1. Acknowledgement and Welcome
- Honourable Ministers,
- Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea,
- Distinguished Representatives from International Financial Institutions, Central Bank Governors,
- Development Partners,
- Private Sector Leaders,
- Distinguished delegates,
- Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A warm welcome to you all!
It is my honor to be here today to open the Green Finance Summit 2025, an event that signifies just how far Papua New Guinea has come in embedding sustainability into our financial and economic systems.
Just under two years ago, in June 2023, I had the privilege of launching Papua New Guinea’s Inclusive Green Finance Policy (IGFP). It was a bold step—one that acknowledged climate change as both an economic risk and an opportunity for transformation.
Today, I stand before you incredibly proud of the progress we have made since then.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I want to specially commend the Bank of Papua New Guinea—under the strong leadership of the Governor Genia and her team, for translating policy into action.
In just one year, the Bank has done what many only plans for: it has established a dedicated department, the Green Finance Centre to lead and coordinate green finance efforts in PNG.
And what a remarkable job this Centre has done in less than 12 months. The GFC is not only building frameworks and roadmaps—it is delivering real reforms that are positioning PNG as a regional leader in sustainable finance.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, Papua New Guinea is becoming to be recognized for its leadership in:
- Developing our own green taxonomy tailored to our national context
- Piloting innovative financial instruments like the Green Refinancing Facility and Green Guarantee Facility
- Attracting serious development partners who are not just supporting us technically—but also signalling their readiness to invest
This is no small feat for a country like ours, and it’s a clear sign that with the right vision, commitment, and partnerships, developing countries can lead in the global green finance conversation.
I also want to acknowledge the efforts of our Department of Treasury and the Climate Change Development Authority for the strong collaboration with the Bank of PNG and the GFC.
Together, these agencies are working at the intersection of policy, finance, and sustainability—laying the foundation for a climate-resilient financial ecosystem.
The GFC is now becoming a catalyst, coordinating efforts across government, private sector, and development partners. It is a platform that is turning words into action, frameworks into funding, and strategies into real, visible change.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We need more of our government agencies working closely with Green Finance Centre so they can get the best technical advice and support in how we are raising sustainable investments in their own sectors. I am glad to hear that we are having more dialogue between BPNG and departments such as Agriculture, CEPA, Lands and Transport. We need to look at these innovative avenues to raise capital for climate resilient investments. You can’t be forever only be dependent on Government’s budget support to excel in your commitments.
What is even more remarkable is that in less than a year, the Green Finance Centre has influenced more institutional reforms than some agencies that have held critical government mandates for decades.
This goes to show that green and sustainable finance is no longer a side issue— it is central to our national development priorities. And I say to our fellow developing countries: look at what’s possible.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am especially honoured by the presence of Rt. Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, who has taken time out of his schedule here in PNG to join some of our sessions. Your presence speaks volumes about Pacific solidarity in the face of climate and financial challenges.
We are also joined by some of the world’s most respected development institutions—many of whom will be delivering technical sessions during the Summit. To all our development partners:
I am truly grateful for your knowledge, your policy support, and your presence.
But I also say this—walk the talk.
Papua New Guinea, like many developing countries, has faced immense difficulty accessing climate-related funds.
Despite our rich biodiversity, ambitious policies, and clear needs, the money doesn’t always flow to where it’s needed most.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We understand the importance of governance and accountability. That’s why we are setting up institutions like the Green Finance Centre—to demonstrate readiness, to build trust, and to provide assurance that funds will be well- managed and well-invested.
We are not asking for charity. We are offering partnership—one that enables real, measurable climate outcomes and strengthens global progress.
Currently, 80% of Papua New Guineans live in rural areas.
If we are serious about development, we must invest in Bridges and roads to connect communities, Seawalls and flood protection to safeguard livelihoods, Renewable energy and clean water systems to enhance quality of life.
These are not luxuries—they are necessities. But the truth is, the Government of PNG cannot do it alone.
We need Our development partners to invest with us, the private sector to innovate and finance, international investors to see PNG as a place of opportunity, and agencies like Green Finance Centre to continue leading and convening these conversations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we open this Summit, I ask every participant here, Let’s move beyond talking—let’s design investment pipelines, let’s de-risk finance so private investors can come in, Let’s align our policies, budgets, and institutions to support climate-smart development.
Let us make this Summit not just an event, but a starting point for long-term, transformational partnerships.
Last but not the least, I challenge the Green Finance Centre, in another years’ time, to become the cornerstone in PNG’s financial future, and a regional leader in convening, coordinating, and catalyzing green investment. I challenge you to demonstrate to international partners, we can do this, and we can do this right!
Let us all work together—public sector, private sector, development partners, and communities to deliver a future that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable for all Papua New Guineans.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With that, I proudly declare the Green Finance Summit 2025 officially open. Thank you.