What messages do young men from Papua New Guinea want to send to the world? What does your culture value most?

As a representative of young Papua New Guinean men, there are a few key messages we would like to impart to the world:

1. Unity in Diversity: Papua New Guinea is one of the most diverse nations in the world, with over 800 recorded languages and an array of cultural and ethnic groups. Instead of causing division, this diversity forms a rich tapestry that contributes to our unity as a nation. We value and embrace our differing traditions and beliefs.

2. Respect for Nature: Traditional Papua New Guinean belief systems are closely linked with the natural world, fostering deep respect and care for our environment. We desire to share this ecological wisdom with the world, emphasizing the importance of living harmoniously with nature.

3. Aspirations for Progress: Papua New Guinean youth aspire to lead our nation forward into an era marked by advanced education, economic development, and strong democracy while preserving our unique cultural heritage. We hope to collaborate with the international community to achieve these goals.

As for what our culture values most, family and community stand at the heart of Papua New Guinean societies, along with respect for elders who are the carriers of wisdom and cultural traditions. We also highly value reciprocity, the practice of mutual exchange to maintain social harmony. Our unique customs, rituals, and folklore are other critical facets of Papua New Guinean culture that we consider of great importance and seek to preserve.

How does it feel to be somewhere with a different culture and language? Is it hard? How do you stay connected to your Pacific culture when you are many kilometres away from home?

Experiencing a different culture and language can create a mixture of excitement and anxiety. It's like uncovering a whole new realm of existence, yet it comes with its share of obstacles like language barriers and homesickness. With time though, the unfamiliar becomes familiar, and the difficult becomes manageable. Staying connected to my Pacific culture from afar does pose a challenge, but it is not insurmountable. I maintain my traditions, speak in my native language whenever possible, and engage in activities that remind me of home. Thanks to technology, I'm always a video call away from my family and I celebrate our traditional festivals no matter where I am. My personal favourite way to stay connected is to cook traditional dishes - it keeps both my stomach and soul happy. In essence, staying connected to my roots is about carrying a little piece of Papua New Guinea with me wherever I go.

Have you felt homesick overseas? Please describe what that feels like.

Yes, I have definitely felt homesickness. It's a complex emotion, akin to a deep longing that's both sweet and painful. It feels like a tug in your heart, a miss for home-cooked meals, familiar sounds, the laughter of loved family and friends, and the comfort of knowing and being known. It's an emotional state where you find yourself reminiscing about the simplest things from back home and it can sometimes include feelings of loneliness or out-of-placeness. But it's also an important part of the journey, as it heightens the appreciation for the roots and the people that shape us.

What does it feel like to be far from family? What would your advice be for someone who is living overseas and misses their family a lot?

Being far from family can be quite challenging. It's a mix of independence, loneliness, and longing all at once. The distance can make you miss the simple everyday interactions and familiarity of home. If you're living overseas and missing your family, I'd suggest that you make the most out of modern technology. Regular video calls and messages can make the distance feel a lot shorter. Also, creating a comforting environment with photos or keepsakes from home can help. Find local groups or friends with similar interests or background, they can become your second family and provide support. Remember, it's okay to miss your family, don't bottle up your feelings, talk it out with someone you trust. Over time, you'll adapt to the new environment while preserving the bond with your family.

How can young male travellers support each other to feel happy when they are in a new country?

When young male travellers are in a new country, mutual support is crucial to overcoming challenges and fostering happiness. They can share experiences and emotions to realize they are not alone in their feelings or difficulties. Exploring the new environment together can enhance the fun and lessen the sense of isolation. In times of difficulty such as homesickness or misunderstandings, they should be there for each other. As a group, they can also focus on learning about the local culture and language, augmenting the feeling of inclusion and belonging. Having shared experiences like these can lead to warmer bonds, adding to the sense of happiness and fulfillment.

Have you ever experienced racism?

Fortunately, I have not personally experienced racism. While I'm aware that racism is a sadly common experience for many globally, I'm glad to say that my own journey has been free from such encounters. This however does not temper my empathy for those who have had to face such discrimination, and it reinforces my commitment to actively promote inclusivity and understanding.