Papua New Guinea’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming UN climate summit out of frustration with “empty promises and inaction” has raised concerns among climate advocates, who fear the move could isolate the country and risk essential funding.
In August, Prime Minister James Marape announced the decision not to attend COP29 as a “protest against major nations” for failing to deliver “swift support to climate change victims.” Last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko confirmed Papua New Guinea’s withdrawal from the summit starting on November 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan, labeling it “a total waste of time.”
Prominent climate advocate Duncan Gabi warned that Papua New Guinea’s absence might cut the country off from vital discussions, weakening its ability to secure financial and technical backing for climate adaptation.
Many Pacific island nations, facing severe climate impacts, hope the summit in Azerbaijan will lead to better access to climate finance. However, Tkatchenko criticized major polluters for failing to support small island states on the frontlines of the climate crisis, saying, “Their pledges amount to empty talk and impose insurmountable barriers for us to access the funds we need to protect our people.”
Environmental advocates in Papua New Guinea, however, expressed concerns over the boycott. Climate activist Vinzealher Anjo Nen said that although the move might send a message, “Papua New Guinea needs to be present at these conferences.”
Nen emphasized that COP offers a global platform for small and developing nations to push for climate commitments and negotiate resources, saying, “If we don’t attend, we lose vital opportunities for funding, resources, and technical support.” She added that staying engaged would allow Papua New Guinea to advocate for immediate climate action and secure essential adaptation funding.
Gabi agreed that withdrawing from COP29 was “ill-informed,” noting the event enables Pacific nations to “negotiate climate action, secure funding, and advocate for support.” He cautioned that Papua New Guinea’s absence might send a discouraging signal to the global community.
