PNG must build jobs and tourism for next 50 years
Papua New Guinea has been challenged to use its young population, culture and natural resources to create more jobs and build a safer and happier nation over the next 50 years.
The challenge came from Associate Professor of University of Papua New Guinea's Centre of Excellence in ICT, Russel Deka Harada.
Dr Harada is not new to Papua New Guinea. He has lived, married in PNG and worked in the country for more than 30 years.
During his long service in PNG, he has worked with major institutions, including the University of Goroka, PNG University of Technology and currently serving at the University of Papua New Guinea.
He said the 51st Independence anniversary is a special moment because it is the first celebration after the country’s 50th Jubilee.
He said Papua New Guineans must now think carefully about where the country should go in the next 50 years.
“This year is particularly important because it marks the first Independence Day after PNG’s 50th Jubilee. It serves as a moment to look forward to the next 50 years and decide where we want to go.
"On behalf of the Japanese residents in PNG, I want to encourage the people of Papua New Guinea to learn from the world, while also reflecting on what PNG can offer to the world.”
Harada said PNG’s young population is one of its greatest resources.
More than 50 percent of the population is under the age of 20.
However, he said the country needs to create more employment opportunities for young people.
He also pointed to tourism as another area where PNG can grow.
Professor Harada compared PNG with Fiji, saying Fiji is much smaller but has developed a strong tourism industry.
He said PNG has beautiful oceans, mountains and many different cultures that can attract visitors from around the world.
“PNG has immense potential, from our beautiful oceans to our mountains, yet we have very few tourism activities.
"We also have incredible cultural diversity. I truly enjoy PNG’s music and traditional culture, including the wonderful village displays.” he said.
Professor Harada said these opportunities must be developed to support the government’s Vision 2050 goal of creating a rich, safe and happy nation.
He said the responsibility belongs to everyone.
“Over the next 50 years, we must focus on creating job opportunities and building a happier, safer nation.
"Our government set a big target in Vision 2050 to become one of the finest nations, but achieving that lies in our own hands. Everything is in our hands.”
Meanwhile, he congratulated Papua New Guinea and everyone living in the country on the 51st Independence anniversary.