Tonga Reaffirms Commitment to the Paris Agreement and Calls for Urgent, Scaled-Up Global Action at COP30

18 November 2025 Bélem, Federative Republic of Brazil, The Government of the Kingdom of Tonga today delivered its national statement at the Thirtieth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), taking place in Bélem, Federative Republic of Brazil. The statement was delivered by the Head of Delegation and Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Mr. Paula Pouvalu Maʻu, on behalf of the Kingdom of Tonga.

In conveying Tonga’s position, Mr. Maʻu reiterated that climate change continues to pose the most severe and existential threat to the Kingdom. He highlighted the latest scientific findings—including those of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)—as well as Tonga’s national assessments, which confirm escalating vulnerabilities driven by rising sea levels, intensifying tropical cyclones, ocean warming, and coastal degradation.

Mr. Maʻu noted with deep concern that the 2025 NDC Synthesis Report and the UNEP Emissions Gap Report show the world remains off-track to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. He called on all Parties to fully uphold their obligations under the Paris Agreement, guided by the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

The Kingdom underscored the urgent need to accelerate the phase-down of unabated coal use, phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and advance global efforts toward net-zero emissions by 2050. Mr. Maʻu stressed that overshooting the 1.5°C goal would have catastrophic consequences for Tonga and other small island developing states.

Tonga reaffirmed its national commitments under Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0, Tonga Energy Road Map (TERM) Plus 2022–2035, its forthcoming Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) by 2050, and the development of its National Adaptation Plan by 2028. These commitments include achieving 70 percent renewable electricity, strengthened energy efficiency measures, and enhanced resilience across communities most at risk from climate impacts.

The Government emphasized that adequate, predictable, and accessible climate finance remains essential to enable the full implementation of national mitigation and adaptation priorities. Tonga called on developed country Parties to meet and scale up their long-standing financial commitments, including the transition from the USD 100 billion annual target to USD 1.3 trillion by 2035.

Tonga welcomed the launch and first call for funding under the Barbados Implementation Modality of the Fund Responding for Loss and Damage, marking a significant step toward its operationalization. The Kingdom further encouraged support for the Tonga Climate Change Fund, a community-focused Direct Access modality established to accelerate the implementation of national climate actions.

Tonga also reaffirmed its strong support for the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) and noted with appreciation its establishment in Tonga, while calling on development partners to contribute meaningfully to the regional facility.

Recognizing the central importance of oceans to the Pacific region, the Kingdom emphasized the need for strengthened global cooperation to safeguard marine ecosystems and advance sustainable ocean management.

The Government further noted that actions under the Paris Agreement must align with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing states  (ABAS), and the Kigali Amendment to ensure coherence and effective implementation.

Tonga expressed its full support for Australia’s bid to host COP31 as the Pacific COP, offering an opportunity to elevate Pacific priorities and amplify regional solutions.

In closing, Mr. Maʻu emphasized that the decisions made at COP30 will shape the future of Tonga, its people, and generations to come, urging all Parties to demonstrate ambition, solidarity, and decisive action.

Tonga’s Delegation to COP30

The Government of the Kingdom of Tonga further acknowledges the participation of the official delegation accompanying the Head of Delegation to COP30, comprising the following representatives:

  • H.E. Mr. Viliami Va’inga Tone
  • Mr. Mafua ‘i Vaka’uta Maka
  • Mr. Leonaitasi Pulikipulotu Kuluni
  • Mr. ‘Aisea Fungavai
  • Ms. Losana Latu
  • Mr. ‘Aloisio Fifita
  • Ms. Susana Liava‘a
  • Ms. Salome Tukuafu

Their collective expertise and commitment continue to strengthen Tonga’s engagement in advancing national and regional priorities under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

ENDS