Celebrating 50 Years of Papua New Guinea

Join us in honouring the rich culture and history of Papua New Guinea as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary of independence. Discover inspiring stories that capture the spirit of this remarkable journey.

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Celebrate

Join Us in Honouring Our Rich Heritage

Experience the vibrant stories and events that define Papua New Guinea’s journey. Celebrate our culture, history, and achievements together as we mark this significant milestone.

Inspiring Stories

Discover powerful narratives that reflect our resilience and unity as a nation.

Celebrate on Social

Celebrate our unique traditions and community spirit with us on social media #PNG50Official

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Stories

Celebrating 50 Years of Papua New Guinea

Join us in commemorating five decades of rich history, vibrant culture, and remarkable achievements of Papua New Guinea. Take part in events and discover the stories that define our nation and celebrate this milestone with us!

Papua New Guinea rugby league players in action alongside villagers playing traditional games
History 3mins
Sports in Papua New Guinea: Rugby League Passion and Traditional Games

Sport is part of who we are. We play it, we watch it, and we celebrate it together. From the…

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Timeline of Papua New Guinea history showing ancient tribes, colonial era, and independence in 1975
History 3mins
Papua New Guinea History Timeline: From Ancient Civilisations to Independence

Papua New Guinea's history is one of the richest in the Pacific. It begins with some of the world’s earliest…

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Papua New Guinea tribespeople in traditional dress performing dance with modern life elements in background
History 3mins
Papua New Guinea Culture and Traditions: Ancient Customs in the Modern World

Papua New Guinea is home to more than 800 languages and many different cultures and traditions. This diversity is a…

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Aerial view of the Clay River in East Sepik Province in Papua New Guinea
Nature 3mins
Did You Know? Untouched Rainforests Cover 77% of Our Land

Papua New Guinea is home to some of the world's last untouched rainforests, covering an incredible 77% of our nation's…

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A selection of bilumns hanging on a fence at a market
Culture 5mins
The Birth of the Bilum: Weaving Our Heritage Thread by Thread

The bilum isn't just a bag – it's a living symbol of Papua New Guinea's cultural identity, woven by hand…

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Personalities - Papua New Guinea Independence Day Celebrations
History 2mins
50 Years of Independence: A Journey Worth Celebrating

As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16, 2025, we stand ready to celebrate an incredible…

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History 2mins
1977: Democracy Takes Root During Our First Parliamentary Elections

Two years after independence, Papua New Guinea held its first parliamentary elections in 1977, marking the transition from colonial administration…

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The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the late Right Hon. Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare signing the Papua New Guinea LNG Project Gas Agreement with ExxonMobil et al on 22 May 2008
History 3mins
2009: PNG LNG Gets the Green Light

In 2009, Papua New Guinea received approval for the transformative PNG LNG Project, a $19 billion investment that would position…

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crocodile prize winners 2016
History 6mins
2011: Celebrating Our Stories With The First Crocodile Prize

The inaugural Crocodile Prize in 2011 created a platform for PNG authors to share their unique voices with the world,…

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Steven Kari wins gold in 2014
History 3mins
2014: PNG’s Commonwealth Games Triumph

PNG's weightlifting team delivered a stunning performance at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, claiming two gold medals that united…

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2016 John Ribat
Faith History 2mins
2017: John Ribat Becomes the Pacific’s First Cardinal

Archbishop John Ribat's elevation to Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2017 made him the first Pacific Islander to hold this…

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History 2mins
2023: Ansolom Nakikus Conquers Atlanta

Ansolom Nakikus's "Band of The Year" award in Atlanta, Georgia, marked a breakthrough moment for PNG music on the international…

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Events

Sat 20 Sep 2025

Culture

Goroka Show

Goroka

PNG’s longest-running cultural festival, bringing together over a hundred tribes for traditional ‘sing-sings’.

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Wed 17 Sep 2025

Music

Akon Concert

Sir John Guise Stadium

Get your tickets now to see the global star Akon Live Wed 17th Sep. Akon blends pop, R&B, Hip-Hop &…
Mon 15 Sep 2025

Music

One City, One People, One Country Festival

Unagi Oval

A vibrant showcase of PNG’s musical talent as part of Port Moresby’s Independence Week celebrations.

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Tue 09 Sep 2025

Culture

UPNG Independence Festival Cultural Show

UPNG VC Oval

A program of events, seminars and cultural showcases hosted by the University of Papua New Guinea.

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Fri 12 Sep 2025

Art

Festival

Music

Amazing Port Moresby 50th Anniversary Independence Arts & Music Festival

Ela Beach, Unagi, Murray Barracks

A five-day festival celebrating PNG art, music, culture and community by the sea.

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Tue 16 Sep 2025

Culture

Festival of Thousand Tribes

Murray Barracks

A cultural showcase of traditional dance, songs, arts, crafts, food and traditional huts.

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Mon 15 Sep 2025

Military

Presentation of Colours

Murray Barracks

A prestigious ceremony where Prince Edward presents the King’s Colours to honour PNG’s military heritage.
Sat 13 Sep 2025

Cultural

Morobe Show

Morobe Province

The Largest cultural display of agriculture, industry and community in the Country.

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Sun 14 Sep 2025

Faith

Combined 50th Celebration Lotu

Sir Hubert Murray Stadium

Our Christian faith remains steadfast and continues to unite us as a nation. From all walks of life and across…