Prime Minister James Marape has issued a statement commending UN Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres for his definitive, courageous opening speech to the General Debate in New York, United States.

Opening the session, Secretary-General Guterres delivered a blunt, historic address warning the world leaders that global "fault lines are widening" and "cracks have become canyons".

In a defining moment for his legacy, Guterres zeroed in on climate change as the world's "most profound intergenerational power imbalance" and forcefully declared that global polluters must finally be held accountable and be made to "pay".

Responding directly to the UN chief’s address, Prime Minister Marape praised Guterres’ unyielding leadership and stated that PNG and its regional neighbours stand in solidarity with his mandate.

"Secretary-General Guterres spoke with the raw honesty the world needs," Prime Minister Marape stated.

"He was entirely right to state that those who hold the largest carbon footprints must pay for the damage their emissions cause. Developing nations and Pacific Island communities continue to suffer the worst consequences of a climate crisis they did not create."

“PNG offers its full support to the Secretary-General’s call. We must transition from voluntary aid to mandatory accountability. It is time to make the polluters pay,” he said.