Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has promised wide-ranging reforms after receiving the preliminary report of the 50-Year National Review Committee, which assessed the country’s development trajectory since gaining independence in 1975.
The Committee submitted its findings on 29 July 2025 at a formal handover in Port Moresby. Established in early 2024, the body was tasked with reviewing progress in governance, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development over the last five decades. Its mandate included consultations across provinces, sectors, and age groups.
The report paints a mixed picture, highlighting advances in constitutional governance and human development but warning of persistent challenges in corruption, infrastructure decay, inequality, and education quality. One key finding is that Papua New Guinea has failed to fully realise its potential in leveraging natural resource wealth for inclusive national development.
Speaking at the handover, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the shortcomings and affirmed his government’s intention to act on the recommendations. “We must be brave enough to admit where we’ve fallen short and wise enough to course-correct,” he said. He also indicated that the findings would inform Papua New Guinea’s next Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP IV), due in 2026.
The report calls for greater devolution of fiscal responsibility to provinces, investment in digital governance tools, and the reform of key state agencies. It also urges a national civic education campaign to rekindle a shared sense of purpose and unity.
Analysts say the review offers the government a rare opportunity to reset policy direction and restore public trust. The timing is critical as Papua New Guinea prepares to mark 50 years of independence in 2025 and considers its long-term role in the region.
Civil society groups have welcomed the report but are urging follow-through. “This is not just a document to be shelved,” said one NGO leader. “It must be the starting point for genuine change.”
