NCD Governor Powes Parkop says Papua New Guinea (PNG) must invest seriously in entertainment and the creative arts, positioning the sector as an emerging industry for youth employment, tourism, and economic growth.

Speaking while announcing the return of Pacific Community Day this Saturday, May 16, Governor Parkop said the annual event is more than a cultural celebration, serving as a platform to promote local artists and develop Port Moresby into a regional entertainment hub.

He said with Port Moresby’s population now exceeding one million, the city has the market and audience for musicians, performers, and visual artists from both Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific.

He revealed plans to build a performance space which will provide a dedicated venue for concerts, performances, and other creative productions.

“One of our projects is to build a 5,000-seat performing arts theatre. “

Parkop said while higher education remains important, not every young Papua New Guinean will pursue careers in law, medicine, or engineering, making it necessary to create stronger pathways in arts and entertainment.

He said the entertainment industry has become a major global economic force and Papua New Guinea should invest in building similar opportunities for its own artists.