Time to Break the Silo Culture: Building Smarter Advocacy in PNG

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Papua New Guinea (PNG) is at a crossroads where our approach to policymaking and public advocacy must evolve to match the complexity of the global challenges we face. One of the most pressing changes we need to make is ensuring that our statements, policies, and decisions are grounded in proper research and informed by expert advice. Unlike nations such as the United States, where every decision is often supported by rigorous research, extensive consultations, and specialist input, PNG has too frequently relied on ad hoc processes that undermine the strength of our voice on the global stage.

The current practice of relying on generalized statements, often drafted without substantial input, weakens our credibility as a nation. Press officers should not be the sole architects of critical public statements on complex issues like foreign policy, climate change, or regional partnerships. Instead, they should serve as facilitators of expertise, drawing on the wealth of knowledge available within government agencies, universities, and think tanks. For this to happen, press officers must have access to a network of experts across key fields, whether in climate science, diplomacy, economics, or public policy. These connections should allow them to quickly consult and collaborate when crafting statements, ensuring that PNG’s public messaging is both informed and impactful.

Imagine a PNG where every press release, statement, or policy is the result of a collaborative effort. Before any public statement on actions by major global powers like the United States or Australia is issued, our press officers and public officials should first consult bureaucrats, technocrats, and academic experts. These consultations should ensure that any position we take is not only well-informed but also aligned with the realities of global politics and grounded in data. By doing this, we elevate our reputation internationally and ensure that we are taken seriously as a nation capable of informed decision-making.

The silo culture that currently dominates how our government operates must end. Expertise in PNG is often fragmented, with government agencies, academic institutions, and think tanks working in isolation from one another. This lack of coordination leads to missed opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and stronger policymaking. Breaking down these silos would allow us to harness the full spectrum of knowledge and expertise available, ensuring that our public statements and policies reflect a well-rounded understanding of the issues at hand.

In essence, this call for collaboration reflects the Melanesian Way. For generations, we have done things as a community, embracing collective decision-making and shared responsibility. The values of consultation, respect, and inclusivity are deeply rooted in our culture. Applying these principles to modern governance is not a new idea for PNG—it is simply a natural extension of how we have lived and thrived for centuries. By drawing on this cultural strength, we can create a model of decision-making that honors our traditions while meeting the demands of the modern world.

Unity in tradition reminds us: collaboration is key, in culture and policymaking alike. #MelanesianWay

In many ways, this shift requires a cultural change within our institutions. It requires acknowledging that good governance is not about quick fixes or convenient shortcuts. It’s about doing the hard work of consultation, research, and collaboration. It’s about investing in the systems and networks that allow our leaders to make informed decisions and represent PNG effectively on the world stage.

Take, for instance, the issue of climate change. When PNG makes a formal statement about the United States’ actions on climate policy, it should be supported by evidence drawn from our Climate Change and Development Authority, universities, and research institutions. Similarly, our foreign policy positions on Australia should involve consultations with experts in diplomacy, trade, and Pacific affairs. By doing this, we ensure that our statements are not only credible but also add value to the global discourse.

A practical first step is to create a centralized directory of experts across government, academia, and research institutions. Press officers and public servants should have this directory at their fingertips, allowing them to consult quickly and effectively. By fostering this culture of collaboration, we not only strengthen our policymaking processes but also ensure that PNG’s voice on global issues is authoritative and respected.

The time has come for PNG to take its decision-making and public advocacy to the next level. We must embrace a culture of consultation, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making. By ending the silo culture and building smarter networks of expertise, we can position ourselves as a nation that speaks with authority and acts with purpose. Our leaders, press officers, and public servants must lead this change, ensuring that every statement we make and every policy we craft reflects the best of what PNG has to offer—rooted in both the strength of our traditions and the demands of the modern world.

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