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Marape Reshuffles Cabinet Amid Mounting Pressure for 2026 Reset

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Prime Minister James Marape has signalled what he describes as a major performance-based reshuffle of his government, swearing in three new ministers on Tuesday.

While the Prime Minister framed the move as a strategic “reset” following Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary, the reshuffle comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of government delivery and internal power dynamics within the Marape-Rosso administration.

Coalition Maintenance or Meritocracy?

The swearing-in of Kompiam-Ambum MP, Sir John Pundari, Tewai-Siassi MP, Dr. Kobby Bomareo and Menyamya MP, Solen Loifa at Government House on Tuesday, according to Prime Minister Marape, is a direct response to the growing influence of the “Our Pati” bloc.

Marape acknowledged the political necessity of the move, noting that Our Pati is now the second-largest party in the coalition.

“Some of the key reforms that were made would not have been passed without the numerical strength and contribution of Our Pati,” the Prime Minister admitted.

By elevating Solen Loifa, the Prime Minister is attempting to project an image of renewal.

“He belongs to the cadre of young emerging leaders… who must be brought into Cabinet to prepare them to lead even when some of us are out of time,” Marape stated.

While political observers often describe the elevation of younger MPs as a tactic to build personal loyalty within the executive council, Marape was quick to clarify in a statement that these are not merely political rewards.

“These are not ceremonial appointments. They come with hard tasks and clear deadlines,” he stated, emphasizing that the new ministers are entering a “decisive 20-year development window.”

Accountability and the 90-Day Housing Mandate

In a move that puts the entire front bench on notice, Marape has demanded “health and performance reports” from all ministers.

Nowhere is this pressure more evident than in the Housing portfolio. Re-appointed Minister Dr. Kobby Bomareo has been issued a 90-day deadline to deliver a comprehensive national housing and land access programme.

Marape stressed that the goal is to make home ownership achievable for the workforce by removing GST and Stamp Duty on first-home purchases under K700,000.

“This is not just about buildings. It is about making land and housing accessible to our people,” he said.

Recalling the “Old Guard” for National Security

The return of Sir John Pundari, a veteran politician whose career began in 1992, suggests that despite “reset” rhetoric, the administration remains heavily reliant on the political “old guard.” However, the appointment goes beyond mere recycling; it exposes a desperate reliance on provincial identity over systemic reform.

Marape specifically linked Pundari’s appointment to the Ministry of Police to his roots in Enga Province, framing his proximity to the chaos as a strategic asset.

“Sir John comes from a province that is rife with guns, rife with tribal fighting and criminal activity… We felt he should take this problem head-on, remove guns, stop tribal fighting and restore order,” Marape said.

This justification, however, invites a scathing critique of Pundari’s decades-long tenure. If Pundari’s deep-rooted connection to Enga is his greatest strength, one must ask why that same influence failed to stem the tide of high-powered weaponry during his thirty years in the political upper echelon.

By setting a 12-month target for national stabilization, Marape is essentially gambling on the idea that the same political machinery that watched Enga descend into gun-fuelled anarchy can now, suddenly, dismantle it.

The “Old Guard” isn’t just returning to fix the problem; they are returning to fix a crisis that matured under their long-term stewardship.

The ICT Leadership Question: Who is in Charge?

As Peter Tsiamalili Jnr moves into the heavyweight role of Works and Highways Minister, a pressing question remains for the public: Is he still the Acting Minister for ICT?

Tsiamalili has held the acting ICT role since July 2025, covering for Timothy Masiu, who was on medical leave. With Tsiamalili now tasked with a massive K1.7 billion infrastructure budget, questions arise about the status of the ICT ministry.

Who is actually steering PNG’s digital future?

This leadership vacuum comes at a critical time for the Digital Government Act 2022. The public remains anxious about how their personal information is being stored and used within the new “SevisPNG” digital ID ecosystem, especially as the government pushes for 100% digital integration by 2027.

The Starlink Standoff: Connectivity vs. Law

The lack of a permanent ICT head has intensified the debate over Starlink.

As of mid-January 2026, industry regulator NICTA has confirmed that Starlink services remain prohibited and unlawful in PNG.

Despite more than 160 active users, a 2024 Ombudsman Commission directive has legally blocked NICTA from issuing a license, and the matter is now tied up in a Judicial Review before the National Court.

“Until the Ombudsman Commission withdraws its position or the courts overturn that decision, this remains the formal status of Starlink in Papua New Guinea,” stated Acting NICTA CEO Lume Polume.

For the average citizen, the standoff feels like a contradiction. While the “Reset@50” agenda promises universal internet access, the country’s most viable satellite solution is currently being “hunted” by regulators. Without a clear ministerial lead to navigate the legal battle with the Ombudsman, many fear PNG will remain a digital outlier in the Pacific; disconnected, over-regulated and left behind.

Mining: Resetting the Resource Framework

Solen Loifa takes over the Mining portfolio with a strict deadline.

Marape intends to overhaul the nation’s resource laws within the year.

“Before September 16, 2026, we want to announce to the country and to the investment community the regime under which mining, petroleum and other resource sectors will operate,” Marape said, signalling a shift toward “taking back more for PNG.”

Ministerial 90-day Performance tracker (Q1 2026)

Portfolio & MinisterPrimary 90-day TargetKey Metric & Big Bets
Housing (Dr Kobby Bomareo)National Housing & Land Access Program• Finalize removal of GST and Stamp Duty for first-time home buyers. • Identify specific state land parcels for first-home worker allocations.
Police (Sir John Pundari)Highlands Stabilization Framework• Deploy strategies to “remove guns” and stop tribal fighting in Enga, Hela, and SHP. • Integration of village court official payments into the formal system.
Mining (Solen Loifa)Resource Regime Finalization• Progress the Wafi-Golpu and Porgera strategic developments. • Draft the new “Take Back PNG” policy framework for the Sept 2026 deadline.
Works & Highways (Peter Tsiamalili Jnr)Connect PNG Implementation• Oversee the K1.7 billion infrastructure budget. • Audit existing contracts to ensure no “conflict of interest” in construction projects.
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Rugby League

More Positives for NRL Bid despite loss by PNG in PM’s XIII Challenge

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Papua New Guinea was left with three losses and a draw in this years Prime Ministers XIII Challenge.

The Junior Orchids lost to the Australian School girls 14 points to 4, while the Junior Kumuls Managed a draw with the Australian School Boys 22 points each.

The Junior Kumuls took an early lead but with 7 minutes remaining Australia scored three tries back to back to force a draw.

The biggest thumping from Australia came in the Womens match when the Australian Women’s Prime Ministers XIII side had a field day scoring 50 points with the PNG Women left scoreless for the entire match.

NRL Bid
PNG Womens PM’s XIII side left scoreless on Sunday. Pics by NRL.

In the main game Papua New Guinea came out early to score two converted tries taking a 12 – 0 lead but were forced to chase down a 42 points lead from Australia. PNG’s errors and discipline led them to lose their early lead only managing 20 points. In the end, the Australian PMs XIII side ended the game winners 42 points to 20. Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape said that the concept was very important for PNG and Australia’s partnership, especially the push by Papua New Guinea to be the 18th team in the National Rugby League (NRL) which has gained much support from the Australian Federal Government.

Prime Minister James Marape promised an even bigger Prime Ministers XIII Challenge during Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence in 2025.

An optimistic Marape added that by 2028 PNG should have a positive answer from the National Rugby League competition in Australia.

“I want to appreciate the Australian Government for their support. We hope to see our own team play in the NRL hopefully in 2028 onwards,” Marape said.

Representing the Government of Australia was Pat Conroy Minister for Defence Industry & Capability Delivery who he is also the Minister for International Development and the Pacific.

Sharing similar views with Marape is also positive about the ongoing discussions for Papua New Guinea to enter the NRL.

He said rugby league was a key factor in uniting the two nations in the Pacific.

Conroy said the spinoff from a successful NRL Bid will bring more development and job opportunities for Papua New Guineans in PNG and in Australia as well.

“Like Prime Minister Marape I am very optimistic we have reached an agreement with the fundamentals, just the final details but I am very confident we are going to get there and nothing will bring our two countries closer together.

“More PNG players in the NRL will be an awesome thing and I think in the years to come a PNG team will rival Penrith for dominating the competition,” Conroy said.

Related stories: Kumuls Focus on Defense, Elsie Albert leads Womens PM’s XIII side, Brendon Ready for PM’s XIII Challenge.

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Tomuriesa ashamed of Marape’s actions over Papal visit

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Douglas Tomuriesa, Pope Francis and James Marape

Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa said he is disappointed and embarrassed over the way His Holiness Pope Francis was treated by Prime Minister James Marape over the last three-days during the Papal visit, and the lack of courtesy and respect shown by the Prime Minister.

He said the Prime Minister continuously declares PNG as a ‘Christian country’ and prides himself on being a religious individual but he was surprised when the Pope was continuously snubbed by the PM over the weekend since the Pope’s arrival on Friday.

“The Pope is the head of the Catholic church, the largest Christian church in the world and he is also a head of state.

“PNG not only being a Christian country, but a country that prides itself as a ‘friend to all, enemy to none’, the PM should be according the Pope with the highest level of respect,” Tomuriesa said.

The Opposition Leader pointed out that on Friday, the Prime Minister did not welcome the Pope at the airport, a tradition he had accorded to many other world leaders.

Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso had to step in.

“On Saturday, the Prime Minister again failed to attend the gathering at APEC Haus where I and many other Members of Parliament on both sides met the Pope.

“Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae had to step in on behalf of the State. Even Prime Ministers from our neighbouring Pacific Island countries were in attendance but not our own PM.

“And yesterday, the most disappointing display of all occurred when the PM missed his one-on-one meeting with the Pope at his residence in the morning.

“Per information reported, the organising committee said they were waiting for the PM to make his way but failed to turn up on time.

“As a result, the PM had an impromptu meeting with the Pope at the stadium after mass which is very inhospitable and shameful.

“If Indonesia, a majority Islamic nation, can set aside their religious differences to show respect to an important global leader, then I don’t know why our own PM can’t do the same.

“I know the Pope will not be bothered by this disrespect as he is a very forgiving and loving man, but as a Papua New Guinean, I am utterly ashamed and disappointed,” Tomuriesa said.

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Glitch in Pangu Ranks

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Glitch in Pangu Ranks

There is a glitch in Pangu ranks following recent turn of events following the “technical glitch” in government payroll system according to authorities which resulted in a strike by law enforcement agencies led to mass looting in the capital city.

Young fire-brand politician James Nomane in a viral video released today openly called for Prime Minister James Marape to step down.

“I’m now putting out this call to action to all members of parliament, to save our country and demand the Prime Minister to resign,” Mr. Nomane said.

Further adding, “Yesterday’s crisis must compel all members of parliament from all 22 provinces to stand together, condemned the crisis and change this government”.

Mr. Nomane said the situation that happened yesterday with adequate government action.

“What has happened is an indictment of Prime Minister James Marape, no more blame game, no more excuses, the buck stops with the Prime Minister!

Millions of Kina worth of properties were destroyed by citizens including public servants, looting, and vandalizing private property following pay cuts which the tax office says was a payroll error and not a tax increase in the capital.

According to Port Moresby General Hospital Mortuary Doctor in Charge, nine deaths were reported yesterday because of shop owner – looter exchanges.

Already reports have been received of same elsewhere in the country with bystanders looting in the country’s second largest city of Lae.

The first term Pangu MP also openly resigned from the ruling party.

“Yesterday’s crisis marks a loss of confidence in the government from police force defense force, public servants, business houses and from the people of Papua New Guinea,” he said.

Another Pangu man – East Sepik Governor Allan Bird condemn the violence and rudely behavior, hinting the dissatisfaction with the current leadership.

“We are all frustrated with how our country is run. I am too. I argue with those in power almost daily,” Governor Bird said.
He continues, “Those in power, who make decisions for all of us will not be there forever, fresh leadership will come, if not now, then in 2027, or 2029. Time is not going to end tomorrow”.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/murray-barracks-soldiers-protect-taurama-foodland-shopping-centre/

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MPs resign from Government

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Six MPs' resign from Marape-Rosso Government

FOUR more members of parliament from the Southern Region are the latest to resign from Government following yesterday’s destruction and looting of shops in the nation’s capital, Port Moresby.

Member for Abau and ODP Leader, Sir Puka Temu; Member for North Fly District and PFP Leader, James Donald; Member for Ijivitari, David Arore; and Member for Middle Fly, Maso Hewabi in a joint statement expressed their disappointment in the way senior Government leaders sat by, while shops and property were looted and set alight in Port Moresby.

The four MPs’ in a joint statement said the turmoil, destruction and civil unrest in Port Moresby led them to lose confidence in the Government, and the leadership of Prime Minister, James Marape.

Earlier this morning, two other MPs’ resigned from the Marape led government; Pangu man, James Nomane and major coalition partner in government from United Resource Party, Keith Iduhu. 

While Chimbu MP Nomane’s video went viral of his decision to quit government ranks, Hiri MP, Iduhu penned friend Marape of his decision to leave, labelling his leadership as being incapable.

“With all due respect, yesterday’s events have demonstrated to me that your leadership and the leadership of senior ministers and officials are incapable of fulfilling the sovereign duty of maintaining the rule of law and welfare of our people,” Mr. Iduhu said.

He added, “The core issue surrounding the grievances raised by the disciplinary forces was completely avoidable had it not been for bureaucratic negligence. And the ensuing events even after the Government was made aware of the situation displayed a lack of care for the potential for the situation to spiral out of control.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister who was schedule to visit East New Britain today, cancelled his trip as the situation throughout the country remained tense following riots in several parts of country.

NCD Governor, Powes Parkop on Talkback radio expressed disappointment at his city residents’ behaviour yesterday despite investing millions of Kina into the healthy mind and body yoga programs.

He was seen in a viral TikTok video with fellow Governor, Allan Bird driving around to show physical presence at Hotspots to curb any lawless behaviors from the public.

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Mining

Kumul Minerals signs MOU with Ramu Nico

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The signing of an agreement between Chinese company Ramu Nico Management Limited and PNG’s Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited creates a step forward in the Marape led government’s aspiration of down stream producing of nickel and cobalt.

PNG Prime Minister, James Marape who was accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to PNG, Zeng Fanhua, to witness the signing, said this was the transition from PNG being an exporter of raw resources to an exporter of finished products.

“I am pleased to see this vision materialize through the swift response and commitment shown by Ramu Nico Management Ltd, following instructions from the Chinese Government,” said Marape.

The signing comes after a state visit Marape made to China where he met with several heads of several Chinese businesses before a Bileteral Meeting with the Chinese President, Xi Jinping .

During his meeting with President Jinping, Marape received assurances that China takes seriously the practical needs of Pacific Island countries, affirming that “China does not make empty promises.

“I thank the Chinese Government and Chinese companies for recognising the imperative for Papua New Guinea to build a robust and diversified economy through downstream processing,” Prime Minister Marape said.

Ramu Nico Management Ltd, as the majority partner in the world-class US$1.2 billion (K4.12 billion) Ramu nickel-cobalt mine near Madang, will be at the forefront of this transformative venture.

Related: https://insidepng.com/meet-with-head-of-hong-kong-special-administration/

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International

PM Marape in U.S for APEC 2023

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PAPUA New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape is scheduled to meet with U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken this Thursday while attending the APEC 2023 Leader’s Summit.

Marape arrived in San Francisco at 4.45pm local time, with Climate Change Mitigation Issues, increased trade and commerce and security for the Pacific as three top issues he plans to speak about.

Prime Minister James Marape Arrives in San Francisco.

“APEC is the biggest block that PNG belongs to, and we value the link and opportunities that this forum provides for us. PNG is fortunate to have developed strong bilateral relationships with nearly half of these economies,” Marape said.

He will join 20 World Leaders of APEC economies in high-level discussions that have been preluded by senior government officials and ministers’ meetings on 11 – 13 November.

Under the theme, Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All, the 2023 Summit is desired to address economic-related issues like Sustainability, Digitalization, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Trade Facilitation, Energy Security, and Health.

Marape said PNG’s participation at the series of senior officials and minister’s meetings is important because it gives PNG the opportunity to discuss with economies and potential investors.

At the close of the Summit this Friday, the World Leaders should culminate in the adoption of an Outcome Document.

While in the US, Marape is expected to hold private sector meetings with the U.S Chamber of Commerce, Renew West, Source Global, ExxonMobil and International Development Finance Corporation.

APEC economies include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States of America, and Vietnam.

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PNG Prime Minister Welcomes Newmont Corporation

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Newmont Welcomed

Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea (PNG) yesterday extended an official welcome to Newmont Corporation, the world’s leading gold company, marking its acquisition of all Newcrest operations in PNG.

In a joint press conference with Mr. Peter Toth, Chief Development Officer of Newmont, Prime Minister Marape highlighted the significance of this corporate transaction. Which now places the world’s top two gold companies, Newmont and Barrick, in PNG.

“It adds value to Papua New Guinea’s global branding as an investment destination,” said Marape. “What this country effectively has now is the world’s No. 1 gold company.”

The Prime Minister also revealed that Newmont has agreed to establish its headquarters in PNG and will conduct an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Port Moresby Stock Exchange, enabling PNG residents to buy shares to the value of K100 million.

In the same conference, Prime Minister Marape provided an update on the Wafi-Golpu Mine project in Morobe. Indicating that the government expects to make a major announcement regarding the project at the upcoming PNG Mining and Petroleum Conference in Sydney, Australia, next month.

“We’re now at the stage where the principle of what constitutes the Mine Development Contract (MDC) and Special Mining Lease (SML) is waiting to be agreed upon,” said Marape. “We want to have these two key documents ready at the same time, and we’re hoping that at the December Mining and Petroleum Conference, we will make an announcement to the market.”

The Wafi-Golpu project, now controlled by Newmont, has a 36-month timeline to reach a Final Investment Decision. Marape expressed his confidence in the process, pointing to the successful collaboration between stakeholders in establishing an MDC and SML for the Porgera Mine in Enga.

Marape thanked Wafi-Golpu partners Harmony, Newmont, and Kumul Mineral Holdings for their commitment to the project and emphasized the importance of adhering to the agreed timeline. He also called for increased local employment and content, with preference for nationals over expatriates, and encouraged the procurement of goods and services within PNG to stimulate the local economy.

Earlier: https://insidepng.com/marape-welcomes-ramu-nickel-expansion-plans/

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PNG Closes Embassy

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PNG Closes Embassy

Papua New Guinea has announced a temporary closure of its embassy in Israel due to on-going attacks between Israel and Hamas.

PNG Foreign Affairs Secretary, Elias Wohengu released a statement dated 26th October 2023 and explained the stand PNG government has taken to temporarily close the embassy as of 17th October.

Wohengu said the two foreign affairs officers assigned to set up the embassy were recalled back because of the security concerns.

The PNG government is also aware that 18 PNG citizens departed Israel through the assistance of Australia’s repatriation exercise that was extended to Pacific Island countries at the start of the conflict.

PNG opened it’s embassy in Jerusalem in September, months before Hamas launched it’s suprise attack.

During the initial attack, Prime Minster Marape had cautioned Israel on how it should respond to the Hamas attack.

However the attacks have escalated since and the death toll is now in the thousands.

PNG Closes Embassy
PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Officiating the opening of the PNG Embassy in Jerusalem, early September this year.
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The Reality

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World Economic Forum

The Papua New Guinean Government has been attending several high level meetings on a world stage but it’s people are struggling with high cost of living and high unemployment rate.

The prices of basic goods like rice, sugar and cooking oil have doubled even tripled within months but the PNG government doesn’t acknowledge the hardship.

Prime Minster, James Marape said PNG will make it’s first appearance at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Switzerland, next January.

“The invitation from the World Economic Forum serves as a clear indicator that Papua New Guinea is gaining significant recognition on the global stage. Our outreach to numerous world leaders since my assumption of office in May 2019 has been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” said Marape.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape (2nd from left)

However the PNG economy doesn’t reflect the government’s claims. It’s’s costly running a business in the capital City of Port Moresby and the costs are even higher at outer centers.

The invitation follows comments from Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Professor Klaus Schwab who extended the invite to PNG at the opening of the World Indigenous Business Forum.

World Economic Forum
Professor Klaus Schwab (picture by World Economic Forum)

Marape said the significance of this invitation notably stands as a testament to Papua New Guinea’s increasing prominence on the global stage.

“Papua New Guinea occupies a pivotal role on both regional and global fronts, blessed with vast rainforest biodiversity and serving as a vital energy supplier to Asia and Japan. Our strategic location bridging the East and the West adds to our significance. Following the principles of ‘friends to all and enemies to none,’ as outlined in our foundational foreign policy in 1975 during the Pangu Pati-led Government of Sir Michael Somare, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this approach,” Marape said.

While it’s true that most natural resources are being exported overseas, the outcome of energy benefits doesn’t serve the interest of business owners.

Small to medium enterprises business owners say the electricity supply is unreliable and just the cost of operating a business often exceeds the income.

This forces them to charge a higher price on basic goods in the effort of making profits.

The burden of this all falls on the customers, mostly the average to low income earners.

The Marape government needs to support the SME owners to lower the cost of services like electricity and water.

“The present leadership of Papua New Guinea is resolute in maintaining this policy discourse, demonstrated by our engagements with numerous world leaders since 2019, culminating in this prestigious invitation to the 2024 World Economic Forum,” said Marape.

The WEF Annual Meeting serves as a global assembly of leaders from government, business, and civil society, fostering discussions on the current state of the world and setting priorities for the year ahead. This year’s event assumes heightened significance as it unfolds amidst a “polycrisis,” denoting the convergence of multiple critical issues, including climate and biodiversity crises, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and concerns surrounding the cost of living.

But when such high level business meeting end in Port Moresby, SME owners will still be facing the high cost of services and slow profits.

The World Economic Forum 2023, held in Davos, Switzerland. (Picture by World Economic Forum)
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