By DALCY LULUA
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chair of the National Events Committee, Justin Tkatchenko, has unveiled the official program for Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, set to take place from 13th to 16th September.
The celebrations will begin on Saturday, 13th September, with a massive public concert at Sir John Guise Stadium. Tkatchenko said the event will showcase PNG’s musical talents alongside international artists, celebrating the country’s identity through song and performance.
On Sunday, 14th September, the city will come alive with cultural exhibitions, hosted by the NCDC and Governor of NCD, stretching from Ela Beach to the stadium precincts. A major highlight will be an international military display, with assets from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, India, France, Tonga, and Fiji open for public viewing. Airshows and cultural exhibitions will take place throughout the city.
Monday, 15th September, will feature a State Dinner attended by world leaders, including the President of Indonesia, the Australian Prime Minister, and other Pacific Island leaders. His Royal Highness Prince Edward, representing His Majesty King Charles III, will also be in attendance.
To support these milestone events, Prime Minister James Marape confirmed that the Government has allocated K50 million for the celebration.
“This is a significant investment in national pride, unity and our international image. It’s not just Port Moresby — every province will be part of this celebration,” Mr Marape said.
Minister Tkatchenko said the funding would cover security, logistics, provincial celebrations, international delegations, and public broadcasting.
“This is a historic celebration, and the K50 million investment reflects the importance of commemorating 50 years of independence with unity, pride, and international engagement,” he said.
In confirming the international participation, Marape added: “We are honoured that over 10 Heads of State from various countries and almost all Pacific Island nations will be in Papua New Guinea to celebrate this milestone with us. It reflects not just our progress, but our strong place in the region and the world.”
Independence Day, Tuesday, 16th September, will begin at 5am with a flag-raising ceremony at Independence Hill, followed by a mass national anthem choir of over 100,000 children at Independence Boulevard.
Later that morning, Prince Edward will officially open the newly constructed Supreme and National Court House, a facility funded by the Marape-Rosso Government and hailed as one of the Pacific’s finest judicial buildings.
A flag-lowering ceremony will take place at Hubert Murray Stadium, reenacting the original event of 1975.
The day will conclude with “The PNG Story,” a theatrical and cultural performance at Sir John Guise Stadium, followed by fireworks, drone shows, and speeches from the Prime Minister and His Royal Highness.
All major events will be broadcast live nationwide and internationally, with provinces and districts also hosting their own celebrations across the country.