By GEORGINA MICHAEL
Today marked a momentous occasion for the National Parliament as it celebrated its 41st anniversary.
Attending the anniversary celebrations at Parliament House in Waigani were current and former Members of Parliament and invited guests.
School children and students joined the celebrations by reading poems, singing, dancing and reflecting the importance of this national institution, and the significant milestone journey thus far.
Clerk of Parliament Kala Aufa said in his anniversary address: “Since its official opening in August 7th 1984, National Parliament House has stood as a proud symbol of our sovereignty, unity and enduring compliment to democratic governance.
“It is more than just a building, to represents the hopes, dreams and voices of every citizen from our diverse cultural capacity of our nation.
“From the Highlands to the Irelands, from the coast to the inland valleys, this year’s theme, one people, One Nation, One Country, is both a reminder and a call to action, as it reminds us of the shared identity that binds us despite our regional diversity, it calls upon each of us leaders’ citizens and communities to uphold the spirit of national unity.”
Speaker of Parliament Job Pomat said: “Our Parliament was built not only as a place for decision making but as a house for all the people of PNG. It stands at the heart of our nation, a place where the leaders are selected by our people to come together to debate, legislate and shape the future of this great country.
“For over four decades the national parliament has been more than just a seat of government, it has been the stage on which our generation has grown, it has witness through transmissions of governments, the passing of laws that define our progress , the approval of national budgets and most importantly, the voicing of our people’s hopes and concerns,” Mr Pomat said in his keynote address.
University of Papua New Guinea Student Representative Council president Clinton Maliaba said: “It is both a privilege and a profound honor to stand before you today as we celebrate the 41st anniversary of our National Parliament.
“A building that is far more than carvings and architecture, from the Speaker’s garamut to the national emblem, it is a living symbol of our unity, identity and our enduring commitment to democracy.”
The 2025 Miss Bird of Paradise, May Hosala, said: “Our parliament house is not just a structure , it serves as a vibrant emblem of PNG, its architecture tells a story of our nation , crafted to reflect our four regions, from the Islands to the Highlands, from Momase to the Southern region, every line and very detail speaks of our Melanesian heritage, our Papua New Guinean way, reminding us that no matter where we come from in PNG, we all belong here in this house, even with over 800 languages, countless cultures and vibrant traditions , we remain united and that’s the beauty of PNG.” The highlight of the anniversary celebrations will be the unveiling of the statue of PNG’s founding father, Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, this evening.