Papua New Guinea stands on the threshold of a momentous milestone – our 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16, 2025. As we approach this golden jubilee, it’s time to reflect on the incredible journey our nation has taken since that historic day in 1975.
The theme “Celebrate Our History, Inspire Our Future” perfectly captures the spirit of this celebration.
We honour the courage of our founding fathers and mothers who fought for our independence, while looking ahead to the bright future that awaits our diverse nation.
From the mountains of the Highlands to the coral reefs of our coastal waters, from the bustling streets of Port Moresby to the traditional villages that dot our landscape, Papua New Guinea has maintained its unique identity while embracing progress and development.
As we count down to this historic celebration, let us remember that independence is not just about the date – it’s about the ongoing journey of building a nation that reflects our values, cultures, and aspirations.
Take a journey through history by heading to our About page, where you can discover a timeline of events that have made us who we are today.
Staff Writer
PNG50
Explore the rich narratives of our heritage.
Two years after independence, Papua New Guinea held its first parliamentary elections in 1977, marking the transition from colonial administration to genuine self-governance as citizens across our diverse nation exercised their democratic rights for the first time.
In 2009, Papua New Guinea received approval for the transformative PNG LNG Project, a $19 billion investment that would position PNG as a major player in the global energy market and reshape our nation’s economic future.
The inaugural Crocodile Prize in 2011 created a platform for PNG authors to share their unique voices with the world, bridging ancient storytelling traditions with modern literary expression and celebrating authentically PNG stories.