SPC opens new Polynesia Regional Office in Tonga [1]
Friday, April 28, 2023 - 20:39. Updated on Friday, April 28, 2023 - 21:04.
The Pacific Community’s (SPC) Polynesia Regional Office opened on 27 April in Nuku'alofa, which will serve as a hub to enhance support for the people and communities in the SPC Polynesian Member Countries (PMC).
Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku officiated the regional office located at the O.G. Sanft Building,
The office will focus on strengthening partnerships with members and partners across the region.
Hon. Hu’akavameiliku in his address said this new office for Tonga and the Polynesian sub-region was an important milestone..
Tonga joined SPC in 1983, forty years ago. Tonga has a strong role in the Pacific and enjoys strong regional cooperation, he said.
"We do so because we believe all Pacific people's lives' deserve well being through access to science, technology and knowledge. As a member of SPC and a member of many regional organisations our government continues to explore opportunities for our people. We believe we can maximise opportunities by using the capabilities of these organisations to advance our sustainable development goals and aspirations.”
This event also highlighted New Zealand's recent funding announcement for SPC’s Climate Change Flagship Program, which will contribute to SPC's efforts to support Pacific peoples and communities.
Investing in Pacific people
SPC's Director General, Dr Stuart Minchin said the Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, apparently supporting developments since 1947.
“We serve our members by interweaving and harnessing the nexus of climate, ocean, land, culture, rights and good goverance through trusted partnerships, investing in Pacific people and understanding deeply Pacific context.
“Recognising that the establishment of a Polynesia Sub Regional Office will bring some balance in our service and engagement across the region and the journey to establishing this Polynesian office started in 2020 and was officiated by our governing body in November 2020,” he said.
Foreign Minister Hon. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu, signed an agreement with the SPC Director General. This new office is headed by Regional Director for Polynesia, Leituala Elisara.