Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has urged Papua New Guineans, especially the younger generation, to embrace optimism, respect democracy, and commit to hard work as the nation prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary on 16 September.
Speaking at the 2025 PNG Update at the University of Papua New Guinea, the Prime Minister reflected on the nation’s journey since 1975, acknowledging both the struggles and triumphs of the past five decades. He reminded the audience that Papua New Guinea’s unity was forged from more than a thousand tribes, ancient trade networks, and cultural exchange that predated colonial contact.
“We were not invented in 1975 — we were already here as a people, as ancient cultivators, traders, and communities who fused into one sovereign state,” he said. “The generation of Sir Michael Somare and the constitutional architects gave us democracy. It is now our responsibility to protect and strengthen it.”
Honouring the Founding Generation
PM Marape paid tribute to the country’s founding leaders and constitutional architects, noting the recent Constitutional Day commemorations. He praised the integrity of leaders such as Bart Philemon, who declined a knighthood, and highlighted their selfless commitment to shaping an independent nation. He recalled that prior to independence, there were deep divisions and debates — some leaders argued Papua New Guinea was not ready. Yet, the vision of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his peers prevailed, leading to a peaceful transition to independence.
“Do not bask only in negativity. Remember, there was contest and sacrifice. Independence was not handed to us easily — it was debated, resisted, and fought for,” PM Marape told the audience. “Celebrate the optimism of 1975, and let there be a new class of optimists in 2025.”
A Candid Reflection on Political and Economic History
The Prime Minister candidly reviewed PNG’s turbulent political history since independence, referencing the frequent votes of no confidence, policy instability, and slow economic growth from 1975 to 2002.
He quoted a National Research Institute (NRI) review, which found that between 1975 and 2008, Papua New Guinea’s economy grew at an average of just 0.3 per cent annually, while the population grew by 3 per cent.
“Our instability cost us progress. Thirteen changes of government meant no policy maturity and little economic consistency,” PM Marape said. “But from 2002 onward, with the stability brought by the Organic Law reforms, we began to grow again. Today, our economy stands at K130 billion — up from K20 billion in 2002.”
He noted that under his leadership, the economy had grown from K79 billion in 2019 to K130 billion today, with annual growth projected at 4.7 per cent in 2025. His government’s long- term target is to reach a K200 billion economy.
A Call to Students and the Next Generation
PM Marape dedicated much of his speech to students, urging them to make responsible choices, work hard, and avoid the pitfalls of dependency and negativity. He recounted his own humble upbringing — selling garden produce, collecting bottles for school fees, and working part-time during his UPNG years — to illustrate the importance of perseverance.
“I was never the smartest in class, but I made choices, I worked hard, and I never gave up,” he said. “Your future will not be built by Facebook comments or complaining, but by discipline, respect, and effort.”
He challenged students to emulate examples of resilience, such as the late businessman Peter Pependo, who rose from selling bottles in Port Moresby to becoming a property tycoon, and Vincent Kumura , the newly-elected Usino-Bundi MP who left the United States to serve his people at home.
Commitment to Reform and Merit-Based Governance
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister pledged reforms to embed merit and technology into government systems, including the use of artificial intelligence in public service recruitment, procurement, and elections to eliminate corruption and favouritism.
“This country has been held back for 50 years by patronage and inconsistency. Going forward, merit will be our guide. It should not matter who you are or where you come from — if you qualify, you will get the job,” he declared.
PM Marape also stressed the importance of respecting women, upholding the rule of law, and working together across communities to build a more inclusive and just society.
Optimism for PNG@50
As the country approaches its golden jubilee, PM Marape called on every citizen to recommit themselves to national progress.
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” he said, echoing John F. Kennedy’s famous words. “If we respect our laws, work hard, and care for each other, including our women and children, then our democracy will endure, and Papua New Guinea will prosper.”
He concluded with optimism:
“I am not pessimistic about our future. Our fathers gave us democracy; now we must nurture and grow it. Together, we can build a stronger, fairer Papua New Guinea for the next 50 years.”