A small but significant handover ceremony was held today at the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) office in Port Moresby. The event marked the official transition of leadership from former Acting Managing Director, Mr. William Lakain, to incoming Acting Managing Director, Ms. Debra Sungi.
The ceremony was witnessed by CCDA management and staff as well as Minister for Environment, Conservation, and Climate Change Honorable Simo Kilepa, represented by his First Secretary Mr. Motsy David. On behalf of the Minister and the Government, Mr. David thanked the outgoing Acting Managing Director, Mr. Lakain, for his leadership over the last two years.
“Despite challenges faced by the organization, CCDA achieved key milestones, such as developing the National Adaptation Plan, developing the National REDD+ Safeguards Guidelines, and amending the Climate Change Management Act (CCMA 2023). On behalf of the Minister and the Government, I commend you for your leadership,” said Mr. David.
Welcoming the incoming Acting Managing Director, Mr. David congratulated Ms. Sungi on her appointment. He emphasized the importance of utilizing her three-month term effectively, as determined by the National Executive Council.
Ms. Sungi will serve as Acting Managing Director for three months while the position is advertised to be filled permanently. In expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to lead CCDA, Ms. Sungi outlined three priorities for her term:
“First, is to ensure the establishment of a National Climate Change Board to provide an overall strategic direction for CCDA. Second, is to conduct a revenue generation exercise through non-tax revenues and fees for the government to respond to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in communities. Third is to ensure the completion of CCDA restructuring to align with the Climate Change Management Act 2023 and enhance CCDA’s capabilities.”
She thanked Mr. Lakain for his leadership over the past two years.
Mr. Lakain in his remarks, congratulated Ms. Sungi on her new role and urged the CCDA management and staff to give her the support she needs to lead the organization forward.