UN Secretary General appeals for global support during visit to remote Nuku District

Nuku District in West Sepik Province welcomed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as he made his historical visit to the district.

Guterres, in being a representative of the global community, told locals in West Sepik, “I am here to bring a big hug from the people of the world to the people of Nuku and the Torricelli Range. His speech carried two powerful messages: one of gratitude and one of solidarity.

He thanked the people of Nuku for their work to protect the forest, saying it is an important gift for the whole world. “We are extremely grateful to you because of the forest that you are preserving for the world,” he said.

Guterres said forests are one of the best ways to fight climate change and thanked the community for working hard to protect them

He talked about how hard it is for Papua New Guinea to build roads, schools, and health centers because the country is so big and mountainous.

The Secretary General acknowledged Prime Minister James Marape, who joined him on the visit, and pointed out the government’s big plans to improve roads and services.

"This is a huge country full of mountains with certain remote areas. It’s a very difficult job that he has,” Guterres said.

He called on other countries to help Papua New Guinea speed up development for the good of all its people.

“The United Nations will be at your side, and we will be loud and clear telling the international community that these beautiful people deserve solidarity. Because you’re giving the world an enormous gift with your forest, it’s time for the world to pay back.”

Secretary General Guterres officially opened the George Oakes Building and the new Nuku District Office, concluding his visit to the West Sepik Province.