Port Moresby – In a significant move towards reinforcing climate governance and enhancing transparency and accountability in the fight against climate change, the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has launched a technical working group under the Climate Finance Initiative for Resilience and Sustainable Transition (Climate FIRST) project. The initiative marks a critical step forward in aligning climate action with national development goals and effectively mobilising resources for a sustainable future.
The technical working group brings together key government institutions and development partners to coordinate efforts under the Climate FIRST framework. Funded by the Australian Government and implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in close collaboration with PNG’s Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), the initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacity, policy coherence, and inter-agency coordination in managing climate finance.
Climate FIRST’s overarching goal is to support Papua New Guinea’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. The project focuses on unlocking and directing climate finance towards priority areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, forest protection, and climate-resilient infrastructure—particularly in communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Speaking at the launch, representatives from CCDA and GGGI highlighted the importance of inclusive governance mechanisms that ensure climate finance is used effectively, efficiently, and transparently. The technical working group is expected to serve as a central platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and strategic planning between government agencies, development partners, and civil society.
Climate FIRST is more than just a funding mechanism—it is a shared commitment between Australia and Papua New Guinea to tackle the climate crisis through collaborative innovation, capacity building, and long-term resilience. By establishing a robust technical working group, the project is laying the foundation for a more coordinated and impactful approach to climate finance that reflects the needs and aspirations of PNG’s people.
As PNG continues to experience the effects of rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation, initiatives like Climate FIRST represent a vital investment in the nation’s future. Through strengthened governance and international partnership, Papua New Guinea is charting a path toward sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and climate justice.