Provincial administrators gather in Port Moresby to drive governance reforms
Provincial administrators from across Papua New Guinea convened at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby on Thursday for the 2025 Provincial Administrators Conference, a key platform for advancing government reforms aimed at strengthening governance and service delivery at the sub-national level.
Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, officiated the conference, highlighting its role in reviewing progress on the 30 resolutions passed at the 2023 Governors’ Conference. These resolutions, implemented over the past two years, include the establishment of new oversight structures and a technical framework for provincial administration reform.
“This conference represents a pivotal step in our commitment to decentralization and improved service delivery. It is where lessons are shared, issues are debated, and the way forward for provincial governance is charted,” Pomaleu said.
Among the key developments showcased were the recent rebranding of the Department of Local Level Government Affairs, the launch of its Corporate Plan, and the announcement of a new departmental structure, all aimed at enhancing accountability and operational efficiency.
A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Technical Task Team’s report proposing a new Provincial Government system. “This is a groundbreaking step for PNG. Your input as administrators and advisers to governors is critical in shaping the future of provincial governance,” Pomaleu said.
The Chief Secretary urged participants to actively engage in discussions, emphasizing that the outcomes of the conference would serve as the blueprint for the next phase of decentralization and strengthening of provincial administrations.
This is the second Provincial Administrators Conference hosted this year, following an earlier session focused on Local Level Government elections, reflecting the government’s ongoing drive to improve governance, accountability, and service delivery across the country.