Universal values achieved through partnerships, says PM’s wife

UNIVERSAL values can be achieved through partnership with genuine concern for the development of neighbouring nations, Rachael Marape says.
The wife of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape made the comments at the 2019 Asia Pacific First Ladies Summit in Palau.
The summit involves wives of heads of government from the Asia Pacific region, who meet to discuss, deliberate and find solutions to the common issues faced in their countries.
The theme for this year is “Addressing the critical challenges of our time: Interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values”.
Giving the keynote address at the summit in Koror, Palau, yesterday, Marape said the event brought together people who were dedicated to the promotion of peace, prosperity and humanity in our countries.
She said as spouses of heads of government, they had a lot of work to do, many were involved in the charity work of their countries as this was the work that supported their government’s development priorities.
As the patron and advocator of the Saving Lives and Spreading Smiles Programme in PNG, Rachael Marape shared highlights of the programme and its benefit to mothers and babies in the country.
She said in the face of the challenging economic times, the government of PNG is making sure that the country continues to maintain spending on healthcare, particularly as this relates to the wellbeing of mothers and babies.
She added that the PNG government would continue to work with partners in the international community to bring the best technologies, medicines and research and importantly, to work with churches.