November 2022

10th November, 2022 As climate change continues to force-multiple threats to the security of the region, the Kingdom of Tonga was amongst the smallest of nations, to have representations at the annual global Climate Conference, hosted by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, in Sharm El Sheik, from 6-18 November 2022.

Tonga’s delegation to the COP27 Meetings, is led by His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u, and supported by the Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku as Minister responsible for Meteorology, Environment, Information, Disaster Management Energy, Climate Change and Communications. The delegation comprises Cabinet (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests and Fisheries – Hon. Lord Fohe; Minister of Finance, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti), the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua, Tonga’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Hon. ‘Akau’ola, senior Government officials and climate change advisers and researchers.

In the event of the increasingly complex challenges brought forth by the impact of the unprecedented disaster of the volcanic eruption and tsunami of January 15, coupled with the existential threat of climate change pressures to the Kingdom, a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation-approach was necessary to amplify and recognize Tonga’s voice in addressing its priorities for climate change, heighted by its visible presence at the COP27 to inform of its climate-resilient and national security priorities.

At the Leaders’ Summit on 7 November, His Majesty King Tupou VI, delivered Tonga’s Statement at the premier Climate Change conference, drawing attention to the uncertainty of the climate outlook of the Pacific, and the intensifying existing pressures, that significantly affect environment and resource security in the Kingdom, creating strains on food security and worsens conditions around water and land, further exacerbate other socio-economic impacts.

Over the next two weeks, governments, key policy and decision makers, will continue to discuss in Sharm El Sheik, national, regional and global commitments for mitigation, adaptation, finance and areas for coordination and coordination in working together with the private sector businesses and industries, civil society and multi-disciplinary sectors to address the climate crisis.

ENDS

Issued by: The Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tel: (676) 7401351 Fax: (676) 23 888; For media enquiries- Email: pmopressroom@gmail.com Website: www.pmo.gov.to