Prime Minister James Marape and National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop met this week to initiate discussions on the planning for Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations and related activities. The meeting is preliminary to a full stakeholders’ meeting to be held on Monday, 6th of January 2025 when PM Marape, Governor Parkop and Minister in charge of National Events, Justin Tkatchenko, meet with representatives from all agencies involved in planning and executing the activities for this milestone event. The Prime Minister stated that he is in discussion with Governor Parkop to have the National Government and the municipal government on the same page in respect to the planning of activities for the 50th anniversary “We also discussed the PNG team to the NRL which we will launch very soon, and we will also draw up an entire program for the year.” He said that planning will comprise major events lining the year and leading into 16th September 2025, which will terminate at the end of the year in December. February will see the launch of the PNG NRL team, which PM Marape said would coincide with major school and youth programs for students and the youth. “We are expecting up to thirty world leaders from all parts of the world to join us. All Pacific leaders have given the indication to join us on 16 September as well.” “August is designated for the churches to hold a big program on revival, reconciliation among our people. On 30th August 2025, is a reconciliation event with those who lost loved ones on Bougainville as a result of Bougainville crisis. This will also involve the police and defence force and will be held in Bougainville.” Furthermore, PM Marape intends to have the PNG Games in Southern Highlands with NCD who has agreed to be on standby as host. “We are, however, fully committed to making Southern Highlands game-ready by September with the games ending by early September so that the athletes can return in time to participate in the 16 September celebrations.” Moreover, he said that the Education Department would also be brought into the planning to align the school calendar with the activities for the year. “It will be a busy year for all of us right through. I ask our people to keep a look out for the announcement and activities coming through.” A full announcement will be made after the stakeholders' meeting next week.