Papua New Guinea is gearing up for a significant celebration, marking its fiftieth anniversary of independence in September 2025. This occasion is not just a time for festivities but also an opportunity for reflection on the country’s history, including the key figures who contributed to its emergence as a sovereign nation.
At the forefront of honoring this legacy is the Revitalizing the PNG Dictionary of Biography (PNGDB) Project. Launched in 2023, the initiative aims to document and recognize Papua New Guineans from diverse sectors who have played pivotal roles in the nation’s development. Spearheaded by Nicholas Hoare, a Pacific historian from the Australian National University (ANU), along with Keimelo Gima from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), this project seeks to rebuild upon the earlier PNG Dictionary of Contemporary Biography (PNGDCB), which faced challenges since its inception in the 1980s.
The original effort was supported by notable figures including UPNG’s Vice Chancellor Elton Brash and Deputy Prime Minister Paias Wintgi, with the aim to create a scholarly reference documenting influential national figures. However, various practical hurdles, from funding shortages to loss of key personnel, led to the project’s stagnation over the years. Recent years have seen a renewed push, with nearly 100 writers expressing interest in contributing to new biographical entries that will commemorate the enduring legacy of national contributors as the country approaches its 50th year of independence.
Applications for the project opened in April 2024, ultimately selecting 25 writers due to financial limitations. The first workshop held in June provided training on ethical research practices, while the second workshop in August allowed participants to share compelling narratives about individuals who shaped Papua New Guinea. Among the inspiring stories shared was that of the late Jacob Luke, a philanthropist known for his significant contributions to education and community service, and Beverly Kaleva, who dedicated her life to ensuring that students had access to necessary resources for their studies.
This revitalized project serves not only to celebrate the pioneers of the past but seeks to foster new voices and narratives from young Papua New Guineans, encouraging them to write their own histories. The project’s ultimate goal is to publish an edited volume featuring fifty biographical entries that reflect the work of both historical figures and contemporary contributors.
Moreover, the discussions among writers highlighted challenges faced in conducting historical research within Papua New Guinea. The temporary closure of the National Archives has necessitated reliance on alternative resources for gathering historical records. Nevertheless, the project is now undergoing editorial processes with plans for an official launch by the end of the year.
As Papua New Guinea approaches this important milestone, the project underscores the necessity of a national identity rooted in a shared memory. It emphasizes the need for investment in cultural heritage institutions—archives, museums, and libraries—that safeguard the collective stories of the nation. Celebrating and chronicling the contributions of diverse individuals resonates with the greater aim of fostering unity and progress in a nation marked by cultural diversity.
The current effort reflects hope for the future, as it works to bridge past achievements with new aspirations. By documenting the lives and contributions of both celebrated and unsung heroes, Papua New Guinea can honor its rich history while inspiring future generations to continue striving for national development and cohesion.
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