2nd Green Climate Fund Inception Workshop continues to lure the Private Sector towards Green Climate Financing

The attendants at the Workshop -The 29th of October is also the day that Tonga recorded its 1st Positive reported case of Covid – 19, despite this unfortunate turn of events, a successful workshop was still held

02nd November, 2021 The Green Climate Fund Private Sector Readiness Project Management Unit (PMU) under the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held its 2nd Inception Workshop on Friday 29th October 2021. More than 30 participants attended the workshop from across the Private sector both formal and informal, key relevant government agencies and Public Enterprises, Civil Society Forum and representatives from the GCF National Designated Authority – Climate Change Dept, MEIDECC.

The workshop was an opportunity for the PMU and TCCI to provide an overview of the project and procedural guideline to enable the private sector to access and tap into available GCF funding windows. While emphasising the need to overcome the private sector barriers, the participants were interested in mobilising the project interventions by sector while at the same time investing in low carbon technology.

As the Green Climate Fund is now available in Tonga, greater effort is needed to raise awareness about the opportunities it presents to the Tongan business space. The half day event’s main objective was to continue to drive messages about what is available through the fund, the kind of projects that may be assisted and the application and approval process.

To this end, this project will guide the private sector to invest in low emission climate resilient development through developing robust strategic planning that can promote or/and attract the engagement of the private sectors. The participants were also given an idea about the project workplan and timeline until August 2022.  At that time successful projects will be incorporated into Tonga’s Country program pipeline.

Future consultations will be announced by the Project Management Unit in due time. The public is however encouraged to visit tongachamber.to and also engage with the facebook page (facebook.com/chambertonga) to stay abreast with future consultations and information about the GCF in Tonga.

Bishop Lafaela Ngata blesses the day ahead with Malini Teulilo – The climate Change Project Development Officer with the PMU

Mr Paula Taumoepeau – President TCCI Board encourages mitigation & adaptation measures regarding climate change to be included in all business plans

Mr Sam Vea, Vice President – TCCI Board introducing the Workshop

Ms Elizabeth Akauola – National Project Coordinator GCF Tonga Readiness Programme – MEIDECC explains the role of MEIDECC as the National Designated Authority & the Intervention measures being devised in Tonga

Ms Carrie Vaea, The Project Manager For the PMU giving an overview about the application and approval process

Ms Sonia Lea – Business Service Manager Business Link Pacific Program Tonga / TCCI shares info about the Business Link Pacific Program