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Strategies for Nation-Building and National Unity

HIV/AIDS

BCPNG is greatly concerned about the serious social, economic and health implications of the worsening HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Experts point out that a solid partnership between government and business is a crucial component of the strategy for managing this issue effectively on all fronts.

Business in Papua New Guinea must therefore play a significant role and we are committed to working with government towards the management of HIV/AIDS.

BCPNG, in collaboration with the Australia PNG Business Council, will play a role in informing members about this issue and encouraging businesses to develop appropriate workplace strategies. In order to do so, however, we must be at the table with governments when national and bilateral policy discussions on the issue are taking place.

We have called on the Governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea to include our representatives both in national and bilateral policy discussions regarding HIV/AIDS management strategies.

Recent developments in the management of HIV/AIDS include:

• The Government of Papua New Guinea’s strengthened response and its commitment to according HIV/AIDS as a development issue
• Australia’s work with the Papua New Guinea Government to design a new support program, taking on lessons learnt from previous experience
• The regular inclusion of expert speakers at our annual Australia PNG Business Forums and Ministerial Forums, enabling us to communicate and discuss the issue with the business community.

MIST IN THE MOUNTAINS - DVD/CD AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

Mist in the Mountains shows a realistic but compassionate view of how the HIV virus is spreading in the Porgera Valley of the Enga Province in Papua New Guinea. It explains how HIV spreads and considers some of the ways that this can be prevented.

The video takes the view that HIV and AIDS are growing through lack of knowledge and situations that cause people to devalue their own lives and the lives of others. AIDS is more than a disease. It is an indication of things going wrong in the communities today. Finding a solution presents a challenge to the fundamental values of Papua New Guinea.

The film on DVD or VHS tape was produced by the National Family Life and the Melanesian Institute. It is also supported by the National AIDS Council, National AIDS Council Support Project and Porgera Joint Venture. Copies are available through the BCPNG's Executive Officer: executive@bcpng.org.pg

The cost per tape is Kina 35.00 and all proceeds will go to the National Catholic Family Life.

Education

BCPNG is concerned that education programs are not sufficiently relevant to the current and projected needs of business.

To work towards achieving these needs, the National Training Council must be properly resourced so it can carry out its statutory functions in relation to the development of vocational training.

We believe it is also worth considering the reintroduction of selective national high schools with entry based on academic merit, and resourcing these schools at a high level. We understand that such a proposal may cut across the policy of universal education, however we believe it is worth examining.

The country as a whole would benefit from a flow of well-qualified graduates, from various levels of the education system, with qualifications relevant to the labour market and equipped for meaningful employment.

We hope to work with government education authorities to ensure that education policy and programs are targeted at the planned needs of business and the economy.

As Papua New Guinea works towards developing its own pool of skilled workers, it is important that we utilise appropriately qualified employees, irrespective of domicile and nationality. We are working with both the PNG and Australian Governments to develop more practical and workable processes to facilitate visas and work permits.

Committees

Through the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC), we are also involved in several Committees whose object is to work towards nation building and National unity.

These are the:

• Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee
• Informal Sector Committee
• Health Sectoral Committee

For more information about these Committees, click here.