Tonga's Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku expressed concern about the stalled progress in achieving the Sendai outcomes by Pacific Island Countries, in a High-Level Meeting on the Mid-Term Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (HLM) in New York last week.

Pacific Island countries are experiencing an increasing number of catastrophic natural disasters, along with geopolitical tensions, and significant technical and human capacity constraints.

While delivering Tonga's country’s national statement at the Sendai Mid-Term Review on 18 May, he highlighted the need for a review of current disaster financing mechanism saying that the current regimes are largely driven by reactive and compensatory investments for post-disaster response.

"The outcome of the MTR process should focus on contextualizing the processes of risk-informing development initiatives through targeted investments. This, however, cannot be achieved if investments and resources are allocated on a piece-meal basis. We need an inclusive and holistic approach to financing DRR interventions. We need loss and damage facilities."

In endorsing the adoption of the political declaration, Hon Hu’akavameiliku it was important to enhance collaboration and partnerships to implement the desired DRR global and national priorities.

He reminded member states about the impacts of disasters experienced by Tonga and the neighboring Pacific Islands, which pose significant threats to humanity and the surrounding ecosystems.

"[Witnessing] how hard-won development gains are swept away by a single event and the outpaced capacities of our communities and governments to anticipate and manage disasters is worrisome."

Hon. Hu’akavameiliku was part of Tonga’s delegation when the Sendai Framework was first adopted in 2015 and reaffirmed his commitment to the framework.

Meanwhile, the high level meeting on the Sendai Framework provided member states the opportunity to reflect on their progress towards implementing priorities, as well as offer recommendations on innovations and course corrections towards policy and practices that can chart the way forward for action over the next seven-years.