The impacts of sea level rise and climate events on development, were a common concern for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) attending the 52^nd Pacific Leaders Meeting in the Cook Islands this week.

Tonga's Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, held a bilateral meeting with HE Mr Dennis Francis, the new President of the UN General Assembly and Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations in New York, on 5 November, ahead of the Forum Leaders Meeting.

They talked about the importance of mobilizing world leaders around climate action in the lead up to the COP in Dubai as well as the 4^th International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda next year.

“We are keen to see progress in the Loss and Damage Fund arrangement. A new Loss and Damage Funding Arrangement under the governance of the UNFCCC must be fit-for-purpose to countries who are vulnerable especially ours in the Pacific,” stated Hon. Hu'akavameiliku.

The Prime Minister said that the presence of UN President of the General Assembly in Rarotonga was a reflection of the importance of the partnership and relationship between UN and Pacific Island Forum.

At the bilateral meeting, the issues raised included the Fourth International Conference on SIDS in 2024; representation of the Pacific in the UN system; engagements at the International Seabed Authority (ISA); SIDS Dock; natural disasters and the Israel/Gaza conflict

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Hon. Dr. Viliami Uasike Latu, Minister for Trade and Economic Development; Mr. Paula Ma‘u, Chief Secretary & Secretary to Cabinet and Acting CEO for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Leonaitasi Kuluni, Deputy Secretary Foreign Affairs; and Elsie Fukofuka, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.