National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has called on young people to take an active role in shaping the future of Port Moresby and entire Papua New Guinea.
Governor Parkop said the country’s young population has the energy, skills and potential to further drive national development initiatives and aspirations birthed by the forefathers who gave us Independence on a golden plate.
Mr. Parkop made the call during the NCD Youth Expo and Walk at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.
The events were held to mark International Youth Day and as part of celebrations surrounding Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary.
Governor Parkop described the event as a significant gathering because it brought together youth groups, organizations, women’s groups, faith-based organizations, sporting representatives, security groups and development partners.
He said the gathering provided an opportunity for young people from different backgrounds to come together, share ideas and showcase their skills, talents and potential.
“This is your time, young people. And you can make a difference for yourself, for your community, for our city and, of course, for our country, Papua New Guinea.”
Unlike in the past, Mr. Parkop said young people were at an important stage of their lives, with opportunities arising from technological development, artificial intelligence, digital technology and changes in the economy.
He encouraged young people to consider their potential, develop their skills and think about how they could contribute to their families, communities, the city and the country.
Governor Parkop also acknowledged the participation of national and international development partners, including representatives of the National Youth Development Authority, United Nations agencies and other organisations working with young people.
He said the participation of these organisations demonstrated the importance of creating platforms through which young people could access support, opportunities and mentorship.
Mr. Parkop said the National Capital District Commission had introduced a number of initiatives intended to support communities and create opportunities for young people.
They include School-Fee Assistance Subsidy and TVET sponsorship, the annual NCD Governor’s Cup, VIPERS team sponsorship, School Holiday Cleanup, Labour Mobility, Neighborhood Watch, City Warden, Mindset Training, Active City Development Program, Early Childhood Learning, Small and Medium Enterprises funding support, POM City Watch, Urban Youth Employment Project and others.
He also encouraged young people and communities to take ownership of their neighbourhoods and contribute to efforts to make the city safer, cleaner, healthier and more inclusive.
He said the vision for Port Moresby included creating a city that was safe, clean, healthy, inclusive and livable.
However, he stressed that achieving those goals required the participation of everyone, particularly young people who would inherit responsibility for the city and the country.
“The future belongs to you. The future is your life. The future must be shaped by you.”
Mr. Parkop said the city government would continue working to create platforms for young people.
He also highlighted sport as an important platform for bringing people together and creating opportunities for young Papua New Guineans.
He said sport could help young people develop into elite athletes while also encouraging unity and breaking down social barriers.
Mr. Parkop announced that the NCD Games would be launched at due course, describing sport as a platform through which people could come together as one city and one people.
He also urged supporters to back the city’s sporting representatives as they compete for further success.
Mr. Parkop said the current generation had a responsibility to pass on a better city and country to younger Papua New Guineans.
He said his administration would continue creating opportunities and platforms for young people but acknowledged that there were still gaps that needed to be addressed.
He also called for young people to share their views and ideas so that the city government could better understand their needs and work with them to develop additional opportunities.
He thanked the young people and organisations that attended the event, describing the gathering as an important demonstration of the energy, passion and potential of the city and country’s youth.
As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th anniversary, he said young people had an important role to play in determining the country’s future.
The NCD Youth Expo and Walk was a massive two-day celebration that brought together students, business organizations, institutions, government, NGOs, faith-based organizations, youth organizations, and government representatives.
It also included singing, music, and other social activities.
The NCD Youth encountered opportunities in education, business, sports, and other areas.
The NCD Youth Expo and Walk ended on a high note, showcasing the skills and talents of the youth, who are the next generation of leaders for tomorrow in this nation.