Papua New Guinea Dictionary of Biography: Volume One – Now Launched!

Papua New Guinea Dictionary of Biography: Volume One – Now Launched!

The launch of Volume One of the Papua New Guinea Dictionary of Biography, was unveiled today at the The University Of Papua New Guinea (UPNG)!

This landmark publication is the result of a renewed collaboration between UPNG and the The Australian National University (ANU), reviving a visionary project first imagined in the 1980s.

The volume features nearly 30 biographies, all penned by Papua New Guinean authors, celebrating the diverse individuals who have shaped the nation since Independence in 1975. It is available for free download here.

Unlike traditional histories that spotlight prime ministers and founding fathers, this collection honours community-based nation makers—teachers, academics, activists, church leaders, and grassroots changemakers. Women outnumber men in this first edition, reflecting a strong commitment to gender, regional, and ethnic representation.

Supported by Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Pacific Research Program Phase II and Department of Pacific Affairs, this volume is a powerful testament to Papua New Guinea’s rich and diverse history—told by its own people.