50th Independence King’s Medal launched

The Government will award the King’s commemorative medal to 3,000 Papua New Guineans during the country’s 50th Golden Jubilee next year.

Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae announced the initiative at Government House today.

Sir Bob said King Charles III approved the medal to honor and recognize Papua New Guineans who have made significant contributions to the country over the past 50 years.

“The King’s medal, a round gold-plated design, will feature the King on the obverse and the Royal Cypher on the reverse. It will come with a red, gold, and black ribbon in a complete set that includes the regular medal, a miniature, and a ribbon bar,” Sir Bob explained.

The Honors and Awards Committee, chaired by Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, will oversee the nomination process.

Sir Bob confirmed the committee will finalize and publish the list of successful nominees by the end of April 2025.

“I encourage everyone to nominate someone who deserves the King’s medal,” Sir Bob said.

Nominees from all four regions will be considered, and recipients will receive their medals at designated locations in Lae, Mt. Hagen, Kokopo, and the National Capital District.

Citizens are encouraged to start identifying candidates who have made outstanding contributions to their communities or the nation over the past five decades.

Nomination forms will be available in the mainstream media in the coming days.