In a ceremony marked by national pride and renewed vision, 90 graduates from the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) donned their blue gowns today, celebrating their achievements under the theme: “Honoring 50 years of Independence and 71 years of Leadership Excellence: Celebrating our past, Shaping the leaders of tomorrow.” Though 99 students successfully completed the program, only 90 were present at the mid-year graduation, a symbolic milestone in SILAG’s mission to professionalize and future-proof Papua New Guinea’s public service. Delivering the keynote address, Vice Minister for Public Service Francis Siune urged the graduates to embrace their responsibility as the next generation of public servants, especially as PNG prepares to celebrate its 50th year of independence. “It is a privilege to celebrate your achievements and the powerful impact you will have on the future of Papua New Guinea’s public servicee. “You are not merely entering the workforce — you are stepping into history,” said Siune. He praised SILAG for its pivotal role in public sector training since 1954, referencing the “Bully Beef” era as a legacy of resilience and unity that should continue to inspire the leaders of today. Looking forward, Siune reaffirmed the government’s vision for SILAG to transform into a Special Public Service University by 2027, positioning it as the nation’s center for governance, innovation, and capacity building. “From those simple meals, national visions were born. That spirit must continue as we look to the next 50 years,” he added. Vice Minister Siune outlined key priorities under the Marape Government’s reform agenda, referencing NEC Decision 61/2021, which introduced a competency-based approach to public sector training. He outlined a five-pillar vision for the public service: - Efficient and Results- Oriented - Digitally Enabled - Ethical and Accountable - Responsive to Citizens - Resilient and Future-Ready “These are not abstract goals,” he said. “They require skilled, adaptable, and committed public servants — the kind we are seeing here today.” Encouraging the graduates to lead with integrity, Siune concluded: “Trust is the currency of public service. Leadership is about people. And learning must be seen as national infrastructure — as essential as roads and power lines.” SILAG Chief Executive Officer Michael Barobe also addressed the graduates, describing the occasion as a moment of great opportunity and responsibility. “Good news comes in a very successful year,” said Barobe. “This is just your first step — there are many more ahead. The ball is now in your court.” He encouraged graduands to aim high — to become department heads, line managers, and CEOs — and called on them to return to their communities as visible agents of change. “They must know and understand that this person was trained at SILAG — and that’s why we see a difference,” he said. Barobe also spotlighted ongoing academic reforms, including the transition of certificate programs into government-recognized qualifications, particularly targeting school leavers and entry-level public servants. In a major policy announcement, Barobe revealed that proposed amendments to the Public Service Management Act could make certification a prerequisite for public service employment. “Without civil service certification, no one should be employed as a public servant,” he stated. “That’s the future we are preparing you for.” Barobe ended with a strong call to action: “You are lucky people. Let’s take this journey together — for the good of our country.”