Parliament commences week-long Induction Program for new leaders
The newly sworn-in Members of the Fifth Bougainville House of Representatives have begun a week-long induction program today in Buka.
The program is designed to equip Members with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively contribute to Bougainville’s democratic governance and advance Bougainville’s aspirations during this critical transitional phase.
The induction is being held under the theme “Empowering Leadership for an Independent Bougainville: Building Unity, Resilience, and Sustainable Development.”
Speaking during the official opening, ABG Vice President Hon. Ezekiel Masatt emphasized the importance of the induction in helping Members understand the functions of government and how to translate that knowledge into meaningful action.
He reiterated that while political independence remains the core agenda, there are equally important issues that must be addressed collaboratively.
“It is not just political independence, the economics, the administration, our foreign policies; we must address these issues that support our political independence aspirations,” he said.
Hon. Masatt reminded Members that Bougainville’s journey to independence will ultimately shape the lives of future generations.
“It is us and our children and our children’s children that will live this independence,” he added.
The Vice President commended the Speaker and Clerk of Parliament for organizing the induction program, noting its importance particularly for the new Members who make up 51 percent of this Fifth House of Representatives.
“If you want to be an effective leader, you need to know the structure, the process, the mechanisms that are in place,” he said.
The week-long program includes presentations from the Bougainville Administration and the Bougainville Parliamentary Services focusing on strengthening Members’ understanding of their oversight roles, participation in parliamentary debates, constituency duties, and committee responsibilities.
Officials from the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea are also part of the program, presenting on the system of parliamentary democracy in both Bougainville and PNG. Additionally, representatives from the New South Wales Parliament are participating under the long-standing twinning arrangement with the Bougainville House of Representatives.
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