On the morning of Monday, 7 July, 2025, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape joined an audience with His Majesty King Charles III at the esteemed Highgrove Estate, Gloucestershire.

“I am deeply honoured to have been received by His Majesty King Charles III,” Prime Minister Marape stated.

After the audience at Highgrove, the Prime Minister highlighted PNG’s vast rainforest ecosystems and unique biodiversity, emphasizing their value not only to Papua New Guineans but to the world. “Our forests are not just national treasures – they are global lungs, oxygen banks, and seed reserves,” he remarked. “We carry a duty to safeguard them for future generations.”

The meeting marked a profound moment of shared vision as they reflected on pressing global environmental challenges and the role of Indigenous leadership in shaping nature-based solutions.

“His Majesty’s life-long dedication to the environment aligns closely with Papua New Guinea’s commitment to preserving our forests, cultural heritage, and the wisdom of our Indigenous communities,” stated PM Marape.

During their meeting, PM Marape and His Majesty discussed Papua New Guinea’s ecological significance, especially its standing as one of the world’s most biodiverse nations.

Both leaders acknowledged the irreplaceable role of Indigenous knowledge and custodianship in global efforts to halt biodiversity loss and combat climate change.

“As we mark Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of Independence, this moment with His Majesty is a reminder that our story is not isolated,” the Prime Minister said. “It is woven into a broader global tapestry – a shared responsibility to honour the Earth, its people, and the future we leave behind.”

The Government of Papua New Guinea remains committed to partnering with global allies who share its vision of equitable, nature-based development and respect for Indigenous leadership in the climate narrative.