Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has returned from the 2025
World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, where he participated in critical discussions with global leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers. This year’s forum, themed “Collaboration in the Age of Intelligence,” centred on addressing global challenges through innovation, technology, and partnerships, with a strong focus on sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI), and
economic resilience.
The WEF, which convenes annually, is one of the most prestigious platforms for dialogue on the intersection of business, technology, and governance. It brings together select world leaders, CEOs, and thought leaders to develop actionable solutions for global challenges. Prime Minister Marape’s presence at the event highlights Papua New Guinea’s commitment to contributing to and benefiting from such international platforms.
Key Takeaways from the Forum
Climate Change Leadership:
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s leadership on climate action, emphasising the nation’s pivotal role as a biodiversity hotspot. PNG accounts for 6–7% of the world’s biodiversity and shares responsibility for 30% of the global ocean space through its Pacific Island partnerships.
“We are not only advocating for climate action; we are living it. The voices of small island nations like ours must be heard, as we face the most immediate and devastating impacts of climate change,” said the Prime Minister.
He also disclosed his formal letter to the United States, urging reconsideration of its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, calling for stronger commitments from major industrialised nations.
Economic Resilience:
The global economic outlook for 2025 was a key focus at WEF, with optimistic forecasts shared by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. Discussions underscored the importance of sustainable growth strategies. Prime Minister Marape emphasised PNG’s strategic geographical position as a bridge between East and West, as well as its potential to harness partnerships within the ASEAN region.
Artificial Intelligence and Technology:
The forum placed significant emphasis on the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Prime Minister
Marape highlighted the need for PNG to embrace digital transformation to remain competitive globally.
“We cannot afford to be left behind in the age of AI. Our government will be working to advance our ICT
capabilities and position PNG as a leader in innovation within the Pacific,” he stated.
Food Security and Agriculture:
The Prime Minister attended key sessions on global food security, a growing concern due to climate change and population growth. He reiterated PNG’s plan to increase domestic rice production to reduce its K2 billion annual food import bill, with the goal of achieving food self-sufficiency and exporting surplus
to neighboring countries.
High-Level Meetings with Global Investors
On the sidelines of the forum, Prime Minister Marape held productive meetings with major investors, securing commitments to advance PNG’s critical energy and resource projects:
ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies: Updates on the Papua LNG and P’nyang LNG projects were discussed, with ExxonMobil confirming its satisfaction with PNG as a stable and attractive investment destination.
Newmont and Harmony Gold: Talks centred on finalising agreements for the Wafi-Golpu mining project, with the Prime Minister emphasising prudence in ensuring long-term benefits for both investors and the people of PNG.
“These meetings demonstrated the confidence global investors have in PNG. Our natural resources and strategic location make us a key player in the global economy,” he said.
PNG’s Role in the Global Arena
Prime Minister Marape emphasised the importance of PNG’sactive participation in international platforms like the WEF. He also highlighted PNG’s ongoing progress towards full ASEAN membership, citing positive discussions with Malaysia’s Prime Minister during the forum.
“Our participation ensures PNG’s voice is heard and our interests are represented on the global stage. We are committed to making PNG a strong, competitive, and sustainable nation,” he concluded.