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Nadi, Fiji – National Ozone Officers from Pacific Island Countries met in Nadi from 29–30 September 2025 for the Pacific Island Countries Network Meeting of National Ozone Officers under the Montreal Protocol. The meeting strengthened capacity to sustain compliance with obligations under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, while providing a platform to share experiences and good practices.

Discussions included updates on key Protocol decisions, training on Multilateral Fund project terminology, and review of 2025 CAP services with priorities identified for 2026. During the meeting, Mr. Fifita from Tonga’s Department of Climate Change – National Ozone Unit echoed the urgent need to invest in human capital, particularly through training the next generation of sustainable cooling professionals. He emphasized the importance of establishing a National Competency-Based Certification System for RAC technicians, developed in partnership with Tonga’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. This system, based on demonstrated skills rather than attendance, would ensure sustainability, provide career pathways for young Tongans, and elevate professionalism across the sector.

From 1–3 October 2025, a follow-up Thematic Workshop will focus on strengthening HFC licensing and quota systems, improving data collection, and enhancing national inventories of used and unwanted controlled substances.

These back-to-back events are expected to yield positive outcomes for national implementation of Montreal Protocol activities. As emphasized during the meeting: “Protecting the ozone layer is protecting life itself—our actions today secure a healthier and safer tomorrow for all.”

ENDS

It was a collaborative moment to shape shared priorities, objectives and our potential legacy for our Australia-Pacific bid to host COP31

At the forefront of climate change impacts, Australia and Pacific Island nations have a longstanding commitment to negotiating strong international climate outcomes. We have a story to tell and leadership to share as we chart our respective paths to net zero

It’s time for a COP in our Pacific. Ours will be the first COP in the Pacific region in nearly two decades, and the first ever COP delivered in partnership by an entire region.

Our Pacific’s consistent leadership and innovation combined with Australia’s ambition to fast-track growth of the global clean energy economy, is what makes our bid to host COP31 unique.

Theme: “From Science to Global Action”

Nuku‘alofa, 16 September 2025 – The Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) today convened the National Advisory Committee for the Protection of the Ozone Layer in commemoration of World Ozone Day 2025.

World Ozone Day, observed globally on 16 September, marks the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. This year’s theme, “From Science to Global Action,” celebrates how science has guided international cooperation and continues to shape effective responses to environmental challenges.

The national commemoration, chaired by the Head of Ozone Layer Protection Unit, brought together representatives from government line ministries, technical stakeholders, and partners. The program, fully funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), highlighted the importance of Tonga’s continued commitment to phasing out ozone-depleting substances and transitioning to ozone- and climate-friendly alternatives.

In his opening remarks, the Head of Ozone Layer Protection Unit Mr. Áloisio Fifita emphasized the dual significance of this meeting – not only to commemorate the global milestone of World Ozone Day, but also to review Tonga’s current status of ozone-related activities led by the Department of Climate Change. Mr. Fifita further noted the importance of science based decisions to ensure the long-term safeguarding of the ozone layer for the benefit of present and future generations.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the National Ozone Layer Advisory Committee to:

• Review national progress in implementing the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment.
• Assess ongoing activities and discuss upcoming priorities.
• Identify challenges and areas where stronger collaboration is needed.

World Ozone Day 2025 is a reminder that international cooperation, grounded in science, remains essential to protecting the ozone layer and addressing climate change. Tonga’s participation reaffirms its commitment to this global mission and strengthens national efforts through coordinated action.

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Issued by:
Ministry of MEIDECC (National Ozone Unit)
Nuku‘alofa, Tonga

11 September 2025, the Department of Climate Change, through its Ozone Layer Protection Unit, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), held an enforcement workshop to underpin national efforts in protecting the ozone layer.

The workshop brought together key businesses, companies, and government enforcement agencies to strengthen national coordination on refrigerant management. It focused on:

• Raising awareness of controlled substances under the Montreal Protocol;
• Clarifying national HFC quota allocations for transparency and accountability;
• Mapping stakeholders to improve collaboration across sectors.

Mr. Aloisio Fifita, Head of the Ozone Layer Protection Unit, highlighted the importance of active collaboration among stakeholders, noting that such partnerships foster better communication and a clearer understanding of the transition to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants.

Participants had the opportunity to clearly discuss common challenges and sharing of good practices that leads to a strengthened monitoring and reporting systems.

This initiative reaffirms the country’s commitment to protecting the ozone layer, sustaining the phase out of Montreal Protocol Controlled Substances, and advancing the transition to sustainable and climate-friendly alternatives.

ENDS

The Government of Tonga, through the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of MEIDECC, successfully convened the national Validation Workshop for Tonga’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 2.0) Review Report and initiated the process for developing Tonga’s Third NDC (NDC 3.0), scheduled for submission to the UNFCCC in 2025. The workshop was held at Tanoa Hotel, Nuku‘alofa, in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and with support from the NDC Partnership’s World Resources Institute (WRI) Partnership Action Fund (PAF), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and UN Women.

As part of its obligations under the Paris Agreement, Tonga is committed to updating its NDCs every five years to reflect progress, lessons learned, and increased ambition in addressing climate change. NDCs serve as Tonga’s climate action roadmap, outlining national commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening resilience to climate impacts.

The Validation Workshop brought together more than 40 representatives from government ministries, state-owned enterprises, civil society, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and development partners. Participants reviewed Tonga’s progress under NDC 2.0, which includes:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector by 13% by 2030.
• Achieving 70% renewable electricity generation by 2030.
• Establishing national waste sector targets through expanding the formal waste collection.
• Developing Tonga’s national forest inventory.
• Maintaining existing fish stocks through expanding Marine Protected Areas and Special Management Areas to 30% of Tonga’s EEZ
• Expanding forestry and agroforestry coverage to 30% of land area.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Sione ‘Akau‘ola, Chief Executive Officer of MEIDECC, reaffirmed Tonga’s progress and commitment: “We have made proud achievements, such as reaching the one million trees milestone, expanding special management areas, and progressing towards renewable electricity generation targets. Today’s workshop is vital—it validates the findings and recommendations of the NDC 2.0 Review Report and sets the course for drafting NDC 3.0.”

The workshop provided a platform for technical experts and stakeholders to validate findings, identify gaps, and make recommendations for enhanced ambition across mitigation and adaptation sectors. Technical contributions from GGGI, ADB, and UN Women enriched discussions on data, inclusivity, gender, and alignment with international climate priorities.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Lu’isa Tu‘i’afitu Malolo, Director of the Department of Climate Change, underscored the collective shared responsibility and strong cooperation across all sectors of society in addressing climate change: “The NDC belongs to everyone. Achieving Tonga’s ambitious goals will require national cooperation”

The workshop concluded with broad consensus on priority actions and recommendations for strengthening Tonga’s climate ambition and finalizing the review report in the following days. These findings will directly inform the drafting of NDC 3.0, ensuring that Tonga’s enhanced climate commitments align with the Tonga Strategic Development Framework (TSDF), the National Climate Change Policy, JNAP2, and the Low-Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS).

Through this process, Tonga reaffirms its unwavering commitment to climate action—ensuring that NDC 3.0 not only addresses the urgency of the climate crisis but also supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable national development.

Nuku’alofa, Tonga – 5 May 2025

The Kingdom of Tonga is proudly hosting the Network Meeting of Pacific Island Countries National Ozone Officers, held back-to-back with a Technical Workshop on Strengthening HFC Licensing and Quota Systems from 5–9 May 2025 at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre in Nuku’alofa. The event, jointly organized by Tonga’s Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction, brings together representatives from 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs), international partners, and technical experts.

The opening ceremony featured distinguished remarks that underscored the importance of the Pacific’s leadership in safeguarding the ozone layer and combating climate change.

Mr. James Curlin, Head of UNEP OzonAction (Law Division), joined virtually and lauded the collective progress made by the PIC Network. “With all 14 Pacific Island Countries now having ratified the Kigali Amendment, this region exemplifies unity and ambition. The challenges ahead—particularly in enforcing HFC licensing and quota systems—require practical cooperation, capacity building, and strong national frameworks. OzonAction remains committed to supporting you every step of the way,” said Mr. Curlin.

Speaking on behalf of the Ozone Secretariat, Ms. Liazzat Rabbiosi congratulated the PIC Network on its proactive stance. “This gathering is not just about obligations, but opportunities. Opportunities to share innovations, to embed gender inclusion, and to build data systems that speak to both the past and future of climate-smart policies. Your unity as a network is a model for other regions.”

Ms. Tina Birmpili, representing the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, echoed this view virtually, stating, “The approval of four regional projects in December 2024, totaling over US$5 million, is a reflection of the trust and commitment the global community places in the Pacific. Efficient coordination, streamlined implementation, and effective reporting will be key to translating this investment into sustainable impact.”

Over the course of five days, delegates will engage in plenary discussions, breakout groups, and roundtable dialogues on critical themes including:

• Implementation strategies for the Kigali HFC Implementation Plan (KIP) Stage I
• Streamlining HCFC phase-out and HFC phase-down activities
• Enhancing Monitoring, Reporting, Verification, and Enforcement (MRVE) frameworks
• Gender mainstreaming in Montreal Protocol initiatives
• Capacity building through south-south cooperation

Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, the Acting Prime Minister, Minister for MEIDECC, and Minister for MOI warmly welcomed delegates and emphasized Tonga’s commitment to international environmental agreements. “Tonga is proud to host this milestone meeting, which aligns with our vision of resilience and sustainability,” said by Hon. Dr. Fusimalohi. “This is a critical moment for Pacific Island Countries as we strive to meet dual obligations under the Montreal Protocol—freezing HFC consumption and continuing the HCFC phase-out—while embracing regional collaboration and integrated implementation.”

This landmark event serves as a foundation for the 2025–2027 implementation period, ensuring Pacific Island Countries are equipped to meet their Montreal Protocol commitments with efficiency, resilience, and regional solidarity.

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In a pivotal meeting held on February 18, 2025, representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) convened with the Director of the Department of Climate Change to discuss the critical Seawall Improvement Project in Nuku’alofa.

The closed-door session focused on technical details, project feasibility, and strategic implementation approaches. JICA’s team, led by their senior engineering consultant, presented comprehensive preliminary studies highlighting the urgent need for seawall reinforcement in the face of rising sea levels and increasing climate change risks. The Director of the Department of Climate Change emphasized the project’s significance for Tonga’s coastal resilience. Discussions centered on potential engineering solutions, funding mechanisms, and the project’s long-term environmental impact. Both parties explored innovative approaches to maximize the seawall’s protective capabilities while minimizing ecological disruption.

Key points of discussion included:

• Detailed topographical analysis of the Nuku’alofa coastline
• Proposed engineering specifications for seawall construction
• Potential challenges in implementation
• Funding allocation and international cooperation frameworks

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to advancing the project, recognizing its critical importance to the nation’s climate adaptation strategy.

The final day of the Climate Finance Readiness Writeshop marked a significant milestone as participants completed the validation of a climate change proposal intended for submission to the Adaptation Fund window.

Led by Mr. Dirk from the Pacific Community (SPC) team, the session took place in the department conference room, bringing together key stakeholders to meticulously review and finalize the proposal.

This collaborative effort represents a critical step in Tonga’s strategic approach to accessing climate finance and addressing climate change challenges.

The proposal validation process highlighted the workshop’s primary objective: building local capacity to develop strong, compelling funding applications that can secure crucial resources for climate adaptation and resilience initiatives.

March 7, 2025
Nuku’alofa, Tonga

The Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC), successfully conducted Tonga’s first Climate Finance Readiness Writeshop from March 4-6, 2025, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s climate resilience strategy.

The three-day intensive workshop gathered key representatives from Government Line Ministries, Tonga Development Bank, NGOs, and civil society organizations to build capacity in accessing and effectively managing climate-related funding.

“This writeshop represents more than a training event—it’s a strategic investment in Tonga’s ability to secure and utilize climate finance effectively,” said Ms. Lu’isa Tu’i’afitu Malolo, Director for the Department of Climate Change. “By bringing together stakeholders from across different sectors, we’re developing a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to climate resilience.”

Participants focused on three primary objectives throughout the workshop:

1. Exploring the landscape of climate finance opportunities and identifying potential funding sources
2. Developing robust funding proposals for critical climate initiatives
3. Strengthening the operational capacity of the Tonga Climate Change Fund (TCCF)

In a powerful demonstration of hands-on climate action, participants and facilitators visited the Sopu coastal area on the second day of the workshop, where they actively participated in mangrove replanting efforts. The group planted and replanted mangroves to mark the writeshop, demonstrating their commitment to nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. This field activity highlighted the practical applications of climate finance in supporting natural coastal defense systems that protect vulnerable shorelines from sea-level rise and storm surges.

The writeshop culminated with the completion and validation of a climate change proposal intended for submission to the Adaptation Fund, led by Mr. Dirk from the SPC team. This collaborative effort demonstrates Tonga’s proactive approach to accessing international climate finance mechanisms.

Ms. Elsie Fukofuka, Country Manager in Tonga for SPC, emphasized the importance of building local capacity: “This writeshop empowers Tongan officials and stakeholders to develop compelling funding applications that address the unique climate challenges faced by small island nations.”

As global climate challenges intensify, Tonga’s proactive approach to climate finance serves as a model for other vulnerable nations seeking to strengthen their resilience through strategic financial planning and capacity building.