GOVERNOR PARKOP: WE WORK, WE INSPIRE, WE CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF PNG AS A NATION
National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop hosted the first major stakeholders meeting yesterday at APEC Haus, bringing the national and city team together.
The meeting was to outline the calendar of events to be delivered in the city leading up to the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary on 16 September 2025 and ensure collaboration to deliver outstanding events befitting of the historical occasion.
As the capital city of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby will be the epicenter of celebrations. It is a city of a thousand tribes, diverse ethnic groups, cultures, faiths, religions, languages, and nationalities. The collaboration of the stakeholders was therefore vital to deliver great greatly for the city and the country.
With just five months remaining until this historic milestone, PNG prepares to mark 50 years as a united, independent nation.
Governor Parkop expressed his appreciation for the strong turnout, which included representatives from government and non-government organizations, business houses, foreign embassies, Asia-Pacific country delegates, and event companies.
Their participation underscores a shared commitment to celebrating 50 years of nationhood—past, present, and future.
The meeting served to present the NCD 50 Years Events Calendar and invite stakeholders to contribute ideas or participate in official events or their own organized activities.
The National Government’s team, led by Ms. Fazilah Bazari, provided an overview of key event dates culminating in the
main celebration on 16 September 2025, which will see nationwide festivities.
Highlights of Port Moresby’s 50th Anniversary Events:
●Hiri Moale Festival: 3–6 April 2025
- Asia Pacific Stories: Every weekend in May and June
●PNG (Prime Minister’s) Music Festival, Cultural Expo & Festival of a Thousand Tribes Concert : 2–5 July 2025
●PNG Story (4 Regions’ Culture & Arts Festival), Every weekend in July
●50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations : 12–16 September 2025
Additionally, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force announced its own events, scheduled for 1–7 September 2025 in Port Moresby.
Governor Parkop urged all citizens, both in the city and across the country, to embrace this historic occasion—a
once-in-a-lifetime celebration** of PNG’s 50 years of independence.
“Our people are hardworking and resilient. We have faced many trials and tribulations, yet we continue to overcome them. Now, we must lay the foundation for an even greater future—for the next 50 years and beyond,” said Governor Parkop.
Detailed event information will be published across all media platforms in early April 2025.