UNITING A PEOPLE INTO A NATION: LEARNING FROM SOMARE FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS
Dame Meg Taylor DBE, Chair of The Voice Inc, introducing the TVI team during Sir Michael Somare’s 4th Remembrance Program
Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) journey to independence was marked by formidable challenges. Led by Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, the founding leaders were driven by frustration with colonial rule that systematically denied indigenous Papua New Guineans leadership roles and opportunities. Inspired by the global push for independence in the 1950s and 60s and galvanized by the Lae Rebellion in 1965, they committed to the pursuit of self-determination. This journey was far from straightforward. Separatist movements in regions like Bougainville and East New Britain resisted unification, challenging the vision of one nation. Somare responded with patience and resolve, relying on persistent dialogue and face-to-face engagement to bridge divisions and champion a shared national identity.
Now 50 years later, Papua New Guinea stands at the crossroads, with challenges to the rule of law and political fragmentation threatening Somare’s dream of one nation. At the heart of the matter is the urgent need for safety and security. Fear fractures us, turning communities inward and weakening our collective voice.
To commemorate Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s Remembrance Day on the 26th of February 2025 The Voice Inc. joined our chairperson, Dame Meg Taylor, Ms. Winnie Kiap, Sir Moi Avei, Bertha and Sana Somare, and 300 young people at the Divine Word University Kiandi Campus in Wewak. The gathering was a profound moment of reflection, drawing strength from the stories that shaped our nation. These origin stories remind us that unification was neither automatic nor easy, it was achieved through deep listening, courageous conversations, and a steadfast vision for a shared future. Hearing directly from those who forged our path to independence reaffirmed the enduring power of dialogue and unity.
In Wewak, we had a front row seat in history, linking the stories and people of the past to those of the future. Three themes emerged;
The first step is unity
We must embrace our diverse origins while strengthening our shared identity as Papua New Guineans. Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare exemplified this approach. Known for his humility and commitment, he dedicated hours to listening and engaging with communities, ensuring that every voice was heard. He understood that unity required patience and persistence, often staying overnight in villages to continue conversations. His legacy reminds us that unity begins with openness and dialogue. This is the Melanesian way.
Women must have equal participation & safety
Unity cannot be achieved without equal participation. Sir Michael was a champion of inclusion. He was part of drafting our Constitution which calls for the equality of rights, privileges, obligations, and duties irrespective of sex. The eight-point plan launched during self-government—which was regarded as a radical statement of development in those days—called for the Equal Participation by Women in all types of economic and social activity.
And participation cannot be discussed without the issue of violence against women. We cannot go on the way things are with sorcery killings and brutal attacks on women. We must collectively feel the shame that our country has one of the highest statistics on violence against women in the Pacific region and in the world. Behind every statistic, there is a face; the face of a man, the face of a woman, their parents, their children. This is about abusing power, and links to the heart of the problem. Without safety and security, our dream of unity will falter.
Working together to solve problems
True democracy requires active participation. In the words of PNG’s Constitutional Planning Committee; "Our people cannot be free and independent unless they think, speak, and act for the betterment of their lives and the nation." The burden of change can be heavy, but collective action lightens the load. Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s greatest achievement wasn’t just independence but forging a grand coalition from a mosaic of cultures. Today, we need new forms of collective leadership that transcend provincial boundaries, recognizing that the pain of any Papua New Guinean is our shared responsibility.
Creating the next 50 years...
The future of Papua New Guinea rests in the hands of its next generation. Today, we challenge young leaders to rise. Strengthen the bonds of unity, champion local leadership, and embrace collective action. Every individual, in every village, town, and city, has a role to play in building our nation. Nation-building isn't the responsibility of a few, it belongs to all of us. It requires courage to step forward, creativity to find new solutions, and commitment to stay the course.
We urge you to reflect on the stories leading up to independence from Sir Michael and the founding leaders, to carry their lessons forward, and to build bridges across divides. Engage in conversations that matter, lead initiatives that drive change, and advocate for unity in your communities.
“I ask everyone of you today to move forward as nation builders in everything you do. I ask you to pass on this vision to your friends, your community, and one day to your children and grandchildren. Do not be daunted; you are the privileged, and you carry this responsibility to build Wan Nation, wan kantri, wan femili, wan Solwara, wan Pipol” Dame Meg Taylor, TVI Chairperson.
(In the lead up to PNG’s 50th Anniversary, The Voice Inc is hosting a series of intergenerational dialogues on national building between senior statespeople, leaders and young people. To register to be a member and join the movement for change here )