Good work must continue after Apec

Editorial

TODAY, we start the Apec Economic Leaders’ Week with the main leaders’ summit happening on Sunday.
It all goes down into history for Papua New Guinea.
The number of international visitors this year surely has surpassed the record from a year ago.
The capital city Port Moresby has transformed.
While we share the sentiments of many on the level of disparity with other towns, the feeling of nationalism is in the air.
Those who live in Port Moresby need to take ownership of the city.
Embrace it as if it was their personal property because people have a tendency to take more care when something belongs to them.
Seeing our disciplined force members rub shoulders with fellows from Australia, New Zealand and the United States makes one appreciate the support from these countries.
It used to be said that hosting any major event, especially sporting, particularly the Olympic Games and the Fifa World Cup, would carry significant prestige.
It was an honour that would help to shape the legacy of a country or city.
It could be a powerful moment of national symbolism and economic transformation.
Hosting an internationally prominent event invites the global spotlight, provides an injection of tourism money, and a chance for a city or a country to rebuild or develop infrastructure.
Such events are an investment for the respective countries’ global positions.
For developing economies, mega-event hosting is motivated by globalisation and soft power.
Lives also will be transformed through a wide range of events taking place from the volunteers, to disciplinary officers, medical officials and many more who will make it their business to ensure the said event is held successfully.
There are many young people who were involved in the back end offices.
Many joined as volunteers then but today they are the hands and feet that will see this world event through.
They provide a mobile event and information service to those attending the events.
As a source of information about the event, local facilities and transport links, their role is to make sure visitors have all the information they need to enjoy their time.
Volunteering is an opportunity to put your skills to good use in one of the most-diverse communities in the country.
You will have the chance to develop new skills, meet new people and be a part of some of the biggest events.
The workshops and training they attended, including many others, is what they will take with them as lifetime experience.
For continuity, the challenge for them is to continue putting all that into practice.
We would like to see permanency in the working culture of how things are conducted, such as the presence of police officers on the streets, extra effort to keep the streets clean, road lines marked out and the positive attitude of being proud of and looking after infrastructure developments.
We must continue working together after Apec and be openly supportive of individual talents.
We must change our attitudes if we are to reap the benefits of a diverse, resource-rich nation.
It starts with the individual and what he or she is willing to do.