The Miss Bird of Paradise Pageant Papua New Guinea (MBOP PNG) has officially expanded to Morobe Province, marking a significant milestone in its mission to promote provincial representation as the nation prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence. In a signing ceremony held on Wednesday, 25th June, the MBOP PNG committee formalized a Memorandum of Agreement to launch the Miss Bird of Paradise Morobe Provincial Pageant – the second provincial pageant established under MBOP PNG in 2025. Western Province was the first, launching its pageant earlier in May. The Morobe committee will be led by Chairperson Jennifer Baing and Treasurer Carolyn Suckling, who will oversee preparations for Morobe’s inaugural provincial pageant. Speaking at the ceremony, MBOP PNG Chairperson Anna Bais commended the leadership in Morobe for joining the national platform. “As PNG prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence, this is a significant time to ensure that all Papua New Guinean women are represented on this prestigious platform,” said Bais. “We are a platform with a purpose—one that empowers women and acts as a voice for the most vulnerable in our communities.” She added that MBOP PNG's national growth strategy prioritizes increased provincial participation in the lead-up to the national pageant this December. The first-ever Miss Bird of Paradise Morobe Queen will take the stage later this year, as part of a larger effort to showcase diversity, culture, and empowerment from across the provinces. MBOP PNG extended its best wishes to the Morobe committee and welcomed their commitment to elevating women’s voices at both the provincial and national levels.