The National Cultural Commission (NCC) hosts a high-level national workshop in Port Moresby this week. The workshop brought together key cultural stakeholders from across the country to validate the draft Pasin Ples Policy Standard and Implementation Plan 2025–2035.
The workshop, aimed at strengthening Papua New Guinea’s national cultural policy framework, marked a significant milestone in the NCC’s efforts to safeguard and promote the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
The event was attended by Dr. Eric Kwa, Secretary of the Department of Justice, Prof. Leo NCC, Board Chairman, and representatives from stakeholders, government agencies, academic institutions, and community-based organizations. The consultation provided a platform for inclusive dialogue and collaborative policy enhancement.
Participants engaged in strong discussions to ensure that the policy truly reflects the aspirations, values, and cultural realities of Papua New Guineans.
The secretary for the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Eric Kwa, emphasized the urgent need to prioritize cultural identity in the nation’s development agenda.
“This policy is the heart and soul of Papua New Guinea as we move forward as a country. If we don’t act now, our children will lose their identity. We must protect, promote, and preserve our Pasin Ples. Our Constitution and National Pledge define who we are. Other forces are eroding our identity because we have not given enough prominence to our culture.”
Professor Marai underlines the critical importance of safeguarding Papua New Guinea’s traditional knowledge and cultural expressions from misuse and exploitation, both domestically and internationally. He highlighted that the new policy framework is a proactive step toward reclaiming ownership and ensuring equitable benefits for communities.
Prof. Marai said, “The National Protection of Pasin Ples Standard and Implementation Plan 2025–2035 is developed to manage all intellectual property rights and disputes in relation to the unlawful use of Papua New Guinea’s traditional knowledge and expression of culture. It provides the necessary framework for good governance through administrative leadership and a pathway for sustainable partnership, ensuring that all stated policy outcomes are added to the benefit of all. There is evidence of domestic and international impropriety in the commercialization of PNG’s Pasin Ples.”
Dr. Faiki Simeth, Dance Director at the Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies under NCC, highlighted the importance of safeguarding traditional knowledge through appropriate legal instruments.
“In 2000, the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act came into force. The late Dr. Simet saw the need to build on this legislation to create folklore and traditional knowledge provisions. This work is not only about protecting culture but also empowering knowledge holders in our villages,” said Faik Dr. Simet.
The Pasin Ples Policy 2025–2035 is designed as a comprehensive roadmap to guide cultural institutions, local communities, and development partners in preserving and revitalizing indigenous customs, languages, and practices over the next decade.