Prime Minister Marape Urges Unity as PNG Celebrates 50 Years of Independence
Port Moresby, Tuesday, 16 September 2025 — Papua New Guinea marked its Golden Jubilee this morning with a moving ceremony on Independence Hill, the same ground where the nation’s red, black, and gold flag was first raised in 1975. Thousands of citizens, dignitaries, and international partners joined the celebrations, which highlighted half a century of nationhood and resilience.
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape delivered the keynote address, calling on Papua New Guineans to embrace unity, honesty, and renewed commitment to service as the country steps into its next 50 years. He described the milestone as a time to “reset our minds, our purposes, and our zeal” for the decades ahead. His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, Pacific leaders, ambassadors, and members of the founding generation joined the gathering, reflecting on the nation’s journey from independence to the present.
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| Prime Minister Marape Urges Unity as PNG Celebrates 50 Years of Independence |
Marape began by honouring the “Somare generation,” led by the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, who spearheaded Papua New Guinea’s path to independence. He paid tribute to Dr John Momis, Sir John Kaputin, Lady Veronica Somare, Lady Stella Chan, and the families of other founding leaders, praising their courage in uniting a nation of a thousand tribes and over 800 languages. “Their achievement will never be repeated,” he said.
The Prime Minister reminded the crowd that Papua New Guinea’s identity stretches back thousands of years. He referenced the UNESCO-listed Kuk Early Agricultural Site and the ancient Lapita pottery of New Ireland as evidence of a rich cultural heritage. “We are an ancient people,” Marape said. “Long before roads, planes, or medicines, we traded, coexisted, and thrived.”
Acknowledging the nation’s partners, churches, and citizens, Marape credited missionaries and educators for shaping modern Papua New Guinea. He expressed gratitude to Australia for a respectful transition to independence, quoting Sir John Guise’s words from 1975: “We are lowering the Australian flag, not tearing it.” He also saluted public servants, teachers, health workers, police, defence personnel, and farmers as the “unsung heroes” of the country’s first 50 years.
Marape reflected on the nation’s progress and struggles since independence, citing achievements such as PNG pilots commanding international flights, doctors performing kidney transplants at home, and engineers contributing globally. Yet he acknowledged persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment, and corruption. “Our economy has yet to fully sustain a nation of over 10 million people,” he admitted, while affirming that “history shows Papua New Guineans never give up.”
A poignant moment came as the Prime Minister addressed Bougainville, expressing sorrow for the conflict but praising the island’s people for choosing reconciliation. He highlighted Bougainville’s role in the national story, saying, “The peace we share today was won not by war, but by the courage of people to embrace peace,” noting the presence of over 100 Bougainville children at the celebration as a symbol of unity.
Looking to the future, Marape unveiled an ambitious vision for the next 50 years, focusing on agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy, economic growth, and governance reform. He pledged to modernise public service with artificial intelligence to fight corruption, preserve judicial independence, and protect democracy as the cornerstone of national unity. Concluding his address, he shared his own journey from a barefoot boy in Nomad River to Prime Minister, urging citizens to serve the country with pride. “Our diversity is not our weakness but our greatest strength,” he declared as the national flag rose again over Independence Hill, inspiring hope for the nation’s next chapter.
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