inform our country that this does not go unnoticed,” he said.
The Prime Minister said this marks the third consecutive year Papua New Guinea has received a direct invitation from the World Economic Forum-a privilege not extended to all countries.
“For the first time, we are not only presenting at side events but in one of the main plenary halls. This shows the respect and recognition Papua New Guinea is receiving on the global stage.”
Mr Marape said his participation at Davos would focus on presenting PNG’s perspectives, opportunities and experiences to global leaders, while strengthening international partnerships that will shape future public policy and economic development.