CHINA DAY SHINES BRIGHT AT SIR HUBERT MURRAY STADIUM: PM MARAPE, GOVERNOR PARKOP HONOUR 50-YEAR CHINA-PNG FRIENDSHIP

By Steven Kenda | PNG SUN|

As the Asian story continues, the China Day was celebrated on Sunday at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. 

The event was hosted by NCD Governor Powes Parkop. 

It showed the strong relationship between Papua New Guinea and the Republic of China. The event was aimed at celebrating PNG-China relationship and China's contribution towards PNG's 50-year political journey.

This celebration also helped build excitement and momentum for PNG's 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16, 2025.

China Day on Sunday (June 15th, 2025) was full of colour, fun, and excitement with signature Dragon Dance and others.

 The Chinese Community shared their rich culture, delicious food, and amazing performances.

 There were fun activities like raffle draws, tug of war, and Chinese drumming lessons. 

This weekend will be the Indian Day, celebrating PNG-India relationship while enhanching India's contribution towards PNG's 50-year journey.

Governor Parkop told the crowd that it was an important day. 

He said PNG and China have been friends for a long time. China was one of the first countries to build relations with PNG in 1974–1975.

He said it has been a journey between two countries and two peoples.

He added that China has supported PNG for many years. Their relationship started even before official ties were made. 

Governor Parkop said history shows Chinese people came to PNG in the 13th and 14th centuries. Later, during colonial times, the Japanese brought more Chinese people to PNG.

Governor Parkop highlighted areas where China helped PNG:

■Education

■Health

■Roads and buildings

■Business and trade

He continued these are important partnerships. 

"That’s why China is a big part of PNG’s 50th anniversary," Governor Parkop who also said PNG should plan for the next 50 years by working with China and other Pacific and Asian countries.

Prime Minister James Marape also spoke at the event.

PM Marape praised Governor Parkop for always supporting Asia-Pacific communities in PNG.

He thanked the Chinese communities and China’s Ambassador, Yang Xiagoguang, for attending.

 PM Marape continued the Chinese people have helped shape modern PNG.

Their presence, he said, has been here for over 100 years.

PM Marape said he values the Chinese people and the Chinese government. 

He thanked them for supporting PNG for the last 50 years.

China’s Ambassador, Mr. Yang Xiagoguang, congratulated PNG on its 50th anniversary. 

He thanked PM Marape and Governor Parkop for supporting the Chinese community in PNG.

He said the people-to-people friendship between China and PNG is strong. 

Chinese communities, he said, are the second-largest cultural group in PNG.

Solomon Islands, Vanuatu launch first indigenous-led Ocean Reserve

Vanuatu Daily Post

The governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu jointly announced their commitment to create the Melanesian Ocean Reserve— the world’s first Indigenous-led, multi-national ocean reserve at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC).

The initiative marks a historic effort to protect the ancestral waters, cultures, and livelihoods of Melanesia’s Indigenous Peoples, while supporting global marine biodiversity and climate goals.

Once completed, the Reserve will span six million square kilometres — a marine area comparable in scale to the Amazon rainforest. It will include the combined national waters of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and areas adjoining New Caledonia’s protected Exclusive Economic Zone. The region is recognised as one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity hotspots.

“For millennia, the Indigenous Peoples of Melanesia have been the wisest and most effective stewards of these sacred waters. That is why the governments of Melanesia are joining forces to create an unprecedented ocean reserve that honours our identities, livelihoods, and spiritual connections,” said Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Ralph Regenvanu, said the initiative delivers on a long-standing goal under Vanuatu’s National Ocean Policy to establish a transboundary corridor of traditionally managed ocean space across Melanesia.

“The Melanesian Ocean Reserve will allow our governments and peoples to do more to protect our ancestral waters from those who extract and exploit without care for our planet,” Regenvanu said. “We hope our Indigenous stewardship of this vast reserve will inspire similar efforts around the world.”

Although Solomon Islands and Vanuatu led the announcement, PNG and New Caledonia have signalled interest in joining, raising the potential for a unified marine conservation zone across the Melanesian region.

As part of the commitment, the two founding governments pledged to dedicate all archipelagic waters and adjacent areas to the Reserve. Only sustainable economic activities aligned with Indigenous cultural values and environmental care will be permitted.

The concept was originally developed by Solomon Islands Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology, Trevor Mahaga, and Vanuatu’s Minister Regenvanu, following discussions at the 2024 Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia. They later collaborated with PNG’s Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong, supported by nonprofit partners Nia Tero and the Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI).

Nia Tero CEO ‘Aulani Wilhelm described the Reserve as a shared vision brought to life: “What these Melanesian leaders are doing is giving voice to the hope of all Oceanic Peoples — to bring forward the dreams and knowledge of our ancestors and to care for the ocean and our planet in the way they deserve.”

The Islands Knowledge Institute, led by Indigenous ecologist Dr Edgar Pollard in Solomon Islands, has been key in building dialogue and cooperation across the region. Dr Pollard said the Reserve’s strength lies in its cultural and ecological foundation: “It reflects an unmistakable truth — that treating the ocean as our home is the best protection. This initiative makes that relationship real, from the tribe to the village to the state.”

The Melanesian Ocean Reserve represents both a bold marine conservation effort and a strong affirmation of Indigenous leadership in global ocean governance — a model that may shape future approaches as environmental challenges intensify.

ezra@dailypost.vu

Solomon Islands, Vanuatu launch first indigenous-led Ocean Reserve

The governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu jointly announced their commitment to create the Melanesian Ocean Reserve— the world’s first Indigenous-led, multi-national ocean reserve at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC).

The initiative marks a historic effort to protect the ancestral waters, cultures, and livelihoods of Melanesia’s Indigenous Peoples, while supporting global marine biodiversity and climate goals.

HUGE WIN for Customary Landowners! East New Britain, PNG

WGPNG 🇵🇬🏝️WGPNG 🇵🇬🏝️

✅ The National Court has CANCELLED a massive SABL (Special Agriculture & Business Lease) over 68,000 hectares of customary land in Pomio!

📜 The lease was issued in 2008 without proper landowner consent and failed to meet legal requirements. Now, the court says: “Give the land back to the people!”

🌴 The land will now revert to its customary owners, thanks to a court order by Justice Susan Purdon-Sully and the tireless fight by landowners & legal warriors 💪🏾

👥 Groups like Tavolo Community Conservation Association (TCCA) stood strong to protect the land from illegal logging & misuse 🌿

⚖️ The ruling exposes massive abuse in SABLs and sets a powerful legal precedent: customary land is not for sale!

🛑 12,500+ SABLs are still in question across PNG — the fight is not over.

📣 SHARE if you support land rights & accountability!

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hashtag#LandBack hashtag#JusticeForCustomaryLand hashtag#PNG hashtag#SABLCancelled hashtag#CustomaryLandRights ✊🏾

𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬-𝐋𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞

Nice, June 12, 2025 - At the UN Ocean Conference, the governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu announced their intention to create the Melanesian Ocean Reserve to safeguard the ancestral waters, homelands, and people of the southwestern Pacific. The area is one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions. Protecting it will secure the economic and cultural vitality of hundreds of distinct Indigenous Peoples while furthering global climate, biodiversity, and ocean goals.

The Melanesian Ocean Reserve will be the first Indigenous-led multi-national ocean reserve on Earth. When complete, it will span at least 6 million square kilometers of ocean and islands— an area as vast as the Amazon rainforest. It will encompass the combined national waters of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, and connect with the protected waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone of New Caledonia.

“For millennia, the Indigenous Peoples of Melanesia have been the wisest and most effective stewards of these sacred waters. That is why the governments of Melanesia are joining forces to create an unprecedented ocean reserve that honors our identities, livelihoods, and spiritual connections,” said Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

“It is an objective of our National Ocean Policy to establish this transboundary corridor of traditionally managed ocean space between our countries, and we are delighted that this is now happening,” said Vanuatu’s Minister for Environment Ralph Regenvanu. “The Melanesian Ocean Reserve will give the governments and peoples of Melanesia the ability to do much more to protect our ancestral waters from those who extract and exploit without concern for our planet and its living beings. We hope our Indigenous stewardship of this vast reserve will create momentum for similar initiatives all over the world.”

Ocean Conference shows more progress than climate COPs, says Regenvanu

 

Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Ralph Regenvanu, says the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice has left him more optimistic than previous global climate gatherings (Conference of the Parties/COPs), due to a number of concrete and transformational announcements by world leaders.

“I definitely feel much more positive being at this United Nations Ocean Conference than I ever have at any COP,” he said. “This is because we have seen important commitments—such as French Polynesia announcing the world’s largest marine protected area, and our neighbour, the Solomon Islands, declaring a moratorium on deep-sea mining within their jurisdiction.”

The Minister added that while these pledges are voluntary, the fact that national leaders made them personally inspires confidence they will be upheld. “It feels like these are not just words. These are real commitments that leaders intend to keep,” he said.

Regenvanu also acknowledged the leadership of small island nations, particularly the Presidents of Palau and the Marshall Islands. “They have been champions in environmental protection, climate action, and safeguarding our oceans. These are not only policy statements—they are actions already underway. I believe we are beginning to see a shift in global efforts,” he said.

The Minister reflected on his role in an event marking the formal depositing of instruments of ratification for the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). “At least 20 countries, including six from the Pacific, deposited their instruments at this conference. This shows legal protections for the ocean are taking shape,” Regenvanu said.

He stressed the need for legal approaches to climate challenges, noting frustration with the slow progress of UN climate negotiations over the past 30 years. “We believe legal measures are necessary because the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process has not delivered enough. Despite the Paris Agreement’s goal to keep temperature rise below 1.5°C and cut global emissions, we are seeing record emission levels and temperatures above that limit,” the Climate Change Minister added.

Regenvanu also criticised the lack of follow-through on climate finance promises. “We keep hearing about climate finance, but it has not materialised as promised,” he added.

Source VDPost

PACIFIC STORY PLATFORM EMPOWERS SME VENDORS

Small business owners and vendors participating in the final day of the Amazing 50th Celebrations - Pacific Story at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium have expressed deep appreciation to NCD Governor Powes Parkop for providing a valuable platform that empowered local and regional SMEs.

Among the many vendors was Daisy Magrick Orelly, a first-time visitor from the Solomon Islands, who showcased her vibrant collection of handmade fans, hats, baskets, and purses. 

“It’s my first time traveling outside my country, and I’m glad to be here. I thank Governor Parkop for organizing this event,” she said, highlighting strong sales and the welcoming atmosphere.

Brenda Kumbia, also from the Solomon Islands and married to a Papua New Guinean, sold out her traditional tapioca 

and cassava dishes. 

“I made good sales, made friends, and had many visitors. This was a great opportunity,” she shared.

Melinda Ton from Kairuku, married to a West Papuan, echoed the praise after selling out her hot dogs. 

“This platform is empowering for SMEs, especially for mothers like us. We need more of these,” she said.

West Papuan vendor Yanti Marteshop also spoke highly of the event. 

“My sales are going well. It’s nice to be part of this big event,” she said, looking forward to participating in future celebrations because she really enjoyed the safe and friendly environment and meeting other West Papuans and friendly Pacific Islanders from other Melanesian countries.

The owner of Lulu’s Arts and Crafts, Lucy K. Areke, earned a good income from selling crafts, bilums, Meri Kolos, drinks, and home-baked cakes during the Asia-Pacific Stories event, she told City Sivarai.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for SMEs with unique products to sell to the people of the Pacific. For me, it has been a thriving opportunity, and I’ve doubled my usual monthly sales,” Areke said.

She added that most of her items sold out for the first time, and she is truly grateful for such an amazing opportunity and the platform that the NCD Governor and his team from NCDC have created for mothers like her.

On the same note, she expressed her appreciation for the coordination team from Amazing Port Moresby, including Melissa Brabar and her team, for consistently involving SME stalls in flagship events across the city.

“It’s not just about making money—it’s about showing other cities that Port Moresby is safe for women and girls to come out at night and sell our products.”

The Pacific Story not only celebrated cultural unity but also opened economic opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs across the region.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner Celebrates PNG’s 50th Anniversary with a Message of Pacific Unity

In a moving address on the final day of the Pacific Story celebrations at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency William Soaki, delivered a heartfelt tribute to PNG on its 50th Anniversary of Independence.

Speaking before a vibrant crowd, Commissioner Soaki reflected on the unbreakable cultural, historical and spiritual bonds between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. 

"We are neighbours by geography, brothers and sisters by our common Melanesian identity, and united in spirit through our churches and many shared ties," he said.

He acknowledged the deep people-to-people connections—from missionaries and trade to education and intermarriages—emphasizing shared milestones such as former Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare being born in PNG and current Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele graduating from the University of Papua New Guinea.

Commissioner Soaki extended warm congratulations to the government and people of PNG on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government and people, praising NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop and the NCDC for giving Pacific communities a platform to celebrate unity through culture.

He also acknowledged the contributions of Pacific Island communities from Fiji and West Papua, expressing unity with them.

Soaki lauded Governor Powes Parkop and the National Capital District Commission for their vision in hosting the Pacific Story, highlighting its platform for showcasing Pacific cultures and providing a voice for Pacific Islanders residing in PNG.

He called for the celebration to be more than just a celebration, but a catalyst for new friendships, partnerships, and cultural exchanges across the Pacific family.  

“Let tonight not just be a celebration but the beginning of deeper friendships and regional solidarity,” said Soaki. 

“To you PNG, you do not just stand tall in the Pacific—you lead as you rise.”

"In all our diversity, we are strongest when we stand together," concluded Soaki.  

The event featured Solomon Islands performers including Wantok Point of View, Cool Roots, and cultural groups from Malaita and Western Province.

Masyarakat adat Tambrauw menolak YKAN

 

Sorong, Jubi – Masyarakat adat suku Abun di Kabupaten Tambrauw menolak kehadiran Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) untuk melakukan segala jenis kegiatan di atas tanah adat marga Yeblo Sah dan Yeblo Sir.

Dalam aksi penolakannya, Masyarakat adat Suku Abun dari distrik Sausapor, Bikar dan Kwor bersama marga Yeblo Sah dan Yeblo Sir selaku pemilik hak ulayat di distrik Bikar dan Pulau Dua melakukan pemalangan Kantor Unit Pelaksana Teknis Daerah (UPTD) Tour Informasi Center (TIC)  yang  digunakan Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara sebagai kantor pada Senin, (3/6/2025).

Perwakilan marga Yeblo Sah, Welmus mengatakan kehadiran YKAN di wilayah adat mereka tanpa sosialisasi atau pertemuan dengan pemilik hak ulayat.

“Kami tidak tahu apa tujuan dari YKAN. [mereka] tidak pernah ada pertemuan dengan kami selaku pemilik hak ulayat. Kami pemilik hak ulayat kaget juga kalau ada YKAN setelah beberapa kegiatan yang dilakukan di distrik Bikar,” katanya.

Welmus mengaku, kehadiran YKAN tidak memberikan dampak yang baik pemilik hak ulayat.  Menurutnya YKAN hanya memanfaatkan potensi sumber daya alam di wilayah adat mereka untuk kepentingan YKAN bukan masyarakat setempat dan pemilik hak ulayat.

“Kami dengar banyak turis yang didatangkan selama ini untuk menikmati keindahan alam maupun terumbu karang di Pulau Dua. Tapi hasilnya kami pemilik hak ulayat tidak mengetahui,” ujarnya.

Cosmas Yeblo, perwakilan marga Yeblo Sir menegaskan sejak pemasangan papan bertuliskan penolakan, Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara harus keluar dan berhenti beraktivitas di wilayah adat Suku Abun, khusunya marga Yeblo Sah dan Yeblo Sir.

Jika Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara mengabaikan penolakan Masyarakat adat, jika terjadi sesuatu YKAN yang bertanggung jawab.

“Kami sudah tolak YKAN. jika terus melakukan aktivitas maka kami pemilik hak ulayat akan tindak tegas dan resiko yang akan terjadi ditanggung YKAN,” tegasnya.

Yustina Yesnath, perwakilan tokoh perempuan suku Abun menambahkan aksi yang dilakukan masyarakat adat suku Abun dan pemilik hak ulayat hanya menegaskan dua poin penting.

Yustina menegaskan poin tuntutan mereka itu lahir berdasarkan hasil kesepakatan dalam beberapa pertemuan internal yang dilakukan masyarakat adat suku Abun dan pemilik hak ulayat.

“Poin tuntutan kami cuma dua. Yang pertama menolak tegas YKAN beraktivitas di wilayah adat suku Abun terutama tanah adat marga Yeblo Sah dan Yeblo Sir. Sedangkan poin kedua itu, stop lakukan sasi (larangan) di Pulau Dua tanpa izin dari kami pemilik hak ulayat,” tegas.

Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) adalah organisasi nirlaba berbasis ilmiah yang hadir di Indonesia sejak 2014. Bekerja di 600 desa dan 9 provinsi termasuk provinsi Papua Barat dan Papua Barat daya. YKAN bekerja di isu lingkungan seperti kehutanan, dan kelautan. (*)

Governor Parkop Acknowledges Pacific Unity as "Pacific Story" Closes in Grand Celebration

Thousands of city residents packed the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Saturday May 31, to join the Amazing 50th Celebrations with Fiji, Solomon Islands and West Papua, concluding with day 3 of Pacific Story.

The crowd started building up early in the day as many Papua New Guineans are fans of Pacific music and were eager to see their favourite artists from groups namely, Point of View band, Ghemu, Westpa Trio, Ramo, Jammin, Seru Serevi & Georgina, Kool Rootz and Onetox from these Melanesian countries.

The final day of the “Pacific Story” celebration concluded on a powerful note, as NCD Governor and host of the event, Hon. Powes Parkop, paid tribute to the Pacific communities who contributed to the success of the three-weekend event, part of the official countdown to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16, 2025.

He emphasized the significance of the "Pacific Story" in commemorating PNG's 50 years of nationhood, acknowledging both the challenges and triumphs of the journey.  

He underscored the importance of reflection and learning from the past to build an even brighter future.  

"This is our journey, our story, about our country and our people," he stated.

The Governor extended heartfelt gratitude to the Pacific Island communities who participated throughout the three-day event, specifically mentioning Samoa, New Zealand, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Hawaii, Solomon Islands, Fiji, and West Papua.  

He praised their enthusiastic participation and the powerful storytelling through their cultural performances.  

"Our story is not complete without acknowledging their contributions," said Governor Parkop.

He highlighted the historical significance of these communities' involvement in shaping PNG's history, citing examples such as the contribution of police officers from Tonga, Fiji, and Solomon Islands to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in 1902, the role of Fiji Medical School in educating PNG's early doctors, the influence of Fijian missionaries in various regions of the country, and the significant contributions of the West Papuan community since 1962 across various professions.

Governor Parkop emphasized the deep and enduring ties between PNG and its Pacific neighbors, stating that the event was 

crucial in recognizing these connections.  

He extended thanks to the participating artists, particularly from the three Melanesian countries especially Fiji, Solomon Islands and West Papua, whose performances concluded the "Pacific Story" on a high note.  

Looking ahead, he announced plans for future events showcasing the contributions of other communities in shaping PNG’s journey. The closing ceremony served as a powerful affirmation of PNG's identity and its place within the broader Pacific community.

This Saturday 7th June 2025, at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, the ” Australian will be hosting the Australian Community Day" as part of the lead-up to Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Anniversary. This event will highlight the "Pacific Story" and lead into the "Asia Story" with the Filipino Community Day.

Following this, the "Philippines Day" celebration will take place on Sunday, June 8th , 2025, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM , again at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

 This event is also in support of PNG's 50th Independence Anniversary and promises a vibrant immersion into rich Filipino culture. 

Attendees can expect:

Live performances: Including a mini-concert by Filipino artist Jason Fernandez and Filipino cultural dancing.

Filipino food & drinks: A chance to savor authentic cuisine.

Games, prizes, and family fun: Entertainment for all ages.

Raffle draw: Opportunity to win a brand-new pickup truck and other exciting prizes for K100 per ticket.