Outgoing UN rep Wagener happy with PNG stint

DIRK Wagener, the outgoing United Nations Resident Representative, paid a farewell call on Prime Minister James Marape at his office in Port Moresby last week.
During the meeting last Wednesday, Marape thanked Wagener for his time in Papua New Guinea and urged him to continue advocating for PNG and the Pacific region in his new role as the UN Resident Coordinator for Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Marape informed Wagener about PNG’s offer to provide assistance in reclaiming the encroaching shorelines of other smaller island states affected by climate change.
He emphasised that PNG was ready to support these efforts and hoped that the UN can assist the smaller island states by providing climate funds, technology, and engineering expertise for conducting comprehensive feasibility studies on land reclamation.
Marape also extended an invitation to Wagener to consider visiting PNG again in the coming years to witness firsthand the country’s progress and the impact of his contributions in advocating for anti-corruption measures, addressing climate change, conserving biodiversity, and combating gender-based violence.
Wagener thanked Marape, the people and Government of PNG for their collaboration with the UN family in the country.
He noted that the partnership demonstrated in PNG is unlike any he has experienced in his various roles worldwide and that the collective work has provided him with valuable experiences that will enhance his performance in his new position.
He particularly highlighted the privilege of serving as a mediator in the Bougainville Peace Process and the Referendum.
Wagener’s successor is expected to arrive in PNG next month.