Port Moresby’s long-term transformation agenda has received high-level endorsement, with Papua New Guinea’s Governor-General, Sir Bob Dadae, backing the Amazing Port Moresby Vision 2030 as a national priority — reinforcing the capital’s strategic role as the “Gateway to PNG.”
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop confirmed the endorsement following an official audience on February 12, describing the meeting with the Head of State’s representative as both symbolic and significant for the city’s development.
“I had the distinct honour of an audience with the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Sir Bob Dadae,” Governor Parkop stated.
According to Governor Parkop, the Governor-General initiated the meeting to acknowledge the progress made in reshaping the capital and to encourage continued commitment to the long-term vision.
“His Excellency graciously requested the meeting to personally convey his appreciation for the ongoing transformation of our capital city and to encourage us to remain steadfast in our mission to lift Port Moresby to its full potential,” he said.
The endorsement further strengthens Port Moresby’s position as the country’s primary economic hub and international entry point. Under Vision 2030, the capital is being rebranded and repositioned as the gateway to Papua New Guinea — a city where tourists feel welcomed, investors find opportunity and businesses can grow in a stable and enabling environment.
Governor Parkop underscored the weight of the Governor-General’s support in advancing the reform and development agenda.
“As the Representative of the Head of State, his words of encouragement carry deep meaning not just for me, but for our entire city,” he said.
He also revealed that Sir Bob Dadae expressed clear backing for the long-term blueprint guiding the capital’s urban renewal, infrastructure upgrades, social programmes and governance reforms.
“His Excellency expressed his strong support for the Amazing Port Moresby Vision 2030, acknowledging the significant progress made under this vision while recognising the many challenges that remain. He encouraged us to continue drawing wisdom from God and strength from our ancestors as we work to build a city that is safe, liveable, productive and proud of its identity,” Governor Parkop said.
From a business perspective, the Vision 2030 framework aims to improve urban management, strengthen public safety, enhance cleanliness and modernise infrastructure — key factors influencing investor confidence and tourism growth. A safe, clean and liveable capital is widely regarded as critical to attracting domestic and foreign investment, particularly as Papua New Guinea approaches major national milestones.
Governor Parkop emphasised that the Governor-General’s endorsement elevates the city’s transformation beyond municipal planning into the realm of national development strategy.
“The endorsement of the Governor-General affirms that the transformation of Port Moresby is not merely a local ambition — it is a national priority. Our city must reflect the best of Papua New Guinea: unity in diversity, resilience, peace and opportunity,” he said.
The capital’s strategic importance is further underscored as the nation prepares to mark another year of Independence. Port Moresby has taken centre stage in the PNG50 commemorations, positioning itself as the face of the country to the region and the world.
Governor Parkop confirmed that the Governor-General will play a key role in the upcoming celebrations.
“I am pleased to confirm that His Excellency will join us this Sunday as we launch the Amazing Port Moresby PNG50 celebrations, marking an important chapter in our journey as the nation commemorates its 50th year of Independence,” he said.
The Amazing Port Moresby PNG50 celebrations will be launched on Sunday, 15 February, as a free public event. An open invitation has been extended to all citizens, businesses and sectors across the country to participate in what organisers describe as a united national celebration.
The meeting with the Governor-General also included a personal note, reflecting values of unity and peace that align with the broader city vision.
“We also shared a personal moment of joy as His Excellency and Madam Dadae welcomed a baby boy on 17 January 2026. They have named him Lumbe, meaning ‘Peace’ in the Kabwum language — a powerful reminder of the values we seek to embed in our city and our nation,” Governor Parkop added.
As Port Moresby advances its urban transformation agenda, the focus remains on strengthening its identity as a modern Pacific capital — clean, safe, investment-ready and culturally grounded. The Vision 2030 strategy seeks to ensure that, as the first point of contact for visitors and investors, the city projects confidence, stability and opportunity.
“With unity, faith and determination, we will continue to transform our capital — one street, one suburb, one village and one community at a time.One People. One City. One Future.”
