PNG hosts leaders for Melanesian Ocean Conference

International leaders and delegates are tonight attending a welcome dinner reception in Port Moresby ahead of the inaugural Melanesian Ocean Conference at APEC Haus this week.

Prime Minister James Marape had earlier welcomed the visiting leaders during a press conference on Sunday afternoon, describing the conference as a historic event for the Pacific region.

The conference, running from 11 to 14 May, brings together Pacific Island countries, development partners and international representatives to discuss ocean protection, climate resilience and sustainable ocean management.

Prime Minister Marape said the meeting comes at an important time as Pacific nations continue to face rising sea levels, warming oceans, marine pollution and environmental damage.

“The Melanesian Ocean Summit is a critical opportunity to turn Pacific leadership into practical action,” Mr Marape said.

“Our ocean sustains our food security, cultures, economies and climate resilience.”

The Prime Minister said oceans play a major role in sustaining life on Earth and must be protected for future generations.

He said Pacific Island nations may be small in population and land size, but they are “big ocean states” because of the large ocean areas under their care.

One of the expected outcomes from the conference is stronger regional commitment towards protecting at least 30 percent of sovereign ocean spaces from harmful activities and environmental destruction.

Mr Marape also called on industrialised nations and major carbon-emitting countries to support Pacific countries in protecting oceans and forests.

Among the leaders attending the conference is President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, along with representatives from across the Pacific and beyond.

Prime Minister Marape also encouraged residents of Port Moresby to help make the city safe and welcoming for all visitors attending the conference.