By Katalina Siasau

The Government is set to hold a four-day National Development Summit bringing together diverse stakeholders from across the country to collaborate and strategise the nation's sustainable development framework, the Tonga Strategic Development Framework (TSDF) III, for the period 2026-2036. The summit will be held next week, from 18-21 March, at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre, in Nuku'alofa.

The National Development Summit (NDS) theme, "A resilient Tonga through transformative action: Safeguarding our heritage," emphasises utilising Tongan spirituality to achieve resilient development.

Prime Minister, Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke said “Working together, trusting each other and building durable and genuine partnerships is the way forward for the next decade of Tonga’s TSDF III."

"It is my commitment to ensure that the development of the TSDF III is based on the priorities of the people, and my duty to promote a stronger framework to rebuild that future that we want for our children  and the next generations of the country. The Summit will be more than a dialogue. It is my hope that  participants will bring forth their ‘koloa’ wealth of knowledge, and wisdom to support the shaping the TSDF III and that demonstrate our commitment to shared common values of our people.”

The four day summit is expected to bring together about 200 people who are invited to represent government, members of parliament, development partners, non government, civil society, private sector, faith-based organisations, businesses, research and academia, traditional leaders, and representation from the communities, women, youth, persons with disabilities  and other groups of the Tongan society.

The consultative process will feature government ministers and senior officials; subject experts and technicians from governments and civil society organisations to facilitate the dialogue, engage in dialogue, listen and contribute to a better understanding of where Tonga is, how well and not so well the TSDF II has guided the detailed plans, budgets and projects, and how the TSDF III can be developed further to help deliver a more people-centered improvement to the well-being of Tongan people.