For the first time 50 Papua New Guineans will take United Nations competitive recruitment examination to be considered for postings with the world body.
The examination is scheduled for next Tuesday at Holiday Inn hotel in Port Moresby.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Abal said the 50 nationals to take the exam was a significant development for the country and offers a real opportunity and prospects for young Papua New Guineans to be employed in the world body.
“At a time when there are many young Papua New Guineans passing out of the educational institutions, I am encouraged by this event, where the United Nations has noticed.
“The Government wants more locals to be employed in international organisations as I know that they are capable of standing their own ground anywhere,” the minister said.
Examination will be in the fields of finance, information technology, political affairs, programme evaluation, environment, statistics and human rights.
All applicants sitting for the exams are under 32 years and have a minimum of a first university degree.
“Of the 50 applicants 29 are female candidates and this goes to show that more Papua New Guinean women are passing out of the PNG school system including universities and are aiming high and can compete on equal footing with their male counterparts.
“I wish all candidates every success in this endeavour and hope that Papua New Guinea will have some representation in terms of employment in this prominent international organisation,” he said.
Mr Abal acknowledged the important facilitating role played by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in collaboration with the PNG mission to the United Nations in New York to achieve this good outcome for Papua New Guineans.
Mr Peter Van Laere from the United Nations office in Bangkok, Thailand would be in Port Moresby to administer the examination and will be supported by Foreign Affairs and Trade officials.