Community Information Centers are being established around the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARoB) as an information hub.
This will allow people to access key issues such as the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the upcoming referendum.
Supported by the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Peacebuilding Fund, the Community Information Center will serve as a “one-stop shop” where visitors can learn about the work of the ABG and the national government on the Referendum and implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
The first of three Community Information Centre’s was recently opened in North Bougainville, which was first presented to the ABG in 2016 during the 15th Anniversary celebration of the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Two more will be established in Arawa (Central region) and Buin (Southern region).
Once fully commissioned, the three information centers will be handed over to the Bureau of Media and Public Relations of the ABG to support BPA implementation efforts.
UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative, Roy Trivedy, says “We hope that the Community Center will serve as an information hub for communities and provide them with accurate information about important issues such the Peace Agreement and the upcoming Referendum.
“With access to relevant information, communities are more empowered to fully participate in the national development and make informed choices.”
Photo: Community Information Center in North Bougainville Region (credit: UNDP)