Papua New Guinea has committed $US150 million to the Pacific Small Island Developing States over the next five years.
Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
PNG's Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato made the announcement in New York where he had been addressing the United Nations Security Council open debate on peace and security challenges facing small island states.
The funding is to help address challenges in education, health, capacity building, climate change and infrastructure rehabilitation and development following natural disasters in island countries.
Mr Pato said PNG would establish and fund a SIDS office in the Pacific region.
"The nexus between sustainable development, peace and security is clear," he said, explaining that without peace and security sustainable development will be difficult for small island states.
"To achieve sustainable development requires meaningful partnerships," said Mr Pato, "which requires UN systems to enable SIDS adherence to rule of law and to building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions and societies that promote and protect human rights consistent with the UN Charter."
He urged the UN system to take responsibility for the formulation of practical measures that support island states in overcoming the serious challenges they face in areas like climate change and rule of law.
