Western Pacific University (WPU) celebrated Papua New Guinea’s 49th independence on the 13th to the 16th of September 2024. WPU were honored to have this year’s celebration sponsored by major sponsor Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) as well as from our university partner organization The Voice Inc. (TVI).

The four-day event saw a number of events done to mark the country’s anniversary, with a movie and documentary night on Friday the 14th where pre- and post-independence documentaries were shown to kick start the celebrations. The highlight event was held on Saturday the 14th of September which saw the WPU Diversity Night was held. All four regions of the country put on traditional dances to showcase Papua New Guinea here at Western Pacific University. On hand to open the event was TVI Program Officer Joseph Willie representing our sponsors to officially officiate and open the event. The night of colors and dances ended with the crowning of the Mr. and Ms. WPU Diversity 2024 in final year International Business Management student Nathaniel Pambel as Mr. WPU Diversity 2024, and Foundation Year student Kaylin Bunei who was crowned Ms. WPU Diversity 2024.

The following days concluded with a Gala Night on the 15th of September and the Independence Commemoration on the 16th of September. Speaking on the Independence Day Commemoration was Archbishop for Hela and Southern Highlands and WPU Council Member, Archbishop Donald Lippert. He touched on the importance of culture and its sacredness in making Papua New Guinea unique and it must be celebrated well in respect of its uniqueness to our society and not be alleviated for monetary purpose.

WPU wishes to thank its sponsors for the event: major sponsor Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited and The Voice Inc. for its sponsoring of this year’s independence celebration.