Leadership Session Inspires the Next Generation of PNG Leaders

A leadership session hosted by Nicholas Gamuna, a final-year Social Work student and President of the Gamuna Foundation, and Mackeilla Solomon Maniura, a third-year PNG and International Studies student and youth development advocate, inspired and encouraged Grade 12 students of Madang Christian Academy.

The session was held at the Sir Peter Barter Auditorium (SPBA) at Divine Word University as part of the second day's program of the US Embassy Diplomacy Team Visit to Divine Word University’s American Corner.

Speaking to the students, Ms. Maniura, highlighted the importance of the American Corner as a place where young people can broaden their understanding and develop their thinking beyond their immediate surroundings.

“The American Corner is a space to extend your knowledge and thinking capacity of the outside world, giving us the opportunity to expand our knowledge in the educational space.”

Mr. Gamuna, encouraged the Grade 12 students to recognize that leadership begins with their everyday actions and choices. He emphasized that young people do not need to wait for a formal position or title to make a difference in their families and communities.

“Leadership starts with you. It begins in your family, your community, and in the everyday choices and decisions you make. Being a leader and making a difference in your community simply means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

The session reflected the importance of investing in PNG’s younger generation by encouraging students to think beyond the present, take responsibility for their choices and recognize their potential to contribute positively to their communities.

As Papua New Guinea continues to experience generational change, conversations such as these provide young people with opportunities to learn from advocates, broaden their perspectives and develop the confidence to become responsible leaders of tomorrow.

 Gabriella Sabu

US Embassy Public Diplomacy Team Visits Divine Word University

Two officers from the United States Embassy, Connie Tauledo, Public Engagement Officer and Esti Durashanti, Resource Coordinator for the Public Diplomacy Team, recently visited the American Corner at Divine Word University’s Friendship Library, Madang Campus providing an opportunity to strengthen connections and engage with students and the university community.

During their visit, the officers engaged with students and members of the university community, providing an opportunity for meaningful discussions and information sharing. A key focus of the visit was to introduce students to educational opportunities in the United States and encourage them to explore possibilities for further studies.

The PNG and International Studies (PNGIS) Department, under the leadership of its Head of Department, Mr. Gordian Kuias, also made time to be part of the program and contributed to the success of the visit. The department attended the first day’s program, “Meet a diplomat”, which provided students with an opportunity to interact directly with an insightful virtual presentation by Martin Liam from the US Embassy in Port Moresby, who engaged students on the topic, “Bilateral Bonds and Founding Principles: U.S-Papua New Guinea Agreements through the Lens of the U.S. Constitution.

Martin Lahm discussed the foundations of the US constitutional system and its relevance to the United States’ approach to international engagement. The session encouraged students to consider how constitutional principles, diplomacy, national interest, and international agreements intersect in shaping relations between Papua New Guinea and the United States.

The officers also shared information about studying in the United States, including opportunities available to students who are interested in pursuing higher education and gaining international academic experience.

The American Corner at Divine Word University’s Friendship Library serves as a resource and engagement space where students and community members can access educational materials, participate in programs, and learn more about American culture, education, and society.

The visit highlighted the importance of continued engagement and collaboration in supporting education, information sharing, and people-to-people connections between Papua New Guinea and the United States.

 Gabriella Sabu