Dear Students, Staff, Partners and Benefactors,

On behalf of Divine Word University communities across all campuses in Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul, Wewak, and Tabubil, I wish to introduce Divine Word University's theme for 2024: "Committed to integral human development." That theme will guide us in various dimensions of our life at the University over the coming year.

Teaching and learning are an important aspect of Higher Education. They have a purpose, which for Divine Word University is to provide an opportunity for intellectual and spiritual growth and development. It is directed to students as persons prepared and committed to contribute to national development, as well as Christian leadership for our country.

Research is another essential dimension of university experience. All our programs include research into development issues involving people's lives: business studies, medicine and health sciences, communication arts and media, or preparation of committed teachers for our schools. Research challenges us go deeper into understanding issues people face and contributes in helping us find solutions.

Then there is community service. The university does not concentrate on itself, but is concerned about the development of communities around us. Integral human development is the first of the national goals and directive principles in the Preamble to our Constitution. It reminds us of the importance of fostering community service, and development in the local community.

Divine Word University seeks to be the leading university, in the Catholic tradition, committed to integral human development, in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Region. Acknowledging that vision I renew the invitation to our partners, benefactors, donors, alumni, parents, and our partner the Government of Papua New Guinea to join us in our mission to bring about just and peaceful development for our communities throughout Papua New Guinea and beyond.

Wishing you a blessed and fruitful journey this year 2024