Port Moresby, PNG, February 05, 2026 — In a significant step toward strengthening climate resilience in Papua New Guinea’s health sector, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) PNG and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate joint action on climate-resilient health systems and essential services. 

The partnership establishes a formal framework for country-level collaboration, aligning technical expertise and resources to address the growing impacts of climate change on community wellbeing and health service delivery. With Papua New Guinea facing intensified climate pressures, from flooding and extreme weather to shifting disease patterns — the agreement underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding essential health services, particularly in high-risk and climate-vulnerable areas. 

Through this collaboration, GGGI PNG and UNFPA will work to reduce vulnerabilities within the health sector, strengthen preparedness, and support adaptation efforts that ensure services remain accessible and responsive during climate-related shocks. The partnership will prioritize inclusive, people-centred approaches that align with national and sub-national development priorities. 

UNFPA Representative in Papua New Guinea, Ms. Saira Shameem, welcomed the partnership, highlighting the critical role of resilient health systems in times of crisis. 

“Strong health systems that deliver effective, integrated services are fundamental to building resilient communities, improving health outcomes, and ensuring continuity of care during climate-induced crises,” she said. 

“Investments that increase the climate resilience of health systems, including integrated sexual and reproductive health services, empower women and men to make informed decisions about their reproductive lives, adapt their livelihoods, and recover more quickly from economic and environmental shocks.” 

Ms. Shameem further emphasized that strengthened systems are essential to protecting vulnerable populations. “Resilient health systems enable critical protection and care mechanisms for victims and survivors of gender-based violence and Sorcery Accusation Related Violence, ensuring that support remains accessible even during climate-related disasters.” 

GGGI Country Representative for Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, Mr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh, emphasized that climate action must directly strengthen the systems communities depend on most. 

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat for Papua New Guinea, it is already disrupting livelihoods, infrastructure, and essential services, including healthcare. This partnership with UNFPA reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that climate action directly strengthens national systems and delivers tangible benefits at the community level”.

By combining climate expertise with health sector leadership, GGGI PNG and UNFPA are reinforcing their commitment to practical, coordinated solutions that reduce vulnerability, enhance resilience, and ensure that climate action delivers tangible benefits for communities across Papua New Guinea. 

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For more information, visit:  https://gggi.org     

PNG Office  

Lorraine Basse, Communications Associate 

lorraine.basse@gggi.org  

GGGI Pacific (Regional Office)      

Kelly Vacala, Regional Communications & Knowledge Sharing Lead 

kelly.vacala@gggi.org