The Voice Inc. (TVI) celebrated the graduation of its third cohort of Developmental Leaders from the Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) course; a flagship initiative of their Local Leadership and Collective Action Program (LLCAP). The graduation ceremony not only honoured the dedication of 35 individuals who successfully completed the 12-week program, but also underscored TVI's unwavering commitment to fostering strong, effective local leadership. This course is offered by the Harvard Kennedy School of Government located in the United States of America and funded by the Australian government through LLCAP. The event which took place this morning at Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby, saw the graduation of participants from different sectors including, government, private, Non-Government Organizations and Community Based Organizations. Delivered through the Harvard Kennedy School's Building State Capability Program, the PDIA course equips leaders with vital skills to tackle complex national issues through locally led solutions. Speaking during this momentous occasion was Deputy Chair of the TVI board, Ms. Valentina Kaman who extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduating cohort, emphasizing the significant investment of time made by the graduates. “When you spend time, money can be retired, but time is an investment. And spending that time as well as the skills that you've acquired, the tools through the program and the learning, you now are better equipped to affect change, to see how you can resolve problems.” In addition, an important aspect also highlighted was the participation of senior government leaders in the program including the Secretary for the Department of Community Development and Religion, the Director-General of the National Youth Development Authority, and the Director of the National Gender-Based Violence Secretariat, who also engaged fully in the PDIA course. This course is already making a difference as leaders are now initiating, reviewing, endorsing, and influencing policy changes and legislative reforms. Moreover, Ms. Kaman underscored the ultimate outcome of PDIA as enabling civic leaders and government to work collaboratively to influence policy. “This collaboration has led to stronger partnerships and increased trust, particularly with key government bodies such as the Department of Community Development and the Youth Development Authority.” The LLCAP has been described as a growing network of developmental leaders spanning government, civil society, and the private sector. Meanwhile, with over 110 leaders now graduated from all the three cohorts, this movement is deeply embedded in communities, public services, and organizations on the ground, driving transformational change. “Leadership, this country rises and falls on the shoulders of leadership, and we need to equip our leaders.” She also stressed that the LLCAP ecosystem is envisioned as a diverse network across all 22 provinces, encompassing youth, women, reform champions, and community-based organizations, all working to advance a shared national vision. “Through LLCAP, we are not only building connections, we are also strengthening impact.” This course is actively creating pathways of leadership and change, empowering individuals with the tools, leadership training, coalition-building platforms, and supporting networks needed to be true agents of change. Furthermore, Ms. Kaman expressed her gratitude to Australia, emphasizing that their investment is supporting a movement which is locally led, nationally owned, and globally significant, with a promise towards a vibrant and empowered future for the nation. This event also warmly welcomed the incoming fourth cohort, who will now start their journey in this course program.