United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recently made his first visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG), where he praised the country’s climate leadership and resilience. Highlighting PNG’s role, he stated, “Your country does not contribute to climate change — on the contrary, you absorb CO₂ — but is in the first line of its dramatic impact.” This visit marks a significant milestone as PNG celebrates 50 years of independence and democracy. Guterres joined Prime Minister James Marape in Port Moresby to express admiration for PNG’s democratic journey, cultural resilience, and leadership in climate action and peace.
During his address, Guterres applauded PNG’s achievement in maintaining unity across a vibrant mix of cultures during its five decades of independence. He acknowledged the nation’s challenges with poverty, inequality, and climate crisis impacts, yet emphasized its peaceful resolution to conflicts, notably the Bougainville Peace Agreement, which has been in place for 24 years. He highlighted this agreement as a testament to perseverance and mutual respect.
Guterres also commended the adoption of the National Prevention Strategy on violence and emphasized the UN’s partnership with PNG to empower women and youth, who form 60% of the population. Emphasizing climate justice, he noted PNG’s moral leadership in climate action and called out the disproportionate burden faced by nations least responsible for causing climate change. He urged developed countries to undertake drastic reductions in emissions and increase meaningful climate financing, with a focus on initiatives such as the Pacific Resilience Facility.
Addressing inquiries on Australia’s responsibility for asylum seekers previously detained in PNG, Guterres stressed adherence to international refugee law, which advocates for open borders and protection for those fleeing persecution. Regarding economic recovery post-COVID-19 and future support, he reiterated the UN’s commitment to PNG’s development, advocating for reform of international financial institutions to give developing countries like PNG better access to resources, including debt relief.
Guterres concluded his visit by congratulating PNG on its golden jubilee, affirming the UN’s continued partnership with the country. He underscored the importance of PNG’s vision and ambition as lessons for the global community.
This significant visit underscores PNG’s evolving role on the global stage, exemplifying successful democratic governance and climate stewardship, while spotlighting the urgent need for climate action and fair global financial systems.
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