By Orchy Rex
The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) commenced its 70th Graduation Ceremony this morning at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex, with a total of 1,431 students expected to graduate throughout a week-long program.
The graduation festivities began with 184 students in the School of Natural and Physical Sciences (SNPS) strand, receiving their qualifications during today’s ceremony.
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape officiated the opening of the ceremony, addressing the graduating SNPS students, their parents, and guardians. In his speech, he congratulated the graduands and extended his best wishes to the students from other schools who will graduate in the coming days. Marape emphasized the critical role that science, research, and innovation must play in the future development of Papua New Guinea. He highlighted the urgency for the country to nurture a new generation of researchers, scientists, and innovators who can navigate and lead in an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancements.
“We are living in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancement,” Marape said. “Today’s world is shaped and saved by cyber knowledge, science, research, and innovation. We need individuals who will not only adapt but lead—those who will break barriers and discover new frontiers.”
The Prime Minister challenged the SNPS graduands to embrace the future with courage and optimism, urging them to seize opportunities and drive change.
“Science, research, and statistics are the engines that drive innovation, propel economies, and safeguard the future,” he said.
“You, as graduands of the country’s premier university, carry the responsibility of saving the future, not just adapting to it. The future will reward those who dare to lead, innovate, and create solutions for challenges we have yet to imagine.”
The graduation ceremony will continue tomorrow with 160 students in the School of Law expected to receive their Bachelor’s degrees. On Wednesday, it will be the turn of the School of Business and Public Policy (SBPP), followed by the School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) on Thursday.
The week-long event will conclude on Friday with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS).