Speech at the Clean Up the World event
22 September 2006; Ela Beach, Port Moresby, PNG
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, HE Mr Michael Potts
Your Excellency the Governor General, Sir Paulias Matane
Hon Wari Vele MBE, MP, Chairman National Capital District Commission Board and NCD Regional MP
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am pleased to be speaking today at the start of this clean up exercise, which is part of a worldwide environmental campaign called Clean Up the World.
Clean Up the World is a community-based program that aims to inspire and empower people to clean, fix and conserve their environment.
It is an annual event that takes place each September. Over the last seven days more than 35 million volunteers in 122 countries, have participated in clean up activities. Papua New Guinea joins the list today.
The Australian Government is committed to protecting the environment both in Australia and internationally. That is why the Australian Government is an official supporter of Clean Up the World and other initiatives aimed at encouraging communities worldwide to get rid of litter and rubbish and keep our respective countries beautiful.
Staff members from the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby are taking part in this clean up exercise today – working side by side with staff from the National Capital District Commission as well as members of the general public. This is a clear and simple illustration of Australia’s close friendship with PNG and a demonstration of our commitment to work in partnership with Papua New Guinea.
Another example of that partnership approach is the Yumi Lukautim Mosbi project, which is managed by the NCDC and supported by the Australian Government through its aid program, AusAID.
Yumi Lukautim Mosbi shares some of the same objectives as the Clean Up the World campaign. I note that there are a number of people here today wearing Yumi Lukautim Mosbi T-shirts.
The Yumi Lukautim Mosbi project aims to bring together government, community and other stakeholder groups in partnership to address crime and safety. Improved urban safety (particularly in Port Moresby) is a key PNG Government priority, supported by AusAID through the Law and Justice Sector Program.
One way to improve urban safety is to identify 'vulnerable groups' that are most likely to get caught up in crime - usually young men - and encourage them to take part in useful activities that benefit their communities, for example by cleaning up and beautifying various suburbs in Port Moresby.
This is an important initiative being run by NCDC and the Australian Government is proud to support it. Having a clean environment is important. Having a safe environment is also important.
I would like to thank the NCDC for deciding to change the date of their regular monthly clean-up so that it would coincide with the Clean Up the World event today. It seems to me that the NCDC’s regular clean up events, today’s Clean Up the World event and the on-going Yumi Lukautim Mosbi share many of the same objectives.
These initiatives are about delivering a cleaner and a safer environment. This can bring many benefits - improved health for the local population, improved local trade and tourism (which means more jobs), better flora, fauna and wildlife habitats and – importantly – stronger community pride.
I would like to congratulate everyone who is volunteering to get their hands dirty today in order to make Port Moresby a cleaner place. I would also urge you to continue to work within your own communities to encourage your friends, your neighbours, your work colleagues to understand the role the whole community can play in protecting the environment- not just today, but every day.
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