Founding Fathers
- Sir Michael Thomas Somare: As the first Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Somare led the nation to independence and played a dominant role in its early development.
- Sir John Guise: As the first Governor-General, Guise served as a symbol of national unity and stability.
- Sir Albert Maori Kiki: A skilled diplomat and politician, Kiki contributed to the nation's international relations and domestic development.
- Sir Julius Chan: A key figure in the early years of independence, now known as the last man standing, Chan held various ministerial positions and played a significant role in shaping government financial and monetary policies.
- Sir Paulias Matane: A distinguished public servant and Governor-General from East New Britain Province, Matane symbolized public service and sovereignty.
- Sir Barry Holloway: A representative of the House of Assembly, Holloway participated actively in constitutional discussions.
- Sir Tore Lokoloko: From the Gulf Province, Lokoloko advocated for regional representation and the interests of his province.
- Sir Sinake Giregire: From the highlands region, Giregire's contributions to the constitutional process were significant.
- Sir Anthony Siaguru: As a lawyer and politician, Siaguru played a role in drafting the constitution.
- Charles Lepani: Headed the National Planning Office. Contributed to mining industry development. Served as PNG’s ambassador to the European Union and high commissioner in Australia.
- Mekere Morauta: Prime Minister (1999–2002). Restored economic stability. Led post-independence financial infrastructure development.
- Rabbie Namaliu: Close ally of PNG’s first prime minister, Michael Somare. Served as PNG’s fourth prime minister (1988–1992). Previously foreign minister and head of the Public Service Commission.
- Sir Ignatius Kilage: An advocate for indigenous rights, Kilage contributed significantly to the development of Papua New Guinea's legal framework. Sir John Kaputin: Kaputin's legal expertise influenced the nation's legal system.
- Sir Paul Lapun: From the New Guinea Islands region, Lapun advocated for regional representation and cultural diversity.
- Sir Tei Abal: A prominent politician from the Enga Province, Abal held ministerial positions and contributed to early governance. Sir
- Matiabe Yuwi: From the Upper Highlands region of Papua New Guinea, Yuwi participated in constitutional discussions.
- Sir Henry Chow: A philanthropists, businessman and politician, Chow contributed to local businesses, economic development and governance.
- Sir Iambakey Okuk: From the Highlands region of Simbu Province, Okuk was a vocal advocate for local interests.
- Sir Pita Lus: From the Sepik region, he was a key figure in the pre-independence period, Lus contributed to the nation's political landscape.
- Sir John Momis: As deputy chairman of the Constitutional Planning Committee, Momis played a vital role in shaping the Constitution. He is one of the few surviving members of his era.
- Sir Cecil Abel: Abel's role in the early political movement was crucial,. He was a prominent member of the Bully Beef Club and Pangu Pati, the brain behind Pangu’s economic & development policy – one nation, one country, unity in diversity.
- Oala-Oala Rarua: Rarua was part of the collective effort that shaped Papua New Guinea's destiny during its transition to independence and was a prominent member of the infamous Bully Beef Club.
Women Leaders
- Dame Josephine Abaijah: A trailblazer, Abaijah became the first woman elected to the House of Assembly in 1972.
- Hon Nahau Rooney: Elected in 1977, Rooney contributed to women's representation in PNG's parliament.
- Hon Waliyato Clowes: From the Western Province, she was elected to parliament in 1977, Clowes played a significant role in early post-independence politics.
- Dame Carol Kidu: A prominent female leader and wife of Sir Buri Kidu, the first Governor-General after independence, Kidu served in parliament from 1997 to 2012.