PNG Launches Reset PNG@50 Blueprint to Reflect on 50 Years and Shape the Future
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape officially launched the Reset PNG@50 blueprint in Port Moresby today, urging Papua New Guineans to reflect on the nation’s first 50 years of independence and commit to building a stronger and fairer country over the next two decades.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Marape said the roadmap aims to review what PNG has achieved since 1975 and chart a national vision leading into 2045.
He thanked former deputy prime minister Charles Abel and former state enterprise minister Arthur Somare for leading the Reset PNG@50 Review Committee, acknowledging their contribution as driven by national duty rather than political interest.
“They were not looking for jobs. We approached them because we needed an independent assessment of where our country stands after 50 years,” he said.
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| PNG Launches Reset PNG@50 Blueprint to Reflect on 50 Years and Shape the Future [Photo by PM's Media0 |
Mr Marape also commended Dr Osborne Sanida and the National Research Institute for coordinating more than 50 nationwide consultations involving government agencies, churches, schools, and communities.
Reflecting on PNG’s unity and diversity, he reminded the audience of the remarkable achievement of bringing together hundreds of tribes and more than 800 languages under one Constitution at independence.
“Our land is larger than South Korea, Israel, and even Great Britain. Yet we came together as one nation. That was the greatest miracle of modern human civilisation,” he said.
Resetting the mindset
The Prime Minister stressed that meaningful change must begin with individual responsibility.
“We must reset our hearts before we reset our systems,” he said. “Our positions are a gift from our people. We must serve with integrity.”
He shared how he declined a friend’s reappointment to a public role due to poor financial reporting, saying accountability must come first — even in personal relationships.
Growing population outpacing the economy
Mr Marape expressed concern that the country’s population, now at 10.18 million, is expanding faster than economic growth.
“Our economy is growing below three per cent, while our population grows above three per cent. That is not sustainable,” he said.
Five key priorities for the next 20 years
The Reset PNG@50 blueprint sets out five national priorities:
- Uphold the Constitution – strengthen governance, integrity, and accountability
- Advance Human Development – improve education, health, electricity, and communications
- Evidence-Based Governance – better data and oversight systems
- Smart and Sustainable Growth – grow the private sector, SMEs, and land-based opportunities
- Delivery and Accountability – ensure transparent, results-driven government spending
Call to action for citizens
Mr Marape urged every Papua New Guinean to take responsibility for shaping the country’s next chapter.
“In 20 years, many of us here will not be around. What will we leave behind?” he asked. “You don’t need to be Prime Minister to contribute. Do your part wherever you are.”
He encouraged young people to take ownership of the nation’s future.
“This reform is about your future. Don’t wait — start building the country you want to live in,” he said.
Vision 2045 and accountability
The Prime Minister said the next two decades will be critical for PNG’s development, comparing the country’s progress with other nations.
“South Korea overtook us in 1975. Today, their per capita income is US$33,000 while ours is just above US$4,000,” he said.
He emphasised that Reset PNG@50 must be treated as a national roadmap, not just another government document, and called for honest elections in 2027.
“Don’t take money. Vote with your conscience. That is how you build a nation,” he said.
Mr Marape ended by reminding public servants that good governance begins with the basics.
“Simple things like proper reporting matter. If we can’t manage the basics, we cannot earn the trust to do more,” he said.
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