The National Cultural Commission (NCC) launched its 5-year Cultural Strategic Plan 2023-2027 at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby yesterday. There were a handful of important guests that were present at yesterday’s launching, including the Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture Isi Henry Leonard, the Executive Director of NCC Steven Enomb Kilanda, NCC Board Members, stakeholder's and development partners. Minister expressed content at the launching of the Cultural Strategic Plan, as it was the tangible translation of the National Cultural Policy that was launched last year. In doing so, Minister also acknowledged and thanked all those that were instrumental in bringing this plan to fruition today. He explained that the NCC along with its affiliated Cultural Institutions and other Agencies under his Ministry, including the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the National Museum and Arts Gallery (NMAG) will collaborate to deliver the cultural services that the government requires. The Minister also made a call for the establishment of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Tourism, Arts and Cultures (MACTAC) to ensure that all agencies under his ministry collaborate to deliver the cultural services that the country expects. “I also thank the Marape-Rosso Government for recognizing arts and culture as an important and viable asset for economic development that can be among the major revenue earners of PNG.” “In order to implement the development strategies of the MTDP IV, I will ensure that the cultural and creative industries are developed, supported and enhanced.” The Tourism Minister then urged the NCC to collaborate more closely with TPA, to promote and market PNG’s cultural content plus build cultural tourism hotspots. Furthermore, the Minister said an effective cooperation with contemporary artists should be established, supported and promoted. He said culture has the potential to promote national unity and identity, foster respect for our diversity and preserve our cultural heritage. “In doing so, we realize the importance of taking back our culture from distortion and disintegration.” TPA, to promote and market PNG’s cultural content plus build cultural tourism hotspots. Furthermore, the Minister said an effective cooperation with contemporary artists should be established, supported and promoted. He said culture has the potential to promote national unity and identity, foster respect for our diversity and preserve our cultural heritage. “In doing so, we realize the importance of taking back our culture from distortion and disintegration.”