An emerging writer from Bougainville says its people are steadily taking ownership of the process towards viable independence.
Leonard Fong Roka was one of the speakers at this week's PNG New Voices conference in Port Moresby, organised by the Lowy Institute's Melanesia Program.
Speakers addressed a range of topics including responsible sustainable development and new political engagement.
Leonard Fong Roka says the Bougainville conflict was about exploitation, indoctrination and genocide of a people.
He says young Bougainvilleans are increasingly pre-occupied with shaping a better, self-reliant future.
"Through the Bougainville constitution, I believe we have at least accomodated these problems or we are on the process of addressing the three very fundamental problems Bougainville is subjected to. However our constitution is one thing. Actually putting that constitution into action on Bougainville is another challenge for us Bougainvilleans."
Leonard Fong Roka
