United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres made history today as the first serving UN chief to address Papua New Guinea’s Parliament, commending the country’s achievements in peacebuilding, democracy, and sustainable development as the nation prepares to mark 50 years of independence later this month.
“It is a profound honour to be with you today and a privilege to be the first serving Secretary General of the United Nations to visit Papua New Guinea,” Guterres said.
“I have not been here long, but I am already deeply inspired by the majesty of your landscapes, the richness of your cultures and the warmth of your welcome.”
Calling members of Parliament his “dear colleagues” and “wantoks,” Guterres praised PNG’s democratic resilience.
“Congratulations on your very strong commitment. I know for many of you; you have to be working with the people of constituencies that are very far away in very remote locations but keep the strong meaning of the democratic connection between the people and the members of Parliament.”
The Secretary-General highlighted Papua New Guinea’s role in sustaining peace, particularly through the Bougainville Peace Agreement, which recently marked its 21st anniversary.
“You have shown the world the path of healing through dialogue, perseverance and mutual respect,” he said, hailing Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama.
He noted that Bougainvilleans will cast their votes in the fifth autonomous election since the agreement and commended both governments for their commitment through the Melanesian Agreement signed in June. He underscored the UN’s support, pointing to the Peacebuilding Fund’s role in weapons disposal, the 2019 referendum, and the work of the Independent Moderator. “Your continued dialogue offers a model to other countries,” he stressed.
Guterres said he looked forward to visiting the Highlands, where the Peacebuilding Fund and the UN Country Fund are supporting local efforts to resolve conflict, engage youth, and assist internally displaced people.
On governance, the Secretary-General praised PNG’s efforts to tackle corruption, highlighting joint UN work on training for public service and the judiciary.
He also acknowledged the country’s leadership on gender equality.
“Two out of three women experience gender-based violence,” he said. “In March this year, this parliament devoted an entire day to testimonies on gender-based violence. That is a vital step.”
He commended PNG for creating a Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, and for its involvement in the Spotlight Initiative, the world’s largest programme to end violence against women and girls.
Guterres further applauded PNG’s new national human rights strategy and its pledge to establish a National Human Rights Commission, calling it a sign of “your recognition that no story of peace or progress is complete without fully including half the population.”
He emphasised that UN support extends to young people, women, and persons with disabilities to strengthen dignity and participation in national life.
On development, the Secretary-General emphasised that the UN stands with PNG in areas ranging from health care and agriculture to disaster response and support for displaced communities.
“Our agenda is to support the government and the people of Papua New Guinea according to your strategies, according to your policies and according to the decisions you take in relation to the development of your country,” he stressed.
Looking beyond PNG, Guterres reiterated his call for reform of global institutions.
“When the Security Council of the United Nations or the IMF or the World Bank were created, Papua New Guinea was not yet independent,” he said.
“These institutions largely are operating in the context of a system that favours developed countries and that creates obstacles to the capacity of developing countries to really provide to their citizens all the things they are entitled to receive in a modern world.”
As PNG prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence and democracy, the UN chief underscored the shared milestones between nations. He drew a parallel with his home country, Portugal, which also marks about 50 years of democracy, and with the United Nations itself as it celebrates 80 years.
“Not long ago, you hosted peacekeepers. Today, you are a champion of peacebuilding and sustainable development,” he said.
Guterres praised PNG’s mission to be “one people, one nation, one country” and highlighted its journey to forge unity from profound diversity.
“Your story is a proof that, when embraced with shared purpose and respect, our differences can be our greatest strengths,” he said.
He closed with a call to action: “Wantok — let’s keep talking. For your people. For our planet. And for our shared future, urged Guterres.
