PM urges action on financing for development at UN [1]
Friday, September 29, 2023 - 09:30. Updated on Friday, September 29, 2023 - 09:33.
Tonga and other small island developing states require greater access to concessional finance to support our development endeavours and to strengthen our resilience against external shocks, the Prime Minister Hon. Hu‘akavameiliku told the United Nations.
“Climate change threats have reached an existential level. The heightened frequency and severity of cyclones, rising sea levels caused by melting polar ice, plastic and pollution in our oceans, as well as heat waves and fires, are causing suffering in my country, our people, and our Pacific region,” he said in delivering Tonga's national statement before the UN General Assembly, 78th session, at the General Debate in New York on 22 September, 2023.
Tonga fully supported the call for debt relief for countries that found themselves in dire circumstances, particularly those that had been severely affected by natural disasters or other external shocks, he said.
“We convene at a time where people, countries, regions, our world confront a quick succession of multiple challenges.”
The consequences included increasing rates of non-communicable diseases, persistent inequalities, declining basic living conditions, and mounting violence against women and girls.
There had been a substantial surge in the trafficking and utilization of unlawful narcotics and cross-border criminal activities, disinformation and cybercrime.
“Many of these are borderless challenges concerning us all and calling for collaboration.”
However he said, “The increasing geopolitical mistrust and conflicts are worrisome, particularly given the pressing need for multi-lateral action.”
The theme for the 78th session of ‘Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all’ was more urgent than ever.
He called for “concrete actions that demonstrate our commitment to shared values.”
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Prime Minister said it was imperative “that we investigate the root causes of our significant lag in attaining our development targets.”
“The [Sustainable Development Goal] SDG Progress Report tells us that more than half of the world is left behind...
“Our young generations must be given more than the bleak outlook of over 50% of SDG targets being weak and insufficient,” he said.
“This is not acceptable. One key aspect of course relates to Financing for Development. Tonga supports the Review of the International Financial architecture to ensure it is fit for purpose.
“Tonga fully supports the call for debt relief for countries that find themselves in dire circumstances, particularly those that have been severely affected by natural disasters or other external shocks.
“We are firmly convinced that addressing the underlying reasons for debt vulnerability in Small Island Developing States is critically important...because SIDS are acutely vulnerable to the multifaceted and urgent challenges posed by climate change.”
Loss and Damage Fund
He said it was urgent to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund.
“We urge that the vulnerable SIDS countries must be provided with increased and streamlined admission to the Loss and Damage mechanism.”
Tonga backed the formation of a Pacific Fund to offer direct assistance to Pacific SIDS in their endeavors to tackle climate change impacts.
“My country is determined to take a lead on the issue, having being appointed the political champion on climate financing for the Pacific.
“Timely access to finance prevents SIDS from making the progress we hope for and must have.”
He called for action to review the largely uncoordinated funding mechanisms, to prioritize short-term post-disaster financing needs and to address long-term risk reduction.
Pacific Islands Forum
He said that Tonga, in support of the Pacific Islands Forum Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones in the Face of Climate Change-Related Sea-Level Rise, was commited to securing the limits of the Blue Pacific Continent.
Tonga was fully committed to the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement on implementing Part XI of the Convention (1994 Agreement).
Tonga reaffirmed the sovereign rights of States recognized and enshrined within UNCLOS and the 1994 Agreement.
Tonga recognized the important role played by the International Seabed Authority in administering and managing the Area in line with its legal mandate under Part XI of UNCLOS.
Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI)
The PM welcomed the UN Assembly’s resolution to develop an index “capable of capturing our special circumstances and vulnerabilities on our road to resilient and sustainable development.”
“We therefore call on the adoption of the MVI by this assembly, and its operationalization incorporating a criterion for access by Pacific SIDS to low-cost and long-term financing,” he said.