CHIEF SECRETARY CALLS FOR RESET, RECOMMITMENT AND DEDICATION

THE Chief Secretary to Government, Mr Ivan Pomaleu, OBE, has called on public servants across Papua New Guinea to embrace a renewed commitment to service delivery, accountability, and ethical leadership as the nation marked its 50th year of independence.

Speaking at the 2026 Public Service Dedication Service, Mr Pomaleu welcomed public servants from across the country and acknowledged the presence of the Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape, MP, members of the National Executive Council, Ministers, Members of Parliament, departmental heads, heads of statutory bodies, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, and representatives of non-government organisations.

Mr Pomaleu acknowledged the work of the 2026 Public Service Dedication Service Organising Committee, volunteers and sponsors, recognising their dedication and hard work in delivering the national event. He also acknowledged public servants tuning in nationwide, commending them for taking time from their busy schedules to participate in the dedication service in person and across the provinces.

“The essence of today’s event is not only to celebrate the dedication of the public service for 2026, but to affirm our commitment as public servants in service delivery to the nation and the people we are established to serve,” Mr Pomaleu said.

The Chief Secretary said the Dedication Service also provides an opportunity for reflection, forgiveness and repentance, noting that 2026 must be seen as a year of restoration and renewal—not just for the year ahead, but for the next fifty years of public administration.

This year’s theme, “Reset, Recommit, Dedicate for a New Beginning in the PNG Public Service,” is drawn from Isaiah 43:18–19, and reflects the broader national milestone of Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of nationhood.

“With this historic milestone, it is only right that we claim this year as a year of restoration—for ourselves as agents of change, and for the public service as the central mechanism for effective service delivery,” Mr Pomaleu said.

He emphasised that 2026 would not be an easy year, confirming that instructions have been issued under the Reset 50 initiative, including directives for all departments to submit performance and reform reports to his office by 31 March 2026.

Mr Pomaleu also called on public servants to take personal responsibility for promoting good governance, transparency, accountability, ethical conduct, and respect for General Orders and Christian values.

“Today is a time for us to reflect on our role, our attitude, and our dedication to service. We are establishing our accountabilities—to our people and to our God,” he said.

He urged public servants to listen carefully to the guidance and expectations outlined by government leaders and to actively contribute to nation-building within their respective roles.

“As we reflect on how far we have come, let us find better ways to perform our duties and deliver meaningful outcomes for our stakeholders,” Mr Pomaleu said.

The Chief Secretary concluded by thanking all participants and extending blessings to public servants and their families as they commence the 2026 public service year.