The Church Partnership Program (CPP) recently hosted its annual Forum in Port Moresby which was held on the 20th-21st of June, aimed to foster stronger collaboration between churches, the Government, civil society, and private sector organizations to enhance service delivery in the communities.
The forum was hosted by the United Church of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and centered its discussions on the theme; “Rethinking development in PNG, through theological principles and effective governance.”
The CPP Forum is an annual event that provides the seven mainline churches the opportunity to reassess and adjust their plans with their commitment to serving communities across Papua New Guinea.
The Forum is supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership through the CPP.
Representatives from the churches, along with stakeholders from the Government, civil society, and the private sector, convened to explore collaborative approaches in enhancing and strengthening service delivery in PNG.
In anticipation of the event, Moderator Reverend Bernard Siai, emphasized the pivotal role of churches in local communities.
“Churches have extensive footprints and strong ties in communities and can play a key role in service delivery. This forum is an opportunity to discuss how we all can work collaboratively to bring services effectively to our people.”
In addition to this, Phase 4 of the CPP was launched during the forum, which further signifies the Australian Government’s long-standing commitment and support to PNG churches under the PNG-AUS Partnership to promote improved service delivery in PNG through collaboration, capacity building, and evidence-informed advocacy.
Following the forum, church leaders will meet to affirm their commitment to collaborative action, addressing crucial issues such as enhancing accountability in service delivery, and utilizing church influence to combat gender-based and sorcery accusation related violence.