Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has clarified Papua New Guinea’s position on the evolving discussions surrounding the host of COP31, underscoring that PNG fully trusts Australia’s judgement and diplomacy in navigating the final outcome.
Speaking in response to a question from an ABC reporter, Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea has always stood firmly with Australia during the COP31 lobbying process because of the long-standing partnership and shared climate priorities across the Pacific.
PNG Trusts Australia’s COP31 Leadership
Prime Minister Marape said PNG had conveyed to Australia from the outset that it fully trusted Australia’s lobbying strategy, judgement, and ability to negotiate a fair outcome for the region.
“Our position was simple: Papua New Guinea trusts Australia’s leadership in the COP31 process. We rallied behind Australia because we believe their bid symbolises the collective aspirations of Oceania,” he said.
He added that while the Pacific has its own climate vulnerabilities and priorities, PNG saw Australia’s bid as the best pathway to elevating these issues globally.
If Adjustments Were Required, They Must Highlight Pacific Priorities
Prime Minister Marape said PNG advised Australia that if giving way became necessary — including allowing Turkey to host COP31 — then such a decision must come with clear guarantees that the Pacific agenda remains front and centre.
“If Australia needed to give way, we made it clear that COP31 must still visibly reflect the priorities of Oceania, the Pacific small island states, coastal communities, island communities, and Papua New Guinea,” he said.
He emphasised that key priorities include:
• Climate adaptation for small island and coastal communities
• The Pacific and Oceania ocean agenda
• Papua New Guinea’s forest conservation and ocean resource management goals
• Nature-based solutions led by forest and marine nations
• Strong recognition of Articles 5.2 and 6.2 of the Paris Agreement relating to forest conservation, carbon markets, and payments for maintaining standing forests
“These agendas must not be lost. They must be visible, embraced, and incorporated into COP31’s framework, especially following the outcomes of COP30 in Belém,” Prime Minister Marape said.
PNG Calls for a Future COP Hosted in Australia
Prime Minister Marape also underscored PNG’s view that Australia should host a future COP, ensuring the Pacific’s voice is given the global platform it deserves.
“We have asked that a future COP, not too far into the future, be hosted by Australia with full participation from Oceania. This remains important for our region,” he said.
Standing with Australia, Moving Forward Together
Prime Minister Marape concluded by underscoring that PNG continues to stand with Australia in both principle and process.
“We stood with Australia, and we allowed Australia to make the lead call. Whatever decision Australia takes, we will support. From there, we will continue to advance our forest agenda, our ocean agenda, and the climate-resilient future our region deserves,” he said.