GOVERNOR PARKOP SUPPORTS EUROPEAN UNION GREEN DIPLOMACY WEEK

The European Union Green Diplomacy Week was officially launched yesterday at the Port Moresby Arts Theatre by European Union Ambassador to PNG, His Excellency Jacques Fradin, alongside National Capital District Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop.

This annual global campaign, led by the European Union and its Member States, aims to foster international cooperation on climate change and inspire meaningful action toward environmental sustainability.

His Excellency Jacques Fradin emphasized that the campaign actively engages youth from across Papua New Guinea in panel discussions over two days, focusing on leadership in climate action, biodiversity, forestry, and sustainability.

“These discussions will provide an opportunity for young people to ask critical questions and explore solutions to address biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainability challenges as our nation faces these pressing issues,” said Ambassador Fradin.

Governor Parkop, a well-known advocate for climate action, expressed gratitude to the European Union for its commitment to addressing global environmental challenges and for supporting PNG’s efforts at both the local and international levels.

“As the leader of our capital city, I have been vocal on climate change not only at the national level but also as part of a global community. I am ready to partner with all our international friends to address the challenges that threaten our planet,” said Governor Parkop.

Papua New Guinea is home to some of the world’s most ecologically significant tropical rainforests, covering over 70% of the nation’s land area. These forests form part of the third-largest contiguous rainforest on Earth, serving as a vital biodiversity hotspot with species unique to PNG.

Governor Parkop stressed the need for partnerships with developed nations to ensure PNG progresses economically while preserving its natural environment.

“As a carbon-neutral nation, we face many challenges in achieving economic growth. However, through collaboration with nations that have advanced technologies and experience, we can develop sustainably without destroying our environment,” he said.

Governor Parkop also called for continued global support to protect PNG’s rainforests, which are not only crucial for our nation’s future but also for the planet’s environmental balance.

“Together, we must safeguard what we have and learn from global best practices to ensure economic progress aligns with environmental protection. This partnership is essential for creating a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea,” he added.

The Green Diplomacy Week launch aligns with Governor Parkop’s broader vision of transforming Port Moresby into a sustainable, eco-friendly, and thriving city where development goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.