MINISTER HON. JASON PETER

 The Marape/Rosso Government is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to basic government services in rural and disadvantaged communities, ensuring no one is left behind. To accomplish this, the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR) is prioritizing service delivery by restructuring and enhancing government services provided at the Districts and Ward levels. I invite all government implementing agencies especially in the social sector, including agencies under my ministry, development partners, churches and civil society organisations to collaborate effectively with responsible government agencies for subnational levels of government to deliver basic services at the district and ward levels. Achieving the country’s development priorities to improve the lives of the majority of people living in rural areas requires an integrated approach. 

This will ensure our people remain within their localities to access basic government services minimising the need to migrate into towns and urban exerting strain on available services rendering them inadequate. DFCDR plays a crucial role in advancing the District and Ward service delivery agenda of the government. Through strategic programs that empower and protect vulnerable and marginalized communities, including children, women, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities, DFCDR aims to positively impact the lives of families and vulnerable communities in the country. As the Minister responsible, I endorse this strategic direction and am dedicated to providing the leadership for the achievement of the government's social development priorities. My commitment lies in ensuring DFCDR provides essential services to our people; empowering them with vital life skills for sustainable livelihoods and productive participation in society. To have a prosperous and inclusive development for Papua New Guinea with leaving no one behind is our collective goal. 

To achieve this, DFCDR will continue to deliver an inclusive and equitable protection and empowerment programs that build the capacity of vulnerable and marginalised communities. We aim to celebrate and promote our rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and Christian values as sources of our strength while addressing social challenges that hinder progress for our families, communities and the nation. And I am hereby entrusting this responsibility and also acknowledging the Management and Leadership of the Secretary for Department for Community Development & Religion and his hardworking team for ensuring we have a strategic plan to guide the operations moving forward for the next five years.

 I call upon our esteemed stakeholders, including development partners, churches, civil societies, Provincial and District Administrations, LLG Presidents, and Ward Development Councils, to join hands with the Department and my Ministry. Together, we will fully support and deliver on the goals outlined in this Corporate Plan (2023- 2027) to create an enabling environment for a brighter and promising future for all people of Papua New Guinea. 

HON. JASON PETER, MP 

Minister for Community Development & Religion

 |Member for Huon Gulf