The Central Provincial Government is hosting of the Papua Governor’s Dialogue 2025: Shaping the Next 50 years, starting today in Port Moresby city.
Central Province Governor Rufina Peter said in partnership with the Governors of the Papua Region, the 2025 Papua Governors’ Dialogue (PGD) is running for three days starting today Wednesday 26th and ending on the 28th of March.
Under the theme “Papua Our Land, Our People, Our Future”, in Motu “Eda Bese, Eda Tano, Eda Vaira Maurina”, this significant gathering marks a milestone in Papua New Guinea’s history, aligning with the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
“I’ve put my hands up to host this event together with this administration is that 50th independence anniversary is an important milestone event. But it calls upon the leadership of today in terms of what contributions do we make as we reach 50 years? And so the responsibility falls on the political leadership of today to give that hope and confidence to the region,” said Governor Peter.
It serves as a pivotal platform for leaders and stakeholders to reflect on progress, address challenges, and lay the foundation for the next 50 years of development and unity in the Papua Region.
“How do we address these issues that confront us today and deal with emerging issues. And also, what are the challenges that are present to us where we can work collaboratively to enhance those opportunities for the betterment of our people.”
The 2025 PGD will convene Governors, Members of Parliament, national leaders, civil society representatives, youth advocates, church leaders, business stakeholders, and community representatives from across the five provinces of the Papua Region. The discussions will focus on fostering inclusive development, strengthening governance, and maximizing the region’s economic and social potential.
Key Highlights of the 2025 PGD:
· Plenary and panel discussions featuring high-level dialogues on economic equity, governance reform, human capital development, and workforce advancement.
· Focus on customary land ownership, resource benefit-sharing, and infrastructure development as catalysts for economic transformation.
· Cultural showcases, SME markets, and traditional performances, celebrating the region’s rich heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
· Signing of the 2025 Port Moresby Papua Accord, a landmark declaration outlining a collective vision for regional safety, unity, resilience and progress.
Governor Peter stated that while the Prime Minister is away on duty travels, the Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, will officially officiate the opening of the event.
Other distinguished leaders including Rufina Peter, Governor of Central Province; Chris Haiveta, Governor of Gulf Province; Garry Juffa, Governor of Oro Province; Gordon Wesley Governor of Milne Bay Province, Toboi A. Yoto Governor of Western Province, Powes Parkop Governor for NCD, and Sir Puka Temu and MP Member for Abau, will be making presentations during the Conference.
“The last session will be for all the governors to present our vision for our provinces, region and also as a country. As leaders of today, the question is, what is our vision for our region and going forward as a country with the ultimate goal to keep the country united as one nation.”
Governor Peter further mentioned that the outcome of the three-day dialogue is to have a.
1 2025 Port Moresby-Papua Accord, and
2 To set an institutional structure/framework to coordinate the implementation of what is captured in the accord.
As Papua New Guinea commemorates five decades of independence, the 2025 Papua Governors’ Dialogue is a momentous opportunity to shape the country’s future.
This event will set a clear path toward a stronger, more inclusive, and economically empowered Papua Region.