Prime Minister James Marape has announced bold reforms to harness Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive efficiency, accountability, and fairness in Government decision-making as Papua New Guinea (PNG) begins its next fifty years of nationhood. Reflecting on his message at Independence Hill during the 50th Anniversary celebrations, Prime Minister Marape said his government is committed to eliminating nepotism, corruption, and favouritism from public institutions by embedding AI into the core of governance. “The Marape-Rosso Government, under Pangu’s leadership, is looking at Artificial Intelligence as a platform to build a merit-based society.” “A meritocracy means appointments, contracts, and government decisions are made on ability and qualification, not on tribe, family ties, or favouritism.” “This is the legacy I want to leave behind.” The Prime Minister revealed that the government is already engaging with international partners such as the Queensland University of Technology and Israeli experts to design an AI-powered ICT system. He outlined four key areas where AI will be introduced at the earliest. The first area is Public Service Appointments – Applications for senior public service roles will be managed through an AI platform, which will select the most qualified candidate based on merit. “I don’t care where you come from, what religion you practice, or what orientation you hold. If you have the best qualifications and experience for the job, you will get the job.” The second area is Public Procurement – Government tenders and contracts will be handled through an ICT system that removes personal preferences. AI will rank contractors objectively, ensuring transparency and fairness. “We want to eliminate human interference. A tender will go out, and the system will pick the best contractor based on qualifications and not on who you know.” Third is Government Policy Submissions – All submissions to Cabinet will be received through a single ICT portal monitored by AI. Only those aligned with the Constitution and national development priorities will progress. “Too often, good submissions are delayed because someone demands a favour, while bad submissions slip through.” “With AI, we will have a national filter to ensure only policies in the national interest reach Government.” The fourth and final area is Cyber and Crime Reporting Platform – A national ICT-based Police Station will allow citizens to lodge complaints, from corruption to domestic violence. AI will link cases to the justice system, ensuring accountability and visibility across all levels. “Whether it is corruption, theft, or violence, every complaint will be visible to the Police Minister, Commissioner, and government.” “No case will be hidden.” In addition, PM Marape said these reforms are part of his Government’s Jubilee commitment to Reset Governance for the future. “Technology is here to be used. In the next two years, we will mature these reforms so that by 2027, AI and ICT fuel efficiency, transparency, and accountability in our country.” “This will be our 50th Anniversary legacy.” He added that AI will help overcome the negative aspects of the “Wantok” system, which, while valuable for community life, has undermined governance when applied to public service. “The Wantok System has its good side, but in government, it breeds inefficiency and corruption.” “We must tidy this space so that our children inherit a system where merit and fairness prevail.” Furthermore, the Prime Minister concluded by assuring the nation that these innovations will anchor PNG’s journey to economic independence. “The 1975 generation gave us political independence. My generation must deliver economic independence.” “ICT and AI will be our tools to fight corruption, strengthen governance, and build a truly merit-based Papua New Guinea.”