On Saturday the 6th of June, a Youth Forum was held in Port Moresby at La Salle Technical Secondary, with the Theme: 2027 Starts with Us – Your Role as Youths in the National General Election.
Youth Against Corruption Association (YACA) in partnership with the PNG Electoral Commission, Youth in Elections PNG and Transparency International PNG, hosted an inspiring youth forum aimed at preparing young voters for the National General elections and what they need to know about getting enrolled to vote and how to vote.
Over 100 participating students from 7 different secondary schools in NCD were engaged in this forum, where they were taken through the basics of checking their names in the electoral roll and were also engaged in a mock election exercise.
The participating schools were Jubilee Catholic Secondary, Marianville Secondary, Tokarara Secondary, La Salle Technical Secondary, Dela Salle Secondary, Gerehu Secondary, Sogeri National School of Excellence.
NCD Election Manager, Mr. Roney Hawengao from the Electoral Commission was the guest speaker at the forum, where he commended Youth Against Corruption Association Youth in Elections PNG and Transparency International PNG for bringing together young people to discuss democracy, leadership, integrity and the future of PNG.
Mr. Hawengao reminded the students that, the future of Papua New Guinea begins today, with every decision made, values uphold and the actions taken today will determine the future of our nation.
“As young people you are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, you are active citizens of today. Your voices matter. Your opinions matter. Your participation matters.”
“However, as youth, you must reject corruption, violence. Intimidation, misinformation, and any mal practices that undermine democracy. Instead, become ambassadors of integrity, transparency, accountability, respect and peaceful participation,” he said.
Mr. Hawengao urged the students practice the safe use of technology, especially with the rapid rise of modern technology in the world today. He encouraged the students to be responsible when using social media.
“Share facts, not rumours. Promote unity, not division. And try to encourage informed discussion rather than spreading misinformation,’’ he said.
Corruption weakens public trust, diverts resources meant for development, and undermines democratic institutions. The fight against corruption begins with individual choices. It begins when young people choose honesty over dishonesty, service over self-interest, and integrity over personal gain.
The youth population of this nation has a role to play building a transparent and accountable Papua New Guinea.
Mr. Hawengao advised the youths that leadership is not about titles or positions, but Leadership is all about influence, good character and faithful service.
“You can lead in your school, your church, your community, your workplace and your family. Some of you sitting here are future leaders of Papua New Guinea. Some of you may become Parliamentarians, public servants, business leaders, educators, or community advocators. Remember that the habits you develop now will shape the leaders you become tomorrow,” said Mr. Hawengao.
This partnership between YACA, Transparency International PNG and the Electoral Commission demonstrate the importance of building a culture of integrity for PNG's young population.
