Papua New Guinea celebrates 49th Independence Anniversary

Papua New Guinea is celebrating almost half a century of independence from Australia with the 16th of September 2024 marking its 49th anniversary.

The journey was not easy, and the path since has been filled with challenges and triumphs, Prime Minister James Marape said in a statement.

"[In] 1975, Papua New Guinea raised its own flag and took its place among the sovereign nations of the world," James Marape said.

Papua New Guinea's High Commissioner to New Zealand Sakias Tameo, says Papua New Guinean's around the world are celebrating 49 years of freedom:

"The birth of the country is very important to Papua New Guinea," Tameo said.

Papua New Guinean's will be celebrating in red and yellow colours all throughout Papua New Guinea.

"It's a great day."

Unique culture

PNG has over 800 languages and distinct cultures.

In the 1970s, when a young Michael Somare, Pita Lus, Julius Chan, John Momis and other leaders decided to push for independence, they faced a mammoth challenge of uniting land of many tribes and languages.

They travelled widely and studied the decolonization process in Africa and drew lessons from countries like Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

But back home, many people still did not understand the concept of political independence.

As Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Planning Committee, John Momis, travelled to every district to consult with people who were going to be citizens of the new country.

The committee incorporated their thoughts on culture, languages and family into the new constitution.

Poverty - inequality - corruption

The journey has not been without its difficulties, Marape said.

"Poverty, inequality, corruption, and service delivery challenges continue to test us as a nation," He went on to say.

"However, each challenge is also an opportunity-an opportunity to do better, to serve our people more effectively, and to chart a brighter course for future generations."

Looking to the future Marape said he wants to invest in education, make headway on building a robust economy, fight corruption and unite the country.

"In the coming year, we will face challenges, but I am confident that if we remain united, focused, and committed to the vision of our forefathers, we will overcome them and continue to build a nation that our children and grandchildren will be proud of," James Marape.