We want to see an improved public sector in the country, says Public Service Minister Elias Kapavore.
The Minister was speaking during a Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct meet in Madang last month.
Supporting the development of public servants in districts and provinces, including opportunities to engage in the public-private partnership arrangement, were the key discussions of the Executive Advisory Board of the Precinct.
The meeting also coincided with the launch of the new short course on project management.
Kapavore said the Precinct is helping to strengthen the foundations of the public service.
“We can improve service delivery with the people we have if we can commit ourselves fully; if we can become responsive; if we can become accountable,” stated the Minister.
“We need decisive, strong, accountable leadership. We can make change and we can make a difference to our country and it must begin now.”
Australian High Commissioner, Bruce Davis, said the development of public sector leaders is a priority of the partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
“The board meeting and project management course held in Madang are important signals of intent for the Precinct to be increasingly focused on subnational areas,” Davis said.
“It reflects Papua New Guinea and Australia’s shared commitment to ethical leadership, strong governance and inclusion in the public sector.
“By empowering leaders in regional areas, we will increasingly see local solutions to the regional challenges in delivering key services.”
The Precinct’s eminent Executive Advisory Board comprises Archbishop Douglas Young, John Kali, Father Jan Czuba, Bruce Davis, Dame Meg Taylor, Tony Shepherd, Jean Kekedo, David Guinn and Serena Sasingian.
Board members toured the area around Madang town before the meeting, visiting Bilbil Village, RD Tuna and the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance regional training centre at the Divine Word University.
The Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct is a partnership between the governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia to support the development of ethical, capable public sector leaders throughout PNG.
(Public Service Minister, Elias Kapavore, launches the inaugural Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance short course in Madang)