Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) commitment to global climate action, pledging stronger national targets and calling for greater international support ahead of the pivotal COP30 negotiations in Brazil.

He made these remarks at the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General’s Special Event on Climate Change, co-convened with H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil.

The event brought together world leaders and climate advocates to set the tone for bold action as COP30 approaches.

Prime Minister Marape praised the UN’s leadership under Secretary-General António Guterres and acknowledged President Lula’s efforts in championing forests and oceans as critical to the global response to climate change.

“As we head towards COP30, I reaffirm Papua New Guinea’s support, as both a forest and ocean nation, we stand with Brazil and support Australia’s bid to host COP31, so that the world recognizes the central role that forests and oceans play in climate change mitigation.”

He stressed that PNG’s dual role in the climate struggle, stating that the country is both a victim of climate change and a provider of solutions.

“We are custodians of the world’s third-largest tropical rainforest and vast oceans that host seven percent of global biodiversity.”

“Despite our small carbon footprint, we remain one of Earth’s greatest natural carbon sinks.”

He emphasized that forests and oceans in their natural state are the foundations of the planet’s carbon balance and vital to sustaining life on earth.

In addition, the Prime Minister outlined ambitious national commitments to climate action, including enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)with stronger targets such as;

• A pledge to achieve net-zero deforestation by 2030.

• A new national policy to safeguard mangroves, seagrass, and coastal ecosystems.

• Scaling up renewable energy investments.

• Investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems to protect communities.

“These commitments will cost an estimated US$7.7 billion by 2030.”

Calling for scaled-up international support, the Prime Minister urged developed nations to deliver on climate finance pledges, expand technology transfer, and strengthen global funds for vulnerable countries.

“At COP30, we need to launch genuine public–private partnerships to deliver on the promise of reversing global deforestation by 2030.

“That goal will never be achieved unless we dramatically increase finance. Forest nations need this placed at the top of the COP30 agenda.”

He concluded by reaffirming PNG’s solidarity with Brazil, Australia, and other forest and ocean nations, pledging to continue offering both forests and oceans as solutions to the climate crisis.

“It is the forests and oceans in their natural state that will sustain life on earth. At COP30, Papua New Guinea will stand with Brazil and other nations to ensure our planet’s survival.”