Prime Minister Hon. Dr. 'Aisake Eke delivered his first address during the General Debate on Friday, 26 September, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. He stressed that the session's theme, "Better Together: 80 Years and Beyond for Peace, Development and Human Rights," cannot be fully realized without urgent action on climate change, ocean protection, and the resilience of vulnerable communities.

“For us as a Small Island Developing State, this theme resonates deeply: the pursuit of peace, development, and human rights cannot be realized without urgent action on climate change, the protection of oceans, and the resilience of vulnerable communities,” he said.

He ackowledged the landmark Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on 23 July, a historic decision affirming that climate change is not only an environmental crisis but also a profound challenge to international law, human rights, and the very survival of small island nations.

"For Tonga, this Opinion is more than a legal milestone—it is a moral victory that amplifies the voices of the world’s most vulnerable, strengthens our call for urgent action to cut emissions, accelerate adaptation, and deliver on loss and damage finance, and reinforces our shared duty to secure climate justice, resilience, and protection for present and future generations."

Eke urged global partners to support the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) a Pacific-led solution, designed to bridge the financing gap for smaller, high-impact adaptation projects.

He also called for integrated ocean governance, stronger financing for marine conservation, resilient maritime infrastructure, and sustainable transport across our islands, while reaffirming commitment to the Nice Ocean Action Plan.

He said Tonga has taken concrete steps with the Ocean Management Bill 2025, a landmark framework to conserve biodiversity, manage resources sustainably, and protect our marine environment for the benefit of our people and future generations.

Ocean of Peace

Eke voiced support towards the Pacific's adoption of the Ocean of Peace Declaration, declaring the Blue Pacific Continent as an Ocean of Peace.

"Tonga supports this declaration fully, and calls for its principles to be embedded in our international ocean governance, climate action, and sustainable development efforts. The ocean must not only be protected—it must be honoured as a foundation of our security, of our economies, our way of life – our legacy of resilience," he said.

Pacific COP

Eke supported Australia’s bid to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific as a Pacific COP.

"We see this as a unique opportunity to bring the voices of Small Island Developing States to the forefront of the global climate agenda, ensuring that the realities of our peoples are not only heard but drive the urgency of action. Hosting COP31 in our region would symbolize a global commitment to climate justice and amplify the call for solutions that safeguard the most vulnerable."