NATIONAL CULTURAL COMMISSION ENDORSES PNG FASHION WEEK'S PACIFIC FASHION SUMMIT AND THE GENESIS SHOWCASE
From Left to RIght - Bridgette Kassman, PNG Fashion Week, Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, Executive Director of the NCC and Incennea Minz, 2025 Brand Ambassador , PNG Fashion Week
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – May 5, 2025
In a landmark show of support for Papua New Guinea’s growing creative and cultural industries, the National Cultural Commission (NCC) has officially endorsed the highly anticipated Pacific Fashion Summit and The Genesis showcase — two flagship events hosted by PNG Fashion Week from 17th to 20th September 2025 at APEC Haus, Port Moresby.
This formal endorsement, issued by Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, Executive Director of the NCC, underscores the events’ national and regional significance, positioning fashion not merely as an artistic pursuit but as a strategic driver of socio-economic development, youth empowerment, and regional cooperation.
“These two key events are of great national and regional importance,” stated Mr. Kilanda. “They celebrate Papua New Guinea’s cultural diversity and heritage while harnessing fashion as a transformative platform for economic participation and cultural diplomacy.”
The Pacific Fashion Summit is designed as a multi-stakeholder forum that will convene policymakers, designers, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, and regional influencers to engage in vital discussions at the nexus of fashion, sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovation. By fostering collaboration across sectors, the summit aims to fortify the creative economy while strengthening a shared Pacific identity.
Meanwhile, The Genesis — PNG Fashion Week’s signature runway event — will serve as a dynamic cultural showcase. Far more than a conventional fashion show, The Genesis is described by the NCC as “a cultural narrative in motion,” presenting traditional artistry such as weaving, bilas, and tapa (barkcloth) design within a modern fashion context. This fusion of indigenous craftsmanship and contemporary expression provides a vibrant platform for emerging designers and serves as a powerful tool for preserving and promoting intangible heritage.
The NCC’s endorsement aligns with the objectives of the Papua New Guinea Cultural Policy, which emphasizes the preservation, promotion, and integration of cultural identity into the country’s development agenda. By supporting initiatives like PNG Fashion Week, the Commission affirms its commitment to nurturing cultural industries that generate meaningful economic and social impact.
“PNG Fashion Week’s consistent leadership in promoting cultural innovation through fashion is commendable,” Mr. Kilanda added. “We encourage continued partnerships between government, private sector, and community stakeholders to further advance this important work.”
The NCC has called upon institutions, sponsors, and the public to lend their support to PNG Fashion Week and its two hallmark events, recognising them as vital components in the ongoing effort to celebrate and sustain Papua New Guinea’s cultural wealth.
As anticipation builds ahead of September’s events, the official endorsement by the National Cultural Commission provides both momentum and credibility, reinforcing PNG Fashion Week’s role as a catalyst for cultural and economic progress in the Pacific region.