Climate Change

The Prime Minister of Tonga Hon. Hu’akavameiliku deliver statement at the PCRIC Site Event at the Moana Pavilion

The Kingdom of Tonga is taking proactive steps on the resilience and disaster risk management strategies. The Prime Minister of Tonga Hon. Huákavameiliku highlights the urgency of building NOW better, strengthening the nation’s ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters.

The Government of Tonga is committed to not just rebuilding back but rebuilding forward by implementing policies that deepen resilience and recovery efforts, as the recent volcano eruption and other recurring natural disasters have highlighted the vulnerability of Tonga the region.

An initiative in Tonga’s resilience journey is the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC). Establishing PCRIC has played a crucial role in disaster risk management, offering insurance products that fill critical financing gaps for small island states. The success of PCRIC lies in its ability to provide quick funding, allowing the government to address recovery, reconstruction, and resilience without redirecting scarce local resources.

Hon. Hu’akavameiliku expressed gratitude for the support of the international community in Tonga’s resilience programs, emphasizing the importance of parametric risk pooling insurance as a foundation of the disaster risk management toolkit. The key collaboration has proven crucial in ensuring that Tonga is better equipped to navigate the challenges posed by climate change.

Hon. Hu’akavameiliku urged global partners to view resilience as more than surviving adversity. Instead, he called for a shift towards proactive strategies that shape mindsets and empower nations to thrive in the face of climate challenges. “We must build NOW better,”

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GOVERNMENT OF TONGA
MEDIA RELEASE
(6th December, 2023)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates COP28: Pacific leaders unveiled an unprecedented, bold initiative to rejuvenate and protect the Blue Pacific Continent for future generations – Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity. Standing united at the forefront of this challenge like never before, they have set a new benchmark in conservation efforts. With this ground breaking initiative to safeguard and revitalize the Blue Pacific Continent, Pacific leaders make a direct appeal to global partners to actively join the Pacific to turn the tide for the benefit of the Pacific region and planet.

Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity was unanimously endorsed by Pacific Leaders at the 52nd Pacific Island Leaders Forum in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, by all Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) exemplifying the Pacific region’s commitment to continued innovation and solutions to address the challenges faced nationally and as a region.

Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku, of Tonga addressed global leaders at the nature session of the World Climate Action Summit on Saturday 2 December, announcing the Pacific commitment to the following three goals of Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity:

1. Goal 1: 100% EFFECTIVE SUSTAINABLE OCEAN MANAGEMENT including 30% protection of the Blue Pacific Continent, aligned with Pacific country contexts, priorities and capacities

Goal 1 sets the ultimate ambition that the entire Blue Pacific is sustainably managed. With PICTs representing 20% of the global Exclusive Economic Zones (30% with Australia & New Zealand), this is critically necessary not only for Pacific people but also for the biodiversity, food systems and climate of the entire planet.

2. GOAL 2: HEALTHY, PRODUCTIVE PEOPLE thriving because of robust food systems underpinned by resilient ecosystems

Goal 2 sets the ambition that robust Pacific food systems will be effectively managed to ensure ecosystem protection and advance the health and prosperity of the region’s people.

3. GOAL 3: FIT-FOR-PURPOSE FINANCING through sustainable mechanisms to support the Blue Pacific strategy are in place and operational

Goal 3 sets the ambition of creating the right enabling environment, by developing and implementing fit-for-purpose sustainable financing mechanisms across the entire region.

This is the most significant global conservation effort to date, intricately weaving together robust regional food systems, with proactive climate measures.

Honourable Hu’akavameiliku described the initiative as “a paradigm shift,” signifying a transformative approach to fostering and enhancing impactful partnerships. The Prime Minister emphasized the critical gap in sustainable climate financing needed to achieve regional and global goals. Citing the IRENA assessment, he pointed out that the Pacific region requires a minimum annual investment of 1.6 billion dollars to effectively address the climate emergency, underscoring the urgent need across the board for substantial and scaled investments.

Echoing this commitment, President of Palau, Hon. Surangel Whipps, Jr., reiterated his dedication during the Launch side event “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity is a testament to our resolute commitment to shifting from dialogue to definitive action. It’s a Pacific-led initiative, for the Pacific.”

The president went on to say “We recognise the importance of forging partnerships and igniting innovation with all partners who share our values. Together, we are dedicated to fostering a thriving Blue Pacific, setting a precedent in global ocean stewardship.” With this initiative, Pacific leaders are now poised to form a Pacific-led funding coalition of diverse partners. They seek to co-design and implement high-impact actions to deliver on the three goals set out above aligned with the Pacific 2050 strategic plan. This collaborative effort is a vital step toward realizing the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategic vision, embodying the aspirations and urgent needs of our time through a values-based, Pacific-focused approach.

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Dubai, December 3, 2023 – The Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku addressed a high-profile side event at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in UAE, highlighting the urgent need for global cooperation to combat climate change.

The PIF 1.5 Side Event, held at the AOSIS Pavilion on December 3 at 3:00 pm, provided a platform for crucial discussions on climate action, bringing together Pacific Political Leaders, representatives from key partner nations, and the youth, who play a pivotal role in shaping the future response to climate challenges.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku expressed gratitude for the opportunity to summarize the day’s discussions, characterizing them as enriching and a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in addressing climate change. He acknowledged the voices of political leaders and youth, emphasizing their collective responsibility to confront the growing climate emergency.

Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku underscored the alarming reality that, as of now, the world is off track on climate change action. Drawing attention to scientific recommendations, he stressed the imperative of halving emissions by 2030 to remain on target and commended the commitment of the U.S. Special Presidential Climate Envoy, John Kerry, towards reducing emissions.

The International collaboration took centre stage as the Prime Minister thanked the representative from China for their remarks, highlighting the necessity for all nations to stand together to achieve the 1.5-degree Celsius target. He emphasized the Pacific region’s vulnerability, experiencing the impacts of a 1.2-degree Celsius rise in average temperature and stressed the need for continued advocacy on the global stage.

In his capacity as the incoming Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku pledged a wholehearted commitment to advancing the conversation. He announced the upcoming PIF Leaders’ meeting in Tonga, scheduled for August 2024, as a crucial forum for shaping collective responses to climate challenges.

The Prime Minister committed to engaging with key dialogue partners – the United States, China, and India – to ensure collaborative efforts in achieving the 1.5-degree target. He acknowledged the significance of their roles in capitalizing on the Pacific Resilience Facility, urging for increased pledges to address the critical need for financial support.

Closing his address, Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku reassured the youth that their involvement in climate discussions would not be marginalized. He emphasized the multi-sectoral nature of these discussions and acknowledged the youth’s pivotal role in driving the fight against climate change forward.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to all Pacific delegates at COP for their hard work and invited all attendees to the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga in August 2024.

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His Majesty King Tupou VI’s delivering remark at the IFAD Side Event: Calls for Global Solidarity in Small Island Development States

In a compelling discourse at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), His Majesty, the King of Tonga, assumed a central role during a side event delving into critical matters such as rising tides and voices. This significant assembly, held in conjunction with IFAD13, centered on Climate Vulnerability in Small Island Development States.

Expressing profound gratitude to IFAD for orchestrating this pivotal side event, His Majesty shed light on the unique challenges faced by Pacific Islands, including Tonga, in the wake of climate change. He underscored the pressing need for global support and attention to effectively address these challenges.

Situated in the Pacific region, Tonga hosts vibrant communities heavily dependent on agriculture and fisheries for their livelihoods and food security. The King eloquently highlighted the resilience of small-scale farmers, often the most severely impacted by the relentless force of natural disasters and climate change. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, and ocean acidification pose imminent threats to Tonga’s agricultural and fishing industries, as well as the fundamental aspects of its cultural heritage. Despite these formidable challenges, Tonga remains steadfast in its commitment to climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, recognizing the irreversible impacts of human-induced activities.

King Tupou VI, IFAD President Mr. Alvaro Lario, Hon. Hu’avakameiliku and Lord Fohe at the IFAD Side Event

The King emphasized Tonga’s dedication to investing in adaptation solutions and called upon the global community to recognize the unique climate-related issues faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He stressed the paramount importance of mobilizing climate finance to assist SIDS in their ongoing adaptation efforts. Commending IFAD’s unwavering commitment since 1983, the King highlighted impactful projects with a total investment of USD$33.62 million, directly benefiting over 17,000 households. IFAD’s support has extended to community development and sustainable livelihoods across Tonga.

Expressing deep gratitude for IFAD’s continued support, the King viewed IFAD13 as an unparalleled opportunity to escalate financing for those most in need, contributing significantly to the Agenda 2030 and the Paris Goals. He concluded by extending thanks to IFAD and all participants committed to supporting small island developing states in their crucial climate adaptation efforts, urging a unified, collective action for a brighter, resilient, and sustainable future.

The side event was attended by IFAD President Alvaro Lario, the Prime Minister of Tonga, Cabinet Ministers, and members of the Tonga delegation for COP28.

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Tonga’s Prime Minister Honorable Hu’akavameiliku at a High level segment at COP28 introduced the groundbreaking “BRACE” project, earmarking USD 70 million to fortify the education sector against climate change impacts.

In a compelling address, the Prime Minister underscored the Global Education Crisis, emphasizing the imminent risk of disrupted education for nearly one billion children due to climate change.

The Prime Minister of Tonga Hon. Huákavameiliku at the Leaders’event : Youth & Education: The Latent Force of Climate Action

Highlighting the vulnerability of the education sector to climate risks, a critical aspect often overlooked in climate discussions, the Prime Minister detailed the key elements of the USD 70 million BRACE project.

The initiative aims to construct climate-resilient schools, with an initial focus on Cambodia, South Sudan and Tonga as pilot countries.

Addressing Tonga’s vulnerability to climate change, the Prime Minister referenced the 2018 Cyclone Gita, which inflicted USD 19 million in damages to schools.

President of COP28, the Prime Minister of Tonga Hon. Huákavameiliku and leaders

Tonga’s proactive measures include resilient school facilities and integrated climate education.

The Prime Minister issued a compelling call to action, positioning the BRACE project as a game-changer for climate-resilient education.

The initiative is set to benefit four million safer schoolchildren, setting a precedent for global collaboration toward a resilient educational future.

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Dubai, 2nd December 2023.

In a historic move at the Nature Plenary of the World Climate Action Summit, the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Huákavameiliku, representing the Blue Pacific region, proudly introduced the transformative initiative titled “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity.”

The Blue Pacific region, encompassing resilient large ocean states and small island developing states, boasts an ocean area five times larger than the USA, housing 30% of the world’s Exclusive Economic Zones and safeguarding 30% of Earth’s coral. However, it faces an existential threat from climate change, despite not being the primary contributor to the crisis.

Prime Minister Honorable Huákavameiliku delivers an address during the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity

The “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” initiative addresses this urgent challenge by harmonizing nature’s wisdom, science, and traditional knowledge with innovative financial strategies. The key goals of the initiative include a commitment to 100% effective sustainable ocean management, the protection of 30% of the Blue Pacific Continent, thriving communities with robust food systems, and the development of sustainable financing mechanisms aligned with the region’s 2050 Strategy.

The Blue Pacific region, despite facing the severe impacts of climate change, has struggled to access the promised climate finance. Only 0.22% of the committed $100 billion per year reaches Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) annually, perpetuating climate injustice.

“Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” represents a monumental step forward for the Pacific and the planet. Tomorrow, Pacific leaders will officially launch the initiative, extending an invitation to like minded partners from the private and public sectors to join forces. This collaboration is a critical opportunity to combat climate change, uphold climate justice, and safeguard the invaluable ecosystems and people of the Blue Pacific Continent.

The “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” initiative is not just a commitment; it’s a call to action to protect the Blue Pacific and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

His Majesty King Tupou VI during his delivered the National Statement of Tonga on the occasion of the 28^th Session of the conference of the Parties (COP28)

Dubai, 1^st December, 2023- His Majesty King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga has delivered a compelling statement at the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). His Majesty expressed his gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for hosting this critical event and acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the UNFCCC Secretariat.

Expressing concern over the slow progress on the Paris Agreement, King Tupou VI emphasized the severe impacts of climate change and disasters on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). More than 50,000 Pacific people are displaced annually due to climate and disaster-related events, prompting the need for urgent action.

During the recent 52^nd Pacific Islands Forum, leaders endorsed the Pacific Partnership for Prosperity (PPfP), a political prioritization process aimed at mobilizing resources for national and regional development. King Tupou VI urged all partners to collaborate in implementing the PPfP to address the pressing challenges faced by SIDS.

To meet the unique needs of the Pacific, King Tupou VI called for the creation of a Pacific-led community resilience financing facility. While acknowledging the commitments of Australia and New Zealand, he urged all partners to contribute to funding the establishment of a Pacific Resilience Facility.

Highlighting the significance of the ocean to Pacific nations, King Tupou VI noted that the themes outlined by the UAE at COP28 align with the major challenges faced by Tonga and SIDS. These challenges include technology and innovation, inclusion, support for frontline communities, and financial assistance.

The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, championed by Tonga and Palau, aims for a blue technological revolution with innovation at its core. The focus is on developing and deploying SIDS-appropriate technologies, such as ocean energy technologies, to enhance climate resilience.

King Tupou VI urged a collective effort to prioritize “nature, people, lives, and livelihoods” at the heart of climate action. Emphasizing the urgency of the matter, he called for a united commitment to making significant progress in addressing climate challenges.

This statement underscores the gravity of the situation faced by the Kingdom of Tonga and SIDS, urging global collaboration for effective climate action.

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Dubai, 30^th November 2023 – The Prime Minister of Tonga, Honorable Huákavameiliku, has highlighted the positive impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on climate action at the High level Commonwealth side event during the 28^th session of the Conference of the Parties’ to the Climate Change Convention (COP28). The discussion, centered on leveraging AI for Climate Action and Youth Empowerment, underscored the potential of technology in addressing climate change challenges.

Prime Minister of Tonga Honorable Huákavameiliku deliver his remarks

In a conversation with the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, The Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, the Prime Minister emphasized the current environmental concerns faced by Tonga, including drought and the prediction of severe tropical cyclones. Tonga is keen on leveraging AI technologies to tackle these challenges, and the Prime Minister looks forward to insights from participants such as NVIDIA, RSS Hydro, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

A notable part of the side event included a presentation showcasing the use of cutting-edge AI platforms to visualize scientific projections of sea level rise for the Islands of Tongatapu. The Prime Minister stated, “This is an example of how AI can be used for good in the area of climate change.”

Acknowledging the risks and challenges for small island developing states within the Commonwealth, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of collaboration. “Working together is key to tackle new cyber security threats and ensure that the use of AI is responsible, ethical, accountable, and accessible to all,” said Hon. Huákavameiliku.

Honorable Huákavameiliku, Dr. Patrica Scotland and two delegations during the High Level Events

The Prime Minister further highlighted the necessity of strengthening national and international policies aligned with existing commitments to the environment, human rights, and sustainable development. Additionally, recognizing the transformative impact of AI on the workforce, he emphasized the need to equip young people with the skills and competencies required for a rapidly transforming job market.

Expressing confidence in facing challenges together as a Commonwealth Family, the Prime Minister extended gratitude to academia, the private sector, and civil society for their support in leveraging AI for the common good.

Honorable Huákavameiliku, Mrs Fiona Sovaleni and Mr Sione Ákauóla the CEO for MEIDECC after the events

Accompanying the Prime Minister were the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Lord Fohe, Chief Secretary and Secretary for Cabinet Mr. Paula Maú, Chief Executive Officer for MEIDECC Mr. Sione Ákauóla, and members of the Tongan Delegation for COP28.

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