Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has told Brazilian President H.E Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva that forest and ocean nations like Papua New Guinea and Brazil “carry the burden of the world’s climate crisis,” even though their carbon footprints are minimal.
Speaking during a historic bilateral meeting on the margins of COP30 in Belém, Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea’s presence at the summit was to reinforce solidarity with Brazil and other developing countries demanding fairness and justice in global climate action.
“Excellency, I want to thank you sincerely for your warm welcome and hospitality since I arrived in your country,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Papua New Guinea has just celebrated 50 years of democracy since our independence from Australia in 1975. Although we are on opposite sides of the world — you in South America and us in the Pacific — we have many things in common.”
He said both countries were natural allies because of their vast forests, rich biodiversity, and shared experiences as developing democracies advocating for climate justice.
“As a forest nation and an ocean nation, our carbon footprint is minimal, yet we are the victims of climate change,” he said. “Our forests and oceans carry the weight of the world’s excess carbon, but the benefits have not flowed equitably to our people.”
Commending Brazil’s Leadership
Prime Minister Marape praised President Lula’s leadership on the global stage and his advocacy for climate justice and reform of the global financial system, which he said continues to favour industrialised nations in the north.
“Mr. President, I have followed you closely since your election and I commend your strong voice on issues that affect the Global South — on climate change, on global inequality, and on financial systems that benefit the rich and disadvantage developing countries,” he said.
He said Brazil’s decision to host COP30 in the Amazon was “deeply spiritual and meaningful,” calling for discussions to focus not only on emissions but also on protecting the lungs and lifeblood of the planet — forests and oceans.
“The conversation on climate change is wasted if we don’t talk about saving forests, saving oceans, and preserving biodiversity,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Forest nations are keeping the planet alive. We must be recognised and fairly compensated for that.”
Shared Call for Global Climate Justice
Prime Minister Marape said both Papua New Guinea and Brazil must continue pushing for justice and equity in global climate and trade negotiations, including greater recognition for the environmental services provided by forest nations.
“The big carbon-emitting nations have not transitioned away from fossil fuels. Coal is still being used heavily in major economies,” he said. “Forest nations are doing their part, but the rewards and recognition have not come.”
He reaffirmed PNG’s support for implementing Article 5.2 and Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, ensuring that carbon markets are transparent and that forest and ocean nations receive their fair share of climate finance.
“Papua New Guinea stands with Brazil and the forest economies of the world to ensure that climate justice becomes real,” PM Marape said. “It must not just be a slogan — it must be lived reality for our people.”
Prime Minister Marape recalled that as a student in 1992, he followed Brazil’s hosting of the first Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, saying it was meaningful to now return as Prime Minister to continue the work that began then.
“It is deeply meaningful to be here where it all began, continuing the same message: let us save our forests, protect our oceans, and pass on a healthier world to our children,” he said.