Prime Minister and Pangu Pati Parliamentary Leader James Marape opened the Pangu Pati Convention today in Port Moresby city where he emphasised their commitment to strong internal democracy, leadership succession, policy development and national service.

Speaking at a press conference following the opening session of the convention, Prime Minister Marape said the gathering was not about candidate selection for the 2027 National General Election, but about reviewing the party's performance, policies and structures while preparing the next generation of leaders. 

“Pangu Pati must be bigger than James Marape,” the Prime Minister said, stating further that the party leadership does not belong to one person. 

“We owe it to the memories and the work of those who came before us to get it right and to pass on our party so it remains viable and usable by generations of Papua New Guineans who will come after us.” 

Prime Minister Marape said Pangu Pati, formed on June 13, 1967, by eminent sons and daughters of Papua New Guinea, including Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Sir Paul Lapun, Sir Albert Maori Kiki, Ebia Olewale, Sir John Guise, Tony Voutas, Tony Ila, Cecil Abel and many others, had played a central role in shaping the nation. 

He also recalled the role of the famous “Bully Beef Club”, whose members met in the kitchen of Sir Albert Maori Kiki’s home in Hohola to discuss the future of the country and the vision of a united Papua New Guinea. 

“Over bully beef and rice, they talked about the country’s future and the birth of Papua New Guinea, uniting this diverse nation into one sovereignty,” he said. 

Prime Minister Marape said the party's contribution to nation-building was reflected in the creation of Papua New Guinea's constitutional and democratic institutions. 

“It birthed our country. Our Constitution was crafted, our three arms of government were created, and many constitutional offices were born through the work of Pangu Pati.” 

The Prime Minister said the convention was being held in accordance with the party constitution and the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates, with party representatives from all 21 provinces and Bougainville attending. 

He said ministers would report to party members on the Government's achievements over the last seven years in office.

The Pangu Pati Convention is taking place at the Hilton Port Moresby and will conclude on Friday 12th June, followed by a gala dinner event on Saturday 13th June, to mark the Pangu Pati’s 59th Anniversary.