Marape calls for unity and reflection at launch of Reset PNG@50

Prime Minister James Marape today launched the Reset PNG@50 blueprint in Port Moresby, calling on Papua New Guineans to reflect on the past 50 years of independence and work together to build a stronger and fairer nation.

Mr Marape said the program will help the country look back at what has been achieved since independence in 1975 and plan ahead for the next 20 years.

He thanked Charles Abel and Arthur Somare for leading the Reset PNG@50 Review Committee, saying their work was based on duty to the country, not politics.

“They were not looking for jobs; they were happy in their own time. We reached out to them and asked them to help us assess where our country stands after 50 years, and to look ahead from an independent perspective,” he said.

Mr Marape also acknowledged Dr Osborne Sanida and the National Research Institute for coordinating more than 50 consultations with government agencies, churches, schools, and communities.

He reminded the nation of its humble beginnings in 1975.

“Our land is vast, larger than South Korea, Israel, and even the main island of Great Britain. Yet we came together from 800 languages and countless tribes to form one nation under one Constitution,” he said.

He described the founding leaders as the “greatest generation” and called Papua New Guinea’s birth as a nation “the greatest miracle of modern human civilisation.”

A call to reset the mindset

Mr Marape told those gathered at the launch that real change starts with personal discipline and honesty.

“We must reset our hearts before we can reset our systems,” he said. “Our positions are a gift from our people. We must serve with integrity.”

He said leaders must be accountable, sharing an example of turning down a friend’s reappointment due to poor financial reporting.

“Even though he was a friend, I could not support his reappointment. Accountability comes first,” he said.

Population growing faster than the economy

Mr Marape said PNG’s population has grown to 10.18 million people, but the economy has not kept up.

“Our population grew faster than our economy, over 3% annual population growth, while our economy grew at less than 3%. That is not sustainable,” he said.

Five priorities for the next 20 years

The Reset PNG@50 plan focuses on five main goals:

A message for all citizens

Mr Marape said every Papua New Guinean has a part to play in shaping the next 20 years.

“In 20 years, most of my generation will be gone. What will we leave behind?” he asked. “You don’t need to be Prime Minister to contribute. Wherever you are, in your job, in your home, do your part.”

He also encouraged young people to take the lead.

“This reform is about your future. Don’t wait. Start building the country you want to live in,” he said.

Vision 2045: The next 20 years

Calling the next 20 years “our most important window,” Mr Marape urged discipline and focus.

“Psalm 90 says 70 years is a full life. If we are lucky, we may reach 80. This generation, those born in the 60s and 70s, must now lead,” he said.

He compared PNG’s progress with that of other nations.

“South Korea overtook us in 1975. Today, their per capita income is US$33,000. Ours is just past US$4,000,” he said.

A call for action and accountability

Mr Marape said Reset PNG@50 is not just another policy document.

“This is not the Ten Commandments; it can be improved. But it is our national mirror and our roadmap,” he said.

He urged citizens to uphold the law and vote wisely in 2027.

“Don’t take money. Vote with your conscience. That is how you build the nation,” he said.

The Prime Minister ended by reminding public servants to do their jobs properly.

“Simple things, like financial reporting, matter. If you can’t manage the basics, you can’t be entrusted with more,” he said.