Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, OBE, today addressed the 4th Graduation Ceremony of the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG), calling on the new Diploma-level graduates to embrace their roles as catalysts for reform in the Papua New Guinea Public Service.
Distinguished guests who were present include; Chairlady of the SILAG Board, Ms. Taies Sansan, CEO of SILAG, Mr. Michael Barobe, Faculty Heads and staff of SILAG, parents and families of the graduands and incumbent keynote speaker and former Chief Justice, Sir Arnold Amet who is currently serving as Ambassador to the United States.
Speaking at the SILAG Main Campus in Waigani, Chief Secretary Pomaleu emphasized that the graduation marks more than a personal milestone; it represents a vital infusion of skilled leadership into the nation’s administrative framework.
“Today is more than a ceremony of certificates and awards. It is a celebration of commitment, discipline, sacrifice, and purpose,” Mr. Pomaleu stated.
“Leadership and governance are not abstract ideas; they are embodied daily in the choices we make, the way we serve our people, and the standards we uphold in public office.”
The Chief Secretary highlighted SILAG’s historic role as the cornerstone of professional development in the public sector. Since its inception in the 1950s, the institution has evolved into the nation’s premier training ground for public servants.
He noted that the expanding curriculum – which now includes certificate, diploma, and degree pathways in fields such as human resources, accounting, and local government is essential for building an agile, forward-looking public service.
While addressing the Graduands, the Chief Secretary issued three “Simple Charges” to guide their future careers:
1. Serve with Integrity: Choosing what is right even when no one is watching to maintain the public’s trust.
2. Lead with Competence: Applying the tools of leadership and governance to strengthen national systems.
3. Serve with Purpose: Never losing sight of the government’s fundamental existence to serve the people.
“You are not stepping into public service at a time of comfort or complacency, but at a moment that demands reform, renewal, and courage,” Mr. Pomaleu remarked. “Papua New Guinea needs officers who can think with clarity, act with honesty, and manage resources responsibly,” the Chief Secretary said.
The Chief Secretary reiterated the Government’s demand for measurable results, urging the new graduates to break down administrative silos and ensure that every policy decision translates into tangible improvements for citizens in every district and village.
Mr. Pomaleu concluded the ceremony by expressing his gratitude to the families, sponsors, and the SILAG faculty for their dedication to shaping the future leadership of Papua New Guinea.
“Wear your qualification with humility. Carry your responsibilities with honor. And wherever you serve, let your work reflect the highest values of leadership, governance, and service to the nation,” he told the graduates.