Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has affirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to unity, progress, and economic independence as the country embarks on its next 50 years, following the historic Golden Jubilee of Independence on 16 September.

The Prime Minister will represent Papua New Guinea at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States, where he will participate in high-level discussions on Climate Change and meet with world leaders. During his absence, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso will act as Prime Minister.

Reflecting on the Jubilee celebrations, Prime Minister Marape praised the spirit of unity shown by citizens across the nation.

“For the first time in my living memory, I saw only one flag on September 16. The loyalty of our people to the National Flag was second to none. Even Bougainville children came to Port Moresby to sing the unity song, despite the ongoing Referendum process. This shows that our people want Government to serve them better, and for us to work together as one,” PM Marape said.

He emphasized that Independence is not just about celebrating a single day but about carrying forward a spirit of nationhood every day.

“The flag raised on 16 September is only one event. But the real meaning lies in lifting our country every day. Life goes on, and every day we must put aside self-interest and ambition, and work together for the greater good of our nation,” he said.

The Prime Minister urged the Public Service, which he described as the “1% who are paid from the Waigani Public Accounts,” to give their best efforts to the nation.

“I appeal to the 1%—from Ministers to Department Heads, to every Public Servant—to rise up and give 100% to the cause of our country. Our people expect no less from us. Let not the spirit of Independence end on the 16th of September; we must keep flying the flag high in the way we work and serve,” he said.

PM Marape outlined that Papua New Guinea’s 50th year will be a Year of Reset, echoing the Biblical principle of Jubilee in Leviticus 25.

“Our 50th year is a Year of Reset. We must look back, learn, and then chart the course for the next 50 years. This means reforming resource laws, improving land tenure systems, supporting SMEs, expanding education so no child is left behind, improving the prisoners system and ensuring our people transition from subsistence living into the cash economy,” the Prime Minister explained.

He highlighted major reforms in education, healthcare, resource management, and governance that will shape the next phase of the nation’s development, while also preparing for a stronger electoral process in 2027.

Looking ahead, PM Marape linked the work of today’s generation with the legacy of 1975.

“The 1975 generation gave us political independence. Our generation must now deliver economic independence. We are committed to transforming the way we do business, improving efficiency, and embracing modern tools such as ICT and Artificial Intelligence. This is the pledge we make to our people for the next 50 years,” he said.

The Prime Minister concluded with a heartfelt call to all Papua New Guineans to live out the spirit of unity and patriotism witnessed during the Jubilee.

“Take James Marape out of the picture—life does not depend on me. The system of Government must work, and every citizen has a role. Let us walk together, let us work together. One people, one nation, one flag, one Constitution—let this be the driving force as we move forward into our next 50 years.”