Region to expand its peace building work

 The Autonomous Region of Bougainville is broadening its horizon with the expansion of its peace building work. 

Bougainville Peace Building Programme, formerly known as the Panguna Peace Building Strategy, will be expanding its activities into Northern Bougainville and Buka. 

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop, who visited Arawa in December, formally launched the new name of the programme and its expansion  to other parts of the region. 

“I am impressed with the achievements of the programme in reunifying community factions and restoring peace, through its reconciliation and mediation activities in the region. This is a reflection of the commitment and passion you have, to bring change to your communities,” Bishop said.

“Australia has been a close friend to Bougainville. She was there to witness the conflict and it will continue to support the development of this region through its support to the Bougainville Peace Building Programme.”

The programme was initiated and developed by Panguna landowners, Mekamui and the Autonomous Bougainville Government, aimed at creating and enabling an environment fit for social and economical development by promoting peace.