Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has called for sweeping reforms, deeper cooperation, and renewed unity among Melanesian countries.
Addressing the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit on Monday, 23 June, in Suva, Fiji, Prime Minister Marape urged MSG member states to reinforce their solidarity by recognising their ancient ties, cultural kinship, and shared destiny.
Speaking under the theme “Shaping a Stronger, Resilient Melanesia for a United Pacific Future,” PM Marape reminded delegates that the peoples of Melanesia—from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, and Fiji, to parts of Polynesia and beyond—have coexisted in this region for thousands of years.
The prime minister, in wide-ranging and resolute address, also reflected on PNG’s 50 years of independence and presented a forward-looking vision for a strengthened MSG.
“It is a deeply significant milestone – one that invites national reflection and regional recommitment,” Marape said. “PNG has never walked the journey of nation-building alone. We are Melanesians first, by language, culture, ancestry, and geography.”
Marape described the MSG as the anchor of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), especially during times of regional uncertainty, as he urged member states to uphold the MSG’s unique identity while complementing broader Pacific mechanisms.
Regional challenges call for collective action
Marape highlighted the shifting global landscape and the mounting challenges confronting Melanesia, including climate change, fragile economies, border insecurity, and growing inequality.
He urged collective leadership over fragmented efforts, warning that “this is not a time for siloed thinking.”
Referring to the Pacific Islands Forum Eminent Persons Group Talanoa Consultations held the previous evening, he stressed the need to restructure and streamline regional institutions such as the MSG and PIF to ensure they remain effective and relevant.
Support for West Papua
On the sensitive issue of West Papua, PM Marape reaffirmed PNG’s support. He praised the dialogue and openness under the leadership of Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Chair of the MSG.
He confirmed that dialogue with Indonesia is already underway at the leaders’ level under a PIF mandate, referencing a 2023 meeting in San Francisco with the former Indonesian President and PM Rabuka.
Marape urged MSG members to fully support the current PIF-endorsed dialogue process, emphasising respect for sovereignty and constructive engagement. He also welcomed Indonesia’s continued participation in MSG discussions, clarifying that engagement does not infringe on sovereignty but highlights MSG’s responsibility to uphold Melanesian cultural and land rights.
Reaffirming PNG’s support for New Caledonia, Marape expressed solidarity with the Kanak people and the FLNKS movement. “The right to self-determination is enshrined in international law and must be respected,” he said, calling for continued support from the United Nations and other multilateral forums to ensure peaceful and inclusive political dialogue.
He also confirmed that formal letters expressing unified MSG positions on New Caledonia and West Papua would be sent to the respective governments in Paris and Jakarta.
Institutional reform and MSG membership
Marape has expressed strong opposition to the recommendation to outsource the appointment of the MSG Secretariat’s Director General to an independent consultant, pointing to the Revised MSG Agreement of 2015, which outlines a clear internal process.
“To outsource this decision would be to deviate from our own constitution,” he warned, commending the consensus reached on adopting a transparent, merit-based, and rotational system for future appointment.
He further supported reviewing MSG membership guidelines to establish clear, consistent standards for full, associate, and observer status, avoiding political sensitivities and confusion.
The current MSG membership framework is “too vague,” Marape said, urging the Secretariat to present revised guidelines at the next Senior Officials Meeting.
Trade, connectivity and regional development
While PNG has yet to sign the MSG Free Trade Agreement (MSGFTA) due to technical alignment with WTO schedules, Marape reaffirmed the country’s commitment to finalising the process.
“We see the MSGFTA as critical to building our economic resilience and unlocking intra-Melanesian trade potential, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, labour mobility, and value-added products,” he stated.
He also announced PNG’s plan to open its northern land border at Wutung, allowing direct overland travel into Indonesia via Jayapura. “This complements existing air links and reflects PNG’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity, mobility, and trade in our shared border zone,” he said.
Marape also confirmed PNG will host the next MSG Prime Ministers’ Cup, calling sports “a unifying force” and inviting all MSG members to participate in celebrating Melanesian identity through football.
Calling climate change “the defining crisis of our time,” Marape expressed full support for Vanuatu’s initiative to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on states’ climate obligations.
“We are committed to building a climate-resilient Melanesia that values our natural ecosystems and protects the rights of customary landowners,” he said, reaffirming belief in carbon markets with integrity, equitable benefit-sharing, and community-driven climate solutions.
