Tonga's Prime Minister and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke, and the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Mr. Baron Waqa, met with the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres on 28 April in New York, to reaffirm the Pacific Islands Forum’s collective priorities and ambitions on critical global issues, including climate action, sustainable development, and economic development.

Dr Eke expressed his and Forum Leaders’ appreciation to SG Guterres for his steadfast advocacy for climate justice and recognition of the Blue Pacific region’s leadership in the global climate dialogue.

“The Pacific Islands Forum values the United Nations as a vital partner in advancing our collective vision for a resilient, sustainable Blue Pacific. We are committed to working with Secretary-General Guterres and the United Nations to drive urgent climate action, foster sustainable development, and ensure that the Blue Pacific region’s priorities remain at the forefront of the global agenda,” said Hon. Dr Eke.

They said the meeting builds on the strong foundation of partnership and solidarity demonstrated during Secretary-General Guterres’ historic visit to Tonga for the 53^rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting last year, and his unwavering support for the Pacific-led climate action at COP29.

The Forum Chair further reaffirmed the Pacific Islands Forum’s call for greater ambition, solidarity, and partnership at upcoming global meetings, including the United Nations General Assembly following the Forum Leaders Meeting to be held in the Solomon Islands in September 2025.