Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has praised United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for his strong support towards Papua New Guinea’s ongoing advocacy for climate justice, sustainable forestry, and ocean conservation.
Prime Minister Marape met with Secretary-General Guterres in New York following the UN General Assembly, where the UN chief reaffirmed his commitment to stand with Papua New Guinea and other climate-vulnerable nations in pushing for meaningful global action.
“The Secretary-General has given us his full support in ensuring that Papua New Guinea’s voice is heard,” Prime Minister Marape said. “He reaffirmed that our advocacy for forestry and ocean resources will be supported at the highest level, and that bigger polluting nations must contribute to assist us in conserving these critical resources.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that Papua New Guinea, as both a forest and ocean nation, occupies a unique position in the fight against climate change. While its carbon footprint is small, the country’s forests and oceans act as vital carbon sinks that benefit the whole world.
“It is no secret that if we are to stop forest harvesting, then those with the largest carbon emissions must help us save our forests and oceans,” he said. “Forestry and ocean resources are global mitigation tools, and we intend to bring this conversation to COP30 in Brazil.”
Papua New Guinea has also pitched for Australia to host COP31, creating a symbolic link between ocean and forest nations as hosts of successive climate conferences.
Prime Minister Marape further highlighted the urgent need for adaptation strategies to address sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and shifting global climate patterns, which continue to threaten PNG’s Island communities.
“Secretary-General Guterres not only recognised these realities but assured me of his full support for Papua New Guinea’s advocacy,” Prime Minister Marape said. “He continues to champion climate justice and stands with us in calling for bigger nations to take responsibility and help those of us most affected.”
The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming Papua New Guinea’s dual role as both a victim of climate change and a provider of solutions, noting that the country’s forests and oceans remain essential to restoring the global carbon balance.