Category: The Civic Circle

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The Secretary-General addressed the Papua New Guinea parliament during a special session to mark the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.

He told members of Parliament that for the past half century, the people of New Guinea have worked to have a single nation out of many traditions, many islands and many tongues. The country has undertaken the daunting task of forging a single nation from a profound diversity. It is a path that demands courage and vision, the Secretary general said, adding that the United Nations is proud to accompany Papua New Guinea on every step.

On Climate, the Secretary-General commended Papua New Guinea’s bold climate action, highlighting that the island nation is home to seven percent of the world’s biodiversity, and some of the largest coral reefs and rainforests on the planet.

Guterres reiterated, “We must be ever vigilant in safeguarding these crucial ecosystems, and you have made the case that national protection deserves global support. You have emphasized that climate change is a driver of poverty, and been a strong moral voice for climate finance.”

The Secretary-General stressed that while climate finance is vital –– it is not sufficient on its own. Many developing countries are drowning in unsustainable debt, victims of inequalities built into the system.

He said, “Today’s international financial architecture is unequal and unjust. We will keep pushing for meaningful reform to ensure the fair representation of developing countries; to take real action on debt relief; to triple the lending capacity of multilateral development banks; and to mobilize private capital at scale.”

Guterres also emphasized Papua New Guinea’s vital step of speaking openly, of making commitments, and of forming the Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.

“Across politics, culture, and every sector, we must keep working to widen the doors of opportunity for women and girls in Papua New Guinea and in the world at large,” the UN chief stressed.

He added, “Ensuring greater voice and representation of women is not only a matter of justice — it is a matter of national strength. Families thrive. Communities grow stronger. And institutions become more responsive when we uphold the rights of all.”