UNICEF congratulates National Parliament on historic step for children and young people

Port Moresby, 22 July 2026: “UNICEF congratulates the National Parliament on establishing the Special Parliamentary Committee on Child and Youth Wellbeing as a permanent parliamentary committee. This is a landmark decision and a strong recognition that children and young people must remain a standing national priority. We commend Hon. Powes Parkop, Chair of the Committee, and all Committee members for their leadership, persistence and focus on accountability for children. We also recognise Members of Parliament for rallying in support of the Committee, speaking strongly for children and young people, and unanimously adopting the Committee’s report and all its recommendations. This clear show of parliamentary support provides an important pathway for turning national commitments into measurable results.

“This decision comes at a defining moment as Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of Independence and looks towards Vision 2050. With around 43 per cent of the population under the age of 18, the choices made today will shape the country’s prosperity, stability and human development for decades to come. Yet too many children and young people continue to face preventable challenges, including malnutrition, low immunisation coverage, limited birth registration, poor learning outcomes, violence and unequal access to essential services. A permanent parliamentary committee creates an important mechanism to keep these issues visible, strengthen oversight and ensure that child and youth wellbeing is consistently reflected in national planning, budgeting and service delivery.

“The priority now is implementation. The value of this decision, and of Parliament’s adoption of the Committee’s recommendations, will be measured by the progress delivered for children in every province, district and community. UNICEF calls for concrete action, dedicated financing, stronger coordination and resilient systems that protect every child’s rights to health, nutrition, education, protection, safe water and meaningful participation. Investing in children and young people is central to achieving Vision 2050 because they are the future leaders, workers, innovators and decision-makers who will carry Papua New Guinea forward. UNICEF remains committed to supporting the Government, Parliament and partners to translate this momentum into lasting results for every child and young person.”