MEGANESIA CONCERT DELIVERS MESSAGE OF UNITY, CELEBRATION

More than 12,000 people attended the first-ever Meganesia Concert at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Saturday evening.

The stadium came alive with music, colour, and excitement. People started arriving hours before the gates opened at 3 pm.

The concert was a major cultural event leading up to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary in 2025.

NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop gave an official speech. He praised the teamwork between Indigenous artists from Australia and PNG. He said Meganesia was a celebration of shared culture, identity, and dreams.

Governor Parkop thanked the Australian High Commission, NCDC, Amazing Port Moresby, and Gaba Musik for their support.

He spoke about PNG’s journey since independence and highlighted the strong relationship between PNG and Australia in education, health, disaster response, and development.

He also talked about the deep cultural connection between Indigenous Australians and the people of Western New Guinea.

Governor Parkop thanked all the performers, especially the famous Australian band Yothu Yindi, which includes four PNG members.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr. Wen McDonald, also spoke at the event. He praised the concert and the strong PNG-Australia relationship.

He highlighted performances by artists like Sprigga Mek, the 2019 Pacific Break winner, as a great example of regional talent.

Meganesia used music, dance, and stories to send a powerful message of unity. The crowd left the stadium feeling happy and hopeful.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape said another concert will be held on September 14–16. It will celebrate PNG’s 50th independence with local artists, traditional dancers, and cultural performances.

Meganesia Concert Delivers Powerful Message of Unity and Celebration

The Sir Hubert Murray Stadium came alive today with the sounds, colours, and spirit of unity as the inaugural Meganesia concert drew a massive crowd, many of whom gathered hours before the gates opened at 3 pm. 

The event marked a key cultural milestone ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary in 2025. 

In his official address, NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop commended the vibrant collaboration between Indigenous artists from Australia and Papua New Guinea, hailing Meganesia as a celebration of shared heritage, identity, and aspirations 

He thanked the Australian High Commission for their invaluable support in making the event a reality as well as the NCDC, the Amazing Port Moresby, and Gaba Musik.

Governor Parkop reflected on PNG’s journey since independence, recognizing the nation’s achievements and challenges. 

He praised the strong and evolving PNG-Australia partnership, which has spanned education, healthcare, disaster response, and development. 

He also highlighted the cultural and historical ties between Indigenous Australians and the people of western New Guinea, emphasizing the need to honour the past while inspiring future generations. 

Governor Parkop concluded by thanking the participating artists, particularly iconic Australian band Yothu Yindi, which also comprises four PNG band members . 

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr. Wen McDonald echoed the Governor’s sentiments, commending the remarkable turnout and cultural significance of Meganesia. 

He praised Governor Parkop’s leadership and acknowledged the strong, long-standing relationship between Australia and PNG. 

Mr. McDonald also highlighted the performances of both Australian and PNG artists, including Sprigga Mek, winner of the 2019 Pacific Break, as shining examples of regional talent and partnership. 

With music performance, and shared stories, Meganesia set a powerful tone for the lead-up to PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, leaving the crowd in a jammed packed stadium energised and hopeful for continued cultural exchange and unity.

Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape said a similar concert will be held on 14,15,16 September as a recognition of PNG artists, our culture, and our traditional dancers to celebrate our PNG50.

LEADERS ACKNOWLEDGE NEW CHAIR FOR HOSTING 23rd SUMMIT

SUVA, FIJI (24 June 2025): Leaders from the Melanesian Spearhead Group extended deep appreciation to the Government and people of Fiji for successfully hosting the 23rd MSG Leaders’ Summit 2025 and related meetings during its conclusion at the Bose Levu Vakaturaga in Suva yesterday. 

They further expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to all the Leaders and delegates. Among other decisions, the Leaders have endorsed the Secretariat’s ongoing participation in the ICJ process, particularly in the implementation of the Advisory Opinion acknowledging that the pathway is not immediate, nor is it one-size fits all, and will be implemented in a nationally determined way.

This is in recognition to the fact that all MSGs are still dependent on fossil fuels, are highly vulnerable to the worsening impacts of climate change, are not responsible for the climate crisis, and have limited financial, technical and human capacity.

Leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the Friends to All, Enemy to None Foreign Policy as it will guide the MSG Members’ relationship with countries and Development Partners.

Leaders have also agreed to maintain the relationship and dialogue with Indonesia at the MSG Leaders Level and reiterated the MSG Leaders decision during the 22nd MSG Leaders Summit in 2023, to request the MSG Chair to write to the PIF Chair to ensure that the visit of the UN Human Rights Commissioner to the Papuan Provinces of Indonesia is undertaken.

In addition, Leaders agreed that they write to the President of Indonesia to seek ways in which cordial dialogue arrangements can be fostered whereby the issues of Papuan Provinces in Indonesia can be discussed and addressed. 

Additionally, Leaders reaffirmed MSG solidarity with the People of Kanak - New Caledonia, and support for FLNKS through various multilateral platforms, including the UN-established processes such as the Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24). They further agreed that the matter of political developments in Kanak will remain as a standing agenda item on the MSG Leaders’ Agenda until an amicable political pathway is attained.

As well, Leaders approved for a High-Level MSG Ministerial Visit to New Caledonia; and agreed for the MSG Leaders to write to His Excellency, Emmanuel Macron, the President of France to foster dialogue arrangements on the decolonisation processes in New Caledonia.

Furthermore, Leaders noted the development of the MSG Business Travel Card as a catalyst for deeper economic integration and development, noting that Papua New Guinea will host the facilitation of the processing and issuance, and will support the MSG Secretariat in legislative reviews and the development of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

On the Draft MSG Security Strategy, the Leaders agreed to defer the Joint Communiqué for Information Sharing and Cooperation between the Pacific Fusion Centre (PFC) and the MSG Secretariat pending the Review of the Regional Architecture, which was presented by the High-Level Persons Group (HLPG).

With regards to the status of the MSG Building following the December 2024 earthquake, Leaders approved the option of its demolition and reconstruction subject to receiving a full Structural Report and Geotechnical Report. Leaders also welcomed the proposed Haos Blo Melanesia (HBM) concept for the MSG Building.

Among other decisions made was the commitment to continue to support the MSG Prime Ministers Cup; continue discussions with Fiji as host of next MACFEST in support of preparations; acknowledgement of the Australia Government, through the DFAT for the initial funding towards the establishment of the PCMU; and welcoming of the proposed Yut4Melanesia Project to be implemented under the auspices of the PCMU.

On the MSG Land allocated by the Government of Fiji for Diplomatic Missions, the Leaders noted the progress of work by Members to undertake developments on the land for their diplomatic missions.

With respect to the Climate Finance Strategy/Sectoral Needs Assessment and the MSG Roadmap for Inshore Fisheries, the Leaders welcomed the review of Climate Finance Strategy and the MSG Roadmap for Inshore Fisheries. Leaders. 

The Secretariat has also been tasked to develop a Terms of Reference (TOR) for the review for the consideration of SOM out-of-session. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chair thanked all the Leaders for their support and contributions during the 23rd Leaders’ Summit. 

Leaders also thanked the incoming Chair for his Leadership during the Summit and the outgoing Chair for maintaining solidarity.

PM secures peacekeeping deal, backs Kanaky at MSG Summit

Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat says Fiji has agreed to include Vanuatu police officers in future United Nations peacekeeping missions, while Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) leaders have reaffirmed their strong and united support for Kanaky’s push for independence during the recent MSG Leaders’ Summit in Suva.

“I have requested that if every contingent of Fiji, that if they provide 100, if it is possible to give 10 to Vanuatu, and he have agreed with this idea,” PM Napat said yesterday after returning to Port Vila.

He said this is a government-to-government arrangement and all selected police officers will be trained at Black Rock, a regional training institution in Fiji.

the leaders have instructed the Secretariat to develop its concept, and even to the extent where if it needs for us to make one of the legislation where it covers travelling within MSG, then this have to be done,” Napat said.

He added that leaders acknowledged other MSG activities including the Melanesian Cup and the Cultural Festival hosted recently in Vanuatu.

“In 2026, Fiji will be the host. This has taken the full support of the MSG leaders.”

Climate action and Vanuatu's role

PM Napat said climate change was also part of the leaders’ discussion, and Vanuatu was commended for its international leadership.

“They continue to encourage every member within MSG to continue pursue this idea, took it to different level of platform, and they commend Vanuatu for the initiative that we have taken to spearhead loss and damages and also idea in terms of ICJ.”

Fisheries and trade agreements

He said MSG leaders also tasked the Secretariat with developing new concepts around fisheries and marine resource development.

“This is because within Melanesian we have more resources in our EEZ, and also when you look at population and land mass, MSG have seen to be globally have a lot of resources but weight is with us. This is why the idea to create different avenues on how to benefit from it.”

On trade, Napat said the MSG Secretariat has been asked to revisit current agreements.

“The leaders requested the Secretariat to revisit our trade agreement again to see what we can work on and improve—to give fair distribution and at the same time allow different country so that they can trade, and this is part of our trade agreement.”

Maritime Boundary with Fiji

PM Napat also held a bilateral meeting with the PM of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, to discuss unresolved maritime boundaries between the two countries.

“We have sorted our maritime boundary with Solomon Islands already, but with Fiji not yet. When I support this idea, the Prime Minister of Fiji welcomes this idea, and he wanted for us to do it like how we do it with the Solomon Islands—with the culture of Melanesia,” he said.

“This is a very positive note because we have been waiting for since Fiji have signed a treaty with France and Australia in 1983. This is very difficult to us since every time we come to discuss our boundary with France it has been challenging.”

“But I think the road that the PM of Fiji indicated in the bilateral is that yes, we will sort this out in the Melanesian way. And then that give us an advantage to deal with our maritime boundary with France.”

doddy@dailypost.vu

Marape-Rosso Government to Table Bougainville Referendum Results in National Parliament

Port Moresby, Thursday, 26th June 2025– In a landmark move toward resolving Papua New Guinea’s long-standing political issue with Bougainville, the Marape-Rosso Government has confirmed that the results of the Bougainville Referendum will be formally tabled in the National Parliament.

This critical next step follows the signing of the Melanesian Agreement today by Prime Minister James Marape and Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President Ishmael Toroama which is a historic pact that outlines a clear political roadmap for Bougainville’s future.

The signing took place after high-level bilateral consultations between the two governments, held at the Burnham Military Camp in Christchurch, New Zealand.

As part of the process, a parliamentary bipartisan committee on Bougainville matters will conduct awareness and public consultation to ensure national understanding before the referendum results are presented in Parliament.

Prime Minister Marape stated: “This agreement is a breakthrough and it respects the democratic voice of the people of Bougainville while upholding the unity and sovereignty of Papua New Guinea. We are committed to a peaceful, constitutional, and transparent process.”

President Toroama echoed similar sentiments, noting that the agreement recognizes Bougainville’s aspirations while building trust between the ABG and the National Government.

The Melanesian Agreement is seen as a significant milestone in the ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts since the 2019 referendum, in which Bougainvilleans voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence.

This development marks a new chapter in Bougainville’s political journey and underscores the Marape-Rosso Government’s commitment to honoring the referendum process through democratic and legal channels.

#Bougainville #Referendum #MelanesianAgreement #PNGGovernment #UnityInDiversity

Prime Minister Marape Delivers Historic BCL Share Transfer to the People of Bougainville

Port Moresby, Thursday June 26 , 2025– In a landmark moment of reconciliation and national unity, Prime Minister James Marape has today officially transferred the National Government’s shares in Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL)—valued at approximately K14.3 million—to the people of Bougainville.

The historic transfer was sealed during a formal ceremony at Government Haus, witnessed by Governor General Sir Bob Dadae, with the signing of documents by Prime Minister Marape and Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President Ishmael Toroama.

The move honours the commitment made in the 2020 Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting, where the national government pledged to hand over its stake in BCL to the rightful landowners and people of Bougainville.

"This is a defining act of justice and recognition," said one supporter. “BCL built this country, and now it’s time we truly honour the people of Bougainville for their sacrifice and contribution. Prime Minister Marape has shown true leadership—delivering not just on promises, but on healing and empowerment.”

The transfer is being hailed as a powerful symbol of trust-building and progress in the ongoing peace process between Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, as the region continues its path toward greater autonomy.

PNG Prime Minister Affirms.to Support the Rights of Melanesians in West Papua and Torres Strait

Papua New Guinea has restated its support for collective dialogues on 'sensitive issues' of West Papua 'question' and New Caledonia's self-determination.

Speaking during this meeting, Prime Minister James Marape made this clear at the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit in Suva, Fiji. 

In a media statement this afternoon, PM Marape welcomed Indonesia’s continued participation in MSG talks, saying this does not affect Indonesia’s sovereignty but helps protect Melanesian cultural and land rights across all regions.

“MSG has a responsibility to all Melanesians — whether in sovereign Indonesia, the Torres Strait, or elsewhere,” PM Marape said. “We must protect people’s rights without interfering with national borders.”

Letters expressing unified MSG positions on both West Papua and New Caledonia will be sent to the governments of Indonesia and France.

PM Marape also called on MSG countries to strengthen unity by embracing their shared heritage. 

He reminded leaders that Melanesians are an ancient people, united through history, culture, and geography.

“Our roots go back over 4,500 years through the Lapita civilization. MSG must reflect that unity and help guide where we are heading as one Melanesian family,” he said.

Mr Marape supported reforms for how MSG leadership is chosen, calling for merit-based and fair processes. 

He also backed a review of MSG membership rules to avoid confusion about who can be a full, associate, or observer member in the future.

PM Marape encouraged more Melanesian trade, cultural exchange, and sports cooperation—proposing that the MSG Prime Ministers’ Cup become a regular event for both men’s and women’s football.

On climate change, he praised Australia’s renewed leadership and confirmed PNG’s active role in the next global climate talks, including cooperation with Brazil and other rainforest nations.

Marape ended his address by reaffirming MSG’s role in supporting Melanesian rights and development, while also helping strengthen the broader Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

“MSG is not separate from the Pacific vision. It is part of it—protecting Melanesian culture, rights, and aspirations while supporting regional cooperation,” he said.

As PNG celebrates 50 years of independence, PM Marape thanked fellow MSG nations for their support and called for deeper unity for the next 50 years and beyond.

PM Marape is expected to be back in the country this evening.