President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, this week reaffirmed Bougainville’s unwavering commitment to peace, democracy, and the rule of law in his bilateral meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recently during their meet here in Port Moresby during the United Nations Secretary-General 3days official visit. In his address, President Toroama called on the United Nations and the international community to recognize and uphold the democratic choice of the Bougainville people, who voted overwhelmingly – 97.7 percent – for independence in the 2019 Referendum. “Mr. Secretary General, I would like to assure you that Bougainville respects the democratic principles and human rights and fundamental freedoms as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and as given expression in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other international human rights instruments embedded in International Law,” President Toroama said. He emphasized also that PNG became a state party to the provisions of the treaties, under international law and “is therefore obliged to accept, respect and endorse the binding Bougainville referendum result for independence.” President Toroama highlighted that the definition of independence that was on the referendum ballot paper, was provided by the National Government. “PNG was in effect, foreshadowing Bougainville’s Independence with the definition which essentially articulated for Bougainville to be a separate independent state, separate from PNG.” “PNG is bound by its own consent to be a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other international human rights instruments embedded in International Law thus having a duty to adhere to the provisions of these treaties.” President Toroama also acknowledged the UN Peacebuilding Fund’s (UNPBF) role in enabling the successful referendum and called for its continued support as Bougainville transitions into independence. The President also highlighted the Melanesian Agreement, signed with Prime Minister James Marape in June 2025, which provides a framework for ratification of the Referendum result and outlines awareness programs for both the National Parliament and the people of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. “Equally, Bougainville’s compliance of the Peace Agreement and Part XIV of the PNG Constitution over the last twenty-four years and my government believes that the aspirations of our people must now be realized,” President Toroama elaborated. President Toroama also acknowledged the UN Peacebuilding Fund’s (UNPBF) role in enabling the successful referendum and called for its continued support as Bougainville transitions into independence. President Toroama also appealed for two important aspects to be considered. · The separation of UN Peacebuilding Fund management between the PNG Highlands and Bougainville, highlighting the distinct contexts and outcomes of the two conflicts. · The restoration of a UN political office in Bougainville to better support the region’s unique peacebuilding journey. President Toroama emphasized Bougainville as a model of peacebuilding and conflict resolution worldwide. “I believe that in a world experiencing so much conflict, turmoil and adversity, Bougainville can be the beacon of hope and inspiration by sharing the successful story of peacebuilding, overcoming difficulties, and finding solutions to conflict, sustaining peace and self-determination.”