PORT VILA, November 18: Twenty public service leaders, including 11 women and 9 men, have graduated from Vanuatu's inaugural Public Service Leadership Program (PSLP).

The three-month program, aimed at enhancing leadership skills in the public sector, included workshops, team-building activities, and personalized coaching, culminating in a Certificate in Professional Development in Public Service Leadership from the University of the South Pacific.

The PSLP, supported by the Australian Government through the Balance of Power program, was led by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Vanuatu Institute of Public Administration and Management (VIPAM).

The graduation ceremony, attended by over 70 guests, celebrated the achievements of the first cohort, which included staff from various justice and community services agencies.

PSC Manager Mr. Stephan Bong highlighted the program’s impact, emphasizing that leadership in public service requires vision and the ability to inspire change.

Ms. Emily Fisher, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Vanuatu, congratulated the graduates, reaffirming Australia’s support for professional development in Vanuatu’s public sector.

The program also received strong support from Mr. Russel Nari, 1st Political Advisor to the Ministry of Justice and Community Services, who noted the program's focus on gender equality and inclusive leadership.

Looking ahead, VIPAM is preparing for the next PSLP cohort, with interest from several government ministries eager to participate.