Prime Minister Hon. James Marape will leave Papua New Guinea next week to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he will represent the country and address issues of national, regional and global importance.
The 81st United Nations General Assembly General Debate will be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 22–26 September and conclude on 28 September 2026.
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea would use the global forum to contribute its voice on major international issues while advancing matters important to the country and the Pacific region.
“I will be leaving the country next week to attend the United Nations General Assembly, once again representing Papua New Guinea at this important world forum,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We will speak on issues affecting Papua New Guinea, our Pacific region and the wider global community, while contributing Papua New Guinea’s perspective to discussions on the major challenges facing the world.”
Prime Minister Marape said Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso will serve as Acting Prime Minister during his absence.
“Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will once again hold the fort as Acting Prime Minister while I am away representing our country,” he said.
PM CALLS FOR PEACE AND RESPONSIBILITY
Ahead of his departure, Prime Minister Marape commended Papua New Guineans for the generally peaceful observance of the country’s 51st Independence Anniversary, despite isolated incidents.
“I commend everyone right across our country. There have been one or two incidents, but I again remind everyone that law and order is your business and our collective business,” he said.
“Government and our law-enforcement agencies have their responsibilities, but every citizen also has a responsibility to maintain peace, respect the law and look after our communities.”
EL NIÑO RELIEF FUNDING TO BE RELEASED
Prime Minister Marape also announced that K2.5 million will be released to every district next Monday to support frontline El Niño relief efforts.
He called on all District Development Authorities to meet immediately and coordinate assistance according to the needs of affected communities.
“I encourage all DDAs to sit down, coordinate and attend to the needs of our people in their respective districts,” Prime Minister Marape said.
An equal K2.5 million will also be released to each provincial government, including the Autonomous Bougainville Government, for administration and coordination of relief efforts, while districts will remain at the frontline of delivering assistance.
Prime Minister Marape called on provincial administrators to convene their respective provincial disaster management committees to coordinate the response.
A further K5 million will be released to the National Disaster Centre to coordinate, monitor and oversee the national response.
“The National Disaster Centre must monitor, observe and coordinate the national response so that assistance reaches areas where it is needed,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He said the first tranche of funding would be followed by further support after reports on implementation and needs were received.
“The balance of K2.5 million will come later as we receive reports and follow through on the first disbursement,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape stressed that disaster assistance would be provided equally across the country, irrespective of political affiliation.
“Government districts and Opposition districts alike will receive equal support from our Government. This is assistance for our people, and we must work together to ensure it reaches those who need it.”