Celebrating 50 Years of Nation-Building
By Maliwai Sasingian, TVI Executive Director
The Voice Inc Team
On the 16th of September, 1975, as the red, black, and gold was raised for the very first time, Papua New Guinea stepped proudly into independence, carrying the hopes of a nation and the dreams of its people. Today, as we mark 50 years of that historic moment, I find myself reflecting not just on our journey as a country, but on the values that shape us. Fifty years ago, our National Constitution did more than establish a new nation, it gave birth to a vision and a roadmap for our future. Today, I would like to reflect on the very first National Goal and Directive Principle (NGDP): Integral Human Development.
This principle has always resonated deeply with me. It reminds us that true progress begins with people. It speaks of every Papua New Guinean growing as a whole person; physically, spiritually, socially, and intellectually. It challenges us to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to our nation.
At fifty, we are still a young nation but we are also a hopeful one. Our NGDPs calls us to never reduce development to buildings and roads alone, but to measure progress by the strength of our people. I have seen this time and time again at The Voice and through the CleanGen: young men and women daring to dream, daring to lead, daring to become the best versions of themselves, for the good of the nation.
This is why I believe so deeply in our work collectively – The Voice celebrated its 18 years on the 17th of July this year and through our Clean Generation Movement, we have been creating spaces where young Papua New Guineans are equipped, inspired, and empowered to lead with vision and integrity. For 18 years, we have nurtured young people to become leaders not just of tomorrow, but of today. Through programs that reach every province, partnerships with global institutions, and a digital platform empowering thousands, we have become a garden, rooted in purpose and flourishing with impact. Our firm belief is that that leadership is not about titles, but about service.
This spirit of service and excellence is being carried onto the global stage by young Papua New Guineans like Captain Beverly Paki, in an historic event who flew the Airbus A220, the People’s Balus into PNG for the 50th Independence celebrations, and Dr Yalinu Poya, whose groundbreaking work in chemistry is earning global recognition. They are living proof that our people can lead not only at home, but across the world.
So as we celebrate PNG at 50 years, I invite us all to recommit to these principles. I echo the sentiments of TVI Deputy Board Chair, Valentina Kaman, shared as part of our independence message which you can watch here https://tinyurl.com/mt6d9tmf . Let us remember that our greatest resource is not under the ground, but in the hearts and minds of our people. And let us, together, continue to raise a generation who will carry this country into the next fifty years with courage, wisdom, and unity.
Happy 50th Independence, Papua New Guinea. May our people always remain at the heart of our nation’s story.