The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) conveys its warmest felicitations to the Government and people of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea on the momentous occasion of its 50th Anniversary of Independence today, September 16, 2025.

Papua New Guinea’s independence was formally enacted through the Papua New Guinea Independence Act 1975, which replaced the Papua and New Guinea Act 1949. This has transformed the Territory of Papua and New Guinea into a fully sovereign and independent nation.

Building on this historic milestone, CPSC honors Papua New Guinea’s rich diversity, sense of resilience, and spirit of cooperation. We extend our sincere wishes for the nation’s continued peace, prosperity, and progress.

2025 Celebrations

Cultural activities during Papua New Guinea’s Independence Day

The Golden Jubilee Independence Day celebrations will be hosted in the National Capital District (NCD) of Papua New Guinea, wherein the festivities will open with flag-raising ceremonies at Independence Hill and Parliament House, and a grand choir performance along Independence Boulevard. A major highlight of the celebration will be the PNG50 Spectacular Main Event at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.

Photo of Waigani National Courts Complex

His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, younger brother of King Charles III, will grace the celebrations, including the official inauguration and grand opening of the Waigani Courts Complex (WNCC) on September 10, 2025. Pacific Island leaders will likewise take part in the week-long program of national and regional events, exemplifying the solidarity and friendship shared across the region.

Once again, Happy Independence Day to our PNG friends and colleagues! We look forward to the nation’s continued progress, unity, and advancement in sustainable development and regional cooperation through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

References:

  • ABC Pacific. (2025, September 9). Where and when to catch coverage of Papua New Guinea's 50th independence celebrations. ABC. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/where-catch-coverage-of-papua-new-guinea-s-50th-independence/105750096
  • Australian Broadcasting Corporation. (2025, September 12). ABC celebrates Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of independence. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/about/media-centre/press-releases/abc-celebrates-papua-new-guinea-s-50-years-of-independence/105766434
  • Post-Courier. (2025, September 9). Pacific leaders to join PNG’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. Retrieved from https://www.postcourier.com.pg/pacific-leaders-to-join-pngs-50th-anniversary-celebrations/
  • Raynes, P. (2025, August 14). At 50, Papua New Guinea deserves a more complete story. The Interpreter. Retrieved from https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/50-papua-new-guinea-deserves-more-complete-story