Port Moresby will once again host its Pacific Community Day this Saturday, 16 May 2026, to celebrate regional unity, cultural diversity, and Papua New Guinea’s Pacific identity.

Announcing the event, Powes Parkop, Governor of the National Capital District (NCD), said the celebration builds on last year’s successful program held during Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary commemorations.

Governor Parkop said Pacific Community Day was introduced to continue telling the Pacific story and recognizing the important role Pacific nations have played in shaping Papua New Guinea’s history and development.

“This is a continuation of what we started last year during the 50th anniversary of our country’s journey as a nation.”

He spoke on the historical contributions of Pacific missionaries and early workers from countries including Samoa, Fiji, Nauru, Cook Islands, and the Solomon Islands, who came to Papua New Guinea during colonial times and contributed to the country’s social, religious, and institutional foundations.

Additionally, the event is also aimed at strengthening Port Moresby’s position not only as Papua New Guinea’s national capital, but as a regional Pacific city and cultural hub.

“We should be more than just a national capital. We can and should be a Pacific city.”

This year’s event will feature performances from leading artists from Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific, showcasing music, arts, and cultural expression as a means of bringing Pacific communities together.

He also reiterated the city’s commitment to growing the creative sector, revealing that the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) is progressing plans for a 5, 000-seat performing arts theatre along Port Moresby’s Boulevard to support local artists and strengthen the entertainment industry.

He also said the city wants to create more platforms for young people pursuing careers in music, arts, and entertainment.

“Other platforms such as education are important, but not everybody can take up a regular career, there should be a platform for the arts.”

“This day is also about making our city a hub for entertainment creation.”

“Developing the entertainment industry to become a very strong platform for which all of our current and upcoming artists and entertainers can thrive.”