Papua New Guinea (PNG) is set to expand its rural transformation strategy by adopting South Korea's successful Saemaul Undong (SMU) model, following a 13-year pilot in Eastern Highlands Province (EHP). This decision, announced by Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Soroi Eoe, will extend the model to five additional provinces. The SMU, or New Village Movement, is a community-driven development approach that helped transform South Korea from a war-ravaged, poor nation to a global economic leader. The model emphasizes self-help, cooperation, and community ownership, principles that PNG seeks to apply in empowering its rural areas. Launched in the 1970s, SMU transformed rural Korea by fostering a mindset of diligence, self-help, and cooperation, enabling communities to take ownership of their development. Today, PNG stands to benefit from this inspiring model as we seek to uplift our rural populations and bridge the urban-rural divide. Minister Eoe said this is more than a development program—it’s a mindset change. “The Saemaul Undong model teaches us that real progress begins when our people take full ownership of their future. It’s about empowering communities to identify their needs, harness their resources, and work together for lasting change. After 13 years of piloting in the Eastern Highlands, we’ve seen its potential firsthand, and now we’re ready to take it nationwide." The expansion to five additional provinces reflects the government’s commitment to rural development as a national priority. By embracing SMU, PNG aims to replicate Korea’s success story, fostering self-reliance and collective action to improve livelihoods, infrastructure, and opportunities in rural areas. The model’s emphasis on community participation aligns with PNG’s vision of inclusive growth, where every citizen plays a role in building a stronger, more prosperous nation. Minister Eoe extended heartfelt gratitude to the Marape/Rosso government for its visionary leadership and unwavering support in championing this initiative. “On behalf of the people I wish to thank Prime Minister James Marape and Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso for their dedication to rural development and for recognizing the transformative power of the Saemaul Undong model." "Their approval through the NEC paves the way for a new era of progress in our provinces." This announcement builds upon PNG’s long-standing efforts to strengthen rural service delivery through community-driven development approaches. The Department for Provincial and Local Government Affairs has been at the forefront of such transformative initiatives, including the Rural Service Delivery Project (RSDP), which has successfully demonstrated how communities can lead and sustain their own development through active participation and ownership. Like the RSDP, the adoption of the SMU model reflects the government’s commitment to establishing effective mechanisms that reach rural populations, ensuring that development efforts are impactful and sustainable. As PNG embarks on this ambitious expansion, the government will work closely with local leaders, communities, and international partners, including the Republic of Korea, to ensure the successful implementation of SMU. This initiative promises to unlock the potential of our rural heartlands, fostering a future where every Papua New Guinean can thrive. Minister Eoe, who is also the Kikori MP says this announcement is especially meaningful as it coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. “As the nation celebrates half a century of sovereignty, the adoption of the Saemaul Undong model symbolizes a renewed commitment to self-determination and nation-building." “The golden jubilee of independence is not only a time to honor our past achievements but also a pivotal moment to chart an ambitious course for the future—one where empowered rural communities drive our National Vision of a meeting smarter, stronger, healthier, wealthier, and more prosperous Papua New Guinea by 2050."