Papua New Guinea Marks 50 Years at United Nations, Urges Peace and Climate Action
Prime Minister James Marape used his address to the 80th United Nations General Assembly on Friday to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of independence and UN membership, while urging world leaders to commit to peace and act decisively on climate change.
Marape opened his speech by congratulating the new UNGA president and thanking God for guiding Papua New Guinea since 1975. He reminded delegates that the country will also mark 50 years as a UN member on October 10, saying PNG has remained a proud and active participant in the global community throughout those decades.
 |
| Papua New Guinea Marks 50 Years at United Nations, Urges Peace and Climate Action |
The prime minister highlighted Papua New Guinea’s unique Constitution, which has helped hold together a nation of more than 1,000 tribes, 850 languages and 600 islands. He credited the founding fathers and mothers for enshrining human rights and religious freedom while recognising the country’s Christian heritage. Marape also acknowledged the crucial role of churches and faith-based groups in providing health, education and other services that foster unity.
Turning to lessons from home, Marape spoke about the Bougainville conflict, which ended with the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement after 14 years of unrest. “Not a bullet has been fired since,” he said, holding up Bougainville as an example that dialogue can succeed where violence fails. He urged nations locked in conflict, including those in the Middle East, to “give peace a go.”
He reinforced that call by noting recent comments from Israel’s prime minister about the release of hostages, saying Papua New Guinea’s experience shows peace is possible when leaders choose negotiation over war.
Marape then shifted to climate change, warning that “our planet is boiling.” He stressed the importance of Papua New Guinea’s forests and oceans, which he said absorb more than 100 million tonnes of carbon each year while the country itself produces only about 10 million tonnes. “Unless you have a second planet to run off to, we must save this one,” he told delegates.
He called on major industrial nations to cut emissions, reform global financial systems and help countries rich in forests and oceans protect biodiversity. Marape confirmed that Papua New Guinea will join Brazil and other partners at COP30 later this year to push for stronger global commitments.
Before closing, Marape thanked Australia, other partners, investors, non-government organisations and churches for supporting Papua New Guinea’s development over the past 50 years. He reaffirmed his government’s “trade over aid” approach and praised the UN as a forum where humanity can still find unity and solutions. “Peace is built through dialogue, not war,” he said. “This one planet must be preserved for all generations.”
Also read
Post a Comment