The National Employment Policy 2021-2031 is a comprehensive ten-year initiative designed to enhance the employment sector in alignment with key national frameworks and development strategies. It is rooted in foundational national goals as outlined in the Constitution, Vision 2050, and various strategic plans such as the Papua New Guinea Development Strategic Plan (PNGDSP) 2010-2030 and the Medium Term Development Plan III (MTDP III) 2018-2022, all guided by the principles of responsible sustainable development.
The primary aim of the policy is to alleviate poverty by promoting employment growth, with specific objectives that focus on increasing access to decent employment, improving labor market governance, and ensuring social inclusion and job security for workers. It emphasizes the need for structural reforms and legislative reviews while outlining the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders for effective implementation.
Additionally, the policy integrates and builds upon existing government initiatives addressing employment issues, including the National Informal Economy Policy, National Population Policy, National SME Policy, National Trade Policy, National Youth Employment Framework, National Training Policy, and the National Occupational Safety and Health Policy. A review of the policy is planned five years after its launch to assess its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.