Prime Minister Marape Unveils Comprehensive Pathways for Youth Empowerment in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has announced a series of initiatives aimed at fostering youth empowerment through education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Speaking at a press conference in Port Moresby upon his return from New Zealand, PM Marape reaffirmed his government’s commitment to creating tangible opportunities for young people across the nation.
The Prime Minister highlighted the urgent need to tackle unemployment and limited access to formal education, which have long hindered the progress of many youths in PNG. “For the first time since 1975, my government is taking the issue of youth employment seriously,” he stated. “We have established new pathways for education and work, including flexible open distance education and strategic partnerships with countries like Australia and New Zealand.”
One key initiative gaining traction is the New Zealand workforce scheme, which has enabled Papua New Guinean youths to secure employment overseas, earning up to K52,000 annually. Encouraging young people to seize such opportunities, PM Marape emphasized that the solution to unemployment lies not only in finding paid jobs but also in creating one’s own opportunities. “We want our young people to understand the pathways that exist for them to progress and succeed,” he said.
The government is also prioritizing the development of small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in critical sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and urban enterprises. Recognizing the pivotal role of SMEs in driving economic growth, PM Marape underscored the importance of equipping students with entrepreneurial skills. He announced that all schools, colleges, and universities will now include basic business skills in their curricula. “We are working to simplify lending processes and improve access to capital, making it easier for young entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses,” he explained. By focusing on these efforts, the government aims to position SMEs as a cornerstone of youth empowerment and economic development.
In addition to traditional employment and entrepreneurship, the Prime Minister acknowledged the growing potential of sports as a career avenue. Citing Papua New Guinea’s participation in the National Rugby League (NRL), he expressed the government’s commitment to supporting young athletes. “Sport is a growing industry that offers promising career pathways for our youth, and we are committed to nurturing their potential in this area,” he added.
PM Marape also praised the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) program as a vital pathway for empowering youth who face barriers to formal education. The initiative allows school dropouts to matriculate back into the system and complete Year 12, providing them with recognized qualifications that open doors to higher education and career opportunities. “In the last five years, we have focused on returning students to school through FODE, encouraging SME participation, and offering employment opportunities under programs like Connect PNG,” he said. Over 30,000 youths have already benefited from the Connect PNG program, contributing to the economy and becoming members of national superannuation funds such as Nasfund and Nambawan Super.
The Prime Minister summarized these efforts as part of a holistic strategy encompassing education, SMEs, employment opportunities both locally and abroad, and sports. He stressed that employment is not solely about fixed jobs but also about productive engagement in various sectors to improve lives and foster self-reliance. “Our youths deserve every opportunity to better themselves and contribute positively to our country’s future,” PM Marape concluded. “This government is committed to ensuring no young person is left behind due to barriers to formal education or lack of opportunities.”
The Prime Minister extended commendations to private sector entities and government agencies actively participating in youth empowerment initiatives, including the ongoing National Youth Resource Week 2025. These collaborative efforts reflect a shared vision of equipping Papua New Guinea’s youth with the tools they need to thrive. Through these comprehensive measures, the Marape administration seeks to transform the lives of young people, ensuring they play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.
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