The Government of Papua New Guinea, through the National Cultural Commission under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat to strengthen regional cooperation to promote and preserve Melanesian culture and heritage.

The MoU was signed on 13 May 2026 at the office of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Level 9, Monian Tower, Downtown Port Moresby.

Present at the signing ceremony were Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Belden Norman Namah, Acting Director General of MSG Mr. Ilan Kiloe, Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, and members of the MSG delegation.

Minister Namah highlighted the importance of the agreement in advancing joint efforts to safeguard indigenous knowledge, strengthen cultural industries, and integrate culture into sustainable development and regional identity across MSG member countries. He said the MoU would create a stronger and more concrete understanding among Melanesian countries, with the intention of extending such cooperation to other Pacific Island nations in the future.

“Today marks a very significant milestone for cultural cooperation in Melanesia. This MoU formalizes our shared commitment to partnership and also to collaborate in promoting and preserving the Melanesian culture and heritage, but more importantly, the Melanesian Way. How we Melanesians live our lives, our traditional lifestyle, and how we take care of our environment, which is the most important part of this MoU,” said Minister Namah.

He further stressed the role of culture as a foundation for development and unity in the region.

“It also recognizes that the culture is not separate from development, but rather it is the very foundation upon which sustainable development and strong regional identity must be built. So, for far too long, the Melanesian culture has been viewed as the cost of development. The Government of Papua New Guinea, through my Ministry, takes a different view; our customs, our languages, our traditional knowledge, and the creative industries are economic assets, especially in tourism, it can never be seen anywhere in the world. Melanesian cultures and customs are so authentic and unique that forms a social cohesion tool for us in Melanesia,” he said.

Minister Namah added that culture defines the identity of Melanesian people and Pacific Islanders, and remains central to preserving traditions, values, and unity across the region.

Acting Director General of MSG, Mr. Kiloe, also welcomed the partnership and described the agreement as an important step forward for Melanesian identity and cultural cooperation.

“Today marks an important step forward for Melanesian culture and identity. This MoU reflects our shared commitment to promote, protect, and advance living cultures of our people across Melanesia,” said Mr. Kiloe.

He acknowledged the Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, and the Government of Papua New Guinea for their leadership and continued support in strengthening regional cooperation.

“Your commitment to culture and regional partnership continues to strengthen Melanesian ways, identity, and unity,” he said.

Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission, Mr. Kilanda, assured Minister Namah and the MSG delegation that the Commission would work diligently to ensure the successful implementation of the MoU for the benefit of all parties involved.

The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in strengthening cultural ties and regional cooperation among Melanesian countries. Through this partnership, Papua New Guinea and the MSG Secretariat reaffirm their commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and identity of the Melanesian people for future generations. The agreement is also expected to create greater opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism development, and regional unity across Melanesia and the Pacific.