Every year, anthropologists around the world celebrate World Anthropology Day on the third Thursday of February. The day was first started in 2015 by the American Anthropological Association in the United States. At first, it was called National Anthropology Day. In 2016, the association changed the name to World Anthropology Day to show that anthropology is important not only in America but all over the world.

 In 2026, World Anthropology Day falls on 19 February. The theme for this year is “Celebrating Oral Traditions as Living Archives.” This theme reminds us that stories passed down by word of mouth are important records of history and culture.

World Anthropology Day plays an important role in helping people understand the value of anthropology in society. Anthropology focuses on the study of people, their cultures, traditions, languages, and histories. It examines how communities live, how societies develop and transform, and how cultural knowledge is passed down and protected. Anthropologists promote respect for cultural diversity and contribute to addressing social and global challenges while safeguarding heritage. The day creates a platform for researchers, scholars, and students to present their work to the public. It inspires young people to explore anthropology and gain a deeper understanding of their own cultural roots.

In Papua New Guinea, World Anthropology Day was celebrated in a meaningful way. The Ethnology Division of the Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies (IPNGS), a cultural institution that comes under the National Cultural Commission, launched Volume II of the Kumainge (Discussion Platform) Series. The new publication volume, titled Traditional Stories of Pandit Village  of Rai Coast District of Madang Province by Mr Livai Manafri, Assistant Director of Ethnology Division at IPNGS. The publication contains all the myths and folklore of the Pandit Village. These stories are an important part of the community’s oral traditions. By documenting and publishing them, IPNGS is helping to safeguard this cultural knowledge for future generations.

The Kumainge Series has now reached its second publication and serves as a valuable platform for discussing the diverse cultures of Papua New Guinea. Through this series, cultural knowledge from various provinces is documented and shared, ensuring it is preserved for wider audiences. This work is especially important because many traditional stories are passed down orally and could be lost if they are not properly recorded.

The publication was made possible with the support and cooperation of the people of Pandit Village. Their contribution shows the importance of working together with communities when recording traditional knowledge.

The launch took place at the Institute of PNG Studies office at Boroko, Port Moresby. The event was officiated by the Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission (NCC), Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, and was witnessed by Youth Leader Emil Yambel and Billy Unudo of  Pandit Village, Dr. Naomi Faik Simet, Professor Don Niles, and staff members.

 Mr. Kilanda encouraged the Institute of PNG Studies (IPNGS) staff to do more research and publish more books every year. He reminded them that research and publication are part of the institution’s main responsibility. He said, “You must do more in terms of research and publication every year; anthropology itself covers everything. Some of our country’s great minds are anthropologists.”

Mr. Kilanda explained that anthropology is a very broad field. It helps people understand culture, history, language, identity, and social issues. He said anthropology is not only about studying the past. It also helps guide the future of the country.

Last year, the National Cultural Commission, through IPNGS, offered internships to anthropology students from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). This gave students the chance to gain experience in their field of study. By opening its doors to students, the Institute helped young anthropologists learn practical skills and take part in preserving the country’s intangible cultural heritage. Supporting students is very important because they are future researchers, writers, and cultural leaders of the country.

World Anthropology Day reminds us that anthropology is important for everyone. It helps us understand our past and prepare for our future. It helps us value our traditions, respect our differences, and build a stronger nation for generations to come.