The Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) and the Western Highlands Provincial Administration officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 28 November in Mt Hagen to support the establishment of the Provincial Climate Change Committee (PCCC).
This important partnership marks a major step toward empowering the province to coordinate climate action, improve resilience, and implement PNG’s national climate policies at the sub-national level. The MoU was signed by Mr. Joseph Mangbil, Provincial Administrator for Western Highlands Province and Ms. Debra Sungi, acting Managing Director for CCDA and witnessed by the Governor for WHP Hon. Wai Rapa.
Establishing a Provincial Climate Change Committee ensures that climate-related planning, reporting and project implementation are better aligned with national priorities under the Climate Change Management Act. It allows the province to coordinate stakeholders, identify local vulnerabilities and integrate climate considerations into provincial development plans, leading to more targeted and effective actions on the ground.
The MoU also opens the door for improved data sharing, capacity building and technical support between CCDA and the Provincial Administration. This collaboration will help Western Highlands access funding opportunities, enhance disaster preparedness and support communities in building resilience to the impacts of climate change.
CCDA looks forward to working closely with the Western Highlands team to localize climate solutions, strengthen community resilience, and advance Papua New Guinea’s climate commitments.
This signing brings the total number of PCCC set up to nine provinces. CCDA would also like to thank the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for its support in progressing this work. The next province CCDA is in consultation with is the Western Province which will have the MoU signing in 2026.