Port Moresby, 9 April 2026 – Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) has successfully concluded its inaugural Mike Manning Youth Democracy Camp (MMYDC) Alumni Engagement. The event marked a historic milestone, uniting alumni from various cohorts for the first time since the program’s inception in 2007, to refine the future of youth-led anti-corruption advocacy.
The three-day engagement served as a strategic platform for past participants of the MMYDC to translate their years of professional experience into a roadmap for the program’s evolution. The Alumni travelled from across the country, representing a diverse cross section of Papua New Guinea and proving the nationwide reach and generational impact of the MMYDC.
The Mike Manning Youth Democracy Camp is a flagship youth programme by TIPNG designed to equip young Papua New Guineans with practical knowledge on democracy, governance, and integrity. Through simulations, discussions, and real-life scenarios, participants gain a deeper understanding of their roles as citizens and leaders. The MMYDC Alumni engagement moved beyond reflection, as alumni utilized their expertise in finance, law, communications, and government to redesign the MMYDC curriculum. This collaborative effort ensures the program remains responsive to the modern challenges of governance and equips future participants with the skills to apply lessons of integrity in real-time scenarios.
Dr. Clare Tomdia-Lokes, an MMYDC participant from the 2008 cohort reflected on the camp’s long-term influence, stating, “The camp shaped how I see leadership and accountability. Coming back after 18 years now, it’s powerful to contribute to something that continues to guide young people to make better decisions for themselves and their communities.”
TIPNG Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Arianne Kassman, in emphasizing the important role of the alumni in the organization’s mission said, “TIPNGs’ mission to protect the integrity of our nation relies on the active participation of an informed citizenry. By engaging our MMYDC Alumni, we are mobilizing a network of leaders who embody and apply the principles of accountability and equality in their professions every day. These alumni are the living realization of our National Goals and Directive Principles – ensuring that the call for transparency is not just heard but acted upon to build the Papua New Guinea we all deserve.”
This alumni engagement was convened to review and strengthen the programme, ensuring that it remains relevant, practical, and responsive to the evolving challenges faced by young people in Papua New Guinea. Alumni contributed their professional expertise across sectors including finance, business, communications, government, and legal practice to redesign aspects of the curriculum. The objective is to ensure that future participants are equipped not only with knowledge, but with the skills to apply these lessons in real-life
situations.
The MMYDC Alumni engagement was supported by ExxonMobil PNG Ltd and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Transparency and Accountability PNG Project funded by the European Union. Through these strategic investments in youth, TIPNG is reinforcing the moral fabric of the nation, fostering a future driven by informed, responsible, and courageous leadership.
