Friday 5th September, 2025
United Nations Secretary-General, His Excellency António Guterres has wrapped up a four-day visit to Papua New Guinea, the first by a UN chief, joining the nation in celebrating its 50th Independence anniversary.
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape called the visit a “historic moment” for the country, saying it cemented PNG’s long-standing partnership with the UN.
“On behalf of my 10 million-plus people, I thank you for your leadership and for spending this time with us. You have inspired us to leave no child and no place behind,” Marape said at a joint press conference at Jacksons International Airport.
Mr. Guterres travelled to Nuku in West Sepik Province and Mt. Hagen in Western Highlands, meeting communities, visiting UN programs, and holding talks on health, education, peacebuilding and development. He also paid tribute to the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
“I saw him breaking protocols, shaking hands with mothers, children, the elderly and youths, a simple touch of genuine friendship and warmth,” Marape remarked.
The Secretary-General praised PNG’s resilience and its 50 years of uninterrupted democracy.
“In a world where democratic values are being questioned, Papua New Guinea stands as a remarkable example,” he said.
Climate change was a key focus of his message. Mr. Guterres noted PNG’s forests and oceans act as “two enormous carbon sinks” that benefit the entire planet.
“Papua New Guinea does not contribute to climate change. It has a negative emissions record,” he said, calling for climate justice and urging the international community to provide greater support for adaptation, resilience, and development financing.
He also stressed the need for reforms in the global financial system, arguing that middle-income nations like PNG face challenges in accessing concessional funding despite significant development needs.
Since joining the UN on 10 October 1975, PNG has maintained close ties with the global body.
PM Marape said the Secretary-General’s visit has deepened this partnership: “This is the first time in history a UN Secretary-General has visited us, and you have certainly entrenched our relationship, from Waigani to New York.”