By GEORGINA MICHAEL
The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) began its four-day regional seminars program starting with the Southern Region today, hosted by the Student Representative Council (SRC) as part of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
The seminar brought together prominent figures to share their reflections on Papua New Guinea’s socio- economic journey over the past 50 years.
A panel consisting of former MPs, Sir Moi Avei, Dame Carol Kidu and Charles Abel, shared insights on issues affecting the Southern Region and PNG.
The three leaders strongly believed that regardless of where PNG is now and amid concerns about the country’s current situation, the people were entitled to celebrate this milestone event.
Dame Carol Kidu said: “We should be celebrating because we still have our land, regardless of our enormous diversity, there is strength in that diversity.
“With the criticisms about our country and the big problems we have to start seeing them in our Melanesian lenses and not through Western lens. The answers to the problems we are facing lies within the country, and we have to come up with Melanesian strategies, do our own researchers by empowering our younger generation with the advice from our forefathers as our ancestral experts to come up with solutions and answers to our problems.”
Mr Abel added: “We are still proud of being retained democracy and so we should be celebrating, we need to stop making excuses and start empowering our younger generation to make use of whatever that is Infront of us with a resourceful nation and opportunities at our fingertips.”
Sir Moi concluded: “The biggest challenge we have now is how can we empower our people to look after themselves, the silent majority can develop this country, we need to show some faith and empower our people and start focusing on our people.”
The SRC is looking forward to hosting the other regional seminars over the next three days.