By Katalina Siasau
Tonga's people are the nation's most valuable asset for development of the country's future, HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, told a national development summit today, but this future depended on addressing the needs of its people, "with access to quality education, healthcare, and a way to make a living."
The Crown Prince officially opened Tonga's first national consultation, “The National Development Summit 2025” engaged over 200 people at the Fa'onelua Convention Center in Nuku'alofa, and was broadcast live in Tonga, on its first day today.
Representatives from across Tonga gathered to evaluate the nation’s development progress from 2015-2025, under the Tonga Strategic Development Framework (TSDF) II, and to contribute to the development of forward-looking strategies for TSDF III (2026-2036).
The Crown Prince spoke on the theme, "A resilient Tonga through transformative action, safeguarding our heritage." He said it, "emphasizes the value of collaboration, proactive leadership, and the implementation of strategic measures to support resilience, and ensure the well-being of the people of Tonga."
"The people are our nation's most valuable asset for development, possessing the intellectual capacity, spiritual courage, and energy needed to guide and implement development strategies for the country's future," he said.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by natural disasters and crises such as severe hurricanes, COVID-19, and volcanic eruptions, which had resulted in fatalities and the loss of national resources. Despite these challenges, he noted the resilience of the Tongan people through collaboration.
The Crown Prince saidd that Tonga's future depends on addressing the needs of its people.
"We must confirm that everyone Tongan has access to quality education, healthcare, and a way to make a living. Empower our women, youth, men and women with disability, people at the community level, and outer islands, to invest in their skills and provide them with the tools they need. We recognize the need to renew our commitment to community engagement."
The TSDF III (2026–2036) will adopt a people-centered approach to national development, prioritizing the well-being of the Tongan people.
The Prime Minister Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke, Cabinet members, People's Representatives, development partners, and relevant stakeholders, and people of the Tongan communities engaging in dialogues on development strategies for the next decade.
The four-day summit this week is being live-streamed on the Prime Minister's (PM Press) Facebook page, where viewers can provide feedback, comments, and questions via PM Press Messenger. Outer islands can call 26018 with any questions for the sessions.
Today the Prime Minister led a session asking what are the national development achievements over the past decade, what lessons have been learned and what is the way forward for national developmetn over the next decade. Perspectives were offered by four panelists, Mr Peter Poulsen, Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, Mrs Balwyn Fa'otusia and Mrs Leta Kami, moderated by Mrs 'Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua.
Further sessions on Economic Development and Resilience and Climate Change were scheduled for this afternoon.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, there will be presentations and panels on Infrastructure and Technology; Tongan culture and Development; Education Development; Security and Illicit Drugs.
