Barker emphasizes Importance of partnership at CIMC Regional Development Forum

Whilst delivering the purpose of the Momase Regional Development Forum on the 24 April 2026, Paul Barker, Executive Director of the Institute of National Affairs, emphasized that strong partnerships are vital for the country’s progress.

The regional development forum is being hosted in partnership with the Madang Provincial Government under the theme: "Unpacking the Reset@50 Agenda: What must we do better in the next 50 years"

“We don’t achieve anything unless we recognize each other’s roles,”. “The private sector’s role is in generating economic growth and the jobs that the public and our young people need for the future. Meanwhile, the government’s role is setting the agenda, regulations, and systems, while supporting the private sector through infrastructure like roads and sound regulations for competition.”

Mr. Barker noted that with the Reset@50 Agenda introduced by the Government in late 2025, the forum provides a critical platform for the government to share its vision and for stakeholders to respond, ensuring the country "resets" onto the right path.

“Last year, the government established the RESET review with a committee and researchers to evaluate our performance,” Mr. Barker said. “The goal is to identify where we have gone wrong to put us back on the rails, while recognizing where we have done well. We know this includes some significant reforms that must be undertaken.”

He further stressed that although the Reset@50 document has been approved by the Cabinet, it cannot remain just another document sitting in Port Moresby; it must be understood by all citizens to be effective.

“It doesn’t actually achieve anything unless it is known in the provinces, within the private sector, and throughout civil society. It must be endorsed and, as it evolves, it must reflect what people across the country truly want,” he added.

Mr. Barker also commended Charles Abel, Director of the Delivery Unit at the Department of Prime Minister and NEC, who was present to provide a detailed presentation on the agenda and engage with participants.

The Momase event is part of a broader series of Regional Development Forums conducted across the country’s four regions. These forums bring together civil society, the private sector, and government from all levels (national, provincial and local governments) to reflect on service delivery over the past 50 years and strategize for the next two decades.

The regional development forums commenced in March with the New Guinea Islands (NGI) forum in Kokopo, East New Britain. Following the Momase forum in Madang, last week, the series will continue in the Highlands Region (Mt. Hagen) next week from, May, 6 to 7 2026, followed by the Southern Region in Popondetta in June. The process will culminate with a National Development Forum in Port Moresby.

Ends//