The National Parliament has established the Special Parliamentary Committee on Child and Youth Wellbeing as a permanent parliamentary committee, creating an enduring mechanism to oversee legislation, policies and government programmes affecting children and young people in Papua New Guinea.
The decision follows Parliament's approval of a motion to make the committee a standing body, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the rights, wellbeing and future of the country's children and youth.
Committee Chairman and National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop welcomed the move, describing it as a significant milestone for Parliament and for future generations of Papua New Guineans.
"The establishment of the Committee as a permanent body provides Parliament with an enduring mechanism to oversee legislation, policies, programmes and budget allocations affecting children and youth," Parkop said.
He said the permanent committee will strengthen parliamentary oversight, improve accountability and provide a dedicated platform for engaging with government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, communities and young people.
Parkop thanked Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister James Marape, Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa, and Members of Parliament from both the Government and Opposition for supporting the motion.
He said the bipartisan support reflected a shared understanding that investing in children and young people is an investment in Papua New Guinea's future.
The committee will oversee the implementation of laws, policies, programmes and budget allocations relating to children and youth while monitoring the performance of relevant government agencies and promoting stronger accountability.
It will also work closely with stakeholders to advance policies that improve access to education, health, protection, and opportunities for children and young people throughout the country.
Parkop acknowledged the contributions of the committee's secretariat, parliamentary staff, government departments, development partners and other stakeholders whose support helped demonstrate the need for a permanent parliamentary body dedicated to child and youth issues.
He said the committee remains committed to ensuring that the rights, wellbeing and aspirations of children and young people remain at the forefront of national policy and parliamentary decision-making.
The establishment of the permanent committee marks one of Parliament's most significant institutional reforms in child and youth governance, ensuring that issues affecting young Papua New Guineans remain a standing priority of the legislature.
