LocationsPapua New Guinea has reached a significant milestone in its climate journey with the successful validation of its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), reaffirming the country's commitment to climate action, sustainable development, and resilience under the Paris Agreement.
PNG Validates Ambitious NDC 3.0 to Accelerate Climate Action and Resilient Development
June 3, 2026
The NCD 3.0 was prepared with the support of a wide variety of stakeholders and the government's development partners.
The National Validation Workshop, convened by the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other development partners, brought together representatives from government agencies, the private sector, civil society organisations, academia, youth and women’s groups, and technical experts to review and endorse the near-final draft of PNG’s NDC 3.0.
Covering the period 2025–2035, NDC 3.0 outlines Papua New Guinea’s enhanced commitments across climate change mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, transparency systems, nature-based solutions, loss and damage, and inclusive climate action. The document aligns with the country’s Vision 2050, Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and broader sustainable development priorities.
Mr. William Lakain, The General Manager for Measurement, Reporting and Verification and National Communications at CCDA, during his remarks.
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Clive Hawigen
The development of PNG’s NDC 3.0 has been led by CCDA through an extensive and inclusive consultation process involving national and sub-national stakeholders across key sectors, including energy, transport, forestry, agriculture, health, infrastructure, biodiversity, and climate finance. The process was supported through a strong partnership between CCDA, UNDP, the NDC Partnership, ESCAP, EU-FCCB, FAO, ADB, UN-REDD Programme, AIM for Forests, and other development partners supporting Papua New Guinea’s climate ambitions.
Through its global Climate Promise Initiative, UNDP has supported PNG in the preparation of NDC 3.0, helping strengthen the evidence base, facilitate sector consultations, enhance technical analysis, and strengthen national coordination behind the country’s climate targets.
The updated NDC sets a pathway for Papua New Guinea to pursue net-zero emissions by 2030 and net-negative emissions by 2035. The contribution includes a target to reduce energy-sector emissions by 29 per cent by 2035, increase the share of renewable energy in on-grid electricity generation from 60 per cent in 2022 to 80 per cent by 2035, and strengthen removals from the Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector to approximately -17,000 Gg CO₂e by 2030 and -18,000 Gg CO₂e by 2035. These targets reflect PNG’s ambition to align climate action with sustainable development, energy access, forest protection, biodiversity conservation, and long-term resilience.
UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Nicholas Booth, speaking at the workshop.
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Clive Hawigen
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Nicholas Booth, UNDP Resident Representative in Papua New Guinea, commended the Government of Papua New Guinea for its leadership and commitment to advancing climate action.
“Papua New Guinea stands at a pivotal moment in its climate journey. As one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts, PNG is demonstrating that ambitious climate action and sustainable development can go hand in hand. NDC 3.0 provides a clear pathway towards net-zero emissions around 2030 and net-negative emissions by 2035, while strengthening resilience, expanding renewable energy, protecting forests and biodiversity, and supporting communities most vulnerable to climate change. This achievement reflects the strong leadership of the Government and the power of partnership among the many stakeholders committed to PNG’s climate future,” said Mr. Booth.
The workshop generated valuable feedback and recommendations that will be incorporated into the final version of the NDC before government endorsement and formal submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The updated NDC sets a pathway for Papua New Guinea to pursue net-zero emissions by 2030 and net-negative emissions by 2035.
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Clive Hawigen
The validation of NDC 3.0 demonstrates Papua New Guinea’s continued commitment to contributing to global climate efforts while advancing sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient development at home.
UNDP remains committed to supporting the Government of Papua New Guinea in implementing NDC 3.0 through its Climate Promise Initiative and broader climate portfolio, including support for climate finance mobilisation, adaptation planning, transparency systems, nature-based solutions, early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, and community resilience. Working alongside CCDA and a broad coalition of national and international partners, UNDP will continue supporting PNG to translate its climate commitments into tangible development outcomes for people and nature.
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