Experience a boost for young leaders

Wilfred Atzier, a 24-four-year-old from Lihir, New Ireland, has boosted his leadership skills after attending the Apec Voices of the Future Summit in Vietnam.
Atzier, who works with Newcrest gold mine, was one of six young Papua New Guineans who attended the summit during last year’s Apec event.
The youth summit allowed young leaders to rub shoulders with world leaders.
At the summit, Atzier shared his experiences of Papua New Guinea’s mining industry.
“It was also inspiring to be in the same room listening to world leaders and top organisation CEOs,” he said.
Newcrest PNG country manager Peter Aitsi: “Newcrest employs and trains many talented young people at Lihir, who have the potential to be future leaders.
“We were delighted that Atzier was recognised and selected to represent PNG at this global event.”
Atzier is now responsible for ensuring youth voices are heard in the review of the Lihir mine agreements.
With Newcrest’s support, the Lihir Island Youth Association has been established and is drafting a five-year development plan for youths in Lihir.
The plan will be incorporated into the five-year development plan of the Lihir LLG, which is aligned with PNG’s Vision 2050 goals and other national and provincial development plans.
The youths recently held a forum to develop the five-year plan. It attracted more than 200 young people.
“The Apec youth summit showed me how youth leaders can make real change in their communities,” Atzier said.
Newcrest promotes the development of education and employment opportunities for young people.