A Statement from Pacific Adventist University on Recent Student Unrest in PNG

The core business of Pacific Adventist University is to provide Christian education, and our motto of “Educate to Serve” is central to everything we do. Pacific Adventist University has served the people of PNG and the Pacific for 32 years by training teachers, nurses, scientists, ministers, accountants, and business people. In line with the policies of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pacific Adventist University respects individual freedom of choice on political issues. 

We do not take sides in political debates or support any one particular political party and we are grateful for the assistance of politicians from all parties who have supported the University. We do not support a particular candidate or political party in elections, nor do we tell students or staff what they may think politically, nor tell them who they should vote for. We encourage everyone to vote and to elect representatives who are ethical servant-leaders who put the interests of the nation above their own self-interest.

 Pacific Adventist University encourages students and staff to uphold the PNG Constitution and to respect the laws and legal processes of PNG. We encourage anyone with a complaint to use established legal avenues to address the issue – rather than utilizing boycotts or mass demonstrations. While we recognize the central importance of freedom of speech and action in democratic societies like PNG, we note that such freedoms are not absolute and the exercise of such rights must not interfere with the rights of others. The leaders of the Pacific Adventist University Student Association (PAUSA) are elected to represent the students of the University to the University Administration in matters relating to their education and campus life. PAUSA is not affiliated with Student Representative Councils at other PNG universities and PAUSA leaders are not elected to represent Pacific Adventist University students in external issues. Pacific Adventist University staff and students have been praying, and will continue to pray for the government of PNG, for the students, student leaders, and the lecturers, staff, and administrators of other PNG universities. We invite everyone to join us in regular prayer for our great nation and her people.