Prime Minister (PM) James Marape addressed a vibrant crowd last night at the Jubilee Reset Gospel Concert, delivering a powerful and emotionally charged speech calling for moral revival, national unity, and a return to Christian values as the country approaches its 50th year of independence.
Speaking to a packed venue of young people and families, PM Marape celebrated the country’s cultural diversity while urging unity under one flag, one Constitution, and one faith in God.
“Since 1975, one people, one nation, one country has been born by God’s grace.”
PM Marape’s speech echoed the Christian foundations laid by Papua New Guinea’s founding father, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
Recalling a pivotal moment in 2008, Marape described how he stood beside Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare during the launch of the first-ever National Repentance Day.
“If Sir Michael, in the final chapter of his public life, said that God, worship, and repentance are important, then we must listen.”
“His generation gave us our Constitution. Today, we must carry forward the spiritual vision he left for us.”
The Prime Minister also urged young men to take up their role as protectors of their communities, families, and especially the nation’s women and girls.
In addition, noting that the national anthem mentions ‘sons,’ he issued a call for moral responsibility and gender respect.
“It is the sons who must rise to protect their sisters, mothers, and the future of our nation.”
“The girls in your neighbourhood, your street, your village, they are your sisters. You are your sister’s keeper.”
Meanwhile, whilst condemning social ills such as alcohol abuse, drug use, gambling, and nightlife, PM Marape stressed the importance of faith-based living and community responsibility.
He encouraged young people to prioritize worship and clean living, regardless of denominational affiliation.
“My country needs young men and women who will stand firm in their communities. You are the type of people this country needs.”
Citing Matthew 10:26–31, the Prime Minister reassured youth that their lives matter to God, likening their value to the sparrows known and watched over by the Creator.
He concluded the evening by leading the crowd in singing the worship song Awesome God, a personal favorite he recalled singing as a teenager.
Despite criticism he may face, he affirmed, “I sing for Jesus.”
Furthermore, PM Marape’s address comes as the nation prepares to commemorate fifty years of independence in 2025.
His message, blending patriotic pride with spiritual conviction, resounded deeply with the audience, drawing applause and renewed energy from Christian youth across denominations.
“Together, we will walk into our 50th year and beyond. God will prosper PNG as we go.”