21/09/2025
NCD GOVERNOR HON. POWES PARKOP.
Statement on the PNG50 Independence Anniversary Celebrations in Port Moresby.
“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.
These events showcased our unity as One People, One Country, One Future and sent a powerful message to the nation and the world that Port Moresby is a safe, vibrant, and modern international city.
Our mass public events are helping to shape and transform the mindset of our young people—giving them the opportunity to enjoy music, culture, and entertainment in a positive, safe, and family-friendly environment. This is the kind of city we are building together.”
“I want to especially thank and acknowledge all the communities, stakeholders and partners who have been part of this journey from the beginning of the year.
Starting with the Anniversary Launch in February, followed by the Pacific Story in May, Asian Story in June, the PNG Story in July, the Meganesia Concert, and our mega Amazing Port Moresby festivals and concerts in September —which highlighted our special relationship with our Asian, Pacific and Australia and its contribution to our nation’s journey.
Together, these events helped ignite the spirit of unity, celebration and pride that has grown across the city and the country.”
“These early programs and public events helped us create the narrative and momentum for everyone across Papua New Guinea to acknowledge, mark, and embrace this historic milestone.
Port Moresby has led by example, and I believe we have inspired a truly national movement that made PNG50 a success—not just here in the capital, but right across our country.”
“The celebrations also provided important economic opportunities for our people. Through the SME markets and stalls at Ela Beach and other venues, hundreds of small businesses were able to showcase and sell their products—from arts and crafts to food and cultural items.
This is economic empowerment in action, where our SMEs are not only earning an income but also gaining visibility, confidence, and the chance to grow their businesses in front of a national and international audience.
These events from February to September also involved artists and performing troupes from within the communities, from around the country and the pacific island regions which equally resulted in income generation for the all singing or traditional dance groups and artists.
Equally the SMEs involved in events like stage, sounds, choreographers, musicians, narrators who did scripts, tvs and radios who did promotions all equally benefited. I am especially proud that our celebrations created this platform for local enterprise and communities to flourish.
“I want to thank everyone—our government agencies, police, defence force, private sector partners, vendors, suppliers, private security, city youths who supported as event marshals, and every citizen—for helping us deliver incident-free celebrations that raised the profile of our city.”
“I also want to commend all the students and teachers who showed up early on the morning of September 16th during our Flag Raising Ceremony to sing the National Anthem alongside our Prime Minister.
Together, we demonstrated that when we work hard, we can celebrate hard—and we will inspire, not only ourselves, but all other provinces.
We have achieved something truly historic.
The success of PNG50 celebrations in our capital city gives us the confidence to dream bigger, to host more international-standard events, and to continue changing the narrative of Port Moresby for generations to come.”
