Prime Minister Hon. James Marape addressed the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly today, emphasizing the critical importance of multilateralism for small island nations and expressing formal gratitude to outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Speaking in New York, Prime Minister Marape used the global forum to reaffirm his country’s commitment to the UN Charter, noting that the international body provides an essential platform where the smallest nations can participate equally alongside larger global powers to resolve common humanitarian challenges peacefully.

“For Papua New Guinea, and for the small island nations of the Pacific, multilateralism matters,” he said. “The United Nations provides a place where the smallest nations can sit alongside the largest, where our voices can be heard, and where we can work together on the common challenges facing humanity.”

The Prime Minister formally acknowledged the upcoming conclusion of Secretary-General Guterres’s tenure, delivering thanks on behalf of the government and the people of Papua New Guinea.

He commended Guterres for his consistent advocacy for global peace, hu- man dignity, and international cooperation during a term marked by geopolitical conflicts, climate change, and widespread displacement.

He said the Secretary-General utilized his office effectively to elevate the voices of underrepresented populations within the international community, noting that Guterres “has demonstrated the qualities of a global statesman and has used his office to speak for humanity, including those whose voices are too often unheard.”

Following the delivery of his national address, Prime Minister Marape con- ducted a formal courtesy call on Secretary-General Guterres at the United Nations headquarters. The bilateral meeting took place on the 27th floor of the UN Building within the Secretary-General’s private office.

During the high-level meeting, the Prime Minister personally reiterated his gratitude to Guterres for his leadership and service especially to the Pacific region.

The Prime Minister was accompanied at the bilateral session by a senior delegation including Foreign Affairs, Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko; Ambassador Fred Sarufa, Permanent Representative of Papua New Guinea to the United Nations; and Sir Arnold Amet, Ambassador to the United States.