As the sun rises on January 31st, Pakistan extends its heartfelt felicitations to the world’s smallest oval-shaped island without an official capital, the Republic of Nauru, on its 56th anniversary of independence.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Raja Parvez Ashraf, via his social media account, also sends a warm greeting to the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Nauru, Marcus Stephen, and its people in celebration of this historical day.
This day, celebrate the journey of resilience and uniqueness of Nauru people throughout the island with various events, including military parades, traditional dances, music performances, exhibitions of arts and crafts, street fairs, and food festivals that reflect a closely knit community.
The main events of Nauru Independence Day at the start of this historical day are raising the flag, listening to speeches from local politicians, and signing the national anthem.
Several events were held all across the island, demonstrating the talent of local artists and performers. Throughout the day, you will witness cultural events organized in different places, including community halls, schools, and on the streets.
Nauru Independence Day is celebrated with an array of traditional foods, including fish, taro, and other local produce. Many families and communities come together to prepare and share a meal, echoing the unity and pride of a nation on this special occasion.
The Nauru National Museum is also open for free to visitors. It’s an exciting way to learn more about the history and culture of the country and to be aware of the importance of the country’s independence.
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Journey to Independence
Nauru’s Independence Day celebrates the nation’s liberation from colonial rule, reflecting on its history of being under German control from the late 19th century until the early 20th century.
Following the World War I, the League of Nations mandated Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to administer the island as the Nauru Island Phosphate Commission.
Japanese forces occupied Nauru during World War II. After the war, the United Nations entrusted Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom with the administration of Nauru under a trusteeship. This arrangement was meant to prepare Nauru for self-governance.
In the post-Cold War era, the Nauru Island Phosphate Commission resumed phosphate mining and brought substantial revenue. However, Nauruan people realize that they are not gaining adequate economic benefit; additionally, mining is affecting the environment badly; therefore, Nauruan people raise their voice for self-determination and control over resources. As a result, in 1966, the first general elections were held, resulting in the formation of the Nauru Local Government Council, an important step towards self-governance.
Hammer DeRoburt, an influential figure in Nauru’s political landscape, played a significant role in the negotiations for independence. The Nauruan leaders negotiated with the trusteeship powers for full control over their island and its resources.
On January 31, 1968, Nauru officially became an independent republic. This signaled the end of the trusteeship arrangement and the beginning of Nauru’s journey as a sovereign nation. The country became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and later joined the United Nations in September 1999 and was recognized as a sovereign state.
