The National Cultural Commission (NCC) achieved a significant milestone today with the launch of its new Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy, Training Development Policy, Training and Development Plan, and Operational Manual. The launching took place at the Crown Hotel, downtown Port Moresby, on February 6, 2025. Among those present was the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and the National Executive Council and NCC Board Chairman Ambassador Ivan Pomaliu, Representing the Secretary of the Department of Personal Management is the Deputy Secretary to Policy and Reform at the Department of Personnel Management, Mr. Ellison Kalimet, NCC Executive Director, Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, NCC Board Members, stakeholders, and staff.
These documents will stand as strength to NCC’s capacity to preserve and promote Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage for future generations.

Ambassador Ivan Pomaliu said, “These four documents are very important, the GESI policy, the Training and Development Policy, and the workforce Training and Development Plan and Operational Manual. All agencies must have an Operational Manual an important step by step that can project what is expected of and this will lead to operational efficiency, it means that you will have no doubts about what is expected of you in any given situation.”

He said, “We spend most of our waking hours with each other, our families send, us to work and expect us to go back home in one peace, that we need to learn to co-exist, we need to feel safe in our working environment, respect one and other, not being discriminated as we deliver our services, that’s what GESI Policy is about, to have total and complete respect for your collage. A good organization must have a Training and Development Policy and Plan.”

Ambassador Pomaliu expressed his sincere appreciation to the development partners and stakeholders for their valuable contributions and dedicated support to the commission and the cultural institution. He emphasized that their involvement in the various programs and activities was essential to the commission’s progress and success.

Mr. Ellison Kalimet, Deputy Secretary to Policy and Reform at the Department of Personnel Management said, “From the perspective of the Department of Personal Management, this initiatives represents a significant strike towards raising a broader goals of good governance and public service excellence. DPM plays a crucial role in encouraging government agencies, commissions, and statutory authorities and the public service to embrace such policies for better service delivery.”

The Department of Personal Management (DPM) recognizes this initiative as a significant step towards achieving broader goals of good governance and public service excellence. The DPM is committed to promoting such policies across government agencies, commissions, statutory authorities, and the public service to improve service delivery.

The Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission, Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda thanked the NCC board for approving the four documents, GENIA Consulting and the hard-working staff, for their contribution in completing these documents.

He said, “These four documents we launched today, the GESI Policy, the Training Development Policy and Plan, and the Operational Manual – are not just administrative tools; they are the very foundation upon which the National Cultural Commission will operate moving forward. They will be our guide. These documents will shape our decisions, inform our actions, and ultimately define our success in preserving and promoting Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage. They represent our commitment to inclusivity, our dedication to staff development, and our pursuit of operational excellence.”

The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy ensures equitable participation and representation in NCC’s programs, reflecting Papua New Guinea’s diverse cultures. The Training Development Policy and Plan build staff capacity through professional development, leading to improved organizational performance and expertise. The Operational Manual streamlines internal processes, promoting efficiency, accountability, and transparency within the National Cultural Commission.