Climate Change Agenda

He said that like many of his discussions with PNG’s international friends, there was intense concern about the growing impacts of COVID-19 on the country.

“Our friends are worried about both the health and economic impacts, including the loss of jobs and incomes and budget revenues.

“Some in the opposition pretend that the COVID-19 global pandemic has not affected the economy, but the rest of the rationale world knows that it has caused enormous damage to PNG and the global economy,” Treasurer Ling-Stuckey said.

He said this after a virtual Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting with Guterres on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City on Thursday September 23.

Guterres said he was concerned about climate change in the Pacific and other parts of the world, and the success of COP-26, given that not all industrialised nations had yet given their political support.

Marape welcomed Guterres’ concern about climate change and COP-26.

Marape made this call on Friday when delivering his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“And today I make a call to all of us and especially to the big carbon emitting nations, who are now enjoying their national economic transformations through industrialization, to pause, think and take responsibility to save our planet. 

“I am comforted by the recent commitments by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Boris Johnson on their respective nations’ intention to respond better to tackling climate change issues.

He reiterated the call adding that developed nations must assist island nations to mitigate and adapt to climate change raising this at the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) virtual meeting in New York yesterday.

Mr Pomaleu told members of the AOSIS that he was pleased to join the important dialogue to exchange views in shaping the future as SIDD, particularly on issues of common concern and our shared interests.