Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko MP says the Government of Papua New Guinea will support The World Indigenous Business Forum to be held in Papua New Guinea in October this year.
Office of The Minister for Foreign Affairs & National Events Hon. Justin W. Tkatchenko CBE BEM OL, MP Minister Tkatchenko, speaking from Auckland today where he is currently on a four-day visit said, Papua New Guinea has plenty to learn from New Zealand as the country hosted the Forum in 2018.
In a meeting with the Co-Chair for Te Ohu Wai Ao Trust (a traditional Maori indigenous association) Ms. Rachel Petero today, Minister Tkatchenko stressed the gradual decay of Papua New Guinea’s indigenous cultural history and the need for its preservation.
“We have always been poised looking at the Western way because of Australia and other external influences, but it’s still very much that in tune within the rural areas of Papua New Guinea.”
“The indigenous way is nearly forgotten in many aspects, because Western side of things are becoming superior.”
Ms. Petero said Papua New Guinea had always been a part of the Indigenous nations and would always be part of the forums that are aimed at fostering cultural identity.
“I am getting a big group Indigenous Women and Industry in Auckland in 2023 and we are looking at government to sponsor a delegation of women to come this year.”
“This event was hosted in 2018 where about 1000 people from about 21 countries attended in New Zealand when we hosted it.”
“We’ve got a lot of work to do in protecting our indigenous culture and society,” Ms. Petero said.
Ms. Petero highlighted the vast advancements of today’s technology and its influences, and concurred with Minister Tkatchenko on the preservation of indigenous culture.
“I must commend our government, it has taken on board our indigenous ways of thinking, that’s central to all of government practices.”
Office of The Minister for Foreign Affairs & National Events Hon. Justin W. Tkatchenko CBE BEM OL, MP
“When you hear non indigenous people speaking your language you know things have changed. New Zealand can support by embracing those indigenous ways that help us because they take care of the land, sea, and our people.”
Meanwhile, Minister Tkatchenko will be travelling to Wellington on Wednesday where he will hold meetings with the New Zealand government officials.
He and his delegation will then head to Canberra, Australia for the Ministerial Forum.