Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today held an important briefing with key Government agencies as Papua New Guinea prepares for the upcoming COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which will have the Leaders session from November 6–7, 2025, in Brazil — another major rainforest nation and partner in global climate advocacy.

The preparatory meeting, held at the Office of the Prime Minister, brought together Acting Managing Director of the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) Ms. Debra Sungi, Managing Director of the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) Mr. Jude Tukuliya, Oro Governor Hon. Gary Juffa, and senior officials from CEPA, CCDA, and the Office of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Marape is scheduled to speak at the Leaders’ Session of COP30 on November 6, where he will deliver PNG’s Country Statement — focusing on the protection of rainforest ecosystems, the value of biodiversity, carbon trading frameworks, and fair access to the Global Climate Fund for developing and climate-vulnerable nations.

“Papua New Guinea stands as one of the few remaining large rainforest nations in the world,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Our forests absorb carbon for the global good, yet our people receive very little compensation or recognition for the vital climate services we provide. At COP30, I will again remind the world that nations like ours deserve fair treatment and real climate financing — not just promises.” The Prime Minister reaffirmed that PNG’s position remains firm — that developed and industrial nations responsible for the majority of global emissions must do more to honour their commitments to climate finance and technology transfer.

He noted that he intentionally did not attend COP29 in 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, in protest of the lack of meaningful progress from larger nations despite years of promises, as he significantly made known during an exclusive interview with the BBC.

“I did not attend COP29 last year because too often, these global meetings have been long on talk and short on action,” PM Marape said. “However, we are beginning to see encouraging signs that our collective call from the Pacific and other rainforest nations is being heard. COP30 in Brazil will be a defining moment — a chance to turn promises into practical outcomes.”

Prime Minister Marape also highlighted PNG’s growing leadership role in regional and global climate discussions. He said the Government continues to pursue policies that strengthen forest conservation, sustainable land use, renewable energy development, and climate resilience in rural communities.

“Our approach is to balance conservation with sustainable development,” he said. “We want to protect our forests while empowering our people through sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and responsible resource management. Climate finance and carbon credit systems must directly benefit our local communities who are the true custodians of our forests.”

The Prime Minister further emphasized that PNG’s participation at COP30 will go beyond the Conference itself, with plans already underway for post-COP30 implementation and alignment of national frameworks to attract more green investments and partnerships, as well as establishing relevant policy and legal frameworks to enable a stronger future for PNG in terms of rainforest or biodiversity.

“Our work does not end in Brazil,” PM Marape said. “When our delegation returns, we will continue aligning our national policies to ensure that climate programs deliver real, measurable benefits for our people and our economy.”

Prime Minister Marape concluded by reaffirming that PNG will go to COP30 as a voice for rainforest nations and small island states, carrying a message of climate justice, shared responsibility, and global partnership.