On November 29, 2017, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) jointly kicked off a two-day workshop on accessing climate finance today in Port Moresby. Attendees included representatives from across government; from sectors including transport, planning, urban development, water, mineral resources, energy, agriculture, environment, forestry and academia. This cross-sectoral, multi-agency participation signifies PNG’s commitment to a whole-of-government approach as the country addresses the challenges and opportunities to finance climate change projects across the country.
“The significance of this workshop is to understand the work GGGI does as a delivery partner and how they can support us in accessing climate financing through organizations like the GCF” said Barbara Age, Acting Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs.
GGGI is supporting the Government of PNG in accessing climate finance, particularly through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), by strengthening local capacity and engaging a wide range of stakeholders at the national, municipal and local levels. The two-day workshop is the first step in this process, and aims to identify common challenges that the country faces in accessing climate finance, address potential solutions, and understand how GGGI can further support PNG to build relevant capacity, strengthen coordination and develop innovative climate project proposals.
GGGI is a neutral advisor, we are privileged to support the government of PNG in accessing climate finance and meeting PNG’s goals under the Paris Agreement” said Sirpa Jarvenpaa, Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Communications at GGGI. “The Workshop will help government officials, private sector and civil society to turn the many climate change management policies into tangible actions that all the citizens of Papua New Guinea can benefit from.”
PNG is one of the thirteen founding members of GGGI, and has demonstrated a commitment to green growth and climate resilience. PNG’s commitment to green growth was reinforced in 2014 through the National Climate Compatible Development Management Policy (NCCDMP) and through the National Strategy for Responsible Sustainable Development (StaRS). Both the NCCDMP and StaRS promote socio-economic growth through a paradigm shift in PNG’s approach towards economic growth, emphasizing the renewable use of resources rather than extractive activities, preserving and sustainably engaging with the environment, and promoting equal access to health, education and employment.
“PNG is a work in progress,” said Ruel Yamuna, Managing Director of the Climate Change Development Authority under the Ministry of Environment. “All sectors will have to work together on their mitigation and adaptation plans in order to achieve green growth in the country.”
GGGI’s engagement with PNG aims to ultimately support the government in achieving green growth throughout the country, by not only addressing climate change and economic growth, but also by reducing poverty, enhancing social inclusion and protecting the environment.