The Forum is being held in Davos where world leaders, business and NGO representatives converge annually to discuss issues of globalisation and economic growth.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill (right) meets former United States Vice President, and Chairman and Co-Founder of the Generation Investment Management, Al Gore, in Davos ahead of their discussion on climate change at the World Economic Forum Photo: PNG PM Media Office
Mr O'Neill has promised to advance critical regional development issues when he speaks at the Forum today.
"The interests of Papua New Guineans and Pacific Islanders must be represented to the global community, and that is our job at the World Economic Forum," he said.
The PNG leader explained that dealing with environmental risks was one of the most critical issues for Pacific and APEC economies.
"Extreme weather, including droughts and tropical storms, are killing our people and destroying livelihoods, so positive action must be taken in the global community.
"Strengthening opportunities for developing economies to access support for domestic climate change projects is an issue that will be discussed at the World Economic Forum," he said.
Mr O'Neill said accessing capital and investment for a "broad range of development and infrastructure building initiatives" was critical for regional advancement.
He stressed the need for recipient countries to demonstrate "real need" and to plan well and be accountable.
"Recipient countries know their people, know their needs and know how to deliver locally, and we must work better together with partners.
"In Papua New Guinea we have worked closely with the Asian Development Bank for funding to rebuild the Highlands Highway, and as this is delivered it will demonstrate the positive outcomes that are achieved for the people from well-planned and high quality projects."
