The Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae has officially opened the Fourth Annual Legacy Leadership Symposium at APEC Haus on Monday, September 07th, calling on leaders across Papua New Guinea and the broader region to embrace self-discipline, moral integrity, and the timeless principles of servant leadership.

Speaking on the opening day of the three-day event, Sir Bob welcomed delegates to Port Moresby by honoring the deep-rooted heritage of Pacific navigation and traditional alliance-building, linking ancient seafaring resilience with modern governance.

He reminded attendees that leadership transcends formal titles or high office, highlighting that every individual hold power through influence.

“We define leadership as influence, nothing more, nothing less,” Sir Bob said. “Granted, not every one of us here have political, professional, cultural, or religious task ahead of us.”

“Yet, we all are leading because we are influencing someone. It could be our children, our relatives, our peers, church members, and communities.”

He stated that the vision of the leadership symposium is to remind everyone of the importance of building leadership legacies that will continue to outlast in our vision.

“Beyond envisioning our vision of a country of good and effective leadership, we must work towards it,” he stated. “The idea must be transformed from vision to reality. That is our challenge and calling.”

Drawing on biblical teachings from the Gospel of Mark, Sir Bob pointed to Jesus Christ as the ultimate model of servant leadership, emphasizing that true authority lies in elevating and serving others.

“Christ did not just teach a hypothetical lesson on servant leadership, he lived it," Sir Bob noted. "He had followers, power and authority, and he performed miracles.”

“Yet his greatest leadership exposition was his ability to make even the least among the people to feel valued and served.”

“He showed us that the most powerful person of leadership and the greatest act of humility is serving others.”

In a direct charge to public figures and community leaders, Sir Bob warned against compromising personal values for short-term gain, emphasizing that personal discipline is the foundational pillar of lasting leadership.

“In order to become an excellent leader, you must first lead yourself. First, your leadership legacy must reflect the life of a leader that you are.”

“You cannot expect a leadership change in your sphere of influence if your leadership values and character falls short.”

“Set high standards and do not compromise your standards for quick cash, undeserved promotion or nepotism or any other dubious behavior that throws down on your leadership character.”

Concluding his opening address, the Governor-General reminded delegates that positions of power are temporary, but the legacy left behind in people's lives on indefinitely.

“Know this, this position will eventually end. The office we occupy will extend hence, and the titles will be transferred.”

“But the impact of our leadership must transform our communities, our nations and our region for generations to come. And so, your greatest legacy is not in the office or position you hold, but in the people you empower and serve.”

Hosted by the Pacific Legacy Leadership Foundation Incorporated (PLLFI), the symposium convenes in PNG under the core theme, “Servant Leadership: Building a Legacy through Service.”

This year’s gathering follows previous regional voyages to Tonga in 2023, Fiji in 2024, and Aotearoa New Zealand in 2025.

The Legacy Leadership Symposium continues over the next two days at APEC Haus, bringing together regional leaders, policymakers, and community figures to address key challenges in regional governance and development before concluding on September 9th, 2026.