PNG Deputy PM Rosso Graduates from SILAG

 

 PNG Deputy PM Rosso Graduates from SILAG/Photo supplied

PNG Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso was among 228 graduates who received their qualifications at the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) this week, using the occasion to call for a more professional and accountable public service.

Mr Rosso completed an Advanced Diploma in Government-Leadership and Management under SILAG’s Recognition of Prior Learning programme for 2025-26, becoming one of the senior public figures to undertake professional development through the institution.

SILAG held its fourth Mid-Year Graduation ceremony, bringing together graduates from across the public sector.

Addressing the graduating class, Mr Rosso said government policies would not deliver results without public servants who were capable of putting decisions into action.

“Politicians can give directions, politicians can give policies, politicians can give commands, but that direction, that policy is ineffective if the public service is not highly professional and functional and responsive and dedicated to doing its role,” he said.

Mr Rosso said public servants played a central role in converting political decisions into services and programmes for the people.

“We depend on the public service. In a company, when you sit in a company, you depend on your managers. So the public service has to be trained, responsive, professional and exercise that management role,” he said.

He acknowledged that politicians must accept responsibility when governments fail, but said public servants remained responsible for implementing official decisions.

“Yes, I accept some of that blame, me and my colleagues. But who implements the government’s directives? Not the politicians. It’s the public service.”

SILAG Governing Council Chairlady Taies Sansan said Mr Rosso’s graduation showed that professional development should continue throughout a person’s career, including among elected leaders.

“If our Deputy Prime Minister can undertake professional training at SILAG, then we should also consider structured orientation and ethics training for our elected leaders,” she said.

Public Service Minister Joe Sungi, who delivered the keynote address, urged graduates to put their new qualifications into practice and improve the way government services are delivered.

“We must also change the way we work and lead,” Mr Sungi said.

“Your qualifications must lead to honest decisions, accurate records, and improved services for our people. Use them to show leadership, improve your work, and serve the people.”

Mr Sungi also referred to NEC Policy Decision No. 61/2021, saying continuous professional development remained important to strengthening governance, accountability and digital transformation.

Ms Sansan and Mr Sungi both reaffirmed SILAG’s goal of achieving university status by 2027.