World Premier of PNG Documentary ‘Driving The Change’

Port Moresby, February 16, 2017 -  A unique and powerful documentary produced in Papua New Guinea (PNG) by EMTV and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will premier this weekend.

‘Driving The Change’ is an inspiring story, which focuses on the struggle and success of the remote highlands community of Domil in Jiwaka Province as it transforms itself and strives to achieve the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which were adopted by Papua New Guinea and 192 other UN Member states in 2015, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

“’Driving The Change’ tells the story of men, women and children from one community in Papua New Guinea who are striving to improve their lives. It provides an example for communities throughout the country and around the world about how the Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved. The Goals are ambitious, but they are doable, if people come together and leaders accept the challenge,” said Roy Trivedy, the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative.

The documentary features Bernard Gunn, the director of the NGO Integral Community Health and Development in Domil: “I know that 193 nations have sat together to decide on the future of the planet by agreeing on 17 Sustainable Development Goals, but I also know that this can only be achieved by all of us working together, starting from where we all come from. For me it is Domil."

 "Our rural population is confused between two worlds of modernity and traditional values. From where we are now and where we would like to be. This is the biggest challenge of our community,” Mr Gunn said.

The 30-minute documentary was filmed over five days in Jiwaka Province and highlights successes achieved under the Community Led Millennium Development Goals Acceleration Project, a pilot initiative developed by the European Union in 2012 and implemented by UNDP with support from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring.

‘Driving The Change’ is a media partnership between UNDP and EMTV which harnesses the power of television to promote the Sustainable Development Goals in Papua New Guinea. EMTV documentary Maker Marco Venditti said: “Images speak louder than words just about anywhere in the world, but even more so in the highlands of PNG where the breathtaking beauty of the landscape and the authenticity of people are the perfect backdrop for any filmmaker.”

The documentary will be aired on EMTV at 7.30pm on 17 and 18 February and 8pm on 19 February 2017.

UNDP is also offering Government, civil society, the business community, churches and other partners the opportunity to host screenings of the documentary in their workplaces. ‘Driving The Change’ is part of wider work of the United Nations and UNDP to support PNG in achieving the SDGs. UNDP is focused on building partnerships, providing strategic advice and advocating for the Global Goals.
Source: UNDP Photo: UNDP (Supplied)