Results for Pacific Islands

The 2022 eruption of a submarine volcano in Tonga was more powerful than the largest U.S. nuclear explosion, according to a new study. A 15-megaton volcanic explosion from Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai generated a mega-tsunami with waves up to 85 meters (279 feet) high one minute after the explosion of "Blast 5", and hitting Tonga's coastlines up to 45-meters high (148 feet) at Tofua Island and waves up to 17 meters (56 feet) on Tongatapu. A new simulation in the study led by scientists at the University of Miami and the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation also suggests that the eruption location relative to urban centers saved Tonga from a worse outcome.

Pacific Education Ministers are meeting for the first time in Auckland from 20-22 March to share knowledge and good practices, identify areas of action and explore innovative approaches that member countries can adopt to develop education systems in the region.

The Government of Tonga contributed $100,000 towards the Government of Vanuatu’s response to the aftermath of Severe Tropical Cyclone Judy and Kevin.

The Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha, Qatar ended today with member states committing to measures to deliver on the Doha Programme of Action. Under the theme ‘From Potential to Prosperity’ the Conference brought together Heads of State, governments, civil society organizations, entrepreneurs, students, youth and policy makers. The Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, led Tonga's delegation

Climate change is our greatest security threat, Tonga's Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, told the Least Developed Countries meeting, in Doha, Qatar, on 6 March, when he delivered Tonga's national statement.

Tonga joined over 600 representatives at the 8th Our Ocean Conference aimed at finding sustainable solutions for a healthy ocean, from 2-3 March in Panama City.

Two young business graduates, Fai’ana Fukofuka and Arthur Cocker, have each won USD 5,000 seed grants, for their ventures as “Greenpreneurs” in Tonga.

A new Pacific Engagement Visa will allow up to 3000 people from the Pacific region to migrate to Australia as permanent residents each year, starting in July this year. This will be in the form of a ballot that invites applications.

Forum priorities on the 2050 Pacific Strategy were reaffirmed in Nuku'alofa between the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Henry Puna and Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, during his visit last week.