𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑶𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝑷𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉 – 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 50 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒚

“One City, One Kantri, One Future.”

That was the resounding message from NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop as he officially launched the “PNG Story” celebration at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, marking the beginning of a historic month dedicated to telling Papua New Guinea’s remarkable journey of nationhood—starting with the Southern Region.

July’s event is part of a three-month national initiative that began in May, exploring PNG’s identity through Pacific and Asian stories. Now, as the country counts down to 50 years of Independence in September, the Southern Region proudly takes centre stage.

“Southern Region is where the PNG story began,” Governor Parkop said. “In Hanuabada, the Union Jack was first raised in 1884, and from this region, the journey to nationhood took root.

It is only fitting that we begin this final chapter of celebration here.”

Governor Parkop shared his personal story—starting school in 1968, watching his parents vote for leaders who dreamed of independence, and singing the national anthem while donning the red, black, and gold in 1973. “We started imagining a country built on unity, despite our thousand tribes and languages,” he recalled.

Governor Parkop urged the younger generation to reflect on their place in PNG’s future: “Our time is almost up, but your time is now. Ask yourselves—where do you see your city and country in 2075?”

He reminded the audience of the Southern Region’s pivotal role: from Yule Island, where the PNG flag was created, to the Haus of Assembly where leaders from all four regions unanimously voted for independence.

“We did it peacefully, and we must continue that spirit of unity,” he said in a media statement.

As traditional dances, songs, and cultural displays from Central, Gulf, Oro, Milne Bay and Western provinces captivated the crowd with their with their own storytelling, Governor Parkop’s message rang clear: celebrate the past, honour the present, and shape a better future—together as one people, one country, one nation.

He thanked the performers and the public for their attendance and participation, as well as appreciated the National Capital District Commission and Amazing Port Moresby teams for staging yet another great event.

Next Saturday 12th of July is New Guinea Islands Day so get ready to be inspired by the people from the provinces of East New Britain, West New Britain, New Ireland, Manus and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.