Tonga was elected as a member of the IRENA Council for 2023 -2024 during the 13^th Assembly, in UAE last week that brought together heads of state, (including Tonga's Prime Minister), government, ministers, and decision-makers in the energy sector from its Member States, as well as interested parties under a theme “World Energy Transition - The Global Stocktake”.

The IRENA Council is in charge of facilitating communication and cooperation among IRENA Members. It also oversees the organization's work program, budget, and annual report.

“Tonga considered this significant since it would benefit not only Tonga but also our neighboring Pacific Island nations and SIDS in terms of the deployment of renewable energy sources, achieving national energy objectives and NDC commitments,” the Prime Minister's Office reported.

Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku and Acting Minister for Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change, and Communication, led the Tonga delegation to the 13th Assembly of the IRENA Session. He was joined by the Honourable 'Akau'ola - Ambassador of Tonga to the UAE, Mr Kakau Foliaki - Director of Energy, Mr Sione Sonata Tupou- Minister Counsellor, and Ms 'Ofa Finau - from the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister took part in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Ministerial session of the IRENA Assembly on 13 January. As President of the SIDS-DOCK, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku delivered the opening remarks.

“He reiterated a number of previously stated climate commitments that have failed to meet its promises, and with the majority of climate financing flowing to rich countries while SIDS are left behind. He emphasized that Pacific Island Countries have particular difficulties and conditions, and that they must receive specific attention because SIDS are the group most negatively impacted by climate change.”

Access to climate finance

During a High-Level Plenary Session on 14 January, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku discussed the difficulties that Tonga and other small island developing governments faced as a result of the global energy transition.

In acknowledging the desire and dedication of Small Island States and Pacific Island countries to attaim their national energy targets and NDC, he said more attention should be devoted to ensuring that people, especially the poorest households, have access to electricity and climate finance.

International leaders, included John Kerry from the United States and H.E. Frans Timmerman (EU Vice President) who were part of the panels.

World Green Energy

Among his other engagements in the UAE, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku held a bilateral meeting with HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the chairman of the World Green Energy Organization on the sideline of the IRENA Assembly.

The bilateral conversation included, Tonga’s membership, prospective aid to Tonga in the areas of capacity building, technical assistance, and the potential establishment of the WEO (World Energy Organization) regional hub in the Pacific to support the region's requirements for renewable energy and green economy.

The World Green Economy Organization is a comprehensive platform to appeals from the worldwide community for an all-encompassing strategy to advance understanding of how and why a green economy is the greatest path for the world to a secure and prosperous future.

The 13^th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly Meeting took place from January 1315, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.