The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Papua New Guinea Department of National Planning and Monitoring signed an Implementation Letter of USD $2.5 million for Strengthening Women’s Equality and Empowerment in Forestry in Papua New Guinea. The funding underscores the American people’s continued commitment to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific through our strengthened U.S.-Pacific partnerships for sustainable, prosperous, inclusive, secure, and democratically empowered societies. The Department of National Planning and Monitoring Secretary Koney Samuel countersigned the implementation letter on behalf of the Government of Papua New Guinea. The activity will enable women entrepreneurs to access supply chains and ecosystem service markets, develop women’s leadership in the forestry industry, and build women’s climate resilience. Deputy Mission Director for the Pacific Islands and Mongolia Betty Chung said, “This $2.5 million agreement represents the growing partnership between the U.S. and PNG, and reiterates to the PNG public how hard their government has been working to secure resources and partnerships for PNG’s development.” Secretary Samuel and Deputy Mission Director Chung also discussed the ongoing projects in Papua New Guinea through USAID funding, and reflected on the increased partnership between Papua New Guinea and the United States. Secretary Samuel said, “I'd like to acknowledge the support of the US government through USAID. I’m happy that USAID is stepping up to support different sectors including climate change, HIVAIDs, and the PNG electrification partnership to support PNG’s Development strategy plan 2030.” The funding will benefit over 250 women with enhanced livelihood opportunities in two provinces in PNG; reduce greenhouse gas emissions in at least 250 hectares of high-carbon areas; and reach a minimum of 15000 people through advocacy campaigns.