United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has made a historic visit to Papua New Guinea by becoming the first sitting UN chief to address the country’s Parliament. This visit comes as Papua New Guinea (PNG) approaches its 50th anniversary of independence, a significant milestone for this Pacific nation. Guterres praised PNG’s progress in areas such as peacebuilding, democracy, and sustainable development.
During his address, Guterres expressed admiration for PNG’s commitment to democracy and its peace initiatives, particularly through the Bougainville Peace Agreement, which recently celebrated its 21st anniversary. He acknowledged the leadership of Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama and the steps taken toward autonomy with the upcoming fifth election and the previously signed Melanesian Agreement. The UN’s support in peacebuilding efforts, including weapon disposal and the 2019 referendum, was emphasized as a model for other nations.
The Secretary-General highlighted PNG’s fight against corruption, the strides made in gender equality, and the establishment of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. This commitment is further supported by the Spotlight Initiative aimed at ending violence against women and girls. Additionally, PNG’s new human rights strategy and plans for a National Human Rights Commission were recognized as crucial steps toward inclusive peace and progress.
Guterres also highlighted the cooperation between the UN and PNG in various sectors such as health care, agriculture, disaster response, and support for displaced communities. He stressed the UN’s alignment with PNG’s development strategies, policies, and decisions, advocating for reform within global institutions like the UN’s Security Council and international financial bodies to better serve developing nations.
PNG’s leadership on global issues, particularly in climate resilience, and its aspiration to become a significant player on the international stage were recognized during the visit. Understanding the significance of this support, Prime Minister James Marape viewed the visit as a recognition of PNG’s democratic progress and its proactive role in regional and global matters.
As PNG prepares for its golden jubilee, the presence of Guterres further solidifies PNG’s standing as a respected member of the international community, showcasing its leadership from a country once hosting peacekeepers to becoming a leader in sustainable development and peacebuilding. The UN chief’s visit marks a moment of celebration and a call to action for PNG to continue its journey toward unity and prosperity, ensuring its diverse history becomes a foundation for future growth.
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