I - Melanesia

  China is undoubtedly one of the biggest country in the world but there are concerns that it wants to get bigger. Chinese activity in the pacific has never been so vigorous then the past two decades up until today. Although, China has always had a presence in the South Pacific. Ethnic Chinese have resided in the region for centuries, running some of the region’s oldest trading businesses such as George Seeto and Tang Mow stores in Wewak, East Sepik Province as well as Seeto Qui and Lae biscuit company in Morobe Province. Even though China’s engagement with Papua New Guinea (PNG) spans centuries over, the last two decades China has been steadily building its influence in the South Pacific. Since the World War 2, the Pacific has largely enjoyed a benevolent status on the geopolitical stage. This has all changed with China’s growing presence in the region. With this growing presence, it presents threats as well as opportunities for PNG and the Pacific to tap into the burgeoning econo...

  A government is established to establish order and prevent chaos in any given society through political processes that have evolved over time due to increasing complexities rising out of governing its subjective populations. The organic concept of politics and governance in Papua New Guinea (PNG) stems from the Melanesian way of life, a pattern of governance and or way of life that has guided its ancestors and was responsible for the rule of law and order that has preserved the race until pre colonialism. With colonialism came both positive and negative influences that would break many local political ideologies regarded as primitive by the western colonisers and create in its place a way of life which is primitive to the locals, thus creating a dilemma of monetary and materialistic pursuit up till today. Many do not yet fully understand that this is just like chasing after wind, which eventually leads one to the cliffs edge, and why do we say that? “Like any tidal wave, the West...

Social development practices in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with sustainable development goals (SDG’s) play a vital role in fostering innovative changes in the country and in cities such as Port Moresby. Cities attract rapid urbanization which bring along issues that impede development, if they are not identified and dealt with in a systematic and holistic way, chaos would step in the place of order and destruction would follow suit in communities.  Therefore, creating a road map to follow into the future will help to forecast and mitigate problems that can be avoided or resolved easily today. The United Nations (UN) have identified SDG’s which are like clear road maps to be followed in order to usher in a brighter future for countries, and create settlements which are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable to cater for the growing needs of its inhabitants. As specified by SDG11, cities play a pivotal role in the sustainable development of a country. Therefore, “the battle for sustainabl...

Papua New Guinea (PNG) achieved Political Independence in 1975 and developed a constitution based on five principles of humanistic, ethical and cultural values: The 5th pillar being the Protection of Natural Resources and Environment Principle; which calls on every Papua New Guinean to guard and share his or her natural resources and environment for the common use and benefit of all, and future generations. This principle similarly encourages the people to develop concern for the needs of their countrymen and woman and to share the benefits of their gains with others and the future generations, and the maintenance of Papua New Guinean Ways – this principle urges Papua New Guineans to appreciate valuable norms and traditions set by their fathers, and weave them into the political, economic, and social fabric of a modern PNG state. This was a significant guideline for every citizen to protect and cherish their natural resources and cultural values and apply them in national de...