Furthermore, it has failed to quantify the participation of the population in the development process by addressing the problem of poverty. This means that poverty reduction reflects a more deeply rooted concern in Papua New Guinean society. It is through a participatory development approach that people are able to make informed choices, decide their own future and break the cycle of poverty (Mohane & Stokke, 2000). Therefore, promoting democratic governance, building local capacity and reducing poverty at the local level contradicts the most predominant assumption that neoliberalism is the answer to global problems.