President of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), Ms. Emma Waiwai said the upcoming King’s Baton Relay apart from its significance in uniting the Commonwealth, it carries with it the message of keeping the world's oceans clean.
President Waiwai explained the significance of ocean restoration in the conference at the King's Baton Relay (KBR) Reception hosted by the British High Commission on Friday 20th November 2025.
While each of the 74 Commonwealth nations have been entrusted with their own baton to design and promote, Mrs. Waiwai emphasized the core message, championed by King Charles III, is the ambitious Commonwealth Clean Ocean Plastics Campaign.
"The whole idea is that right around the 74 countries, 1 million plastics are collected," Waiwai stated. She announced that PNG’s contribution will focus on Hanobada Village in the nation’s capital.
"We want the focus to be there to show to the rest of the country and to the Commonwealth that we are serious about clean waters."
President Waiwai issued a powerful call to action, linking the nation's survival through the health of its ocean.
"Papua New Guinea is an ocean country, and we survive on what we take out of the ocean," she said.
She challenged the country’s approach to waste management, urging media and organizational partnerships to educate communities.
"If we keep throwing plastics into the water, then our children will never know what a fish looks like."
Beyond the environmental crusade, the baton itself is a symbol of unity. Crafted from sustainably sourced Scottish ash (Scottish Hardwood), its three interlocking pieces represent the Commonwealth Games values of humanity, equity, and destiny.
The PNGOC is now calling on local artists to beautify the baton with unique subjects, flora, fauna, and landmarks to "tell a unique story of Papua New Guinea." Interested individuals are urged to contact the Secretariat’s designated officer, Ms. Tyla Singirok.
The relay’s activation in PNG is scheduled for January 8-13, 2026. The period will include sporting activities, with Cricket PNG confirmed to participate, celebrating athletes and community spirit.
Moreover, Mrs. Waiwai highlighted the relay’s deeper purpose, to promote friendship, strengthen Commonwealth ties, inspire youth, and provide a platform for national pride.
Following the successful hosting of the Queen’s Baton Relay in East Sepik Province in 2022, PNG is confident to once again prominently showcase its culture and commitment on the Commonwealth stage, carrying a message of environmental stewardship from its shores to the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
