Papua New Guinea’s prime minister has urged the international community to prioritise humanity ahead of war for the sake of world peace and in the interests of future generations.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, James Marape said wars disrupted food, fuel, energy, trade, and supply chains far from the battlefield.
“My appeal to leaders everywhere is really simple. Put human welfare ahead of war. Put humanity ahead of narrow geopolitical interests.
“Choose dialogue and peaceful settlement wherever possible,” Marape said.
He said countries must bear in mind the consequences for future generations from the decisions they make about war, development, energy, and the global economy.
“Protect our planet while pursuing development and place the interests of our children and future generations at the heart of decisions we make today.”
Marape underlined the importance of multilateralism, and said the ‘military strength of a nation does not make the rights of another nation less important’, while also warning about the perils of big tech profits being made at the cost of a healthy planet and human rights.
“Technological advancement does not diminish our obligations to protect human freedom.
“Balance commercial interests with the welfare of people. Use technology to advance human dignity and not diminish it.”
Planet
His message of peace also emphasised that countries need to put their differences aside and work together to protect the planet.
“What value is freedom if a child has no water to drink? What value is development if we destroy the environment that sustains life?
“And what inheritance are we leaving behind for our children if the forest disappears, our oceans become polluted and our climate becomes increasingly unstable.
“This earth is our common home. Whatever our religion, nationality, political system, we breathe the same atmosphere. We share the same ocean. We depend upon the same global climate. And ultimately, we share the consequence of what humanity does to this planet.
Marape also paid tribute to the outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres as he approaches the end of his tenure.
“At a time when our world has confronted war, displacement, poverty, inequality, climate change and many other challenges, he has consistently called for peace, human dignity, international cooperation and respect for the principles of United Nations.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, September 2026.
PNG PM Media
The PNG leader said if anyone is befitting of a Nobel Peace Award, it was Guterres.
“He has used his office to speak for humanity, including those voices that are often too dim and seemingly unheard.”
