GCF RBP Validation Workshop Press Release (March 28th, 2025)

GCF RBP Validation Workshop (March 28th, 2025)

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 28 March 2025 – Papua New Guinea (PNG) is moving closer to unlocking critical international climate financing following a successful Validation Workshop held last Friday at the Lamana Hotel. The workshop marked the final step in finalizing PNG’s funding proposal under the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) Results-Based Payments (RBP) program, bringing the country one step closer to securing financial support for its climate initiatives.

The event brought together stakeholders from provincial, national and subnational government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, academia, and development partners contributed to refining of the before its submission by June 22, 2025.

United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in PNG, Dr. Richard Howard, commended the country’s commitment to tackling climate change.

“Today’s event marks a crucial step in securing financial support for PNG’s emission reduction efforts. On behalf of the United Nations, I congratulate the people and government of Papua New Guinea on this milestone and reaffirm our commitment and support. Our collective dedication to safeguarding forests and reducing emissions is essential for a more sustainable and resilient future,” said Dr. Howard.

PNG has long been a leader in forest conservation and efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). Its vast tropical forests serve as critical carbon sinks, and the country has successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 6.5 million tCO2e between 2014 and 2015, followed by an additional 10.5 million tCO2e in 2016—figures verified by international experts under the UNFCCC framework.

Although PNG first applied for RBP funding in 2019, it missed out due to limited funds. However, with GCF reopening funding in 2024, PNG has another opportunity to access these payments. The country has since embarked on an inclusive and rigorous consultation process, starting with a National Consultation Workshop in November 2024 and Regional Consultations across all 22 provinces in early 2025, leading up to the recent and final validation workshop.

Climate Change Development Authority’s Acting Managing Director, Debra Sungi, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort.

“We have been part of this journey from the beginning, building readiness step by step. Now, we are seeing the results of our efforts come to life. This is about climate finance—how we are mobilizing it to drive real change for our country,” said Ms. Sungi.

If the proposal secures board approval in June 2025, PNG will gain access to much-needed funding to support its ongoing commitment to sustainable forest management and climate action, reinforcing its leadership in global conservation efforts. With the momentum from last week’s workshop, the nation is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against climate change while promoting sustainable development for future generations.

About us:

Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) is the official Government entity in coordinating climate change efforts of Papua New Guinea. It coordinates all climate related policies, strategies and actions with the vision of being the leader in promoting climate resilience, low carbon growth and sustainable development in Papua New Guinea. Find out more at: www.ccda.gov.pg

For Media Enquiries:

Michael Guba

Public Relations and Communication Officer

Climate Change and Development Authority

Tel: 700-09761

Digicel: 796-66009

Email: gubamichaelricky@gmail.com