Universities ‘key players’

 UNIVERSITIES in the country have a major role to play in building leadership and improving governance, diplomat Stuart Schaefer says.

Schaefer, Minister of Development Cooperation at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, pointed this out when opening the new academic year for the Divine Word University in Madang last Friday. He stood in for High Commissioner Deborah Stokes.

He challenged staff and students to show that they cared about the governance and leadership issues affecting the country.

“Without leadership, without your engagement on critical issues, the improved governance that is necessary for sustainable development will never materialise,” he said.

“Governance affects development possibilities and outcomes. 

“We know that effective institutions and organisations are critical to good governance and therefore to development.”

The ceremony began with a mass at the university chapel led by Archbishop of Mt Hagen and chairman of the DWU council Douglas Young. 

Young spoke about the need for the university community to stand up for what is right according to the Christian gospel and do what is good for the country.

“Life of a Christian is living the gospel in its fullness,” he said.

University president Fr Jan Czuba urged students and staff to focus their attention on the “core values” of the university.

He said the university amplified all the good characters one must display for the greater good of the country and the world.

Schaefer commended DWU for its contributions towards PNG’s development.