More than 100 high level delegates and experts will meet in Nuku’alofa on April 24-28 for the Third Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministerial Meeting, to discuss the latest international and regional developments affecting the region in these sectors.

The theme "Affordable, Reliable and Sustainable Energy and Transport for all", will cover energy and transport challenges and priorities included in the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific, Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific.

Deputy Prime Minister Hon Siaosi Sovaleni said this was timely. While Pacific nations have obligations globally and in the region, more importantly are their own nationally determined contributions and government’s energy and transport targets and aspirations.

“The meeting will look at adopting regional positions, which we can task our regional agencies and partners to assist us on and which we can go out to global forums and negotiations and promote with an united voice.”

Pacific Community Director-General Dr Colin Tukuitonga said the meeting will provide an important platform for energy and transport ministers to discuss and commit to regional positions and interventions that will complement national efforts towards achieving accessible, affordable, safe and clean energy and transport services for all in the Pacific region.

In addition, Ministers and officials are expected to discuss needed reforms and regional commitments to facilitate the rapid transition of the region to a more cost competitive, reliable and low carbon economies.