TOGETHER, LET’S CULTIVATE A CULTURE OF PEACE FOR A PROGRESSIVE SOCIETY AND CITY
Christmas is a time to celebrate, make merry, exchange gifts, and embrace togetherness. It is indeed a season of joy and wonder—a moment when love, hope, and magic come to life. More importantly it’s a moment to remind us of the importance of peace, reconciliation and unity individually and together as our personal and collective foundation for success and harmony.
This year is extra special as we held the first-ever Combined Church and inter faith Service, bringing together our interdenominational faith communities to pray for peace and unity in our city and nation.
The essence of Christmas lies in peace, a simple yet profound word that calls for action. As Scripture reminds us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). True peace begins and ends with us. It is cultivated through respect, love, diversity, justice, and inclusivity.
Reflecting on 2024, we faced challenges and triumphs, like the tides of the ocean. None of us will forget the events of January 10, 2024, when civil unrest, riots, and looting led to a 14-day state of emergency. It was a painful chapter in our city’s history—one we must learn from to ensure it is never repeated.
But as we step into the future, we have an opportunity to write a new story. Change is constant and inevitable, and we must embrace it to build a brighter future. In 2025, we will celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary as an independent nation—a milestone that reflects our rich cultural heritage, resilience and our journey as a people and a nation.
With over 1000 tribes and more than 860 languages, our nation is a beacon of diversity and so much possibilities. However, we cannot rest on our laurels. There is much work to do in improving health services, education, infrastructure, public safety and improving our quality of life and standard of living.
Peace is the foundation of progress and prosperity. It fosters collaboration, supports economic growth, and ensures a secure environment where people and businesses thrive and innovative spirit and energy is allowed to flourish. When peace prevails, foreign investment flows, creating jobs, transferring knowledge, and stimulating growth. We ourselves will also grow seizing all the opportunities peace offers In abundance.
In 2024, we have introduced initiatives to educate our people about the importance of peace, inclusivity, and sustainable development. We must continue these efforts to empower our communities and lift lives and lift the spirits and hope of our people.
Inclusivity must also extend to our children, who are the future of our nation. Education is the cornerstone of their development, enabling them to become responsible citizens and build a better society. Let us provide our children with the tools, teh enabling environment, the confidence, and leadership skills to contribute to a peaceful and prosperous Papua New Guinea.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us renew our commitment to live as one people of one country, in one city, working toward one future, a greater more prosperous future. May we aspire to be better, accomplish more, and bring out the best in ourselves and others.
Let’s celebrate the festivities in peace and loving kindness. In harmony with oneself and with everyone.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Hon. Powes Parkop
LLB, LLM, MP