25/03/2026
The Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) commenced its 2026 Regional Development Forum for the New Guinea Islands ( NGI) region this morning at the Rapopo Plantation Resort in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.
Held in partnership with the East New Britain Provincial Government forum brings together key government agencies, civil society, the private sector, academic institutions, and development partners to discuss on the theme of unpacking priority areas under Reset@50 and the 20 Year Roadmap and how to realistically translate these to benefit lives in the communities.
Mr. Charles Abel, Director of the Delivery Unit within the Department of Prime Minister and NEC, emphasized the need for mindset change and recalibration at all levels of government. The discussion covered various challenges including governance issues, law and order problems, economic development, and the need for better coordination between government agencies. Participants also reviewed the Reset at 50 policy document, which includes five principles and ten "big bets" for improving governance and development outcomes. The forum featured presentations from national agencies and plans for further discussions on implementation strategies.
The discussions will continue tommorrow, 26 March 2026, where relevant stakeholders will present and openly discuss critical gaps in the education and health sectors within the region. They aim to reach a consensus on priority impact areas to address the country’s current low human development ranking.
Deputy Governor for ENB, Boniface Gerep, welcomed the participants to the province and the program during his opening remarks.
Secretary for National Planning, Mr. Koney Samuel, was also present to give the opening address on behalf of the Minister for Planning and CIMC Chairman, Sir Ano Pala, and to officially open the program.
Participants who have flown in from across the region including Bougainville, Manus, New Ireland, West New Britain and East New Britain are also present and actively taking part in the program.