November 30, 2023

King Tupou VI’s Royal Plea: Urgent Climate Action Needed for Pacific Nations at COP28

In his statement at COP28, King Tupou VI of Tonga expressed gratitude to the UAE for hosting the event and highlighted concerns over the slow progress on the Paris Agreement. He emphasized the severe impacts of climate change on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and urged global collaboration. The endorsement of the Pacific Partnership for Prosperity (PPfP) and a call for a Pacific-led community resilience financing facility were key points. The King also emphasized the importance of the ocean, aligning with the UAE’s COP28 themes, and urged a collective effort to prioritize nature and livelihoods in climate action, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. The statement serves as a plea for effective global cooperation to address the pressing challenges faced by Tonga and SIDS

Tonga Monarch Champions Climate Resilience at IFAD Side Event: Calls for Global Solidarity in Small Island Development States.

– The press release highlights King of Tonga’s central role in an IFAD side event addressing climate vulnerability in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). King Tonga expressed gratitude to IFAD and emphasized the unique challenges faced by Pacific Islands, particularly Tonga, due to climate change. 

He underscored the threats posed to agriculture, fisheries, and cultural heritage by rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Despite these challenges, Tonga is dedicated to climate adaptation, seeking global support and attention. The King commended IFAD’s ongoing commitment, called for climate finance mobilization for SIDS, and viewed IFAD13 as an opportunity to escalate financing for a resilient future. The event was attended by IFAD President, Tonga’s Prime Minister, and COP28 delegates.

Prime Minister of Tonga Advocates for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Climate Change

– Prime Minister Huákavameiliku of Tonga highlighted the positive impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on climate action at the COP28 in Dubai during a High-Level Commonwealth side event on November 30, 2023. Emphasizing environmental challenges faced by Tonga, including drought and severe tropical cyclones, the Prime Minister expressed the country’s commitment to leveraging AI technologies. The event included a presentation showcasing AI’s use in visualizing sea level rise projections for Tongatapu. The Prime Minister stressed collaboration, responsible AI use, and the importance of strengthening policies aligned with environmental commitments. He also addressed the transformative impact of AI on the workforce and emphasized the need to equip young people with relevant skills.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for support from academia, the private sector, and civil society, showcasing confidence in addressing challenges as a Commonwealth Family. The Tongan delegation included key figures from various sectors.

Tonga Prime Minister Introduces BRACE Project: A Game-Changer for Climate Resilient Education

The BRACE initiative, launched during COP28 in Dubai, represents a groundbreaking collaboration between the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to invest $70 million in climate-resilient education. Save the Children played a key leadership role in this initiative, which aims to address the disruption of children’s learning caused by climate change events. Tonga, Sudan, and Cambodia are the first countries to pilot the project, focusing on constructing safer schools, integrating climate change into the curriculum, and establishing early warning systems.

The launch event emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to climate resilience in education, involving sector engagement, policy development, and timely climate information. The initiative is seen as the beginning of ongoing efforts to support 20 additional climate-vulnerable countries in creating greener and safer schools. The event concluded with a call for collective action, reinforcing nationally owned strategies and prioritizing the well-being of children and youth in climate and education efforts.

Pacific Leader Boldly United: Championing Climate Action, Planetary Stewardship and Robust Food Systems for a Just and Sustainable Tomorrow

– Pacific leaders unveiled the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity initiative at COP28, a historic commitment to conserving and sustainably managing the Blue Pacific Continent. The three goals include 100% effective sustainable ocean management, robust food systems for healthy people, and fit-for-purpose financing.

Tonga’s Prime Minister emphasized the initiative as a transformative approach, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable climate financing. Palau’s President echoed the commitment to action, emphasizing a Pacific-led effort, seeking partnerships to form a funding coalition and implement high-impact actions aligned with the Pacific 2050 strategic plan. This initiative represents a significant global conservation effort and a crucial step toward realizing the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategic vision.

Tonga’s Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku Unveils “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” Initiative at World Climate Action Summit.

– Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hon. Huákavameiliku, unveiled the “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” initiative at the World Climate Action Summit in Dubai. This transformative initiative addresses the existential threat of climate change to the Blue Pacific region by combining nature’s wisdom, science, and traditional knowledge with innovative financial strategies. The goals include 100% effective sustainable ocean management, protecting 30% of the Blue Pacific Continent, fostering thriving communities with robust food systems, and developing sustainable financing aligned with the region’s 2050 Strategy. Despite facing severe climate impacts, the Blue Pacific region struggles to access promised climate finance. The initiative, to be officially launched tomorrow, invites collaboration from private and public sectors to combat climate change, uphold climate justice, and protect the region’s ecosystems and people. “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” is not just a commitment; it’s a call to action for a sustainable and prosperous future.

Prime Minister of Tonga Champions Urgent Climate Action at PIF 1.5 Side Event

– The Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, delivered a keynote address at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) 1.5 Side Event in Dubai, stressing the urgent need for global cooperation to combat climate change. He highlighted the world’s current off-track status on climate action and emphasized the imperative of halving emissions by 2030. The Prime Minister commended the commitment of the U.S. Special Presidential Climate Envoy and thanked China for their remarks, urging all nations to unite in achieving the 1.5-degree Celsius target. As the incoming Chair of PIF, he pledged commitment to advancing climate conversations and announced a crucial PIF Leaders’ meeting in Tonga in August 2024.

The Prime Minister committed to engaging key dialogue partners, including the U.S., China, and India, and urged increased financial support for the Pacific region. He reassured the youth of their essential role in climate discussions and invited attendees to the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga in August 2024.

Tongan PM Urges Action: “Build NOW Better”.

– Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hon. Huákavameiliku, is urging proactive measures for resilience and disaster risk management, emphasizing the need to “Build NOW Better.” Following recent natural disasters, the government is committed to not just rebuilding but implementing policies that strengthen the nation’s ability to withstand and recover.

The Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) plays a crucial role, offering quick funding for recovery without diverting local resources. The Prime Minister expresses gratitude for international support, highlighting the importance of parametric risk pooling insurance. He calls for a global shift towards proactive strategies that empower nations to thrive in the face of climate challenges, emphasizing the urgency of action.

The mighty ocean “small islands resource of last resort”- Prime Minister of Tonga at COP28 calls for financing of ocean energy in small islands and coastal LDCs. Announces $500 million indication project pipeline of ocean energy projects.

At COP28 in Dubai, Prime Minister Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni of Tonga emphasized the ocean as a crucial energy resource for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Facing challenges with land-based solar and wind deployment, SIDS seek support for ocean energy projects. The Prime Minister announced a $500 million pipeline for ocean energy projects, including thermal, wave, offshore wind, and marine biofuels.

The initiative, led by the Global Ocean Energy Alliance (GLOEA), aims to capitalize on the ocean’s potential. The event highlighted the significance of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and showcased the success of OTEC projects. Representatives called for support from multilateral agencies and development banks. Dignitaries from various SIDS and international organizations attended the event.

Launch of the BRACE initiative: Financing climate resilient school systems

– The BRACE initiative, launched during COP28 in Dubai, represents a groundbreaking collaboration between the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to invest $70 million in climate-resilient education. Save the Children played a key leadership role in this initiative, which aims to address the disruption of children’s learning caused by climate change events. Tonga, Sudan, and Cambodia are the first countries to pilot the project, focusing on constructing safer schools, integrating climate change into the curriculum, and establishing early warning systems. The launch event emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to climate resilience in education, involving sector engagement, policy development, and timely climate information.

The initiative is seen as the beginning of ongoing efforts to support 20 additional climate-vulnerable countries in creating greener and safer schools. The event concluded with a call for collective action, reinforcing nationally owned strategies and prioritizing the well-being of children and youth in climate and education efforts.