In this new episode of Pacific Change Makers, Dr Meg Keen, Director of the Lowy Institute’s Pacific Islands Program discusses politics, priorities and problems with the Chief Secretary to PNG’s Government, Ivan Pomaleu. Drawing on his deep and long experience in government and unparalleled knowledge of PNG politics and policies, Mr Pomaleu shares his thoughts on the big issues facing PNG, the outcomes of recent ministerial talks with Australia, and details some of the challenges ahead including finding agreement on the future of Bougainville, and how the region is responding to geopolitical contest.
Ivan Pomaleu is the is the Chief Secretary to the government of Papua New Guinea and heads the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council. Prior to his appointment as the country’s most senior bureaucrat, he served as PNG’s Ambassador to APEC and was managing director of the PNG Investment Promotion Authority.