Prime Minister, James Marape has warmly welcomed the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator to Papua New Guinea, Ms. Shalini Bahununa, during a Courtesy Call at the Office of the Prime Minister at Melanesian Haus on Tuesday.
Ms. Bahununa assumes her role in Papua New Guinea following the tenure of former Resident Coordinator Mr. Richard Howard, bringing with her more than two decades of international development, humanitarian, and policy leadership experience across Asia and Africa.
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In a statement, Prime Minister Marape congratulated Ms. Bahununa on her appointment and reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s enduring partnership with the United Nations, describing the relationship as “critical to advancing national and global priorities.”
“You are coming at a time when Papua New Guinea and the world face significant challenges, especially in Climate Change, Biodiversity Protection, and Sustainable Development,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We look forward to working closely with you and drawing on your wealth of experience to help amplify our voice and strengthen our development pathways,” he added.
Prime Minister Marape highlighted the urgent need for strengthened collaboration with the United Nations in addressing Climate Change impacts, particularly on vulnerable island and coastal communities across Papua New Guinea.
He pointed to visible environmental changes, including rising sea levels and the fragmentation of island communities, stressing that Papua New Guinea remains on the frontline of global climate challenges.
“The effects of Climate Change are real for our people—entire communities are seeing their land change before their eyes. We need stronger global advocacy and partnership to respond effectively,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized Papua New Guinea’s unique position as one of the world’s richest nations in Biodiversity and Cultural Diversity, noting that these assets must be preserved and sustainably leveraged for future generations.
Prime Minister Marape also underscored Papua New Guinea’s strong democratic credentials, highlighting the country’s consistent record of peaceful transitions of Government since Independence.
“Despite our challenges, Papua New Guinea remains a resilient Democracy. We have never failed to conduct Elections and uphold the will of our people,” he said.
He further described Papua New Guinea as a model of unity in diversity, where people of different backgrounds coexist peacefully—an important story for the United Nations to share globally.
“Our diversity is our strength. In Papua New Guinea, people are not defined by race or background but by shared humanity. This is a story worth telling to the world, “The Prime Minister stated.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s strong support for the United Nations and its global mission, particularly in promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development.
“Papua New Guinea gives its full support to the United Nations. We believe in working together for humanity—on climate change, peacebuilding, and the rights of our people,” he said.
He noted ongoing Government efforts to strengthen policies around women’s rights, children’s welfare, and inclusive development, areas where collaboration with the UN system remains vital.
Ms. Bahununa expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and acknowledged Papua New Guinea’s vast natural wealth and cultural richness, noting its strong potential to play a greater role on the global stage.
She also recognized the foundation laid by her predecessor and reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea’s development priorities.
Ms. Bahununa brings extensive experience, including leadership roles with UNICEF in Africa and Asia, and contributions to global policy initiatives such as Artificial Intelligence strategies for development.
Prime Minister Marape concluded by expressing confidence in a renewed and strengthened partnership between Papua New Guinea and the United Nations under Ms. Bahununa’s leadership.
“We look forward to a positive and forward-looking relationship, building on the strong foundation already in place between Papua New Guinea and the United Nations,” he said.
The meeting signals a renewed commitment to collaboration on key national and global priorities, including climate action, sustainable development, governance, and human capital development, as Papua New Guinea continues its journey beyond its 50th Independence Anniversary.