Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has departed Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, on an important trip to the United States of America to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Prime Minister Marape is scheduled to address the UNGA on Friday, September 27, 2024, just after midday (U.S. time). For Papua New Guinea, this will be on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in local time.
Before leaving for the United States, the Prime Minister presided over the swearing-in of two new Ministers for Health and Mining at Government House. During his remarks, Prime Minister Marape emphasised that, on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea, he will be involved in crucial discussions about individual human rights, freedom, and the advocacy for PNG’s forests, biodiversity, and marine resources, which have not been given their due recognition in global climate change discussions.
He stated, “Global funds are available for climate change mitigation in PNG but are not being duly accessed as expected.”
Reflecting on the nation’s founding father, Sir Michael Somare, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the late leader’s pioneering efforts in raising the agenda of forest nations on the global stage. “He was a leader ahead of others in terms of fighting for what is rightfully deserved by forest nations like Papua New Guinea,” Prime Minister Marape added.
Ahead of his UNGA address, Prime Minister Marape shared his frustrations: “Forest resource owners in Papua New Guinea must be given value for forest conservation, as this remains a long- standing issue. Out of frustration over this, we decided not to attend COP29 this year.
“Our forest values are not adequately being compensated for. Our carbon sink propensity, as well as the balancing of the ecosystem. Those conversations will be among discussions at the United Nations General Assembly, which I will be attending. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) requirements under the UN SDG Agenda of 2030 will also be of key consideration for us.”
During Prime Minister Marape’s absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP Hon. John Rosso, will serve as Acting Prime Minister. Prime Minister Marape is expected to return to Papua New Guinea on October 1, 2024.