My Fellow Papua New Guineans,
As the sun rises on 2025, we stand at a monumental juncture in our history—our Golden Jubilee. This year, we celebrate 50 years of independence, a journey that began in 1975 when Papua New Guinea became a sovereign nation. It is a time to honor our past, recognise our achievements, and recommit ourselves to the ideals that our founding fathers envisioned: unity, progress, and prosperity for all.
Reflecting on 50 Years of Nationhood
In 1975, a dream was realised as Papua New Guinea claimed its rightful place among the community of nations. Under the leadership of the visionary Sir Michael Somare and other courageous patriots, our country declared its independence, not through conflict, but with dignity, peace, and unity.
Ours has been a journey marked by trials and triumphs. From the challenges of nation-building and the Bougainville Crisis to the global economic shifts of recent decades, we have risen to each challenge with resilience. Today, we stand united as a people of immense cultural diversity, with over 800 languages and traditions woven together into a rich tapestry of shared identity.
This diversity is not a source of division—it is our greatest strength. It is the essence of who we are as Papua New Guineans and will continue to guide us as we move forward into the next chapter of our history.
Acknowledging the Role of the Church
As we commemorate this historic milestone, we must also acknowledge the pivotal role that the Church has played in shaping Papua New Guinea’s moral and social fabric over the past five decades. From education to healthcare, from fostering unity to providing spiritual guidance, the Church has been a cornerstone of our nation’s development.
In 2025, the Church will lead key aspects of our Golden Jubilee celebrations. In August, churches across the country will host a Month of Prayer, Repentance, and Healing, culminating in the National Repentance Day on August 26. This will bring our people together in a spirit of humility and renewal.
Furthermore, on August 30, 2025, Papua New Guinea and Bougainville will observe a Day of Reconciliation—a profound moment of healing and unity as we strengthen bonds and honor our shared commitment to peace and prosperity.
Achievements of the Last Five Years
As we reflect on our journey, we must also celebrate the significant progress made in the last five years under the Marape-Rosso Government. These achievements reflect the strength of our collective efforts and our commitment to building a better Papua New Guinea:
• Economic Growth: The national economy grew from K79.6 billion in 2019 to K122 billion in 2024, supported by resource projects like PNG LNG and reforms in agriculture, fisheries, and SMEs.
• Infrastructure Development: Through the Connect PNG Programme, over 2,400 kilometres of highways and 93 bridges have been completed, linking rural communities to essential services and markets.
• Education: We have made significant strides in transforming our education system to ensure no child is left behind. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programmes and the establishment of Schools of Excellence are equipping our youth with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a modern world. The expansion of Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) has brought learning opportunities to students in remote areas, while the Higher Education Loan Programme ( HELP) has made tertiary education accessible for thousands of young Papua New Guineans. These initiatives reaffirm our commitment to leaving no child behind and empowering the next generation to build a prosperous Papua New Guinea.
• Health: As we celebrate 50 years of independence, our state-of-the-art facilities for heart and cancer treatment will be operational in Papua New Guinea for the first time, eliminating the need for our people to seek these critical services overseas.
At the same time, we continue to expand access to modern basic healthcare by upgrading rural health centers and hospitals nationwide. These efforts underscore our dedication to providing quality healthcare for every Papua New Guinean, ensuring that no one is left behind.
• Climate Leadership: Papua New Guinea has emerged as a global leader in sustainability, pioneering initiatives in carbon trading, renewable energy, and environmental conservation.
These achievements demonstrate what we can accomplish when we unite around a shared vision and purpose.
Celebrating Our Golden Jubilee
2025 will be a year of reflection, celebration, and forward planning. To ensure that all Papua New Guineans feel included in this historic milestone, a range of events and initiatives will take place:
1. National Celebrations: Port Moresby will host the largest celebration in our history—a week-long festival featuring a Golden Jubilee parade, cultural show- cases from every province, musical performances by our finest talents, and a grand fireworks display to symbolise hope and unity.
2. Provincial and District Events: Celebrations will be held in every province and district, showcasing traditional dances, sports competitions, and community programmes. These events will reflect our regional identities while emphasising our unity as a nation.
3. Legacy Projects: Major infrastructure projects—including new schools, hospitals, and roads—will be commissioned. These investments in education, health, and connectivity will serve as lasting symbols of our progress.
4. Youth Engagement: Our young people will play a central role, with national competitions in art, writing, and innovation inspiring them to reflect on our past and envision our future.
5. International Recognition: The Golden Jubilee will draw global attention, with international leaders, organisations, and development partners joining us in celebrating Papua New Guinea’s achievements.
By catching up on missed opportunities from the first 15 years of Vision 2050, we will propel our nation from its 50th to its 70th anniversary with a visible, actionable blue- print for progress.
A Call to Unity and Patriotism
Fellow Papua New Guineans, this Golden Jubilee is not just a celebration—it is a call to action. It reminds us of the sacrifices of our ancestors and challenges us to honor their legacy by building a nation that is strong, inclusive, and prosperous.
Let us unite as one people, one nation, with a shared vision for the future. Let the drumbeats of our kundu resonate across the land, and let the vibrant colors of our bilums reflect our pride and hope. Together, we will write the next chapter of Papua New Guinea’s history—a chapter of progress, unity, and opportunity for all.
May God bless you all, and may God bless our beloved Papua New Guinea. Happy New Year and Happy Golden Jubilee!
James Marape
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea