Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has arrived safely in Davos, Switzerland, to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026, marking Papua New Guinea’s third consecutive invitation to the prestigious global gathering of political, business and innovation leaders.
In a statement yesterday, Prime Minister Marape said the next three days would be a “bumper period of engagements” as Papua New Guinea positions itself strongly in an increasingly competitive global investment environment.
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“This is our third year in a row at Davos, and for the first time Papua New Guinea has been given a prominent speaking slot on Wednesday at a central auditorium meeting room,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“The United States President will speak approximately ten minutes after our session, highlighting the significance of the platform we have been given.”
The Prime Minister said Davos remains a global frontier for ideas, innovation and economic leadership, bringing together the world’s leading investors, innovators and policymakers.
“Davos is always a pacesetter. It mobilizes the world’s leading businesspeople, innovators and positive global leaders who are personally invited to contribute to international public discourse,” he said.
During his address, Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea would present itself clearly as a stable, democratic and rules-based free-market economy.
“We intend to inform the world on who we are — a free-market economy that upholds democratic values, with a very independent and robust judiciary,” he said.
“In a world that is increasingly unpredictable, Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of consistent democracy, judicial independence, respect for contractual obligations, and adherence to a rules-based economic system stand as major advantages.”
Prime Minister Marape said this stability distinguishes Papua New Guinea from jurisdictions where investor agreements are not honored.
“In today’s globalized economy, competition for investment is intense. Investors are looking for certainty, stability and respect for contracts — and these are areas where Papua New Guinea stands tall.”
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea’s investment offering remains diverse and globally competitive.
“Our country offers minerals, hydrocarbons, and enormous potential in cleaner energy sources such as hydro, geothermal, wind and solar,” he said.
“We also have world-class agricultural producers, fisheries resources, and vast forest areas that can be sustainably harvested or conserved for carbon credit and climate-offset markets.”
He added that Papua New Guinea’s biodiversity, cultural richness and linguistic diversity also place the nation as a future tourism hotspot.
“In addition to our natural environment, our more than 800 languages and rich cultures offer a unique tourism experience found nowhere else on earth,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Aligning with the World Economic Forum 2026 theme of dialogue, the Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea’s Melanesian and Christian values provide a powerful example of unity through diversity.
“Our Melanesian and Christian characteristics allow us to maintain dialogue among more than 800 language groups,” he said.
“This ability to coexist peacefully within diversity is a powerful story Papua New Guinea can share with the world at Davos.”
Prime Minister Marape confirmed a series of high-level meetings have been scheduled with major global energy leaders, including ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies.
“I have meetings lined up with ExxonMobil President Mr. Darren Woods, and TotalEnergies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Patrick Pouyanné,” he said.
“We hope these discussions will help firm up progress on Papua LNG, with TotalEnergies as lead investor providing affirmative indications on engineering and development timelines.”
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea will also engage with global technology and artificial intelligence companies to explore partnerships that can support national development.
“We are looking at technology and AI companies that can provide services and solutions for Papua New Guinea, while also engaging with any potential investors interested in entering our market,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said further updates would be released as meetings progress throughout the forum.
“I will continue to release appropriate information as engagements take place over the coming days,” he said.