Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has urged Papua New Guineans — especially the nation’s future leaders — to uphold and defend the National Constitution, describing it as the “living document” that has bound the country together for the past 50 years and will continue to guide it into the future.

Speaking at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) on Constitution Day, the Prime Minister reflected on the remarkable foresight of the leaders who steered the country to Independence in 1975. He paid tribute to the Constitutional Planning Committee (CPC), chaired by the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and deputised by Dr John Momis, for crafting what he called “one of the most inclusive nation-building documents ever found on planet Earth.”

“The Constitution is the one book — apart from the Bible — that must continue to bind and hold this diversity called Papua New Guinea together,” Prime Minister Marape said. “It frames our borders, our national emblems, our governance structures, and our rights as citizens. It is timeless, and its relevance is as strong today as it was in 1975.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged distinguished guests, including former Chief Justice and Ambassador-designate Sir Arnold Amet, an alumnus of UPNG who served as President of the UPNG Students’ Representative Council at the time of Independence. He also recognised the achievements of UPNG and the Papua New Guinea University of Technology as the nation’s two premier universities, praising their contribution to producing leaders, technocrats, and professionals across all sectors.

Highlighting the achievements of women in law, Prime Minister Marape congratulated the country’s first female Public Prosecutor, Helen Roalakona, a UPNG Law Faculty graduate, saying her success reflected the equal opportunities available to anyone willing to work hard.

The Prime Minister provided historical context, recalling the political and diplomatic resistance faced in both Canberra and Port Moresby before Independence. He said that some local political movements had sought to delay self-government, but the determination of visionary leaders prevailed.

“The 1975 generation — the generation that stood on the threshold of history and gave us our Constitution and our Independence — will forever be the greatest generation of our country,” he said. “They achieved this without bloodshed, through dialogue, wisdom, and unity.”

Prime Minister Marape praised the CPC’s consultative approach, which included study tours to Africa and other parts of the world to ensure the Constitution reflected PNG’s unique cultural and social diversity. He commended the system of provincial government, born from the CPC’s vision, as a cornerstone of national unity and local empowerment.

He emphasised that respect for the Constitution is non-negotiable, warning that even parliamentary majorities must act within its provisions. Reflecting on moments in PNG’s history when the Constitution was tested, including the 2011 political impasse, he reminded the audience that the judiciary is the proper forum for resolving constitutional disputes.

“If anyone feels the Constitution has been breached, the answer is not protest, violence, or civil disorder. The answer is to go to court, respect the rule of law, and abide by judicial decisions,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister also outlined his government’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary, including creating a Court of Appeal, increasing judges’ retirement ages, and improving judicial capacity.

Closing his address, Marape called on all citizens to make a personal pledge to uphold the Constitution as PNG marks its golden jubilee.

“The greatest gift we can give our country on the 50th anniversary of Independence is not roads, bridges, or money — it is the solemn commitment of every child of Papua New Guinea to defend and live by our Constitution,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s speech formed part of the university’s Constitution Day programme. which gathered legal scholars, students, and national leaders to reflect on the foundational document that has shaped the nation since its adoption by the House of Assembly on 15 August 1975. The Constitution came into effect on 16 September 1975, the day Papua New Guinea became an independent nation.