Marape highlights religious intolerance amongst key concerns at UN assembly
Prime Minister James Marape has indicated religious intolerance amidst some of the threats at the recently concluded 79th United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
Mr Marape spoke on three threats to humanity that complemented the congress theme ‘leaving no one behind, acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for the present and future generations.
“These threats, in my view, are religious intolerance, poverty induced by climate change and geopolitical differences and sovereignty contests over territories and people,” he said.
“Papua New Guinea is the world's most culturally and linguistically diverse nation, with over 830 languages in a myriad of sub-ethnicities and sub-cultures that are still authentically indigenous today.
“A real-time modern nation of 1,000 tribes and we embrace this diversity and do our utmost best to function as one people, one nation and one country in our intention to leave no one behind.
“In terms of environment, my country hosts up to 7% of the world's biodiversity, mostly housed within a tropical rainforest that is the third largest in the world.
“We sustainably manage our forest, land and sea because our livelihood depends on them.
“Papua New Guinea, in our own small way, teaches the world on living in balance with nature, tolerating cultural diversities and practicing environmental stewardship.
“The father of modern PNG, the late Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, was a champion in this regard. In fact, Sir Michael championed Article 5 of the Paris Agreement into existence in the early 2000 as a reflection of PNG’s strong affinity to the forest, land and sea.
“In this regard, my country has been contributing to the global discourse over the last two decades on environment management and climate change. Unfortunately, this has been met with very little return action. However, we continue to stand ready to assist the UN family in this area.”
Mr Marape said throughout PNG’s 49-year history as a country, challenges have been compounded by the vast ethnolinguistic diversities and cultural complexities and the small size of the economy.
He assured the house that PNG has aligned its development plans consistent with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Mr Marape whilst highlighting the concerns commended the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres for the leadership to mobilize the support of the global community on key issues that require collective efforts, especially in dealing with climate change-related matters.
PM Marape applauded the theme for the 79th UN house, describing it is pertinent especially in promoting peace and sustainable development around the world.
“I thank you and commend your foresight in drawing our collective attention to the work we must still do for peace and humanity, considering the vast challenges that continue to threaten our society and what we face today,” he said.
The high-level General Debate was opened by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva who spoke on UN’s membership.
About 190 Member States highlighted the pressing challenges confronting the international community and the need for global unity to overcome.
The meeting was concluded by President of the General Assembly Philémon Yang, with a prevailing reminder of the ongoing conflicts and the urgent need for peace.