Papua New Guinea’s climate change response must deliver lasting benefits for future generations, Environment and Conservation says Minister John Kaupa.
Kaupa made the statement when he officially launched PNG’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), the country’s first Biennial Transparency Report, and the REDD+ Technical Annex.
He said the launch marked a shift from developing climate policies to putting commitments into action, with government agencies, development partners, the private sector and communities expected to work together to achieve the country’s climate targets.
Mr. Kaupa said PNG’s climate ambitions must go beyond protecting the environment and also support economic growth, improve access to electricity, reduce poverty, and strengthen communities against climate-related disasters.
He said the country’s forests remained one of its greatest assets in addressing climate change, while climate resilience in agriculture, infrastructure, transport and health would be critical to protecting people’s livelihoods.
The new NDC 3.0 also formally incorporates loss and damage for the first time, recognising the consequences of rising sea levels, climate disasters, and damage to ecosystems and livelihoods.
However, Kaupa stressed that the success of the commitments would depend on adequate climate financing and practical support from international partners.
Reflecting on discussions at a recent Pacific climate meeting in Fiji, he said countries needed to focus on implementation rather than repeatedly discussing climate change without delivering results.
“We talked about delivery. We talked about actions. We talked about implementation. It’s not about talking,” he said.
Kaupa said PNG would continue advocating for climate financing and concrete outcomes at international climate negotiations, ensuring that the country’s climate ambitions were translated into action.
He said the ultimate responsibility was to protect the environment and build a better future for the next generation of Papua New Guineans.