Presentation/s:

With a new government, court challenges, upcoming elections, anda booming economy, the pace of change in Papua New Guinea has never been faster. What does this mean for the nation’s economy and politics? What opportunities are presented? What are the risks? Hear about these developments first-hand from two leading experts on PNG’s economy and its politics.

Matt Morris is the Deputy Director of the Development Policy Centre. He served as an economic advisor with the Government of PNG from 1997 to 2003. This month he was in PNG advising the new Minister for State Enterprises, former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta. Matt will provide an economic update, consider the challenges facing the new government, and suggest strategies to implement in the run up to the 2012 election.

Eric Kwa is Associate Professor in the Law Faculty at the University of PNG. He is a long-standing observer of PNG politics, adviser on legal issues to the PNG Government, and one of the country’s leading constitutional and environmental lawyers. Eric will explain recent political developments and issues, and discuss the legal and political matters which face PNG between now and next year’s elections.