By GINNAH MINI
LEADERS from across the Pacific Region have gathered in Port Moresby for the 4th Annual Legacy Leadership Symposium (LLS 2026), which is aimed at providing a space for learning, dialogue and collaboration grounded in Pacific values, leadership and legacy.
The three days symposium is hosted by the Pacific Legacy Leadership Foundation Incorporated (PLLFI) at Apec Haus under the theme “Servant Leadership: Building a Legacy through service”.
Throughout the three days, participants are expected to learn about Pacific Leaderships, Resilient and Sustainable Leadership, and Leadership that is cooperative and community focused.
The Governor General Sir Bob Dadae in his opening speech yesterday noted that the conference draws from the definition of leadership espoused by the leadership guru Dr. John C. Maxwell, who defined leadership as “influence, nothing more, nothing less.”
“We are now on the Leadership “Vaka” (sea-craft) as we continue the legacy of navigating the Blue Pacific continent, trading and exchanging pathway and networks for our peoples and the generations to come,” Sir Bob said.
“Granted, not everyone of us here have political, positional, cultural or religious tiles, yet we all are leading because we are influencing someone – it could be our children, our relatives, our peers, church members and communities.”
Sir Bob said that the vision of the LLS 2026 was to remind the leaders of the importance of building leadership legacies that will continue to outlast them in the region.
He added that leadership may be a title or position, but along with it comes great responsibility: the responsibility to lead and serve others well.
Sir Bob challenged the leaders to lead with greater integrity, character and conviction and be inspired to serve with greater humility and compassion as better servant leaders.
“In the spirit of the Legacy Leadership Symposium, and as the Vaka anchors in Port Moresby, I charge you to: lead with values, inspire others, serve with purpose, and leave a legacy,” Sir Bob concluded.