Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hon. Hu‘akavameiliku, in a bilateral meeting with the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres on 17 September, discussed climate change and the oceans, and the upcoming COP28, among core development issues for Small Island Developing States.

The Prime Minister travelled to New York after attending the ‘Ikale Tahi’s first match in the Rugby World Cup competition, in Nantes, France on Saturday.

He met with Guterres prior to the opening of the General Debate of the 78^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, The upcoming 28^th Conference of the Parties (COP28) will be one of the largest and most important international gatherings of this year. As the world’s highest decision-making process on climate issues, it is expected to host over 70,000 delegates including Heads of State and world leaders to build consensus and facilitate progress on climate action among 198 countries, the European Union and thousands of non-government organizations, companies, youth groups, and other stakeholders.

The Small Island Developing state’s fourth International Conference (SIDs) is to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 27-30 May 2024. The conference will seek to deliver specific initiatives and concrete deliverables to address SIDS-specific challenges including the climate crisis, biodiversity and spiralling debt.

Tonga to host Forum leaders

Tonga’s Prime Minister invited the Secretary General to participate in the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting next year, which will be chaired and hosted by Tonga.

He also expressed his full support to the Secretary General and his work during challenging times.

He reiterated his wish to continue working closely with the Secretary General to advance the priorities and the future of the peoples of the Small Island Developing States, including Tonga.

Estonia

The Prime Minister’s Office reported that Hon. Hu’akavameiliku also had a bilateral meeting with the President of Estonia, Hon. Mr. Alar Karis at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The two countries established a relationship in early 2015. The PM said that Climate Change and Oceans remain top priorities for Tonga.

He is an advocate for easier access to climate finance for Small Island Developing states, and is calling for the establishment of a dedicated climate resilient Trust Fund for the Pacific.

The President of Estonia conveyed an invitation to the Prime Minister to pay a high-level visit to Estonia. The President having raised Estonia’s support for Ukraine, the Prime Minister conveyed his desire for Ukraine to return to peace.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Tonga's delegation, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Tonga to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Viliami Va’inga Tone, the Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mr. Mahe ‘Uli’uli Tupouniua, and the National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister, Mr Maama Misi.