Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Dame Meg Taylor was awarded an honorary doctorate of technology by the PNG University of Technology (Unitech) during its 48th graduation last Friday.
Unitech’s pro chancellor Dame Rose Kekedo said as Unitech celebrates its Golden Jubilee this year, it was most opportune that the university gives its highest honour – doctor of technology, honoris causa – to Dame Taylor in recognition of her services to PNG and the world for 43 years.
“I present to you Dame Meg Taylor as an outstanding advisor, technocrat, diplomat and an example for all,” Dame Rose said when presenting Dame Meg to the university chancellor Sir Nagora Bogan.
Dame Meg had a long and extraordinarily fruitful public service since 1973. After studying law at the University of PNG, she got the first call at age 21 to be the private secretary and political advisor to the first chief minister of PNG.
Her colourful career included being PNG’s ambassador to the United States from 1989 to 1994. Dame Meg has been on the boards of a number of organisations.
“I would like to dedicate this honour to the women of our country,” Dame Meg said when accepting the award.
As a Papua New Guinean who has served both PNG and abroad, Dame Meg said her commitment has always been to serve the public interest for long term development.
She congratulated the Unitech graduands and urged them to continue to aim high and contribute to development.
“Women have been inventors and innovators in the application of knowledge for practical purposes,” she said.
“I urge you to embrace technology and work side by side with the men of our country to prepare a better future.”
(Dame Meg Taylor during Unitech’s graduation last Friday.)