𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗚, 𝟬𝟳 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.
Distinguished Guests, Chairman of the Council, President, Vice-Presidents, Members of the Council, esteemed faculty members, proud parents and families, and most importantly, the exceptional graduands of Divine Word University,
Good morning! It is both a privilege and a great honor to stand before you today at this momentous occasion—the 43rd Graduation Ceremony of Divine Word University.
(Acknowledgment of Traditional Custodians)
Before I speak to the graduands, let us first pause and honor the indigenous Bilia people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather today. We recognize and deeply respect their enduring spiritual connection to the land, waters, and skies. We pay tribute to their Elders past, present, and emerging, acknowledging their wisdom and resilience.
(A Milestone of Great Significance)
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each graduate. This milestone is not just the culmination of years of study but a testament to your resilience, dedication, and the unwavering support of those who have stood beside you, especially your family.
Today, you are not merely receiving a degree; you are stepping forward as the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators, ready to shape Papua New Guinea and beyond.
The theme for Divine Word University 2025, "Living our noble traditions and Christian principles," calls us to reflect on how we can uphold and embody the values that have guided us. At the same time, we must acknowledge the broader societal challenges we face, including rapid population growth, economic development, and gender equality. As graduates, you have a role to play in addressing these realities with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to service.
(Living Noble Traditions and Christian Principles)
Tradition is the heartbeat of any community. For Papua New Guinea, our traditions encompass our languages, customs, and respect for elders. They shape who we are and how we interact with the world. As graduates of Divine Word University, you carry forward not only the noble traditions of your ancestors but also the academic and ethical values instilled in you by this institution. Tradition is not just about preserving the past; it is about integrating ancestral wisdom with modern knowledge to create a society that respects its roots while embracing progress.
Christian principles further reinforce our commitment to service, humility, compassion, and integrity. These principles must not remain confined to classrooms or places of worship but should manifest in our everyday actions. In every decision you make and every challenge you face, let the teachings of Christ guide you. The world needs leaders who act with kindness, stand for justice, and lead with integrity. Whether in your careers or communities, the values you uphold will define your impact.
(Navigating Challenges: Population Growth and Economic Development)
As we celebrate your achievements, it is also crucial to acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. The results of the 2024 Population Census will provide a clearer picture, but our National Statistical Office estimates our population at 11.8 million, with a growth rate of 4.9%—placing Papua New Guinea among the fastest-growing nations. This rapid expansion has profound implications for service delivery, infrastructure, and job creation.
At the same time, our economy has not kept pace. With GDP growth estimated at 2.5% per year, we have seen a decline in real income per capita, impacting living standards. The implications for the labor market are significant: while our workforce is expanding, skill development has not matched this growth. In 2021, our working-age population was 7.3 million, yet only 3.8 million actively participated in the labor market. This highlights the urgency of economic strategies that prioritize job creation, vocational training, and productivity enhancement.
Divine Word University plays a critical role in this effort, having produced 24,000 graduates over the past 20 years where 13,000 were female and 11,000 were male. You are part of an elite group of educated individuals with the power to drive change. We must foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investments that create opportunities for the next generation.
In support of labor market efficiency, I recently launched an online job exchange platform developed by Kumul Petroleum Holdings called WanPNG. This initiative connects job seekers, employers, and training institutions, facilitating career development. I encourage all graduates to leverage such resources to enhance your employability and professional growth.
(Beyond Your Degree: Exploring Other Income-Generating Opportunities)
While your degree is a significant achievement, it should not be your only source of security. The job market is competitive, and economic conditions can be unpredictable. I encourage you to think beyond traditional employment and explore other means of generating income.
Entrepreneurship is one such avenue. Many successful individuals have created thriving businesses by identifying gaps in the market and offering innovative solutions. Consider turning a skill or passion into a business—whether it’s farming, trade, digital marketing, digital content creation, for example YouTube, or technology-based services.
Additionally, leveraging the digital economy can open up numerous opportunities. E-commerce, freelancing, content creation, and online consultancy are growing sectors that allow individuals to earn an income beyond conventional employment. For instance, skilled writers, graphic designers, and software developers can work remotely for clients globally.
Agriculture also remains a viable sector. With PNG’s rich natural resources, agribusiness—such as poultry farming, vegetable farming, or fisheries—offers substantial potential for income generation. Many young entrepreneurs are already tapping into this space, proving that success does not solely depend on having a formal job.
By diversifying your sources of income, you can achieve financial stability and resilience in uncertain economic times. The world is evolving, and so must we. Adaptability, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset will set you apart in today’s fast-changing global economy.
(The Call for Gender Equality and Inclusive Leadership)
I would like to make some remarks on something that demands our attention, which is gender equality. With International Women's Day being celebrated tomorrow, it is timely to reflect on the state of gender representation in our nation. While progress has been made, we still have far to go. In our National Parliament, there are only three women representatives among 118 members, which is 2.5%, despite women making up 47.9% of our population.
Gender equality is not just a women's issue—it is everybody’s business. Men must be active allies in creating an equitable society. In the labor market, women are slightly less likely to participate, with a workforce participation rate of 50.6% compared to 53.1% for men. However, they face a much larger gap in formal employment, where only 25% of the workforce are women. Additionally, there is an average earnings gap of 13.7% between men and women, which is both unjust and economically counterproductive.
Studies suggest that if women participated equally in the labor market, our national income could be 20% higher. With Papua New Guinea’s real national income estimated at K75.7 billion in 2025, this means we are forgoing an additional K15 billion due to gender disparities. This is not just a call for fairness—it is a call for national prosperity. As part of my ministerial duties, I will be advocating for labor law amendments to eliminate workplace discrimination and enhance opportunities for women in business enterprises.
(The Privilege and Responsibility of Education)
You, the graduands, are not merely recipients of degrees; you are entrusted with a sacred responsibility—to use your education to serve, uplift, and transform our nation. You have been called for a purpose. You have been chosen. Do not shy away from this responsibility.
Let me share with you the weight of the honor that has been bestowed upon you. Many in our beloved Papua New Guinea experience the poverty of opportunities to pursue education. Consider these sobering statistics from the 2011 Census:
• Only 6.6% of the population (aged 5 and above) attained a Grade 12 qualification.
• Those with a tertiary qualification (vocational, teacher’s college, health, business, technical,
apprenticeship) account for merely 3%.
• And here’s the most staggering figure—less than 1% of Papua New Guineans hold a university degree.
Yes, less than 1%. Let that sink in. You belong to an extraordinary minority. The most recent census, conducted last year, will reveal whether we have made progress, but the reality remains— education is a rare privilege in Papua New Guinea.
(Nation-Building: Your Calling)
This privilege comes with a great responsibility. Some of you may feel that the expectations placed upon you are overwhelming, that you will be asked to contribute more than others. But let me assure you—it is not because of unfairness, but because you can. Where others are unable, you will rise. You will be called upon because you are blessed, because you are equipped, and because your nation needs you.
The future may seem uncertain, but it is full of opportunities. You have been equipped with knowledge, values, and a spirit of service that can transform your communities and nation. The challenges we face—whether in education, economic development, or gender equality—require leaders who think critically, act ethically, and serve selflessly.
I urge you to live with integrity, lead with compassion, and embrace the richness of your cultural heritage and Christian faith. The true mark of a leader is not in how high they rise, but in how many others they uplift along the way. Be the generation that fosters unity, drives progress, and ensures that no one is left behind.
(Christian Principles: Your Guiding Light)
In a world that often prioritizes personal gain over collective well-being, you must be different. The Christian principles instilled in you—integrity, humility, compassion, and service—must guide you as you step forward. Carry them with pride and let them shape your actions, decisions, and leadership.
As architects of change, you have the power to transform Papua New Guinea. You must be more than just professionals; you must be moral compasses, beacons of hope, and builders of a more just society. Our country needs graduates who will lead with wisdom, govern with integrity, teach with passion, and serve with kindness.
(A Challenge to You, Graduands)
As you step out into the world, I challenge you to be:
• Ambassadors of compassion—Extend your hand to those in need.
• Champions of diversity—Respect and embrace the differences that make us stronger.
• Advocates for inclusivity—Ensure no one is left behind in our nation’s development.
• Catalysts for transformation—Dare to challenge the status quo and be the change Papua New Guinea desperately needs, starting from your own families and communities.
Success is not just about climbing the professional ladder; it is about uplifting others as you rise. It is about leaving a legacy that is bigger than yourself.
(Final Words of Encouragement)
Today, as we celebrate your achievements, let us not only reflect on how far you have come but also on the responsibilities that lie ahead.
Your education is a gift. Use it wisely. Your knowledge is a tool. Wield it for good. Your influence is powerful. Use it to uplift and inspire.
Go forth with a sense of purpose. Go forth with determination. And most importantly, go forth with faith—for with faith, nothing is impossible.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱!
𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆. 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝗴𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶ves!
THANK YOU!