By Katalina Siasau
Young Tongans have an important role to play as champions of renewable energy and climate action.
An effort to strengthen youth involvement in the government's climate agenda, involved more than 80 youth representatives from various agencies and communities in a three-day Youth Capacity Building Workshop on Renewable Energy and Climate Finance, earlier this month, in Nuku'alofa.
The newly appointed Director for the Department of Energy, Mrs. ‘Emeline Laumanu, in her opening remarks said, “This workshop is about more than just imparting knowledge. It’s about empowering our youth to be champions of renewable energy and climate action. We are building a generation of leaders who will drive Tonga’s resilience and contribute to global climate goals.”
The workshop participants engaged in group discussions, developing project proposals on climate resilience and renewable energy.
These collaborative exercises allowed the youth to envision practical climate projects that could contribute to Tonga’s climate commitments.
There were sessions led by regional and international climate experts who covered topics such as renewable energy integration in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), access to climate finance mechanisms, and the role of youth as agents of change in the fight against climate change.
Participants visited the Popua Power Station Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in ‘Anana, to experience and be aware of Tonga’s efforts to shift towards sustainable energy solutions and reduce its carbon footprint.
First Secretary Development of the New Zealand High Commission Office in Tonga, Ms. Oliva Philpott, said, “It’s really important to recognize the role that you all play alongside policymakers and push them to make sure that policy and services are much more places with all voices, in fact, works in MEIDECC can cross the whole range of activities, from Disaster Risk Reduction to cybersecurity, renewable energy, conservation, and climate change.”
The workshop was organized by the Department of Climate Change with the support of the Department of Energy under the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC). Key partners, including the NDC Partnership, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Pacific Community (SPC), Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) which has financially supported and co-organized this event.
This workshop builds on the success of the annual Youth Climate Change Talanoa series initiated in 2021.
Over the past three years, these events have created platforms for youth to take an active role in climate discussions and initiatives. The transition from Talanoa (dialogue) to action is a central theme of this ongoing engagement.
The 2024 workshop shifts the focus toward building capacity in renewable energy and accessing climate financ, two critical areas that will help Tongan youth spearhead innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to funding opportunities, the workshop offered young Tongan leaders an opportunity to enhance the skills and resources necessary to drive climate projects in their communities.
Tonga’s Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), submitted in 2020, sets out ambitious targets, including the achievement of 70% renewable energy by 2030 and the planting of one million trees by 2023.
The organisers stated that young Tongans played an essential role in achieving and exceeding this reforestation target, demonstrating the pivotal role that youth can play in implementing national climate objectives. The success of the tree-planting initiative highlights the power of youth engagement in addressing climate challenges and contributing to Tonga’s broader development goals.
As Tonga continues to enhance its climate resilience, the active participation of youth remains a critical factor in ensuring sustainable outcomes.
The Youth Capacity Building Workshop on Renewable Energy and Climate Finance not only strengthens the country’s human capital but also fosters a new generation of climate-conscious leaders committed to securing a resilient future for Tonga.
