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