Vision 2050 requires big effort from all

 THERE are countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and India which began to transform socially and economically within the period of 38 to 50 years after political independence. 

Even China, which was not totally colonised but saw various invasions, began to see social and economic takeoff within that period of post-invasion. 

Having an abundance of natural resources and the comparatively small size of our population, we are capable and can achieve a quality life that is as good as those of our neighbours, or even better. 

Our current population is 7.1 million, whereas Indonesia has over 240 million people, the Philippines has 98 million people, Malaysia has about 30 million people, Thailand has 68 million people and South Korea has over 50 million people. 

Compared to these nations, we have more natural resources than them, and yet they have managed to transform within the first 50 years of independence and achieve a higher quality of life than ours.  If other countries can do it, why not PNG? 

In the past 38 years, we have had the opportunity to develop a country of our own. 

The future of this country is entirely in our hands and therefore, we cannot place the blame on others if we fail to learn from the past and chart  a new trajectory for the future. 

Vision 2050 is the ‘people’s plan’ as well as a living document that invites every Papua New Guinean from all walks of life, in rural and urban settings, to learn all the lessons and from all the mistakes to do better this time around. 

We, as citizens, are given the privilege by our government to be constructive and make a lasting difference, which will be long remembered by future generations to come. 

What can you invent on your own, using your own intuition as Papua New Guineans? 

Do you know why America is so powerful in the world today?

It was John F Kennedy’s wisdom that set the direction for Americans when he said, “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. 

We, as citizens, can learn from that wisdom as well for our country. 

PNG will not achieve its national goals and directives if the people are totally dependent on others from outside. 

Vision 2050 will not become a reality if we do not challenge our own minds to be innovative and creative. 

We have yet to invent our own laptops, computers or other finished products; when will this happen?

Will we continue to wait around and be fed for another 38 years? 

PNG, as a developing nation, needs empowerment to advance further in its developmental journey towards prosperity. 

Here are some questions for you to consider:

• If you, as a citizen, neglect your democratic responsibility, what will happen to you and your country? 
• how long would you like to be fed for what you do not deserve or worked hard for? 
• which is the best practice for you to use to really take ownership of your country? and;
• what legacy would you like to leave behind for the future generations of PNG?

Sr Maryanne

Goroka