"For an organisation to function well and to achieve its desired goals, its various parts or sections must operate together as one in unity." That was the message from the new Minister for Defence, Win Bakri Daki, when addressing members of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) in his opening speech as the new minister at the Murray Barracks in Port Moresby. Minister Bakri Daki said this unity has seen the defense organisation performing well so far in protecting the nation’s borders and interests, something which ensures the security of the country and its peoples. “The PNG defense force is a symbol of unity to our nation, of how working together makes us stronger; there is strength in unity,” said the minister. The minster further stressed that this symbol of unity should also be reflected in the defense force working in close partnership with other organisations to ensure the good progress of the nation. “It is PNG defense force’s example of working together that will inspire the agencies of the Ministry of Defense to work together to achieve prosperity through nation building.” He said the Defense Force, the Department of Defense, the PNG Fire Service, the National Youth Development Authority, and the National Disaster Centre have been brought together under the Ministry of Defense by Prime Minister James Marape to work together in nation building. “All these agencies are critical for the growth and prosperity of PNG. By combining security, economic growth, job opportunities for our youths and effective response to natural and manmade disasters, we will be better able to grow into a prosperous and vibrant nation.” “By combining these agencies, we can easily combine and use all of the personnel and equipment held by them to support our people and provide not only a secure environment to grow, but also one that also is able to respond quickly to events when needed.” He added that under the government’s plan of nation building, all agencies must know their duties and all work together to achieve the goals of nation building. “To the PNG defense force, it is your duty to defend our nation, represent our international obligations, and contribute to nation building and disaster responses.” In saying that, the minister wants the defense force to work in unity with these other government organisations to achieve the goals of nation building set forth by the government of Papua New Guinea.