UN Secretary-General Wraps Up Four-Day Visit to Papua New Guinea
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has completed a historic four-day visit to Papua New Guinea, marking the first-ever trip by a UN chief to the country. His visit coincided with celebrations for PNG’s 50th Independence anniversary.
Prime Minister James Marape described the occasion as a milestone in the nation’s relationship with the UN, saying it strengthened their long-standing partnership. At a farewell press conference, Marape thanked Guterres for inspiring the people of Papua New Guinea to ensure no community is left behind.
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| UN Secretary-General Wraps Up Four-Day Visit to Papua New Guinea [PNG Government Photo] |
During his stay, Mr. Guterres visited Nuku in West Sepik Province and Mt. Hagen in the Western Highlands, where he met with local communities, observed UN projects, and held discussions on health, education, peacebuilding, and development. He also honoured the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, PNG’s founding father.
The Prime Minister praised the Secretary-General’s humility, noting his interactions with mothers, children, and elders during village visits. Marape said these gestures symbolised genuine friendship and solidarity.
Guterres commended Papua New Guinea for 50 years of democratic governance, calling the country a beacon of resilience in a world where democracy is under strain.
On climate change, he highlighted PNG’s role as a global leader in conservation, stressing its forests and oceans serve as crucial carbon sinks. He urged greater international support for climate adaptation and resilience, describing PNG as having a “negative emissions record.”
The UN chief further called for reforms to the global financial system, saying middle-income nations such as PNG face barriers in accessing concessional financing despite urgent development needs.
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