The National Cultural Commission (NCC) celebrated four significant achievements this week, marking a transformative moment in preserving and promoting Papua New Guinea's cultural heritage. The event, hosted at the newly opened NCC Gift Shop, saw the launch of the NCC's online gift shop, the unveiling of a cultural registration database, and the announcement of Papa Buka being selected for the Oscars, as well as the introduction of a forward-thinking vision for the future of the National Cultural Commission. Present at the event was the Member for Vanimo Green River Electorate and Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Belden Norman Namah, who provided the keynote address, Francis Kikin Sune, Member for Kerowagi Open, Steven Enomb Kilanda, Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission, alongside stakeholders and development partners. Hosted by MC Eugene Avediba, the ceremony also marked the celebration of the country's cultural richness as it enters its 50th year of independence. During his address, Minister Namah expressed deep pride in the ongoing work of the NCC, particularly under the leadership of CEO Steven Enomb Kilanda. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity in tourism, highlighting how anyone, regardless of their education level, can participate in the cultural and tourism sectors. The four major announcements at the event were as follows: 1. Opening of the NCC Gift Shop The newly launched NCC Gift Shop is a physical and online platform that showcases the authentic cultural artifacts of Papua New Guinea. Minister Namah proudly highlighted that the shop is now live and accessible globally, allowing people from across the world, including Japan where the World Expo is being held, to purchase items representing the rich heritage of the country. The shop supports local artisans, providing them with a unique opportunity to sell their work internationally. 2. Launch of the NCC Online Gift Shop (E-Commerce Platform) The e-commerce platform is a game-changer for PNG’s cultural industry, enabling global access to Papua New Guinea’s unique cultural products. This platform also fosters cultural preservation and economic growth by allowing local artisans to expand their reach and sell products to international markets. The online store is designed to boost both cultural exchange and economic opportunities for PNG's creative sectors. 3. Launch of the Cultural Registration Database A groundbreaking initiative, the cultural registration database will document and preserve the diverse cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea. This database will serve as a valuable resource for future generations, promoting cross-cultural understanding while safeguarding the traditions and customs that define PNG’s unique identity. 4. Announcement of Papa Buka for the Oscars Perhaps the most exciting announcement was the news that Papa Buka, a feature film produced by Papua New Guinea's local filmmakers, has been selected to represent the country at the Oscars. Minister Nama expressed his pride in the project, praising the efforts of the team behind the film and the significance of this global recognition. The minister assured that the government would support Papa Buka in its pursuit of Oscar glory, with funding being allocated for its continued promotion and participation in the prestigious competition. As the event concluded, Minister Nama shared his vision for the future of cultural institutions in Papua New Guinea, stating that the NCC, along with other cultural bodies, would undergo a transformation. He revealed plans to rename the NCC to the "PNG National Cultural Authority" in a bid to empower the agency to generate its own revenue and become more self-sustaining. In line with this, other agencies under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, such as the Tourism Promotion Authority and the National Museum and Art Gallery, will also be restructured into "authorities" to foster financial independence and more robust support for the country’s tourism and cultural sectors. The event was a major step forward in ensuring that Papua New Guinea's cultural legacy is preserved, promoted, and shared with the world. As the country prepares for its 50th anniversary celebrations, the initiatives launched at this event mark an important milestone in the nation's journey toward cultural and economic empowerment. The Papa Buka Oscar announcement, in particular, stands as evidence to the growing influence of Papua New Guinea’s creative industry on the global stage.