The Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) has signaled the beginning of the 2024 Archer Leadership Development Program with its annual Archer Leaders cocktail event held this week in Port Moresby to welcome 12 young leaders selected to undergo the leadership program. KTF is an Australian Non-Government Organization (NGO) focused on the four pillars of education, health, equality and leadership that has helped forged Papua New Guinea’s next generation leaders through its Archer Leadership Development Program. At the event, the exceptional 2023 cohort of Archer Leaders joined the 94-strong alumni with the 12 new Archer Leaders for 2024, who were chosen out of a record-breaking 300 applicants. KTF Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Genevieve Nelson stated that she was so proud of all of their Archer Leaders. “It has been an extremely difficult yet inspiring few days, interviewing this year’s shortlist." "We heard stories of achievement, of overcoming extreme challenges, and of dedication to a better future for PNG - every candidate we interviewed was inspirational in their own way." "We can’t wait to work with this year’s Archer cohort.” These 12 applicants are from a range of academic backgrounds and were chosen as the 2024 Archer Leaders:   - Taine Kassman (Law - UPNG) - Vilousa Hahembe (Economics - UPNG) - Nabieu Lansana (Law - UPNG - Isabelle Vilau (Masters in Economics - UPNG) - Denphil-Hunt Mitir (Law - UPNG) - Zeruiah Grammon (Law - UPNG) - Darrel Yockopua (Engineering Mineral Processing - Unitech) - Solange Dawana (Mechanical Engineering - Unitech) - Chelsea Paspalau (Fisheries & Marine Science, PNGUNRE) - Wallace Parimahi (Mining Engineering - Unitech) - Zaraleena Adamson (Mechanical Engineering - Unitech) - McBride Matai (Civil Engineering - Unitech) Mr. Raymond Billy, a Bachelor of Science student at the University of PNG and a 2023 Archer Leader, stated that his experience had been a rollercoaster of events as the KTF program had really brought him out of his comfort zone. “They paid attention to the details of my career interests and allowed me to be exposed to people specific to those areas I was interested in." "I was so overwhelmed with the wealth of knowledge on adaptive leadership and how I can be the smallest voice in the room, but be the most effective one. “ Meanwhile, the Archer Leadership Development Program is an annual scholarship program for final-year tertiary students in PNG to participate in a transformational leadership journey aimed at developing the confidence, networks, skills, resources and support systems that young leaders need to exercise exceptional leadership. Special guests at the 2024 Archer Leaders cocktail event was H.E John Feakes the Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Dr. Genevieve Nelson, and representatives from KTF’s long-time supporters of the Archer Leadership Program, and Kina Bank CEO Roppe Uyassi. Also present was Newmont Group Head of Social Performance, Rebecca Darling, Newmont Head of Communities and Social Performance, Matt King and Newmont Manager of Strategic Engagement, Tim Bryson.