Bel Isi is calling on leaders and organisations across Papua New Guinea (PNG) to move beyond commitments and take practical action to address family and sexual violence.

Speaking at the 2026 Bel Isi 7th Leadership Forum in Port Moresby, Bel Isi Chair Doreen Iga said lasting change requires strong partnerships between government, the private sector, civil society, development partners and communities.

The forum was held on September 21, the United Nations International Day of Peace, under the 2026 theme “Investing in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday.”

Ms. Iga said peace must be more than the absence of violence, with people needing to feel safe at home and in the workplace and know where to seek help when they face unsafe situations.

She said Bel Isi was established on the understanding that no single organisation can address family and sexual violence alone.

“Through partnership we work to improve access to support services, strengthen workplace responses, raise awareness and help change attitudes towards family and sexual violence,” Ms Iga said.

She said the leadership forum was intended to provide more than awareness, bringing leaders together to strengthen partnerships and discuss how existing commitments can be translated into meaningful action.

Ms. Iga identified three areas of leadership needed to drive change — leadership through example, partnership and action.

She said leaders must create environments where respect is demonstrated through their actions and decisions, while harmful behaviour is challenged, and people seeking support can do so without fear, shame or judgement.

She also stressed that policies and statements of support must be backed by practical measures.

“Good intentions alone are not enough. We must move beyond statements of support and ensure that policies are translated into practical actions,” she said.

Ms. Iga said this includes investing in people, strengthening systems, establishing trusted pathways for support, and ensuring accountability for commitments made.

She said family and sexual violence continues to affect individuals, families and communities, as well as workplaces, staff wellbeing and organisational performance.

The forum's theme was “Beyond the Ink: Moving Gender-Based Violence and Family Sexual Violence Policy from Commitment to Action.”

Ms. Iga said the national strategy on preventing and responding to gender-based violence provides a clear direction for stronger coordination across government, civil society, the private sector, development partners and communities.

She called on women and men to play their part in creating safer homes, workplaces and communities.

“Our compassion, our courage, our commitment brings hope and meaning to so many, and your work is peace in action,” Ms. Iga said, acknowledging frontline workers, advocates and service providers supporting survivors.

She said the forum should strengthen existing partnerships and encourage continued collaboration to create safer communities across Papua New Guinea.