Prime Minister James Marape has called for carefully planned and inclusive urbanisation across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, stressing that cities must be designed to improve quality of life rather than become centres of congestion and inequality.
Delivering the keynote address at the Pacific Urban Forum in Port Moresby, Marape said Papua New Guinea’s low level of urbanisation presents both a challenge and a rare opportunity to “get it right” as the country develops.
“Papua New Guinea remains one of the least urbanised nations on earth, with less than 20 per cent of our population living in towns and cities,” he said. “The global average is now above 50 per cent and rising. This means we still have time to plan properly.”
He said urbanisation should be embraced as a pathway to improved service delivery, economic opportunity and higher living standards—provided it is managed strategically.
“Urbanisation is not a bad concept,” he said. “If planned well, it allows governments to deliver water, electricity, health, education and other essential services more efficiently.”
At the same time, Marape warned against poorly managed urban growth, pointing to global examples where rapid expansion has led to overcrowding, informal settlements and strained infrastructure.
“We have seen the downside of unplanned urbanisation,” he said. “In some global cities, millions are packed into environments where services cannot keep up. That is not the future we want for Papua New Guinea or the Pacific.”
He noted that rural-to-urban migration is already underway and will continue to accelerate, making forward planning critical.
“The process of urban migration is growing. Our responsibility now is to ensure our cities are ready—liveable, inclusive and properly serviced.”
Marape called for stronger coordination between governments, municipal authorities, development partners and the private sector to design sustainable urban centres that reflect the region’s diversity and cultural identity.
“With proper planning and strong partnerships, we can build cities that are not only modern but also respectful of our traditions and social structures,” he said.
He added that well-planned urbanisation enables governments to organise populations more effectively and deliver services at scale, while also creating opportunities for employment, education and innovation.
“When people are settled in well-planned urban centres, we can provide quality education, health services, water and sanitation, and access to information more effectively,” he said.
Marape also underscored the importance of aligning urban growth with long-term national development goals, particularly as Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence.
“What you see in Port Moresby today reflects 50 years of progress,” he said. “But the next phase of our growth must be smarter, more organised and more inclusive.”
He expressed confidence that, with the right planning and investment, the country’s cities will undergo significant transformation in the coming decade.
“Come back in 2035—you will see a completely different Port Moresby,” he said. “A city that reflects the full potential of our nation.”
The Pacific Urban Forum brings together regional leaders and stakeholders to advance discussions on sustainable urban development, resilience and inclusive growth across the Blue Pacific.
