Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has extended a warm welcome to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency António Guterres, who will arrive in Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, for a historic four-day official visit coinciding with the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
The visit marks the first time a sitting UN Secretary-General has travelled to PNG and highlights the country’s growing global profile and strong commitment to multilateralism, climate leadership, and sustainable development.
“On behalf of the Government and the eight million people of Papua New Guinea, I extend our heartfelt welcome to Secretary-General Guterres,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“His visit is a powerful message of solidarity and partnership, and it recognises Papua New Guinea’s evolution as a confident and responsible voice in the international community over the past 50 years.”
The Secretary-General will be accompanied by a senior UN delegation, including the UN Resident Coordinator in PNG, the High Representative for Least Developed Countries and SIDS, his Special Assistant, security officials, and media personnel.
Official Visit Programme Overview
Tuesday 2 September 2025
1030 hrs: Arrival of Secretary-General Guterres and delegation at Jacksons International Airport on China Southern Airlines flight CZ 5055. Received by Chief of State Protocol and UN officials, traditional welcome and Guard of Honour.
1115 hrs: Motorcade departs for Hilton Hotel; brief reception and executive time.
1445 hrs: Courtesy call on Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae at Government House.
1600–1730 hrs: One-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Marape followed by bilateral talks at Melanesia House.
1730–1800 hrs: Joint media conference.
1830 hrs onward: Internal UN briefing and rest.
Wednesday 3 September 2025
1000–1045 hrs: Formal address to the Papua New Guinea National Parliament.
1100–1200 hrs: Meeting with Prime Minister Marape and ABG leadership at Melanesia House.
1330–1430 hrs: Roundtable with PNG women leaders at Hilton Hotel.
Evening: State dinner hosted by Prime Minister Marape at APEC Haus in honour of the Secretary-General.
Thursday 4 September 2025
Morning flight to Wewak. Visit to the Tomb of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
Travel to Nuku District and back to Wewak; flight to Mt Hagen.
Afternoon: Courtesy call on Governor of Western Highlands Hon. Wai Rapa; site visits and informal discussions with Highlands stakeholders. Evening: Dinner hosted by the Governor at Rondon Ridge Lodge.
Friday 5 September 2025
Morning: Charter flight to Port Moresby.
1130–1200 hrs: UN All Staff Meeting.
1300 hrs: Farewell at Jacksons International Airport including Guard of Honour and final press conference.
1430 hrs: Departure from PNG on PX19 to Hong Kong.
Prime Minister Marape said the detailed programme reflects Papua New Guinea’s warm hospitality, the country’s commitment to its partnership with the UN, and its readiness to elevate cooperation across all sectors, including climate action, peacebuilding, gender equality, and economic transformation.
“As a small island developing state on the frontline of climate change, we stand firmly behind the Secretary-General’s global leadership,” said Prime Minister Marape.
“Papua New Guinea is proud of its track record in peacebuilding, especially in Bougainville, and our deepening efforts to empower women, youth, and rural communities. We thank the UN for walking this journey with us, and we look forward to shaping the next 50 years together.”
The visit will conclude on Friday, 5 September with a Guard of Honour farewell and final press engagement before departure.