Singapore and Papua New Guinea to Collaborate on Advancing Climate Actions and Ambition

Singapore, 14 November 2022 – Singapore and Papua New Guinea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to collaborate on cooperative approaches, aligned with Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. The MOU was signed by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu and Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Simo Kilepa at the Singapore Pavilion on the sidelines of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt.

2 The MOU will facilitate collaboration on carbon markets which are critical to advance global climate action towards the Paris Agreement goals. Such collaboration can unlock additional mitigation outcomes to advance both countries’ climate ambitions. Singapore is committed to ensure the integrity, quality and transparency of carbon markets. This includes robust and independent accounting, and the avoidance of double counting, including requiring corresponding adjustments. The collaboration will also prioritise sustainable development and co-benefits to the local communities and economy.

3 Minister Fu said, “The signing of this MOU underscores the shared commitment of Singapore and Papua New Guinea to drive sustainable development. Over the years, developments in carbon markets, including the finalisation of Article 6 rulebook and initiatives such as Climate Action Data (CAD) Trust, give us confidence that we can scale up carbon markets while ensuring environmental integrity and transparency are upheld. We believe that international collaboration, such as this agreement between Singapore and Papua New Guinea, is critical to accelerate global climate action to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement”.

4 A working group comprising Singapore and Papua New Guinea government officials will be established to oversee the implementation of this MOU.

MOU factsheet

• Singapore and Papua New Guinea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Collaboration under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This is the first such MOU signed between two countries from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

• The MOU was signed by Singapore Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu and Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Simo Kilepa.

• The MOU signals Singapore’s and Papua New Guinea’s intent to collaborate on carbon markets, aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to voluntarily cooperate to achieve emission targets set out in their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), while promoting sustainable development and environmental integrity.

• Under the MOU, Singapore and Papua New Guinea will work towards a legally binding agreement that sets out a bilateral framework for the international transfer of correspondingly adjusted mitigation outcomes.

• Singapore and Papua New Guinea will work together to identify potential Article 6-compliant mitigation activities which can support both countries to achieve their respective NDCs.

• Singapore aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and is committed to advancing global climate action through international collaboration with like-minded partners.