Government of Tonga Convenes National Dialogue to Address Loss and Damage from Climate Change

Nukuʻalofa, Tonga – 29th July, 2025 – The Government of Tonga, through the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), officially opened the National Loss and Damage Dialogue today at the Tanoa International Hotel, Nukuʻalofa. The three-day event, held from 29th to 31st July 2025, is convened under the Loss and Damage Capacity and Capability (LDCC) Project and is designed to strengthen national understanding, foster multi-sectoral collaboration, and guide coordinated responses to climate-induced loss and damage in Tonga.

The Honourable Dr. Taniela Likuohihifo Fusimalohi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for MEIDECC and Infrastructure, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the importance of collective action and resilience in the face of irreversible climate impacts.

“Climate change is not only an environmental issue. It is a matter of our survival, identity, and sovereignty,” stated Hon. Dr. Fusimalohi. “Loss and damage is the lived reality of our people—from coastal erosion wiping out ancestral lands to cyclones displacing entire families. Through this dialogue, we aim to empower communities, inform national planning, and ensure that Tonga’s voice is amplified on the global stage.”

His Excellency Matthew Howell, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Tonga, also delivered official remarks during the opening session, reaffirming New Zealand’s continued support for climate action in Tonga and across the Pacific.

“The impacts of climate change—particularly loss and damage—are deeply felt across the Pacific,” said H.E. Howell. “New Zealand is proud to support this initiative and stands alongside Tonga in building inclusive, community-led responses. This dialogue marks a significant step forward in shaping locally driven, globally relevant outcomes.”

The Dialogue brings together a broad representation of stakeholders, including government ministries, members of the JNAP Technical Task Force, NGOs, private sector entities, faith-based organisations, and advocates for gender equality, disability inclusion, and youth engagement.

Structured around interactive presentations, talanoa breakouts, panel sessions, and validation discussions, the event covers a wide range of topics such as:

  • Understanding loss and damage and its application in the Tongan context
  • GEDSI-specific experiences and inclusive approaches
  • The role of civil society and faith-based groups in resilience-building
  • Tools and methodologies for measuring and assessing loss and damage
  • Access to international financial mechanisms for L&D response

The National Dialogue also contributes to building Tonga’s evidence base to support future planning, monitoring, and international advocacy. Outputs from the Dialogue will inform national priorities under the LDCC Project and support the development of regional reports and submissions to global climate finance mechanisms.

Following this event, further consultations will be undertaken at the community level, particularly within vulnerable and high-risk outer island communities, to ensure inclusive and locally grounded outcomes.

SPREP’s communications team will document and share outcomes through regional and international platforms to amplify Pacific experiences and voices in the global climate discourse.

For more information, visit the DCC website (climatechange.gov.to) or Facebook page (Department of Climate Change).

ENDS