UN‌ Chief Commends Papua New Guinea‘s Climate Leadership

Port Moresby, Papua New guinea (AP) – United Nations secretary-General António Guterres ‌lauded Papua ⁣New Guinea’s⁣ role as a global leader on climate change Wednesday, ⁢during⁤ the ⁣first-ever ‌visit by a UN Secretary-General to the ⁢South Pacific⁤ nation. The visit precedes Papua⁣ New Guinea’s 50th⁢ anniversary of independence from Australia on September 16th.

Addressing Papua New​ Guinea’s Parliament, Guterres highlighted the⁤ nation’s ability to build consensus through dialog ⁣as a key ⁣lesson for the world, ‍a skill demonstrated as gaining ‍independence. He further emphasized Papua New Guinea’s “bold climate action” as a second crucial contribution.

“Climate ‌leadership doesn’t always come from⁣ the wealthiest and most‍ powerful nations,but from ​those who directly experience‍ the ​consequences‍ of a changing‍ climate,” Guterres stated.

He specifically recognized Papua New Guinea’s support for the International Court of Justice’s ⁢advisory opinion⁢ in july, which​ affirmed that ⁢inaction on climate change could violate ‌international‌ law and that impacted nations ⁣might potentially be entitled to reparations. The ⁤ICJ’s unanimous ruling,backed by all 15 judges,is being ‍hailed as a landmark moment in‌ international‌ climate ​law. The​ initiative was spearheaded‍ by Vanuatu and supported ⁢by over 130 countries.

Guterres acknowledged Papua New ⁤Guinea’s ‌status as a ⁤carbon sink,⁣ noting its forests and surrounding sea prairies absorb more carbon dioxide than⁣ the nation emits.

Prime Minister James Marape ‍responded to Guterres’s address,‍ pledging that Papua New Guinea’s progress‌ path would be “green, ‌resilient and‍ inclusive.”⁤ Marape reiterated ‌his ⁣long-held belief that nations with higher carbon emissions bear a “moral obligation and greater duty” ⁤to⁢ address climate change, and previously ‌criticized ⁣the⁣ United States’ withdrawal from the ⁤Paris Agreement under former⁤ President Donald⁤ Trump.

While praising Papua‌ New Guinea’s environmental contributions, the UN Chief ⁤did not address the nation’s export of liquefied natural gas as 2014 and ‌its plans ‍for​ expansion ⁤of the⁢ fossil ‌fuel​ industry.

Experts⁤ note ⁤that Papua New Guinea’s effectiveness as a carbon ‍sink‌ may have been diminished by​ decades of deforestation. Paul ‌Barker, Executive Director of‌ the Institute of National Affairs in Port ⁢Moresby, pointed to uncertainties surrounding land‍ use changes under​ government-approved “forest conversion agreements.”

Papua New ​Guinea, with⁤ an estimated population⁣ approaching 12 million (according to the Papua New Guinea‍ Statistics⁢ Office, with the most recent thorough census completed in 2000), is the most populous country in the South⁣ Pacific after Australia’s⁣ 27 million. ‌The nation‌ is also remarkably diverse, boasting over 800 ​indigenous ​languages.

Ukraine‘s Struggle for Independence & ‍Identity: A Legacy of Missed Opportunities ⁤& Russian Aggression

This article details Ukraine’s challenging journey to independence⁣ and the enduring impact of decisions⁢ made in its early⁢ years, ⁣particularly in the face of a persistently aggressive Russia.The core argument ‌is that Ukraine’s failure to ⁢fully break with its soviet past and capitalize on opportunities in the 1990s has substantially contributed ​to its current vulnerability.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Early Calls for systemic Change: ⁣The⁤ push‌ for independence⁢ in 1990 wasn’t just about ‌separation from⁣ Moscow, but also about reforming Ukraine’s internal political system. Leaders like Donii advocated ​for early parliamentary elections‍ to remove lingering Soviet-era legislators. This ‌desire for a​ complete break, though, lacked widespread⁣ support.
Unfinished ⁣Revolution: Ukraine achieved independence but failed to fully dismantle the “communist ruling class,”⁣ creating ​a lasting vulnerability to internal​ and external pressures.
Fragmented Society & Tolerance of​ Russian Influence: On the cusp of independence, Ukrainian society was deeply⁢ divided. A⁢ important portion was neutral or favored maintaining ties with ⁤Russia.A critical mistake,according to Oleksandr Nechyporenko,was ⁣the leniency shown towards agents of Russian influence.A firmer stance was needed.
The Nuclear Arsenal Dilemma: Perhaps ​the most significant missed chance⁣ was the handling of Ukraine’s vast nuclear arsenal. Yurii Kostenko argues that Ukraine⁣ should have leveraged this arsenal for ​stronger integration with the West,specifically through financial and⁢ technological assistance from the US for converting warheads into fuel,and a firm⁢ security guarantee via NATO membership.
A Detrimental Deal with Russia: Rather, Ukraine was pressured to surrender its nuclear warheads to Russia‍ for a paltry return – ‍$1.5 billion in fuel and gas, representing only 1% of the arsenal’s value.this was facilitated by the dismissal ⁢of Kostenko, who advocated for the US-backed plan, and⁣ a ⁢shift towards cooperation with Russia.
The Failed Budapest Memorandum: ⁢ In lieu of‌ NATO⁤ membership, Ukraine received the Budapest Memorandum, a guarantee of sovereignty and territorial integrity​ from the US, UK, and Russia. This agreement is now seen as a symbol of broken‍ promises,as Russia violated⁤ it with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion in 2022.
* Enduring Consequences: The decisions of the 1990s continue to shape Ukraine’s present struggle. The lack of decisive action in those early years has⁤ left Ukraine seeking lasting security while battling Russian​ aggression, and constantly revisiting the consequences ⁤of past choices.

In essence, the article paints a picture of a nation that, while achieving‍ formal independence, failed to fully secure ⁤its sovereignty and identity due to internal divisions, strategic missteps, and ⁢the relentless pressure from a hostile Russia. It highlights ⁢the importance of strong leadership,⁣ decisive action, and reliable ​international partnerships in navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.