29 September 2009: During the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) high-level debate, Samuel Abal, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration of Papua New Guinea, commented on the important role forests play in combating climate change, and urged the Assembly to ensure that resources are made available to the UN initiative on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (the UN-REDD programme).

Abal added that the collective leadership of rich countries on emissions reductions, finance and technology is needed to make a compelling case to leave trees standing in developing countries. Hassan Wirajuda, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, also prioritized the role of forests, but noted that waiting for a consensus is not necessary, as alliances can be forged to carry out concrete projects such as the Indonesia Forest Carbon Partnership. [UN News Centre]