PRIME Minister James Marape has left Papua New Guinea for New York to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he will represent PNG on major national, regional and global issues.
Marape’s departure comes as world leaders gather at United Nations Headquarters for the General Debate, which runs from September 22 to 26, with the 81st session concluding on September 28, 2026.
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea would use the global platform to put forward its national interests and contribute to discussions on issues affecting the Pacific and the wider international community.
“We will speak on issues affecting Papua New Guinea, our Pacific region and the wider global community, while contributing Papua New Guinea’s perspective to discussions on the major challenges facing the world,” Marape said.
With the Prime Minister out of the country, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso has assumed the role of Acting Prime Minister.
Marape’s trip follows Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations, which he described as generally peaceful despite isolated incidents reported around the country.
The Prime Minister commended Papua New Guineans for maintaining peace during the celebrations but warned that law and order remains a shared responsibility.
“I commend everyone right across our country. There have been one or two incidents, but I again remind everyone that law and order is your business and our collective business,” he said.
Marape also urged citizens to work with government and law-enforcement agencies to keep communities safe.
“Government and our law-enforcement agencies have their responsibilities, but every citizen also has a responsibility to maintain peace, respect the law and look after our communities,” he said.
The Prime Minister is expected to use his participation at the UN General Assembly to highlight Papua New Guinea’s priorities and the concerns of the Pacific region before the international community.