PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape and NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop have met today (02.01.25) to initiate discussions on the planning for PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations and related activities.
The meeting is preliminary to a full stakeholders’ meeting to be held on Monday, 6 January 2025 when the Prime Minister, Governor Parkop and Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, Minister in charge of National Events, will meet with representatives from all agencies involved in planning and executing the activities for this milestone event.
PM Marape said, “Governor Parkop and I are meeting to have the National Government and the municipal government on the same page in respect to the planning for the 50th anniversary activities.
“We also discussed the PNG team to the NRL which we will launch very soon. We will draw up an entire program for the year.”
Prime Minister Marape said planning will comprise major events lining the year and leading into 16 September 2025, which will terminate at the end of the year in December.
February will see the launch of the PNG NRL team, which PM Marape said would coincide with major school and youth programs for students and the youth.
“We are expecting up to 30 world leaders from all parts of the world to join us. All Pacific leaders have given the indication to join us on 16 September as well.
“August is designated for the churches to hold a big program on revival, reconciliation among our people. On 30th August 2025 is a reconciliation event with those who lost loved ones on Bougainville as a result of Bougainville crisis. This will also involve the police and
defence force and will be held in Bougainville.
“We intend to have our PNG Games in Southern Highlands. National Capital District has agreed to be on the standby as host, but we are fully committed to making Southern Highlands game-ready by September,” said Prime Minister Marape, adding that the Games should be ended by early September so athletes can return in time to participate in the celebrations on 16 September.
PM Marape said Education Department would also be brought into the planning to align the school calendar with the activities for the year.
“It will be a busy year for all of us right through. I ask our people to keep a look out for the announcement and activities coming through,” said the Prime Minister.
A full announcement will be made after the stakeholders meeting next week.
