Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been urged to remain united and proud of its identity as the country marks 51 years of independence.

Speaking during the Independence celebrations, the Governor of the National Capital District (NCD) said PNG’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths, despite the challenges faced over the past 51 years.

He said the country’s thousands of tribes, languages, cultures and traditions have not prevented its people from coming together as one nation.

“Despite all our diversity, plenty culture, thousands of them, plenty languages, plenty custom, plenty tradition too, we can still come together and be one nation, one people, one country,” he said.

The Governor said Papua New Guineans should recognise the journey the country has taken since independence and celebrate its achievements while acknowledging the work still to be done.

He said economic, political, security, infrastructure, employment, health and education challenges remain, but these should not be used to undermine the country’s progress.

The Governor encouraged Papua New Guineans to have faith in their country, appreciate its uniqueness and recognise that cultural diversity is not a barrier to national unity.

He said the ability of people from different provinces and cultural backgrounds to sing, dance and celebrate together demonstrates the strong national identity that has developed over the past 51 years.

“Today our diversity is not a barrier. It is our strength,” he said.

The Governor said Papua New Guinea should now look ahead to the next 50 years and work towards improving the quality of life for its people.

He also encouraged citizens to take collective responsibility for addressing the challenges facing the country and to support one another.

The Independence celebrations brought together thousands of people across the country, with communities, students, artists and cultural groups joining in celebrations under the national colours of red, black and gold.