Papua New Guinea's energy minister, Sir Moi Avei, says the country needs to get its own house in order before it can make any promises on sustainable development.
Sir Moi told last week's UN summit on small island states that PNG's leadership recognises the need for trade reforms and an increase in aid.
But Sir Moi says unlike many other small island developing states, Papua New Guinea must first address its internal problems.
"The point that I'm trying to make is that abundance of natural resources is not adequate to bring prosperity. What is required in our circumstance is greater political will to bring about the economic and social reforms to promote good governance."
