The new Head of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) Country Office in Papua New Guinea, Mr. BirChandra Mandal on 10th January, 2022 paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the National Forest Service (NFS), Mr John Mosoro during which they discussed development cooperation issues of mutual interest.
Mr. Mosoro on behalf of the Forest Minister and the National Forest Board Chairman welcomed Mr. Mandal to PNGFA and PNG.
The Managing Director expressed his sincere appreciation to Development and Donor partners in supporting PNGFA with funding to manage and improve work within the Forestry Sector in PNG. This allows for services to reach the bulk of the population who live in rural areas.
Mr. Mandal conveyed greetings from FAO Headquarters in Rome and stated at the outset that he was deeply honored to represent FAO in PNG and hoped that his presence in the country will lead to further enhancement of bilateral ties between FAO and PNG.
He informed the Managing Director that FAO is keen to work with the Government to deliver services to people thus leaving no one behind. FAO is at the service of each UN member countries. The FAO mainly works in areas of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Climate Change and Biodiversity. He further stressed that Climate Change is interlinked to all other areas as mentioned.
He also took the opportunity to make mention of Director General of FAO, Mr Qu Dongyu’s visit to PNG at the invitation of Prime Minister Hon. James Marabe in 2021. Director General Dongyu appreciated his fruitful visit to PNG including the support of Prime Minister Hon. James Marape.
Mr Dongyu’s final appeal is for the PNG Government to press on FAO through the UN level to have FAO establish a fully representation level office in PNG which reports directly to Bangkok regional office. PNG is qualified because it’s a big island nation in the Pacific region.