Prime Minister, James Marape has welcomed Pacific leaders, ministers, delegates, and development partners to Port Moresby for the 6th Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers’ Meeting (PRETMM 6), while calling for a united regional transition towards clean energy and electricity-based transport systems.
Welcoming delegates to Papua New Guinea this week, Prime Minister Marape said Pacific nations faced common challenges including climate change, rising fuel prices, fragile transport systems, and growing exposure to global economic shocks.
Related news: https://www.pmnec.gov.pg/prime-minister-marape-calls-for-a-united-inclusive-and-modernised-pacific-islands-forum/
He warned that recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East had again exposed the dangers of over-reliance on imported fossil fuels.
“Continued reliance on fossil fuels not only contributes to a heavy carbon footprint but also exposes our economies to external shocks and risks of supply disruption,” Prime Minister Marape said in a statement.
“In times of conflict, energy supply chains can be compromised, leaving small and vulnerable economies like ours effectively held hostage to global price fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainty.”
Prime Minister Marape thanked the Pacific Community (SPC), Pacific leaders, and partner organizations for their continued cooperation, while also acknowledging the Motu Koitabu people as the traditional custodians of the land on which APEC Haus stands.
He said Papua New Guinea was honored to host the important regional meeting and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deeper Pacific cooperation in energy and transport development.
“From our largest islands to our smallest atolls, we must now transition towards reliable, affordable, and clean energy systems,” he said.
“Our land, sea, and air transport networks must evolve towards a sustainable blue economy that ensures responsible use of our natural resources.”
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea was preparing to move decisively towards a low-carbon future through greater investment in hydro, geothermal, solar, wind, and ocean energy.
He revealed that the Government would soon announce a national policy to support the transition to electric vehicles throughout Papua New Guinea, while also exploring electrically powered maritime transport systems.
“Our long-term goal is clear: to power vehicles, machinery, marine vessels, and transport systems using electricity generated from clean, green energy sources,” he said.
“This transition will not only reduce our carbon footprint but also strengthen our energy independence-freeing us from excessive reliance on imported fossil fuels and shielding our economy from global price volatility.”
Prime Minister Marape also confirmed that Papua New Guinea was engaging with global technology leaders and research institutions to support the transition, including discussions with BYD on electric vehicle and battery technology.
He said Papua New Guinea intended to take the conversation on electrified transport systems to the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting later this year.
Prime Minister Marape urged Pacific leaders to move beyond declarations and focus on practical implementation and regional cooperation.
“For too long, our region has produced declarations, roadmaps, and action plans that remain largely on paper,” he said.
“The time has come for us to stand united, act with urgency, and commit to decisive action.”
He highlighted three key priorities for the Pacific region: accelerating renewable energy deployment, transforming transport systems, and strengthening regional energy security.
Prime Minister Marape also reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s support for the proposed Pacific One Maritime Framework and called on development partners including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Union to continue supporting Pacific-led initiatives.
During his welcome remarks, Prime Minister Marape also extended condolences to Fiji, Solomon Islands, Milne Bay Province, and Bougainville communities affected by Cyclone Maila.
“Papua New Guinea stands with you in solidarity and prays for your swift recovery,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape concluded by encouraging Pacific nations to work together towards a cleaner, more resilient, and more connected future.
“Like the sails of our Lakatoi, we may not be the largest nations in the world—but we are adaptable, resilient, and ready to catch the winds of change together,” he said.