Submitted by Robinson Leka, UPNG
The annual Waigani Seminar held at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in Port Moresby has concluded for another year. And, as has been the case since the event’s inception in 1967, the seminar provided the opportunity for people to come together and discuss ideas and ways forward on issues affecting the country.
Day two was a real highlight for those who attended, with Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare taking centre stage at UPNG to share the experiences he and the other founding fathers faced before and after Papua New Guinea became an independent state.
Sir Michael spoke of how he and his colleagues were faced with the challenges of uniting the people of PNG, and passing the constitution that established a political platform for the country.
The Grand Chief also spoke about the tasks involved with laying out the framework to establish institutions to support these legislations, and how their roles were critically important in nation building.
“It is difficult for me to separate my involvement in the making of this country, because essentially the story of this country is also my story,” Sir Michael said.
The event was, once again, a huge success. To be graced with the presence of the Grand Chief is something many students here at UPNG will talk of for many years to come.
