Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, OBE, has reaffirmed the National Government’s commitment to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Meeting in 2033, a national event that will require government investment of K500 million.
In a statement, Mr. Pomaleu said national undertakings of this magnitude require disciplined strategic planning, sustained political support, and broader partnerships across government, provincial administrations, and the private sector. Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/png-to-host-apec-2033-eyes-uae-partnership/
The Chief Secretary made these remarks while addressing the Heads of Committee on APEC Policy Implementation (CAPI) on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, in Port Moresby.
Mr. Pomaleu emphasized that, drawing on Papua New Guinea’s experience from previously hosting APEC, preparations must go beyond venues and protocols.
“We debuted in terms of hosting APEC in 2018; we didn’t know too much. Now we know a little bit more. So, the focus from here on is to again build momentum, but to have a very long-term view about what should happen. We must have a long-term strategic planning focus. Let’s look at our infrastructure requirements and spread those out in terms of both development and investment,” he said.
Mr. Pomaleu further stressed the need to link APEC outcomes to visible benefits for the people and ensure that investments and policy reforms are sequenced and implemented to deliver measurable returns.
The Chief Secretary pointed out that there is no value in hosting the event if its significance and benefits cannot be clearly articulated to the people.
Mr. Pomaleu also highlighted key priorities, which include:
• Preparing a comprehensive National APEC 2033 Strategy outlining infrastructure, investment, and institutional requirements, with clear delivery timelines.
• Ensuring inclusive engagement with provincial governments so events and investments benefit communities beyond the capital.
• Strengthening partnerships with the private sector to mobilize financing for critical infrastructure and hospitality needs.
• Revisiting policy priorities to reflect emerging global trends, including the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI), climate resilience and low-carbon development, and innovations in education and services such as smart village concepts leading into 2033.
• Developing a clear theory of change and performance framework to guide how APEC investments and initiatives translate into social and economic outcomes.
He noted that lessons from hosting APEC in 2018 remain critical, and it is essential that the macroeconomic and trade benefits of APEC are clearly communicated and domesticated so citizens can see and understand the value.
Mr. Pomaleu said transparency, strong project management, and strict adherence to approval and reporting protocols will be central to maintaining public confidence and sustaining political support over the decade ahead. APEC 2033 will therefore be program managed.
He urged senior officials and agency heads to prioritize the APEC work programme, demonstrate leadership in negotiating and implementing cooperation, and report regularly on progress.
A draft National APEC 2033 Strategy is currently being prepared and will be circulated for input from all relevant stakeholders.
“Our APEC strategy for hosting 2033 is being drafted and will be discussed for your input, and it covers different silos of preparation. Obviously, there are some advanced negotiations in securing our behavioral technical cooperation that we need to discuss to ensure sustainability of important cooperation, and the strategies we must deploy to bring our people along the way into 2033,” he said.
In closing, Mr. Pomaleu acknowledged the technical cooperation already underway and thanked development partners for their support. He also welcomed Director of the Policy Support Unit, Mr. Carlos Kuriyama, who outlined further technical and partnership matters, and thanked colleagues for their continued engagement as preparations for APEC 2033 progress.
“Thank you for coming. We need senior officials to give prominence to our APEC work programme,” the Chief Secretary said.