Jude is a great leader from Papua New Guinea, a beautiful country in the Pacific.
Papua New Guinea (PNG), located on the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and surrounded by the Bismarck and Solomon Seas, is one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world. Its landscape ranges from towering mountain ranges and active volcanoes to vast rainforests and extensive coral reefs. This dramatic geography has produced exceptional biodiversity—PNG is home to thousands of endemic plants and animals—and more than 800 Indigenous languages, making it a global center of cultural and ecological richness.
PNG’s position in the southwestern Pacific also gives it considerable strategic importance. It lies along major maritime routes, holds abundant natural resources such as natural gas, minerals, forests, and fisheries, and plays a key role in regional organizations like APEC and the Pacific Islands Forum. Its proximity to Australia and Southeast Asia makes it a critical partner in discussions on climate resilience, maritime security, and sustainable development.
In recent years, Korea and Papua New Guinea have strengthened cooperation, especially in energy, development assistance, and fisheries. Korea has invested in LNG projects and infrastructure, while PNG has welcomed Korean support in education, health, and vocational training. The two countries also collaborate in fisheries management, with Korean vessels operating under PNG’s maritime regulations and contributing to the local economy. High-level dialogues have emphasized shared interests in renewable energy, climate change adaptation, and expanding trade.
Overall, PNG’s unique geography, cultural diversity, and strategic location make it an important partner for Korea in the Pacific. As global attention shifts toward the Indo-Pacific region, cooperation between Korea and Papua New Guinea is expected to grow in areas such as green energy, maritime governance, and sustainable development.
“The Great Geographic Society hopes that Mr. Jude, as a GG Mentor, will play a key role in connecting Korea and Papua New Guinea.”
