Angola and Botswana Unite To Buy Diamond Mining Company De Beers

Angola’s state-owned diamond company, Endiama, has announced plans to increase production to 17 million carats by 2027, following a record output in 2024.

This achievement has cemented Angola’s position as the world’s third-largest producer of rough diamonds by volume, behind only Russia and Botswana. 

In addition to boosting production, the Angolan government is reportedly considering acquiring a 20% to 30% strategic share in De Beers, one of the world’s leading diamond companies. 

Botswana is also positioning itself around De Beers. The government of Botswana is buying out 15% of De Beers. 

De Beers was founded by a British man named Cecil Rhodes over 135 years ago, and started its diamond mining operations in South Africa. 

They have mined hundreds of millions of carats of diamonds across Africa, primarily in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, generating tens of billions in revenue.

With Botswana and Angola both coming together to buy over 30% stake of De Beers, the days of imperial exploitation are numbered.

#TheAfricanDream

Wale raises serious concerns over mounting crisis at Solomon Airlines

LEADER of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale is deeply concerned about the growing financial and operational challenges facing our national carrier, Solomon Airlines. 

The airlines interim CEO made a public statement that Solomon Airlines is facing a serious sustainability crisis.

Reports of unsustainable route losses, a weakening revenue base, and declining competitiveness raise fundamental questions about the Government’s national aviation policy and its long-term strategy for the airline.

The Opposition Leader said as a state-owned enterprise, Solomon Airlines is not merely a commercial entity; it is a strategic national asset providing essential services. 

“It connects our provinces, supports tourism, facilitates trade, and links Solomon Islands to the global economy. Any instability within the airline has direct economic consequences for businesses, families, and provincial communities,” Hon Wale said.

The Opposition Leader said the continuation of commercially unviable routes without transparent subsidy frameworks suggests poor strategic planning, and possibly government indifference. 

“If certain routes are deemed socially necessary, Government must clearly state the cost of these obligations and how they are to be funded,” he said.

Hon Wale adds with limited market size and fluctuating passenger demand, the airline must operate with discipline and innovation. 

“What revenue diversification strategy is in place? What reforms are being pursued to improve load factors and operational efficiency?” he questioned.

The Opposition Leader said regional competition is intensifying and without fleet modernization, better route optimization, and strategic partnerships, Solomon Airlines risks further erosion of market share. 

“What is Government doing to strengthen competitiveness?” he questioned.

He said there is clear absence of any aviation policy direction. 

He adds the government’s role must go beyond just providing bailout funds to the Airline from one existential crisis to another.

Hon Wale said the public deserves clarity. 

“Does Government have a coherent national aviation policy? Is there a long-term sustainability plan? What is Solomon Airlines part in such a plan? Or are we witnessing reactive, short-term bailouts without structural reform?” the Opposition Leader questioned.

The Opposition Leader also questioned whether measurable performance targets have been set for management calling for an independent review on the matter.

“Are reforms being considered, including public-private partnerships, route rationalisation, or management restructuring? What safeguards exist to prevent further financial deterioration?” he asked.

Hon Wale has further called on the government to table a comprehensive financial and operational report on Solomon Airlines in Parliament.

He also stressed the urgency to commission an independent audit of the airline’s performance and governance framework.

“Present a clear, transparent National Aviation Strategy outlining sustainability measures. Ensure that any public financial support is tied to enforceable reform conditions,” he said.

Hon Wale said Solomon Airlines must not be allowed to drift into crisis through policy neglect or government indifference. 

He said the people of Solomon Islands deserve transparency, accountability, and decisive leadership to resolve the long standing challenges facing Solomon Islands.

“The Opposition stands ready to support responsible reforms that safeguard this vital national institution but we will not remain silent while public resources are placed at risk without clear direction,” Hon Wale said.

Ends

Chief Justice says, some of our laws are not good for PNG

by TODAGIA KELOLA

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Chief Justice says, some of our laws are not good for PNG 

============================

“Parliament must make good laws for the good and benefit of all, not just a few. Laws passed should not be for personal interests of a few.

Laws passed must and should be for collective safety of people, easy to understand and enforce and be

applicable to everyone. Some of our laws, dare I say, are not good laws for the country.

“Laws like the District Development Authority Act, there is already the three tiers of government like the National Government, Provincial Government and Local Level Government.

Now we have the District Development Authority, who are the members, the chairman. For whose benefit was

that law enacted?

“Then the Kumuls Holding Act, all SOEs have their Boards but this law creates another Board, for whose benefit was that law enacted?

“The PNG Sustainable Law or Contract, that has now locked up landowners monies in Singapore – whose benefit was that law and contract for?”

As for due processes Sir Gibbs gave an example of a Police complaint that he personally made.

“Start with my own experience. I filed a complaint against a then government minister to the Commissioner

of Police to have the minister charged for certain alleged offences.

My letter was confidential to a head of State agency. That letter got intercepted and posted on social media platforms and ultimately this complaint of mine never got attended to. Some four years later, it remains

unattended. I have since given up in our systems,” he said.

Police Commissioner David Manning was also at the forum and delivered a presentation before the Chief Justice. Sir Gibbs said: “The courts recognise that the weak implementation and reform of laws impacts on the effectiveness of due process, the effective administration of justice and the rule of law in the country.

All of which pose negatively on PNG’s

total of 22 people were officially granted citizenship today including West Papuans

A total of 22 people were officially granted citizenship today by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (ICSA).These people were part of the 59 successful applicants applied for naturalization as PNG citizens.

According to the PNGICSA, 5 people were seeking dual citizenship with Papua New Guinea, 26 had applied to be naturalized citizens of PNG, and 28 were PNG citizens seeking dual citizenship approval.

Of the 22 recipients today, 8 were West Papuans. In fact, from the overall 26 naturalised citizens, 25 people were from West Papua origin.

PNG currently has dual citizenship arrangements with the following countries:

▪︎Australia

▪︎Fiji

▪︎Germany

▪︎New Zealand

▪︎Samoa

▪︎United Kingdom

▪︎United States of America, and

▪︎Vanuatu.

PNGICSA stated that Authority is working on amendments to the Citizenship Act, to include more countries to its prescribed list of countries for dual citizenship.

US pressures Vanuatu at UN over ICJ’s landmark climate change ruling

Cable seen by Al Jazeera says the US ‘strongly objects’ to the island nation seeking support for ICJ’s landmark climate ruling.

The United States is urging governments to pressure Vanuatu to withdraw a United Nations draft resolution supporting a landmark International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that countries have a legal obligation to act on climate change.

A US State Department cable seen by Al Jazeera on Saturday says that the Trump administration “strongly objects” to the proposed resolution being circulated by the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu in support of last year’s ruling by the ICJ – the UN’s top court.

nounced it was putting forward the draft UN resolution for consideration.

“We are strongly urging Vanuatu to immediately withdraw its draft resolution and cease attempting to wield the Court’s Advisory Opinion as a basis for creating an avenue to pursue any misguided claims of international legal obligations,” a copy of the cable seen by Al Jazeera states.

The ICJ’s 15 judges considered tens of thousands of pages of written submissions and two weeks of oral arguments during the court’s biggest-ever case, before delivering their verdict last year that states have a legal obligation to act on the “existential threat” of climate change.

The ICJ case took place after Vanuatu won the support of 132 countries in the UN General Assembly, which can request opinions from The Hague-based court.

It also came as the Trump administration has sought to undo US action on climate change, both at home and at the UN.

The US cable claims that Vanuatu’s proposed UN resolution in support of the ICJ opinion was based on “speculative climate models to fabricate purported legal obligations that seek to assign blame and encourage baseless claims”.

Louis Charbonneau, Human Rights Watch’s director at the UN, urged support for Vanuatu’s draft resolution on Friday, saying “governments should live up to their obligation” to protect human rights around the world by protecting the environment.

“Responsible governments shouldn’t allow themselves to be bullied by those that reject the global scientific consensus and continue to support reliance on harmful fossil fuels,” he said.

ing “strengthens global climate action and multilateral cooperation”.

An article in Vanuatu’s Daily Post newspaper said that the draft resolution has been endorsed by countries including Barbados, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Jamaica, Kenya, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, the Netherlands, Palau, the Philippines, Singapore and Sierra Leone.

Many of these countries are already experiencing the worsening effects of climate change, including increasingly severe storms.

Trump, who has promised to “drill, baby drill” for oil in his second term, has withdrawn the US from UN climate bodies, including the UN’s top climate change treaty body, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Trump has also threatened to impose sanctions on diplomats who voted for a levy on polluting shipping fuels at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Foreign landowners have no ownership over adjacent marine areas

The newly enacted Oceans Act confirms that Vanuatu’s seas and oceans cannot be privately owned by foreigners or expatriates. While land may be legally purchased, ownership does not extend to surrounding marine areas.

The law, passed by Parliament in November last year and now in force, aims to reinforce customary authority over sea access and marine resources. Authorities have launched nationwide awareness campaigns to educate communities, with the first consultations held with chiefs last month to support customary decision-making.

Acting Director of Oceans Tony Tevi said foreign landowners do not automatically have rights over adjacent sea areas. Any individual seeking to restrict or manage access to the sea must first consult traditional leaders, as decisions regarding marine spaces remain under customary authority.

Mr. Tevi noted that chiefs play a central role in determining whether certain sea areas should remain open, be restricted, or be managed under specific customary rules. Custom institutions recognised under the Oceans Act hold the power to make these decisions.

The law also includes strict penalties for non-compliance. Offences carry fines starting from VT500,000 for initial violations, rising to VT5 million for more serious breaches, and up to VT10 million for major offences.

Consultations with the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs are ongoing to ensure communities are widely informed. Mr. Tevi explained that development of the legislation began nearly a decade ago, prompted by concerns over sea boundaries and the need to strengthen legal protection for Vanuatu’s marine resources.

While the ocean is collectively owned by the people of Vanuatu, chiefs remain central to governance by regulating access and encouraging responsible use. The ongoing awareness campaign aims to ensure communities understand their rights and obligations under the new law as it is implemented nationwide.

ezra@dailypost.vu

LET ME BE CLEAR FELLOW AFRICANS, RUSSIA 🇷🇺 NEVER HAD BLACK SLAVES

UNLIKE EUROPEANS AND ARABS, NOR DID RUSSIA CREATE A MARKET TO TRADE BLACK PEOPLE (1600-1800)

RUSSIA NEVER participated in the BERLIN conference to divide AFRICA like a piece of goat meat (1884). RUSSIA NEVER colonized, underdeveloped and plundered AFRICA'S resources (1914-1960).

RUSSIA has NEVER set up a safety net for AFRICAN leaders to conceal stolen funds, use the stolen funds for development, then return the same funds to AFRICA in the form of loans.

RUSSIA has never invaded and destabilized any AFRICAN country (LIBYA, SOMALIA, CONGO, BURKINA FASO, EGYPT, SOUTH AFRICA, etc).

RUSSIA has NEVER k!lled any AFRICAN freedom fighters but the UK & USA, France & BELGIUM have k!lled hundreds of our rescuers and thousands of our AFRICAN freedom fighters are still languishing in various prisons and dungeons across AMERICA.

Who k!lled MARCUS GARVEY?

Who k!lled THOMAS SANKARA of BURKINA FASO?

Who k!lled PATRICE LUMUMBA of D.R CONGO?

Who k!lled MALCOLM X?

Who k!lled MUAMMAR GADDAFI of LIBYA?

Who k!lled REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.?

Who k!lled TUPAC SHARKUR?

Who k!lled FELA KUTI?

Who k!lled STEVE BIKO of BANTU in SOUTH AFRICA?

Who k!lled SOLOMON MAHLANGU?

Who k!lled over 10millions CONGOLESE?

Who k!lled 5 million BIAFRANS? ... etc. 

Those who have done the above are those pushing the narrative that “RUSSIA” has become the Boogeyman...

Those who colonized and for about 100 years refused to share their technology with AFRICA want AFRICA to love those they love and hate those they hate. Nope! Never again!

LAND IS OUR IDENTITY - PROTECTING OUR FUTURE

NATIONAL BULLETIN

 

BY KEITH IDUHU, MP FEB 11, 2026

I was honoured to address attendees of the Land Commission of Papua New Guinea's Client Outreach Program at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby yesterday.

As Chair of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Customary Land Reform, my message was clear: land in PNG is not just a commodity; it is our culture, our spirituality, and our very identity.

With approximately 97 per cent of our land held under customary tenure, we must address customary land reform. When system fails, we see the consequences everyday: dispute, eroded trust, and violent conflicts.

KEY POINTS FROM MY ADDRESS:

• Land is an Economic Asset: We must unlock the potential of our land to drive real socio-economic progress. 

• Human Rights First: Reforms must advance the rights of our people and provide tangible benefits for all citizens. 

• Permanent Link: Land governance and customary reforms are inseparable. You cannot have one without the other. 

• Transparency and Inclusion: Fair systems are the bedrock of human dignity and sustainable development. 

Our goal is simple: to ensure our land remains protected by the law while being unlocked for development that benefits the many, not just the few.

#LandReform #CustomaryLandRights #LeadershipInAction #PNGDevelopment #IdentityAndCulture

MOTUANS – A FORGOTTEN PEOPLE

Hon. Keith Iduhu’s call for a decentralised, district-based service town model in Central Province is not just an administrative proposal—it is a cry for justice for the Motuan people. For decades, the designation of Port Moresby as the National Capital District has created a paradox: while the city has grown into the political and economic hub of Papua New Guinea, the very people whose land it sits upon have been steadily marginalized. The Motuans, once central to the cultural and social fabric of the region, now find themselves sidelined in their own homeland.

The growth of Port Moresby has brought infrastructure, commerce, and national prominence, but it has also eroded the Motuan way of life. Villages have been swallowed by urban expansion, traditional land rights have been diminished, and cultural institutions have weakened under the weight of modernization. Central Province itself has been overshadowed, with resources and opportunities concentrated in the capital while surrounding districts remain underdeveloped. This imbalance is not merely economic—it strikes at the heart of sovereignty. A nation cannot claim to be truly sovereign if it fails to protect the dignity and heritage of its first peoples.

Decentralisation offers a pathway to restore balance and dignity. By establishing service towns across Central Province, development can be distributed more equitably, reducing dependency on Port Moresby and empowering local communities to thrive. Such a model would allow Motuan villages and traditions to be revitalised rather than subsumed under the pressures of urbanisation. It would also strengthen political representation, ensuring that governance is closer to the people and that Motuans, along with other Central Province communities, have a stronger voice in shaping their future.

This is not simply about infrastructure—it is about identity, justice, and sovereignty. Protecting the Motuan people means protecting the soul of Papua New Guinea. Decentralisation is both a practical necessity and a moral obligation. Practically, it will ease the burden on Port Moresby, create new economic hubs, and foster balanced growth across the province. Morally, it will restore dignity to the Motuan people, whose cultural survival is inseparable from the nation’s integrity. Sovereignty is not only about political independence—it is about ensuring that no community is sacrificed for the convenience of others.

The Motuans must no longer be forgotten. Their rights, heritage, and future must be safeguarded through deliberate policy and structural reform. Hon. Iduhu’s call is therefore a timely reminder that true nationhood requires justice for all its peoples irrespective..

#HiriKoiari #CentralProvince #Decentralisation #KeithIduhu #ProvincialDevelopment

Photo Credit: Umi Blo Ples

JOHN LEE MEETS VANUATU PRIME MINISTER ON TRADE AND BELT AND ROAD COOPERATION

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu met with Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat on Monday to discuss bilateral trade relations and cooperation opportunities under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Lee welcomed the Vanuatu delegation to Hong Kong and emphasized the growing bilateral trade relationship between the two sides. He described cooperation prospects as "broad and promising."

Lee highlighted Hong Kong’s strategic position under the One Country, Two Systems framework, which he said provides dual advantages for national and global opportunities. He stressed the city’s role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" in facilitating international exchanges, particularly with Belt and Road and Global South nations like Vanuatu.

Lee outlined Hong Kong's plans to strengthen its position as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative, leveraging connections to both mainland China and international markets.

 He said the city would intensify economic and trade collaborations with Belt and Road economies while promoting green cooperation initiatives.

Citing Hong Kong's status as the world's freest economy, Lee extended an invitation to Vanuatu enterprises to utilize the city's internationalized business environment and professional services sector to access overseas and mainland Chinese markets.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael WongWai-lun also joined the meeting."

SOURCE: The Standard

IMAGE: GIS

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27/01/2026

#LivinginVanuatuNews #LivinginVanuatu

The Deputy Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and Hiri- Koiari MP, Keith Iduhu on Connect PNG program,

 By Lorraine Francis |PNG SUN|

#pngsun #news #national The Deputy Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and Hiri- Koiari MP, Keith Iduhu, has raised serious concerns over the legality of the Connect PNG program, highlighting that it has been operating for five years without the legally required Development Trust Fund.

Speaking at a Parliamentary inquiry held at the State Function Room this morning, the Deputy Chair pressed Departmental Heads and Senior officials of the Department of Works and Highways to clarify the legislative basis for the program, citing the Road Fund Management Act 2020 and the Connect PNG Implementation and Funding Arrangements Act 2021.

He emphasized that all Connect PNG funds must flow through a single, dedicated trust account, overseen by the PNG Road Fund Board, rather than being administered at the discretion of the Department of Works and Highways.

“Parliament never intended for Connect PNG funds to be routed through multiple or discretionary accounts,” the Deputy Chair noted.

In response, Secretary for Works and Highways, Gibson Holemba, confirmed that the Connect PNG Development Trust Fund has not been established.

“Since 2020, Connect PNG has been funded through budgetary allocations administered directly by the Department of Works, not through a trust account,” he said.

Secretary Holemba provided financial figures showing K7.4 billion in procured works, K5.9 billion in running contract value, and only K1.8–1.9 billion paid, leaving K4–4.8 billion outstanding.

“While spending complied with Appropriation Acts, the policy intent of the trust fund was project security, ensuring money is available to honour contracts,” Mr Holemba explained to the PAC.

The Secretary also suggested a governance restructuring, proposing separate boards for maintenance funds and capital Connect PNG funds.

However, the Committee rejected this proposal.

“No amendment has been passed by Parliament.

The existing law remains binding,” said Mr Iduhu.

The Committee said that the non- establishment of the Development Trust Fund is the single most critical failure of the program.

It has directed the Board and Treasury to establish the trust fund within 30 days and submit a formal compliance report to Parliament in March.

While reaffirming strong support for the Connect PNG program, the Committee stressed that compliance with the law is non- negotiable, particularly given the scale of public funds involved.

Committee Members also expressed concern over delayed payments to contractors, warning that continued non- payment could negatively affect agriculture, tourism, rural services, and the program’s broader development goals.

Kikori MP Eoe said PNG continues to lose value by exporting oil, gas and other resources

Papua New Guinea must urgently move away from exporting raw resources and focus on downstream processing if it is serious about growing its economy and creating jobs, Minister for Provincial Affairs and Local Level Government, Soroi Eoe says.

Speaking yesterday during a press conference held in Port Moresby, in the presence of the Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina, Kikori MP Eoe said PNG continues to lose value by exporting oil, gas and other resources only to import them back as expensive finished products.

“We export oil and gas to countries like Singapore and then buy them back at a high cost as diesel, petroleum and aviation fuel,” he said. “Singapore is an import-substitute economy. They add value. We do not.”

Minister Eoe said this model has left PNG dependent on imports while other countries benefit from PNG’s natural wealth.

“For a long time, governments have allowed this to continue,” he said. “We export our resources and watch other nations build their economies.”

The Minister said downstream processing must be prioritised to unlock economic opportunities, create employment and support industrial growth.

“That is where jobs are created. That is where real economic impact is felt by our people,” he said.

Minister Eoe said the idea was first advanced in 2017, when he was serving as Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion. He later presented the concept internationally during APEC 2018, where it attracted strong interest from global leaders and investors.

He said the proposal was discussed at high levels during APEC, with representatives from major economies, including the United States and China, engaging in follow-up discussions.

The concept later evolved into the Integrated Specialised Services (ISS) initiative, which Minister Eoe described as a long-term national project that has continued to progress.

He confirmed that planning is now progressing for a New Special Economic Zone, supported by power generation and essential infrastructure. 

“Once operational, the zone is expected to attract direct foreign investment and support local processing of raw materials.

“As soon as the infrastructure is in place, investors can build processing facilities,” he said. “That is how we turn raw materials into marketable products.”

Minister Eoe said gas development, particularly for domestic power supply, will play a critical role in supporting industrial growth and national energy security.

He also raised concerns about PNG’s continued reliance on imported food, using rice as an example.

“We import rice when we have the land to grow our own,” he said. “This dependence must change.”

Minister Eoe said the responsibility lies with the current generation of leaders to make bold decisions that will benefit future generations.

“We cannot continue exporting our wealth and standing by,” he said. “If we make the right decisions now, Papua New Guinea can build a stronger and more independent economy.”

##Source@ SUN PNG 

By Theodro Psalmson| PNG SUN|

#pngsun #news

LAND TITLES ARE NOT FREE: GOVERNOR PARKOP CLARIFIES RESETTLEMENT POSITION FOR 2 MILE FAMILIES

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has clarified that land titles issued to families affected by the 2 Mile relocation are not free and will not be given away at no cost, as part of the government’s commitment to lawful and dignified urban development.

Governor Parkop stressed that while settlers and those at 2 Mile are being supported to resettle properly, ownership of land within the city must follow due process and payment, that has always been the case for state land in Papua New Guinea.

“No one has ever received free land titles inside state land or within the city,” Governor Parkop said.

“Even Public servants who serve this country do not get land for free, so nobody should expect free titles.”

He confirmed that 80 families being relocated from 2 Mile have been allocated properly surveyed land with legal titles at 6 Mile, and that these titles have either been paid for already or will be paid for over time.

“This is about giving our people dignity, security, and a lawful pathway to ownership.”

Governor Parkop explained that many people living in settlements do so not by choice, but because access to affordable land and housing in Port Moresby has been difficult for decades.

High rental costs and slow land administration processes have pushed families into informal settlements.

“Our people want to live in proper homes,” he said. “They want to raise their children in safety and dignity. But when access to land is denied or delayed, we condemn our people to settlements.”

He reiterated that the relocation from 2 Mile is necessary due to the construction of Sir Hubert Murray road, which has taken up land previously occupied by homes.

“We do not have a choice but to relocate,” Governor Parkop said. “Where the road goes, water and power follows. This is how we must plan our city.”

Governor Parkop highlighted examples across the city, including 9 Mile, 8 Mile, Vadavada and Taurama Valley, where residents have accessed land legally, paid for their titles, and gone on to build permanent homes and businesses.

“At 9 Mile, people have built good homes and even guesthouses because they were given security of title,” he said. “That is what happens when we trust our people.”

Governor Parkop said his administration is committed to transforming settlements into properly planned suburbs, but emphasized that this cannot be done through free handouts.

“We must stop the mindset that land should be given for free,” he said. “We must work, save, and pay for it — that is how we build pride, responsibility, and long-term security.”

He confirmed that funding has been allocated in the NCD budget to support resettlement and upgrading of settlements, including surveying, subdivision, road access, and basic services, to ensure relocated families can rebuild their lives properly.

50 years now as a nation, Governor Parkop called for a shift in thinking starting from the government down to the people.

“Our children are our legacy,” he said. “We must plan properly today so that they can live in a better tomorrow.

Secure land titles — earned, not given — are part of that future.” Governor Parkop concluded.

Face of former PM sir Julia’s Chain on 100 note

Face of former PM sir Julia’s Chain on 100 note 

Prime Minister Marape Meets Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair at World Economic Forum, Welcomes Support on AI and Governance Reform

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed the willingness of former United Kingdom Prime Minister Rt Hon Tony Blair to support Papua New Guinea in strengthening policy development, government capacity and the use of digital technology — particularly artificial intelligence — to improve public-sector efficiency and service delivery.

The meeting took place at the margins of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, following an approach by Mr Blair requesting discussions with the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Marape said the high-level engagement provided valuable global insight at a time when nations are navigating major geopolitical and economic shifts.

“It was a privilege to meet a senior global statesman of Mr Blair’s standing,” the Prime Minister said.

“He reached out to us for a meeting, and we held detailed discussions with our respective officials present. He expressed a strong willingness to assist Papua New Guinea, particularly in the areas of policy advisory support and institutional capacity upgrading.”

Focus on ICT, Artificial Intelligence and Government Efficiency

Prime Minister Marape said Mr Blair emphasised the strategic use of appropriate information and communications technology (ICT) systems and artificial intelligence tools to modernise government operations.

“His key advice centred on how technology — especially artificial intelligence — can be deployed to improve government efficiency, remove bureaucratic impediments, sharpen national priorities and ensure governments deliver tangible outcomes for their people,” the Prime Minister said.

“This aligns strongly with our own reform agenda as we modernise the public service and ensure better value for money in government.”

Global Perspective on Geopolitics and Emerging Economies

Prime Minister Marape said the discussion also covered broader global developments, including geopolitical tensions, conflicts in strategic regions, the role of major powers, and the position of emerging markets such as Papua New Guinea within the evolving global order.

“At his level, you gain a clear view of how the world is emerging under present circumstances — with several wars taking place in strategic regions and the increasing interaction between superpowers, advanced economies and emerging nations,” he said.

“His global perspective was insightful and deeply appreciated.”

The Prime Minister noted that Mr Blair currently serves in several international advisory capacities and was recently appointed to a global peace-related role focused on the Gaza situation, reflecting his ongoing contribution to international diplomacy and humanitarian dialogue.

“We commended him for his continued engagement on global forums in the interest of peace, stability and the goodwill of humanity,” Prime Minister Marape said.

Commendation for PNG’s Democratic Stability

Prime Minister Marape said Mr Blair spoke positively about Papua New Guinea’s political record and democratic maturity.

“He commended Papua New Guinea for its consistency in democratic governance, the maintenance of a free-market economy, and our commitment to constitutional stability,” the Prime Minister said.

“He conveyed nothing but his best wishes for our country and encouraged us to remain steadfast on a path of peace, stability and inclusive growth for all our citizens.”

Potential Visit to Papua New Guinea

Prime Minister Marape revealed that Mr Blair indicated his willingness to visit Papua New Guinea in the future, particularly during his travels through Singapore, the Philippines and the wider Southeast Asian region.

“He expressed interest in returning our way to continue discussions and to support efforts aimed at strengthening governance systems and long-term development planning,” the Prime Minister said.

Emphasis on Youth and Education Through AI

A central theme of the meeting was the future of young people and the role of technology in education.

“Mr Blair strongly emphasised the importance of deploying artificial intelligence to improve access to quality education for our youth,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“He highlighted the need to empower young people with the skills required to participate meaningfully in the economy of the future — an area that resonates deeply with our government’s vision.”

Prime Minister Marape said the discussions reinforced Papua New Guinea’s commitment to embracing innovation while safeguarding national priorities.

“As we mark our nation’s 50th year of independence, these global engagements reaffirm that Papua New Guinea is respected internationally and remains well positioned to learn from global experience while charting its own development path,” he said.