Belém, Brazil — Thursday, 6 November 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for his powerful and uncompromising address at the opening of the World Leaders Climate Action Summit during COP30 in Belém, describing it as “a moral compass for world leaders to act decisively in this decade of truth.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Secretary-General’s remarks resonated deeply with the Pacific and forest nations, especially those like Papua New Guinea that are on the frontline of the climate crisis but least responsible for it.
“Secretary-General Guterres spoke the truth that the world must hear,” Prime Minister Marape said. “When he declared that ‘the 1.5°C limit is a red line for humanity’, he spoke for every vulnerable island and forest nation fighting for survival. Papua New Guinea fully aligns with his call for courageous, collective, and urgent action.”
Standing With the UN’s Call for Climate Action
Prime Minister Marape welcomed the Secretary-General’s call for a “paradigm shift” to limit the magnitude and duration of global temperature overshoot, accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels, and protect critical ecosystems such as tropical forests and oceans — the planet’s natural carbon sinks.
“Papua New Guinea stands shoulder to shoulder with the United Nations and forest nations like Brazil in protecting the lungs of the Earth,” he said. “We are committed to conserving our 13 per cent share of the world’s tropical rainforest, sustaining 97 per cent of land under customary ownership, and ensuring our people benefit equitably from global carbon markets.”
Championing Climate Finance and a Fair Transition
Prime Minister Marape also applauded the Secretary-General’s strong emphasis on climate justice and equitable financing, which remain central challenges for developing nations.
“Mr Guterres was right to call out the injustice of the current system — where developing nations continue to suffer the worst effects of a crisis they did not cause,” the Prime Minister said. “We join his call for developed nations to mobilise the agreed US$1.3 trillion annually by 2035 and ensure that funds for adaptation and resilience reach those most affected.”
He said Papua New Guinea was already advancing clean energy, forest conservation, and sustainable agriculture initiatives — but that such efforts needed genuine international partnership and investment.
A Turning Point for Humanity
Prime Minister Marape echoed the Secretary-General’s plea to make COP30 in Belém “the turning point” for global climate action and justice.
“As the Secretary-General said, ‘no one can bargain with physics, but we can choose to lead – or be led to ruin.’ This is the decisive decade for humanity,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Papua New Guinea stands with the United Nations and Brazil in turning pledges into real action — through courage, solidarity, and science-based leadership.”
He added that Papua New Guinea, as a leading Pacific democracy and a custodian of rich forests and oceans, would continue to advance South–South cooperation, build partnerships with fellow forest nations, and champion the Pacific voice for climate justice.
“Belém is not only the host city of COP30 — it is a symbol of the world’s conscience,” he said. “Papua New Guinea is honoured to stand here in solidarity with global leaders who are ready to act for our planet and future generations.”