24 May 2024, Apia Samoa - A resilient Pacific environment has been and continues to be at the heart of the partnership between the Kingdom of Tonga and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). Tonga signed the SPREP Treaty in 1995 and has since shown leadership across many Pacific environmental priorities.
On 23 May 2024, the Secretariat were honoured to host the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Honourable Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni at the Pacific Climate Change Centre. The special visit by the Prime Minister followed his keynote address at the 4th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference, a partnership between the National University of Samoa, Victoria University of Wellington New Zealand and SPREP.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Mr. Paula Pouvalu Ma'u, Chief Secretary & Secretary to Cabinet of the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Sione Pulotu 'Akau'ola, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications (MEIDECC) and Mr Siosiua Latu, Deputy Director of the Communications & Knowledge Management Division, MEIDECC.
The visit included a bilateral discussion with SPREP Director General Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, Deputy Director General Ms Easter Chu Shing and the Senior Leadership Team, followed by a talanoa session with SPREP staff.
Addressing staff of the Secretariat, the Prime Minister shared his experience and insights as a former Regional Organisation professional. He highlighted the environment priorities for the Kingdom of Tonga, including oceans and climate finance, and put into the perspective the importance of region-wide approach projects such as the Weather Ready Pacific Programme, for which the Prime Minister is the champion of. The Weather Ready Pacific Programme aims to reduce the human and economic cost of severe weather events across the Pacific – protecting communities and livelihoods and making a strong contribution to the economy of the Region.
As the incoming Chair for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of such architecture that contributes to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific, targeting resilience in the Pacific and presenting an opportunity for us to engage with and shape the most significant dynamics and influences on our region, in order to secure our long-term wellbeing and prosperity.
The Prime Minister also extended his gratitude to the Secretariat for its continued support and coordinated efforts in genuine partnership with the Kingdom, ensuring a resilient Pacific environment.
SPREP Director General, Mr Nawadra shared on the work of the Secretariat under its key thematic areas and ways to be of assistance to the Kingdom of Tonga. He expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for availing his time to visit the Secretariat.
“Thank you for gracing us with your presence and taking this opportunity to meet with our staff. As a valuable Member country of SPREP, we remain committed to nurturing and strengthening our collaborative efforts, ensuring you will have our support across your priority areas.”
The special visit from the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, and his delegation took place on 23 May 2024 at the Pacific Climate Change Centre, SPREP.