Two core documents that literally guide and provide direction to the national Cultural Commission were launched on Friday February 15th 2023 at the Crown Hotel in Port Moresby.

Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Isi Henry Leonard and Governor for Oro Province Hon. Gary Juffa launched the 2023 Annual Operational Plan and the 2023 National Events Calendar tagging the events as yet another milestone deliverables of the agency.

He said the 2023 Annual Operational Plan is an important tool to implement the 10-year National Cultural Policy 2022 – 2032.”This AOP further outlines some of the key priorities under NCC’s recurrent activities as well as programs for its development budget.“Indeed, the 2023 AOP adopts features of the National Cultural Policy 2022-2032 and Cultural Strategy Plan 2022-2026, both documents offering guidance in priority areas of cultural services and development in Papua New Guinea,” Minister Leonard said.He said the launch of the 2023 National Events Calendar was equally significant in the line of duty of the NCC.

“This calendar features a total of eighty-five (85) cultural festivals, events and shows throughout the country. There are still a lot out there NCC has yet to capture and factor in its annual events calendar, which brings us back to the significance of partnering with provincial governments to ensure our delivery of cultural products and services are comprehensive,” the Minister said.

The launching of the 2023 Annual Operational Plan and the 2023 National Events Calendar were also witnessed by leaders and representatives from Oro Provincial Administration, National Cultural Commission, diplomatic missions and line government departments.