Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Singapore today at the margins of the United Nations 27th Climate Conference (COP 27) in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to signify their collaboration in carbon markets as part of their efforts to meet their respective National Determined Contributions (NDCs) commitment under the Paris Agreement.
NDCs are efforts by each country to reduce national carbon emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change of Papua New Guinea, Honorable Simo Kilepa and Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms. Grace Fu, signed the MoU for their respective governments, witnessed by Papua New Guinea and Singapore delegates and invited guests at COP 27.
Both Ministers heralded the MoU as a clear demonstration of a joint partnership to fight the growing adverse impacts of climate change affecting countries and the world.
“I am pleased with this important MoU between Papua New Guinea and Singapore, being the first ever MoU for cooperation on carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change,” said Minister Kilepa.
The MoU will further contribute to strengthening the existing cordial bilateral relations between both countries and foster constructive dialogue and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including on climate change, trade and investment.
“Singapore is an important neighbor, friend and a key development partner for Papua New Guinea. We value the bilateral partnership with Singapore”, said Minister Kilepa.
During the MoU signing, Minister Fu highlighted the background to the MoU and its importance in combating climate change impacts.
“In COP 26 last year, we successfully concluded Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, paving the way for carbon markets for voluntary cooperation between countries to meet their NDCs and to advance global climate action and ambition.
“It is my pleasure to be here today to sign the MoU and we look forward to work together in identifying mutually beneficial compliant carbon credit projects for both countries in achieving our NDCs”, she added.
Minister Kilepa said the MoU is a groundbreaking milestone for Papua New Guinea and a welcome significant step towards meeting the climate carbon emission targets for the country. He also praised
the timely and important partnership with Singapore on carbon credit cooperation, which will benefit both countries.
Under the MoU, Singapore and Papua New Guinea will work towards an implementation agreement that will set out the bilateral framework for the transfer of carbon credits with corresponding adjustments aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement allows countries to voluntarily cooperate with each other to achieve emission reduction targets set out in their NDCs to allow for higher ambition in their climate change mitigation and adaptation actions and to promote sustainable development and environmental integrity.
This will be presented to Cabinet, together with other key achievements from the Conference, following the conclusion of the climate conference.
Minister Kilepa acknowledged with appreciation the valued contributions from the technical officials from both countries who have been working tirelessly over many months in ensuring the successful conclusion and signing of the MoU.
“I pay special tribute to our officials from key government departments and agencies, including Climate Change and Development Authority, Department of Prime Minister and NEC, Justice and Attorney- General, Foreign Affairs, National Energy Authority, National Forest Authority, National Planning and the Office of the State Solicitors who are often portrayed in a negative way by the public when it comes to representing the country in the climate conference.
“They work under tremendous challenges in such international meetings and this needs to be better understood, said Minister Kilepa.