Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, celebrated from 14 to 19 September, brought the nation to the world stage as global leaders, regional partners and international dignitaries joined in commemorating the Golden Jubilee.
From Independence Hill to the streets of Port Moresby, the celebrations on 15 and 16 September showcased the unity of “One People, One Country, One Future” while highlighting the country’s growing role in the Pacific and the global economy.
Global Leaders Gather in Port Moresby
The capital city became the gateway for world leaders and Pacific dignitaries who converged to witness Papua New Guinea’s milestone anniversary. United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel J. Paparo joined U.S. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock, PNG Foreign Secretary Elias Wohengu, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretary General Baron Waqa for a U.S.–Pacific Islands Forum Roundtable in Port Moresby.
The discussions focused on shared priorities including economic development, disaster preparedness and regional security. The visit also saw the United States and Papua New Guinea strengthen bilateral ties with the signing of a Framework for Strategic Engagement, alongside the groundbreaking of a K1.6 billion U.S.-funded fuel storage facility, marking a significant investment in PNG’s energy security and economic future.
“From strengthening our shared interests to dancing alongside Papua New Guineans to Wan Kantri, the U.S. is committed to its partnership with Papua New Guinea and the Pacific,” Deputy Secretary Landau said during the events.
UN Secretary-General, who visited PNG and addressed Parliament on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, congratulated PNG on achieving 50 years of unbroken democracy.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered his message on behalf of his people via video. He said it was a true privilege to share his congratulations with Prime Minister Marape and the people of PNG on 50 years of Independence.
At the bilateral meetings on Monday, 15 September 2025 to Wednesday, 17 September 2025, all visiting leaders congratulated PNG on its historic milestone:
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China: Special Envoy of the Chinese President and Minister for Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu delivered a personal letter of congratulations from President Xi Jinping to Prime Minister Marape.
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United States: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau congratulated Prime Minister Marape and the people of Papua New Guinea on achieving 50 years of democracy and for maintaining a relationship with the USA based on similar ideals of democracy, Christianity and mutual goals.
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Japan: Special Envoy of the Japanese Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Takuma Miyaji delivered a personal letter of congratulations from the Japanese Prime Minister.
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Indonesia: Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka passed on President Subianto’s congratulatory message on behalf of Indonesia.
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France: French Representative for the Pacific Veronique Roger-Lacan delivered President Emmanuel Macron’s personal congratulatory message to PM Marape and the people of PNG on reaching the 50-year independence milestone.
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India: Minister for State for External Affairs and Minister for Textiles Pabitra Margherita congratulated PNG on its achievement as a sovereign nation.
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Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, joined by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, expressed to PM Marape Australia’s most heartfelt message of congratulations and well-wishes as the country that granted PNG its independence in 1975.
Congratulatory messages also came from Pacific Islands Forum leaders who arrived from the Solomon Islands after the 54th PIF Leaders Meeting. They included the President of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley Simina, President of Palau Surangel Whipps Jr., Prime Minister of Niue Dalton Tagelagi, Prime Minister of Tuvalu Feleti Teo, Prime Minister of Cook Islands Mark Brown, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Jeremiah Manele, Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu Johnny Koanapo Rasou and Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji Manoa Kamikamica.
President of the Asian Development Bank Masato Kanda, who also met with Prime Minister Marape and later with the PIF leaders, congratulated the people of PNG on achieving its Golden Jubilee.
Pacific Islands Forum Affirms Solidarity
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa joined the celebrations on behalf of the Blue Pacific family, underscoring PNG’s central role in the regional bloc since joining in 1974.
“On behalf of the Forum Family, we extend our warmest congratulations to the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea on this significant milestone. We wish Papua New Guinea continued peace, prosperity and unity as it looks with confidence to the next 50 years and beyond,” Waqa said.
Royal Visit: Duke of Edinburgh Reintroduces Youth Award
Adding to the prestige of the celebrations, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, visited PNG and announced the reintroduction of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award in Port Moresby. The ceremony, attended by Governor General Sir Bob Dadae, Prime Minister James Marape, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkachenko and UK High Commissioner H.E. Anne Macro, took place at the Airways Hotel.
The non-formal education programme will provide young Papua New Guineans aged 14–24 with opportunities to build resilience, leadership, teamwork and community engagement. Successful participants will gain internationally recognised certificates, boosting career and education prospects while encouraging personal growth and social responsibility.
“This award will empower the next generation of Papua New Guineans to take ownership of their futures while building lifelong friendships and networks,” Prince Edward said.
Port Moresby: The Stage of PNG50
Hosting thousands of visitors, Port Moresby stood tall as the gateway to Papua New Guinea as the capital city became a showcase of PNG’s more than 10,000 tribes and 22 provinces, bringing together cultural performances, music, arts and food in a safe, vibrant and family-friendly environment.
The National Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop hailed the celebrations as a turning point in reshaping the narrative of the capital.
“I am proud of the people of Port Moresby for turning up in record numbers and for conducting themselves with discipline and pride throughout the PNG50 Independence celebrations,” Governor Parkop said. “These events showcased our unity and sent a powerful message to the nation and the world that Port Moresby is a modern international city.”
He highlighted the year-long build-up of events at the beginning of this year, from the Anniversary Launch in February, Pacific and Asian story celebrations, the PNG Story in July, the Meganesia Concert and the Amazing Port Moresby festivals in September, which all built momentum towards the Golden Jubilee.
Beyond the capital, it was also a peak week for tourism, as thousands of visitors travelled to provinces across the Highlands, Islands, Momase and Southern regions to celebrate 50 years of independence. From cultural shows in Goroka and Mt. Hagen, East Sepik and Central Province, Hula canoe races to the Mask Festivals held in the island and Momase regions, to traditional dances in East New Britain, Milne Bay and Manus, the Golden Jubilee sparked nationwide festivities that brought economic opportunities to local communities while showcasing the beauty and diversity of PNG to the world.
Economic Impact: SMEs and Creative Industries Thrive
The celebrations lifted national pride and also provided important economic opportunities. Hundreds of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) showcased and sold products ranging from arts and crafts to food and cultural items in Port Moresby and other venues. Local artists, traditional troupes, musicians, choreographers and media houses also gained income and visibility from their participation.
Port Moresby was entertained by international artist Akon on 17 September, including musicians, bands and artists from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Torres Strait Islands and Indigenous Australia.
“This is economic empowerment in action,” Parkop emphasised. “Our SMEs are not only earning income but also gaining the confidence and visibility to grow their businesses in front of a national and international audience.”
PNG Looks Ahead to Another 50 Years
With incident-free celebrations, full participation from international partners and renewed confidence in the capital city’s ability to host world-class events, Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary has set a strong foundation for the next half-century.
Prime Minister James Marape, who led the national flag-raising ceremony alongside thousands of students, teachers and citizens on Independence Hill, said the Golden Jubilee was not just about reflecting on the past but about inspiring the next 50 years.
Speaking after the Jubilee, Prime Minister Marape said the milestone was a reminder to all Papua New Guineans that the country’s future must rise above tribal, provincial and personal interests.
“As we come out of our 50th anniversary, the country is still united under one flag. For me, James Marape, my commitment to Papua New Guinea will always rise above my commitment to tribe, district or province. Our nation must always come first,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He further highlighted that stability in Hela, Enga and Southern Highlands is vital, not only for communities but also for the protection of nationally significant resource projects.
“Projects such as Porgera and the PNG LNG, which today contribute billions to our economy, cannot be sabotaged. In the last three years alone, PNG LNG has contributed over K10 billion to our budgets. These projects must be safeguarded for the benefit of all our people,” PM Marape said.
The Prime Minister revealed that work is underway with development partners and investors to open alternative roads in project areas, including routes between Mendi, Margarima, Tari and Kikori.
“We are mobilising resources through Tax Credit Projects to ensure these vital roads are opened up. This is about connecting our people, securing investment and guaranteeing the free flow of services and opportunities,” he added.
PM Marape underscored that as the country enters its next 50 years, the focus must be on peace, development and unity.
“The 50th anniversary calls us to rise above self and tribal interests and to put our country first. We are in the 21st century. If someone feels aggrieved, the courts are there—not tribal lawlessness. This is the mindset that will carry us forward into the next 50 years,” he affirmed.
As the curtains close on the historic celebrations, PNG has shown the world its diversity and potential as a young nation confident in its future and proud of its journey.
