Prime Minister O'neill launches new development plan

A National strategy for responsible sustainable development is being launched by Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill in Alotau today. The Prime Minister travelled into Alotau yesterday for the launch. The strategy initiated by the Department of National Planning and Monitoring is about looking at the country’s existing policies or plans and taking a different approach to them. It is a smarter way to development that responds to PNG’s guiding goals and directive principals.

Yesterday, a mix of representations from different sectors, from MPs, academics, heads of institutions and technical people contributed to a variety of topics and dialogues on the way forward. Today’s dialogue will continue with the official launch of the strategy.

National Planning Minister Charles Abel said yesterday that the strategy stems from the Alotau Accord that does not replace our development plans but elevates within them the principals of responsible development and strategic planning so that PNG can lead the way through a development revolution. “It’s a government focussed on strong areas, or its strengths and trying to be smart about doing its business,” says team leader for the strategy, Misty Baloiloi.

A representative from the United Nations pledged support for this strategy, but left a challenge that there needs to be more leadership and guidance from the top to local levels in order to get it rolling. Representatives from The Voice Inc, representing young people, have also pledged support but asked for more debate and discussion so young people understand and take ownership of this new idea. Marie Stopes, an NGO providing sexual reproduction health services, gave a presentation on its service and was supported by the UN’s Population Fund.

It was noted that PNG’s population from three million in 1980 has doubled over a 25 year period as it stands at 7.3 million today. Population sustainability is part of the strategy which also includes biodiversity, tuna resources, major river systems, culture and heritage, rain forest and mineral and petroleum resources