Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Hon. Soroi Eoe, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s enduring commitment to the principles and values of the United Nations during the national commemoration of United Nations Day in Port Moresby.
Honouring the UN and Papua New Guinea’s Shared Journey
Minister Eoe said Papua New Guinea’s modern nationhood was deeply linked to the United Nations, from its early years under the UN Trusteeship system to its admission as the UN’s 143rd member on 16 September 1975.
“When our flag was raised, the United Nations did not merely recognise Papua New Guinea — it welcomed us home,” he said. “That moment affirmed our place within a family committed to peace, justice, and human dignity.”
He noted that Papua New Guinea’s cultural and linguistic diversity mirrored the UN’s global mission of unity through diversity. “Like the UN, we are a nation of hundreds of languages and cultures, yet united under one flag,” he said.
Exercising Leadership on Global Challenges
Minister Eoe outlined how, over the past five decades, Papua New Guinea had exercised principled leadership at the UN, especially on issues that directly affect its people.
“We speak for communities on the frontline of climate change,” he said. “We advocate for sustainable oceans, forest stewardship, and financing models that reward countries protecting the lungs and blue carbon sinks of the planet.”
He said these positions were rooted in the daily realities of Papua New Guineans — from the Highlands to the Sepik, and from the Bismarck to the Coral Sea.
Strengthening Partnerships for Development
Minister Eoe highlighted the strength of the partnership between Papua New Guinea and the UN across key areas such as climate-resilient infrastructure, clean energy,and job- creating agriculture.
“When droughts, landslides, and health emergencies struck, the UN stood with us — from vaccination campaigns to emergency relief and reconstruction. This is multilateralism in action: a hand extended when it matters most,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the UN’s role in peacebuilding efforts in Bougainville, acknowledging its contribution from ceasefire monitoring to post-referendum dialogue.
Guterres Visit Marks Historic Milestone
Minister Eoe said the recent visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres — the first by a sitting UN chief — was a defining moment in PNG-UN relations.
“His visit reflected the UN’s confidence in our leadership in the Pacific,” he said. “He met Prime Minister Marape, addressed our National Parliament, and visited Wewak, Nuku, and Mt Hagen, witnessing the resilience and hope of our people.”
Prime Minister Marape’s UN Address
He noted that Prime Minister Marape’s subsequent address to the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York underscored PNG’s leadership in global advocacy.
“Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed our commitment to the UN Charter and called for reforms to the global financial system to value forests, oceans, and climate resilience as global public goods,” Minister Eoe said. “Papua New Guinea will not be a bystander — we will be a solutions country.”
Reforming the UN for a Changing World
Minister Eoe said PNG supported reforms to make the UN “more representative and responsive” to today’s global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, food insecurity, and climate impacts.
He reaffirmed PNG’s backing for initiatives that “reward environmental stewardship and allow vulnerable economies to invest in resilience without falling into debt.”
Pacific Voice and Global Citizenship
“Through the Pacific Islands Forum, we ensure that Pacific realities — from sea-level rise to sustainable fisheries — are heard in global debates on climate, oceans, and peacebuilding,” Minister Eoe said.
He thanked the UN Country Team for its work with PNG’s government, churches, youth, and women’s groups, saying the partnership’s impact was “measured not in reports but in results — in the vaccinated child, the safe school, the functioning health post, and the peaceful community.”
A Message to the Youth
Minister Eoe concluded with a message to the nation’s young people, urging them to embody the spirit of global citizenship.
“UN Day reminds us that leadership begins at home,” he said. “It means rejecting violence, respecting women and girls, protecting our environment, and building enterprises that create jobs and dignity.”
Reaffirming Commitment
Closing the ceremony, Minister Eoe said:
“Papua New Guinea is strongest when we stand with others, and the world is safer when the United Nations is strong. We will continue to be a constructive, solutions- focused partner — from Port Moresby to New York, from Hela to Bougainville, from the Sepik to the Solomon Sea.”
“May God bless the United Nations. May God bless our one human family. And may God bless Papua New Guinea.”