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Prime Minister James Marape is sending a big warning to those still holding on to illegal firearms to surrender them before Christmas Day, 25 December 2026 or face the consequences.Prime Minister Marape is warning that those who continued to hold illegal guns or participate in the illegal firearms trade risked life imprisonment under the tougher penalties being proposed by the Government. He said the government has stepped up intelligence capabilities to identify individuals and criminal networks involved in the possession, financing, supply and trafficking of illegal firearms, making it easier to identify people in the wrong.“Our intelligence capabilities have been stepped up, and I want everyone illegally holding firearms to surrender them before Christmas Day, 25 December 2026,” Prime Minister Marape said.“Those who refuse to surrender their guns and continue to participate in the illegal firearms business must understand that they risk life imprisonment under the tougher laws we intend to introduce.“This is a clear warning. Surrender your illegal firearms before 25 December 2026. We are strengthening our intelligence capabilities, and we will pursue those who continue to possess, finance, supply or trade in illegal weapons.”The Prime Minister said the deadline was intended to give those holding illegal firearms an opportunity to surrender them while the Government moved to strengthen legislation and law enforcement operations.Meanwhile, the prime minister has also announced his intention to review existing firearms legislation to impose much heavier penalties on illegal gun ownership and trafficking before the 2027 National General Election.The review will consider life imprisonment for individuals illegally possessing firearms and those responsible for sponsoring, financing or purchasing illegal weapons.“Before we go to the next election, I want us to step up the penalties,” he said.

THE National Office for Child and Family Services (NOCFS), alongside its partner agencies, has officially commenced Phase 4 of the "Street Children Response Program" (SCRP) in the National Capital District (NCD).Phase 4 of the initiative shifts the focus toward awareness, advocacy, and parental engagement. This follows the successful completion of the first three phases—identification, processing, and reintegration of street children—which were conducted across NCD and regional hubs including Mt Hagen (Highlands), Lae (Momase), and Kokopo (Islands).While launching Phase 4, NOCFS Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jerry Wap emphasized that it is time for parents to be held accountable and responsible for allowing their children to roam the streets."In the parental engagement component of the program, we will locate the parents of these street children and have them sign an agreement with the NOCFS," Mr. Wap stated. "In that agreement, they will make a formal commitment to stop letting their children wander aimlessly on the streets of Port Moresby.""Any parent who permits their children back onto the streets after signing this agreement can be penalized. This means they could face imprisonment for child neglect," Mr. Wap warned. He clarified, however, that the intent of the exercise is not to intimidate or threaten parents, but to educate them on child rights and remind them of their fundamental duties as primary caregivers.According to Mr. Wap, the SCRP is a vital National Government initiative launched two years ago. It aims to safely remove children from street environments and reintegrate them into stable communities. This includes reenrolling them in school, placing them in Out-of-Home Care Centers, or referring them to healthcare facilities for medical treatment.During Phases 1 to 3, approximately 235 children were identified on the streets of the country's major regional cities, processed, and successfully returned to their communities through established referral pathways."The issue of street children has persisted for a very long time. Our initial national research identified three distinct categories of street children in our country," Mr. Wap explained. "The first group comprises children traveling from villages and settlements to make a living on the streets. The second group consists of children who actually live on the streets full-time. The third category involves entire families living off the streets, including fathers, mothers, and their children.""The NOCFS is providing the leadership necessary to unite all key stakeholders so we can address this crisis holistically. Looking ahead to the next 50 years, we do not want to see this issue continuing in our country," he said."Every child in Papua New Guinea has the right to an education, a safe home, and the care of their parents—this is the core message we want to convey to the public," Mr. Wap added. He further noted that Phase 4 of the SCRP will eventually be replicated across other major provincial centers following its initial rollout in NCD.The NCD campaign commenced on Tuesday and will run until Saturday, covering major residential areas across the Moresby North-West, Moresby North-East, and Moresby South electorates.Throughout the week, NOCFS officers and partner organizations will conduct awareness and advocacy campaigns on child rights at designated hotspots across the city. Following the awareness campaign, officers will identify the parents of street children, provide counseling, and formalize the care agreements.Key stakeholders participating in the joint exercise include the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), the National Department of Education, the Port Moresby General Hospital Welfare Division, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), and various Out-of-Home Care Centers.

Thirty years after the death of Tupac Shakur, Duane “Keffe D” Davis was sentenced Tuesday to 40 years to life in prison for orchestrating the murder of the iconic rap star.“You don’t get to take a man from his family,” Judge Carli Kierny said before delivering the sentence to Davis. “You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.”“The world never forgot about him and his death, and neither did Las Vegas. Took us 30 years, but at this time, you are going to face justice for what you did on September 7, 1996,” she said. Davis has 731 days of credit for time already served toward his sentence.Davis, a former leader of the Southside Compton Crips gang, was found guilty of first-degree murder on 31 August for plotting the 1996 killing of the rap mogul near the Las Vegas Strip. He remains the only person ever charged in the death of Shakur, who was 25 and at the height of his career when his life ended.For nearly three decades, the case remained unsolved: No murder weapon was ever recovered, law enforcement officials struggled with tight-lipped witnesses abiding by the gangs’ “code of the streets,” and as year after year passed, any physical evidence that might have existed slowly faded away.But as those years went by, a new form of evidence emerged around which prosecutors would eventually build their case: Davis’ own words. He spoke openly in interviews, documentaries and podcasts about his involvement in Shakur’s death and released a 2019 memoir recounting his version of events.Tupac Shakur during a 1995 interview with CNN.YouTube screenshot“I know the real story,” he wrote.That decision to write his book effectively negated his proffer agreement with police, prosecutors said, in which he agreed to give up information that couldn’t be used against him in exchange for a potentially lighter sentence for drug charges he was facing at the time.Kierny ruled Davis’ statements in his memoir, as well as those made in his previous police interviews, were admissible as evidence in the trial.Prosecutors didn’t argue Davis pulled the trigger; rather, they said as a high-ranking member of the Southside Compton Crips, he orchestrated the shooting in retaliation after a fight between Shakur’s entourage and his nephew, Orlando Anderson, at the MGM Grand. Shakur was shot later that night while riding in a car with Marion “Suge” Knight and died six days later.Kierny handed down the sentence. At the beginning of the trial, the 63-year-old waived his right to be sentenced by the jury, who convicted him of murder after less than three hours of deliberations.‘He was born a legend’, sister saysSekyiwa Shakur spoke before the sentencing, describing her brother as a caretaker and shining star.“My brother was born an icon. He was born a legend,” Sekyiwa Shakur said, her voice breaking.“The loss of Tupac, for a long time, crippled my entire family, emotionally and mentally,” she said, adding she suffered from depression, suicidal ideation and trauma. “Both of my children were raised in my grief.Sekyiwa Shakur said she lost more than a brother the day the rap star died.“He was supposed to be my life partner,” she said. “I spent 30 years without my protection.”Sekyiwa Shakur said she thought her brother would have changed the world had he not been gunned down.“He was such an amazing artist, an amazing actor, an amazing poet, an amazing orator. I truly believe he would have been in government,” she said. “I truly believe he would have already constructed organizations and homes for lost boys and wayward teens.”She said it was difficult for her to listen during the trial about how her brother was “hunted”.“He’s so much more than street fodder,” she said.“Our whole generation lost something huge September 13, 1996,” she said.Shakur’s stepbrother, Maurice ‘Mopreme’ Shakur, described his death as “devastating” and “heartbreaking” for not only his family but legions of fans.“Pac didn’t get a chance to have any kids. Pac didn’t see his nieces and nephews grow up, and Pac didn’t have a trial,” Maurice Shakur said. “All Pac got was a death sentence.”A quest for revenge ends in twin tragediesOn the night of 7 September, 1996, thousands flocked to Sin City and the MGM Grand to watch Mike Tyson square off against Bruce Seldon in the ring – among them, Shakur and Davis. The fight lasted all of 109 seconds.Davis wrote in his memoir that his crew was there for a night out. Then his nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, was attacked by Shakur and his entourage in retaliation for a prior violent incident at a shopping mall between two rival Los Angeles gangs, the Bloods and Crips. It would set off a chain of events that led to the death of Shakur and has long been linked in public memory to the murder of Christopher Wallace, known as “Biggie Smalls,” just six months later.Davis and his crew “went hunting” for Shakur after the fight, prosecutors said in their closing argument. They found their target in the passenger seat of a black BMW just off the Vegas Strip.Duane Davis arrives at Clark County District Court for a calendar call and motion hearing for his upcoming trial at the Regional Justice Center on August 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Davis was indicted on a murder charge in connection with the killing of rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996.Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesDavis told police in 2008 he handed a gun to a passenger, Deandre Smith, in the back seat. Then his nephew, Anderson, “leaned over on the window, he rolled down the window, popped,” he said.Four bullets entered Shakur’s body, one obliterating his lung. He died six days later on 13 September.Six months after the California rapper’s death, his biggest rival from New York, Wallace, said the coastal hip-hop feud was “game over”.“I’m just getting over – you know what I’m saying – this whole situation with this East Coast-West Coast thing, you know?” the Brooklyn rapper told San Francisco radio station KYLD.Less than a week later, he, too, was dead. Wallace was killed in a drive-by shooting after leaving a party at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles in March 1997.Wallace’s name came up repeatedly in the Las Vegas courtroom where no one was charged with his murder.When Davis sat down for his proffer interview with investigators in 2008, they hoped to get some information about Wallace’s death, former LAPD detective Daryn Dupree testified.“No, we didn’t have anything to do with that one,” Davis said, according to Dupree.“We did the other one,” he said.Investigators, Dupree said, were “shook” by the statement. Wallace’s case, they were prepared for. They had no idea revelations about Shakur were coming.The world of gangsters and rappers loomed large over the trial. Former gang members took the stand, some against their own will, and observers waited to see if Knight, the co-founder of Death Row Records, would testify. He ultimately didn’t take the stand, with the district attorney’s office later saying it was because “he’s not credible.”Another name that came up repeatedly was that of disgraced impresario Sean “Diddy” Combs. Davis told police there was more to Shakur’s killing than his own personal revenge, saying Combs agreed to pay him a million dollars to kill Shakur and Knight but stiffed him after Shakur’s death. Combs is serving time in prison on unrelated charges and denied the allegations in a statement to CNN, saying, “Davis has denied his own claims, maintaining that he made the statements to gain fame and notoriety and that they were not true”.For all the famous names and long-running theories that surfaced in court, the murder trial ultimately was about just one killing: Shakur’s. Nearly 30 years after he was fatally shot in Las Vegas, the first and only person ever tried in his murder was convicted.“I ain’t never told nobody that story,” Davis told police in his 2008 interview after detailing his plan to go after Shakur.“Doesn’t it feel good, man, to get it off your chest?” one officer said. Another joked Davis could write a book about it one day.

The PNG Barramundis have departed Papua New Guinea (PNG) and on their way to Dubai before continuing to Kenya for the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) Challenge League later this month. The PNG man’s national cricket team captain, Assadollah Vala, said he was confident in the team’s preparation for the upcoming 50-over competition campaign from October 21–31.Vala said the team had trained well since returning from Japan, successfully shifting team focus from the shorter T20 format to 50-over cricket ahead of the international tour.“The team has been training really well since we returned from Japan. The focus had changed to 50-over cricket from T20. The boys have adapted really well and are looking forward to the upcoming tour,” Vala said.The Barramundis will play two 50-over matches against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai to prepare for the Kenya tournament, where they face five matches in a crucial campaign to improve their position in Pool A.Vala also welcomed the inclusion of three players in the squad — Sema Kamea, Doko Rupa and Dauncey Tom — saying their different abilities would add value to the team.“We are really excited in Sema, Doko and Dauncy in the team. They bring different skill sets to the table, and we are looking forward to them going out there and playing roles,” he added.Kamea adds a left-arm pace-bowling option, while 19-year-old batting allrounder Tom earns his first senior national squad selection. Wicketkeeper-batter Rupa also has an opportunity on the playing side.Captain Vala said the team is approaching every match with the same mindset rather than targeting a particular opponent.“We are all looking forward to playing all teams, to be honest," he said.PNG currently sits third in Pool A and needs a strong campaign to maintain its chance of finishing in the top two. The Challenge League forms part of the ICC pathway towards qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, making the upcoming matches important for the PNG Barramundis.The team will open its Kenya campaign against Jersey on Thursday, October 22, before facing Denmark, Qatar, Kuwait and hosts Kenya across the 10-day tournament.

The need for strong presence of police highway patrol units along the Highlands Highway was raised during yesterday’s parliament session in Port Moresby city, which the prime minister paid particular attention to especially with the large amount of funding spent towards infrastructures there.Prime Minister James Marape directed stronger police highway patrols and warned that the Government will take tougher action against criminals terrorising motorists and communities along the Highlands Highway, where approximately K5 billion has been invested in major road and electricity infrastructure.Speaking in response to a question concerning highway security from Goroka MP Aiye Tambua, Prime Minister Marape described the Highlands Highway as Papua New Guinea’s most important economic artery, supporting approximately 60 percent of the country’s population and economic activity.“The Highlands Highway is a very important highway. Sixty (60) percent of the economy and 60 percent of the population is supported by the Highlands Highway,” Prime Minister Marape said. “It is a major economic lifeline. It is the economic artery of our country that feeds close to six (6) million people.”The Prime Minister said the Government had invested approximately K3 billion in road infrastructure and a further K1.9 billion in electricity transmission infrastructure along the Lae–Mount Hagen corridor of the national highway.He said these investments represented an unprecedented opportunity for communities along the highway to participate in economic development rather than engage in criminal activities that threatened the safety of road users and undermined national investment.

The Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) is calling for more support from the National Government in tourism given the many opportunities the sector presents. The Managing Director of the MRDC, Mr. Augustine Mano, has called on the National Government to introduce targeted investment and taxation incentives to grow tourism across Papua New Guinea (PNG).Speaking at the Papua New Guinea Tourism Summit 2026 in Port Moresby on Tuesday 13 October, Mr. Mano said the incentives must reach beyond large hotels and established operators."These incentives should extend to traditional landowners, community enterprises and small and medium businesses seeking to develop tourism products and experiences," Mr. Mano said.He said PNG had long built its economy on gold, copper, oil and gas, but its people, cultures, rainforests and biodiversity were assets whose economic potential remained largely unrealised."Unlike the minerals we extract from the earth, our forests, our wildlife, our cultures and our natural landscapes can continue generating economic opportunities for generations, provided we have the wisdom to protect them," he said.MRDC is investing ahead of demand. Mr. Mano said with the backing of its resource owning shareholders, had followed through on the tourism commitment it made at last year's Summit:Kikori Heritage Hotel, Gulf Province — opened in September 2026Kutubu Heritage Hotel — scheduled to open November 2026Kerema Heritage Hotel — scheduled to open December 2026Tari Heritage Hotel — scheduled to open April 2027Cultural and performing arts centre, Star Mountain Plaza — scheduled to open June 2027He also pointed to MRDC's investment in PNG Air, which is recording 86 percent on-time performance and 3 percent cancellations."We are investing ahead of established tourism demand, and that carries commercial risk. But we believe the long-term economic value justifies taking that risk," Mr. Mano said.Mr. Mano said hotels alone would not build an industry. Reliable air connections, roads, power, water, telecommunications, security and efficient visitor entry were needed, along with coordinated regional planning such as the tourism masterplan under way in East New Britain.He said success should be measured by Papua New Guineans employed, local businesses supported, foreign exchange earned and activity reaching the provinces and by how well natural and cultural assets are protected."At MRDC, we have taken the first step. And now, I invite you to join us.”

Prime Minister James Marape has described the Official Opening and Commissioning of the Mukurumanda Correctional Facility in Enga Province as a historic achievement, fulfilling a development vision first initiated in 1987 by the late Sir Pato Kakaraya, pioneer Member of Parliament for Wapenamanda. Prime Minister Marape officially opened the long-awaited facility on Monday before a huge gathering of people, including traditional leaders, landowners, Churches, Government officials and members of the Correctional Services. He was joined by Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, Minister for Transport and Coffee and Wapenamanda MP Miki Kaeok, Minister for Police and Kompiam-Ambum MP Sir John Pundari, senior Government officials and other distinguished guests. The Prime Minister said the Commissioning marked a significant milestone in strengthening the Law and Justice Sector in Enga, particularly after decades of challenges involving tribal fighting, violence and other law and order problems. The Prime Minister acknowledged successive Political Leaders and Governments, particularly Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, who had continued supporting the Project over the years. He noted that since Governor Ipatas assumed Office in 1998, four Prime Ministers had served before him, yet the Project remained incomplete. Prime Minister Marape expressed regret over the lengthy delays, saying the people of Enga deserved access to essential Government institutions that supported justice, peace and development.“The fullest chain of Law and Justice Sector work is not complete without a functional Correctional Service that rehabilitates citizens and puts them back into society as good men and women who become part of the community again,” he said. The Prime Minister stressed that effective policing, courts, village courts and correctional institutions must work together to maintain peace and uphold the rule of law. He said Mukurumanda would also help address the longstanding situation where prisoners from Enga were accommodated in Correctional Facilities in neighbouring Provinces. Prime Minister Marape further announced that the Government had allocated K5 million towards improving Water Supply and supporting additional development around the new facility. “We have allocated K5 million for the Water Supply and other development of the area,” he said. He emphasised that the Commissioning was only the beginning of further work to ensure the Institution became fully operational and adequately supported with essential infrastructure and services. 

Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the recent announcement of more than K25 million in dividend payments to approximately 23,000-unit holders of the Pacific Balance Fund (PBF).He described the development as an encouraging outcome of efforts to restore accountability, strengthen management and protect the investments of ordinary Papua New Guineans.Prime Minister Marape said the declaration of record dividends for the 2024 and 2025 financial years demonstrated the importance of sound financial management, effective oversight and responsible stewardship of investments belonging to Papua New Guineans.The Pacific Balance Fund, through its trustee Weathermen Capital Advisors Limited (WCAL), announced on 8 October 2026 that unit holders would receive dividends of 96 toea per unit for 2024 and K1.34 per unit for 2025, representing a combined K2.30 per unit.The payments, totalling approximately K25.4 million, are expected to be made in November 2026, subject to the completion of necessary verification and payment arrangements. Prime Minister Marape said the announcement was particularly significant given the longstanding concerns surrounding the management and performance of the fund.“This is welcome news for thousands of ordinary Papua New Guineans who have invested their hard-earned money in the Pacific Balance Fund over many years,” Prime Minister Marape said.“These are investments belonging to our people — workers, retirees, families and citizens who placed their trust in an institution established to help them build financial security."“The announcement of more than K25 million in dividends is an encouraging development, and I commend the current trustees and management for the work undertaken to improve the fund’s financial performance and restore confidence among unit holders.”Marape recalled that the Government had raised serious concerns about the fund’s management and financial performance, leading to regulatory intervention and investigations into allegations involving its previous management.He said the Government’s position had always been that the interests of unit holders must come first, and that those entrusted with managing public investments must be held to the highest standards of accountability.

Several public motor vehicle (PMV) drivers and crew members have been jailed following their arrest over a strike that disrupted public transport services in Port Moresby city today.NCD and Central Province Police Commander Benjamin Turi said police would continue arresting and charging PMV operators who suspend services or overcharge passengers.Commander Turi said the strike, staged over rising fuel prices, had disrupted travel for people across the city.He acknowledged that rising fuel costs affected all vehicle owners but stressed that PMV operators had a responsibility to obey the law and maintain services for the public.“All of us who own vehicles are suffering from the price hike. While standard vehicle owners spend money on fuel with no return, PMV operators earn income to help offset their fuel costs,” he said.Commander Turi said police in NCD and Central Province had been directed to monitor PMV operations and take action against those who breached the law.He warned that buses involved in offences could be impounded at the Eight Mile impound yard, while drivers and crew members could face additional charges.Police will work alongside the Road Traffic Authority to enforce transport regulations and ensure offenders are held accountable.

Rapper A$AP Rocky has announced one New Zealand show as part of his Don’t Be Dumb World Tour.The musician turned fashion icon will make his first return to NZ in eight years, playing Auckland’s Spark Arena on 12 December.A$AP Rocky dropped his fourth album Don’t Be Dumb at the start of this year.The album featured cover art by filmmaker and illustrator Tim Burton and included tracks with BossMan Dlow, Brent Faiyaz, Danny Elfman, Doechii, Gorillaz, Jessica Pratt, Jon Batiste, Slay Squad, Thundercat, Tyler, The Creator, Westside Gunn and will.i.am.Rocky co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala with the theme of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.He last played in New Zealand at Auckland’s Listen In Festival in 2018. Tickets to this year’s show go on sale 1pm on 16 October.Source: RNZ

The PNG Chiefs are pleased to confirm Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Limited trading as Ela Motors will join the club as a Major Partner and its official automotive partner.This partnership will play an important role in supporting the club’s operations and increased national mobility as it prepares for its official entry into the NRL competition in2028.The long-term agreement will see Toyota logo feature on the shoulders of the PNG Chiefs jersey from 2028 as part of an exclusive partnership across the automotivecategory.As Major Partner, Toyota Tsusho PNG (t/a Ela Motors) will have a strong presence across the PNG Chiefs brand, with stadium signage, media backdrop branding, digitalintegration and hospitality offerings, alongside match-day activation opportunities. The partnership will also deliver a significant value-in-kind contribution to support the club.PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the partnership reflected the operational importance of reliable mobility to the PNG Chiefs as it establishes a professionalsporting organisation capable of operating across Papua New Guinea and the NRL.“This partnership is a terrific example of what we mean when we talk about our partners helping us build the club, not just putting a logo on a shirt,” she said.“The PNG Chiefs are going to move a lot of people, so having the right automotive partner is a critical decision for our operations. The vehicles and supported provided byToyota Tsusho PNG will have a direct impact on how efficiently we operate as a club and how safely and effectively we move all the people connected to us.“We’re delighted to partner with one of the most recognised brands in the world combined with a business that has such a strong understanding of Papua New Guineaand its customers as we continue to build a strong club – both on and off the field.”“It is an absolute honour for us to join the PNG Chiefs as a Major Partner in the automotive sector,” Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Limited t/a Ela Motors PNG CEO Masaru Maximi said.“Our global mission is 'Passing on a better Earth to the children of the future.' Guided by this overarching principle, our corporate mission focuses on 'Producing happiness for future society."“As a mobility service provider, this major partnership with the PNG Chiefs allows us to share the joy and excitement of movement with the people and communities of PapuaNew Guinea, while making a meaningful contribution to society."“We are proud to support a team that embodies excellence, unity, and national pride, and we look forward to building a strong and lasting relationship with the PNG Chiefsand their supporters throughout the country."Toyota Tsusho (t/a Ela Motors) is the leading automotive and marine company in Papua New Guinea. To learn more, visit www.toyota-png.com.

Papua New Guinea is urging world leaders to turn climate commitments into concrete action at the upcoming COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, with a strong focus on accessible climate financing and a fair transition that considers the development needs of Pacific Island nations.Speaking after the Pre-COP31 Ministerial Plenary in Nadi, Fiji, Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change John Kaupa reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and efforts to keep global warming within the 1.5-degree Celsius target.Minister Kaupa said COP31 must focus on implementing existing climate agreements, with clear responsibilities, accessible funding and measurable results.He stressed that climate finance must move beyond pledges to actual funding, calling for more grants, concessional financing, simpler application processes and stronger support for national institutions.He said funding must reach communities affected by flooding, coastal erosion, extreme weather and displacement, without placing additional debt burdens on vulnerable countries.On the transition to cleaner energy, Minister Kaupa said countries must receive support that reflects their individual circumstances. He noted that many communities in PNG, particularly in remote areas, still rely on diesel-generated electricity.He said expanding access to affordable renewable energy would require investment in infrastructure, technology, skills development and reliable energy services.The Minister also called for greater emissions reduction efforts by major polluters, practical improvements to the Mitigation Work Programme and recognition of the role played by countries such as PNG, which maintain high forest cover and low deforestation rates.“Our forests and oceans are globally significant, but our communities are already experiencing climate impacts. COP31 must connect global ambition with practical support that protects lives, livelihoods and development,” Minister Kaupa said.He acknowledged Fiji, Tuvalu and Australia for facilitating the Pacific Pre-COP31 process, while recognising Türkiye’s leadership as host of COP31.Minister Kaupa said PNG would continue working with Pacific partners and other parties to achieve a balanced, ambitious and practical outcome at the conference.He reiterated that climate finance must reach vulnerable communities, the transition to cleaner energy must be fair, and international commitments must deliver tangible results on the ground.