16/08/2025
By Malon Ere| PNG SUN|
The University of Papua New Guinea’s (UPNG) School of Law yesterday commemorated two significant milestones, the 50th Anniversary of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea and the 60th Anniversary of the University itself.
Themed “Reflection of the Past and Challenges for the Future,” the event was attended by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, government dignitaries, UPNG staff, lecturers, and students.
Executive Dean of the School of Law, Professor Sam Kaipu, reflected on the peaceful transition from colonial administration to independence in 1975.
“The forefathers of the Constitution brought together over 800 tribes into one united state. The Australian colonial administrators did not oppose independence; they said, ‘Go ahead.’ Papua New Guinea gave itself its own Constitution without bloodshed, a rare achievement compared to many nations,” Professor Kaipu said.
Prime Minister Marape described the Constitution as “a living document” second only to the Bible in its importance to national unity.
“The generation of leaders on 15 August 1975, the Somare generation, will remain forever the greatest generation of our country.
Achieving independence was not easy; there was resistance both locally and in Canberra, yet they persevered,” Marape told the gathering.
PM Marape paid tribute to the founding fathers who championed independence, led by Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, including Sir Albert Maori Kiki, Sir John Guise, Sir Julius Chan, Sir Paul Lapun, Sir John Kaputin, Sir Pita Lus, and Sir Ebia Olewale.
He also acknowledged the role of Pangu Pati, founded on 13 June 1967, in mobilising the independence movement.
“Our Constitution is one of the most inclusive nation-building documents ever created. Many constitutions from that era have been discarded, but ours remains relevant and timeless,” Marape said.
He noted that the Constitutional Planning Committee travelled globally to study and adopt the best principles for nation-building, despite the members’ limited formal education by today’s standards.
“Their inadequacy was filled by God’s wisdom, and they did it better,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged Papua New Guineans, especially the younger generation, to uphold the rule of law and respect the Constitution.
“Everything we do must originate from the Constitution. The greatest gift we can give our country at the 50th Anniversary of Independence is to pledge to uphold it,” Marape said.
The celebrations at UPNG serve as a reminder of the vision and sacrifice of the nation’s founding leaders, whose legacy continues to guide Papua New Guinea into the future.
