Democracy

Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology and Sport, Don Polye, made this statement during the University of Technology’s 55^th graduation ceremony on Wednesday, April 5^th.

“It is time for us to recognise academic freedom and universities’ autonomy as indispensable elements of democracy and quality of education.

“It is my plan to establish a much-needed policy framework for academic freedom and universities’ autonomy.”

Dr Watson was a former lecturer of Divine Word University’s Communication Arts (Journalism) Department. Her research interests include digital technology in the Pacific, mobile phones in PNG and strategic uses of information and communication technologies in development efforts.

The 2017 National Elections saw no women candidate voted in as a member of the national parliament which makes PNG one of only five countries in the world that has no woman member of parliament.

The IPPCC is keen to work with political parties to encourage more women to be nominated as candidates during the upcoming 2018 LLG elections and the 2022 general elections.

UNDP Assistant Resident Representative, Julie Bukikun also noted that they hope that this Expo will enable more PNG voters to find out which party’s policies represent their interests the best.

Polye said the day signified the country’s birth place where the Waitangi Treaty was signed to protect the interests of the indigenous people.

“On behalf of the people of PNG and our alternative government, it is my pleasure to join in the celebrations to mark the day today.

“New Zealand is not just our bilateral friend but is a strategic partner in our country’s development,” he said on NZ’s National Day.

Polye said both countries enjoyed a friendly, strong and growing relation, which saw each country benefitted in trade and business.