The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and UNDP Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, arrived to a traditional welcome at the Jackson’s International Airport in Papua New Guinea today.

Ms. Wignaraja will be in the country for four days. Upon her arrival to Port Moresby, Ms Wignaraja, will meet with the Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape and followed by a series of meetings with senior government ministers.

Ms. Wignaraja will deliver a keynote speech at a policy dialogue on climate action and green economy transition that will be held at the APEC Haus. The dialogue, titled ‘Post COP27 Climate Round table – From Policy to Action: Papua New Guinea Leading the Green Economy Transition’ will showcase how the country’s potential for a transition towards a green and blue economic development pathway, working in partnership with the natural environment, can result in a more prosperous and equitable Papua New Guinea for future generations.

The dialogue will discuss and highlight the country’s potential for a green and blue economic transition as a necessary development pathway to ensure property and well-being for all people.

Ms. Wignaraja will then be accompanied by UNDP Papua New Guinea Resident Representative, Mr. Dirk Wagener, to the Southern Highlands Province to interact with communities engaged in the UNDP-led UN Highlands Joint Programme.

Ms. Wignaraja will observe UNDP’s support to critical efforts by local institutions in response to a surge of tribal and sorcery accusation related violence and to advocate for an increased support to address all forms of violence in the Papua New Guinea Highlands region.

UNDP Papua New Guinea Resident Representative, Mr Dirk Wagener, said Ms. Wignaraja’s visit further strengthens UNDP’s commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea’s development agenda.