​PNG defence Minister Joseph Urges Regional Cooperation to Address Security Threats

Papua New Guinea's Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph

At the South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting (SPDMM) in Auckland, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea's Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph called for increased regional cooperation to address security challenges in the Pacific. He identified climate change, illegal fishing, and geopolitical competition as the major security threats facing the region.

Minister Joseph emphasized the urgency of tackling climate change, highlighting it as one of the most pressing security issues for Papua New Guinea and its neighbors. He noted that climate change would worsen existing challenges, such as access to food, healthcare, and shelter, while also creating new threats, including climate migration and resource scarcity. The minister pointed out that PNG is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, having experienced several in recent years, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods.

The second key challenge Minister Joseph raised was illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. He mentioned that Papua New Guinea's vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ), one of the largest in the Pacific, posed a significant challenge for maintaining maritime security. He expressed concern over the exploitation of PNG’s marine resources, which threatens both biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Minister Joseph also addressed the growing geopolitical competition in the Pacific, noting that while engagement from major global powers brought opportunities, it also posed risks. He stressed the importance of safeguarding PNG’s sovereignty and ensuring that national interests are protected amidst increasing external influences in the region.

The minister's remarks underscored the need for collaboration among Pacific nations to ensure that security threats are managed effectively, and the sovereignty of the region is maintained in the face of global competition.

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