Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – July 8, 2025 – Papua New Guinea has called for regular and effective Regional Dialogues with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to unlock greater climate financing for the country. The Acting Managing Director for PNG Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA), Ms. Deborah Sungi at a GCF Reflections Workshop held yesterday in Port Moresby, applauded the country and GCF Board success in hosting the recent 42nd GCF Board Meeting in Port Moresby, which included the signing of the first single-country project between PNG and GCF, amounting to over USD65 million for REDD+. The GCF is the world’s largest dedicated climate fund. Ms. Sungi noted that while accessing GCF financing was challenging, the GCF was making rapid progress with reforms.  

The Workshop, co-hosted by the Governments of the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Papua New Guinea (PNG) team, took stock of recent GCF Board reforms and discussed priorities and strategic approaches, with key development partners, the UK and Australia, who were permanent GCF Board members.  

Participants called for regular and effective Regional Pacific SIDS Dialogues, advocating strategic clarity, promoting locally led projects, and better tracking decisions and project impact.  PNG offered to host the next Regional Dialogue in 2026. Participants also welcomed the GCF Board’s decision to establish a new GCF Pacific Regional Office, and PNG expressed its interest in hosting this office. The Workshop also heard from Ms. Dianne McFadzien, GCF’s Sub-Regional Lead for Pacific and Asia SIDS, who outlined recent Board-approved reforms for Accreditation, Readiness, and Project Development. PNG reaffirmed its commitment to establishing its first national Direct Access Entity, thanking the UK for its support. 

The British High Commissioner in PNG, Anne Macro, in her opening remarks, stated that the UK, as a development partner, was eager to listen to the needs of PNG and the Pacific and was pleased to convene this Workshop to build stronger collaborative approaches. Ms. Bille Selby, the UK’s Pacific Climate and Energy Counsellor, who co-facilitated the workshop, referred to the UK-funded 2023 UNDP/PIFS report “What Green Climate Fund Do We Want for the Pacific,” noting that the GCF was making steady progress.  Ms. Selby pointed out that the UK and Australia, as permanent members on the GCF Board, were happy to support and advocate for PNG and the Pacific, as there was a mutual goal in ensuring the GCF delivered impactful outcomes for the Pacific.   

GGGI Pacific Regional Director, Saki Tuisolia, also acknowledged the good progress made by GCF, noting there was scope for more improvement. He welcomed the support of the UK Government and Australia in continuing to support PNG and for stepping forward to proactively build stronger collaboration with PNG and the Pacific at important global forums like the GCF.    

The Workshop, facilitated by UK and GGGI PNG, was attended by over 25 participants from the PNG Government, multilateral agencies, and development partners. A workshop outcomes document was produced and will be shared with the UK and Australia.