By DALCY LULUA
United Nations Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres has commended Papua New Guinea for its progress in peacebuilding and development, while urging stronger efforts to promote gender equality and protect human rights.
In his address to the National Parliament in Port Moresby, Mr Guterres said Papua New Guinea had set itself a powerful mission to be “one people and one country” and to ensure that no one is left behind.
“Not long ago, you hosted peacekeepers. Today, you are a champion of peacebuilding and sustainable development,” he told MPs. “But no story of peace or progress is complete without fully including half of the population.”
The Secretary-General noted the high levels of gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea, with two out of three women experiencing abuse. He recalled the launch of the Spotlight Initiative in the country five years ago, describing it as part of the world’s largest effort to eliminate violence against women and girls.
He welcomed Parliament’s decision in March to dedicate a full day to testimonies on gender-based violence and to form the Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.
“Ensuring greater voice and representation of women is not only a matter of justice-it is a matter of national strength,” Mr Guterres said.
He further commended the government’s launch of a National Human Rights Strategy and its commitment to establish a National Human Rights Commission, adding that these measures would strengthen democracy and ensure that every citizen is represented.
The Secretary-General said the United Nations remained committed to supporting women, young people and persons with disabilities in Papua New Guinea to build a culture of dignity and equality.
Mr Guterres also reflected on the UN’s own milestone, with the organization marking its 80th anniversary this year through the UN80 process aimed at strengthening multilateralism for the future. He stressed the importance of Pacific voices being heard across the global system.
Turning to Papua New Guinea’s journey since independence, he described the country’s progress as remarkable given its cultural and linguistic diversity.
“In just 50 years, Papua New Guinea has undertaken a daunting task: to forge a single nation from profound diversity,” he said. “Your story is proof that, when embraced with shared purpose and respect, our differences can be our greatest strength.”
He concluded his remarks by urging continued dialogue and cooperation: “Wantoks, let’s keep talking. For your people. For our planet. And for our shared future.”