Tonga co-hosted a Climate Mobility Summit on the sidelines of the 78^th session of the United Nations General Assembly, held under the theme “Harnessing Climate Mobility for Adaption and Resilience”, on 18 September, in New York, organised by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, in a keynote speech, said there was a need for like-minded leaders to come together and call attention for urgent action to address climate-forced migration and displacement.

She said funding mechanisms needed strengthening to ensure that more resources are committed to support the most vulnerable.

Tonga welcomed the proposal to establish a Pacific Islands Communities Fund (PICF) capable of disbursing small grants faster and with less bureaucratic burden than the existing climate funds.

Leaders and members from countries and orgnizations discussed ways to advance people-centred climate action aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, thereby harnessing climate mobility to protect livelihoods, sustain peace, preserve social cohesion, and prevent loss and damage, the Prime Minister's Office reported.

Hon. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu was accompanied by the Chief of Protocol and US/UN Desk Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Secretary ‘Ilaisipa ‘Alipate.