PM DEPARTS FOR 2026 WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape departed Papua New Guinea for the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, underscoring the country’s growing global relevance and affirming Papua New Guinea’s commitment to dialogue, stability, and responsible engagement in a rapidly changing world.

Speaking at a Press Conference at the Jackson’s International Airport VIP Terminal yesterday, Prime Minister Marape confirmed that Papua New Guinea has been formally invited for the third consecutive year to attend the prestigious Global Forum, which will be held from 19–23 January 2026.

“This is the third year in a row where we have been given a private invitation by the hosts themselves, the World Economic Forum. Other nations do not have this privilege,” Prime Minister Marape said.

This year’s WEF theme, “The Spirit of Dialogue in a World of Many Contests,” reflects the growing global challenges arising from geopolitical tensions, territorial disputes, and economic uncertainty.

Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea’s presence at Davos is timely and meaningful. “The World Economic Forum deliberately chose this theme – the spirit of dialogue – and Papua New Guinea is prolifically known for its ability to maintain dialogue, as Melanesians always do,” he said.

The Prime Minister revealed that Papua New Guinea has been allocated a prime-time presentation slot in one of the Forum’s main plenary halls, with sessions expected to be well attended by global leaders, policymakers, and investors.

“For the first time, they are giving us prime time to make our presentation – not on the sidelines, but in one of the main plenary halls,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Ten minutes after us, the President of the United States will be speaking in the room next door.”

Prime Minister Marape said his presentation will focus on Papua New Guinea’s strategic placement in the Asia-Pacific region and its balanced Foreign Policy approach amid intensifying geopolitical competition.

“Our inherent Foreign Policy remains – friends to all, enemies to none,” he said. “We relate with the world’s top economies – the United States, China, Japan, India, Australia, Germany, France, and many others – and we maintain those relationships responsibly.”

He also highlighted Papua New Guinea’s expanding global footprint through active participation in regional and international forums, including the Pacific Islands Forum, ASEAN engagements, APEC, the Commonwealth, the United Nations, and South–South cooperation platforms.

“The world knows we exist. We are in an important geography, and this does not go unnoticed,” Prime Minister Marape said.

While in Davos, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet senior executives from major global energy and investment companies, including Total and ExxonMobil, to advance discussions on key Projects such as Papua LNG, with the aim of progressing towards a Final Investment Decision.

“I hope to tick off important Meetings to get certainty on Papua LNG so that we move from just a Project Agreement to an actual Project,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape will also engage with non-business global leaders, including a scheduled meeting sought by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, as part of Papua New Guinea’s broader diplomatic and policy engagement.

In addressing the nation before his departure, the Prime Minister issued a strong appeal for peace, unity, and respect for law and order, emphasising that internal stability is critical to attracting investment and tourism.

“I want to ask all of us, let’s not send negative signals out of the country,” he said. “Law and order is the responsibility of all of us together – in the streets, in the villages, in the highways, wherever we are.”

He urged citizens to reflect on regional examples, noting that peace and social cohesion are essential for economic success.

“When we give a peaceful environment, it makes the Government’s job much easier to attract employers and visitors into our country,” Prime Minister Marape said.

Prime Minister Marape confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso will act as Prime Minister during his absence and assured the nation that Government work will continue uninterrupted.

“Government is still at work. Together, we must make our country work – for our children and those who will come after us,” he said.

He is expected to return to the country after a week of high-level engagements at the World Economic Forum.