Papua New Guinea will welcome ten Heads of State and Government to Port Moresby in September as part of its 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, Prime Minister James Marape announced this week.
Speaking at a press conference at Parliament House on Tuesday, Marape confirmed that invitations to international leaders had been accepted and that planning was well underway to ensure a secure and memorable golden jubilee event.
“This golden jubilee is a moment of pride and reflection for our people,” Marape said. “We are honoured that ten world leaders will join us in commemorating 50 years of independence, which is a testament to the strong and growing relationships Papua New Guinea enjoys with the global community.”
While the identities of the visiting dignitaries have not yet been officially released, the presence of high-level delegations signals Papua New Guinea’s increasing diplomatic visibility and the strategic importance of the Pacific region in global geopolitics.
The event will mark half a century since Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975. It comes at a time when the Marape-Rosso government is seeking to position PNG as a regional leader, promote foreign investment, and assert greater economic and political autonomy on the world stage.
Planning for the celebrations is being coordinated across multiple government agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs, security forces, and foreign missions. The Prime Minister assured the public that logistical and security arrangements are being handled professionally to ensure a safe and successful occasion.
Further details, including the full programme and names of attending leaders, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The 50th anniversary is likely to serve not only as a moment of national reflection but also as a platform for high-level diplomatic engagement, investment dialogue, and renewed calls for regional cooperation.
As PNG prepares to host the world, the golden jubilee provides a symbolic opportunity to reassert the country’s place in global affairs—and to reflect on both the progress made since independence and the challenges that still lie ahead.