Tonga’s government ministers have opted to forgo their participation in the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil, delegating their responsibilities to officials instead. This decision comes in light of the consequential general elections set for November 20, during which many Cabinet members are actively campaigning.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for MEIDECC, Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, confirmed in a recent broadcast that all Cabinet Ministers will be absent, as the election preparations take precedence over international diplomatic engagements. The Tongan delegation will be helmed by Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Paula Ma’u, alongside key climate-change officials from the Department of Climate Change at MEIDECC, including ‘Aloisio Fifita, Losana Latu, and Susana Liava’a. Unfortunately, the Tonga Civil Society Forum will not be represented at the summit due to budget constraints preventing travel.
This adjustment in representation signifies the pressures surrounding the election timetable ahead of the polls, which aim to appoint officials for the 2025 parliamentary term. Political campaigning has necessitated this strategic choice for Tonga, thereby placing the burden of diplomacy on senior officials.
Tonga’s participation at COP30 is essential, considering its status as a Small Island Developing State grappling with significant vulnerabilities due to climate change, including sea-level rise and extreme weather events. At the summit, Pacific nations are anticipated to strongly advocate for increased climate finance, greater support for adaptation initiatives, and acknowledgement of “loss and damage” incurred due to climate impacts. The event has garnered the nickname “COP of truth,” highlighting the pressing demands for action.
The Tongan delegation is expected to bring focus to pressing matters high on the agenda for Pacific nations, including adaptation strategies, ocean governance, and the Global Stocktake process under the UNFCCC. The Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) plays a pivotal role in facilitating Tonga’s involvement in international climate negotiations.
Additionally, Tonga has reiterated its steadfast support for the Pacific Resilience Facility, which aims to provide crucial assistance to the region in managing climate-related losses. During the Partners Roundtable at the COP30 climate conference, Tonga reaffirmed its commitment to this facility, which emphasizes a unified response to climate threats affecting the Pacific.
As the first Pacific island nation to endorse the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty and the host of its Secretariat, Tonga continues to shape its role in spearheading this crucial climate initiative. The facility endeavors to streamline international funding access, with a current pledge total of around US$380 million. Ambitious targets to secure US$1.14 billion by the following year and US$3.42 billion by 2030 are set, showcasing the region’s proactive approach.
In the face of ongoing climate challenges and the pressures of rising global temperatures, Tonga’s steadfast advocacy at COP30 reflects its commitment to regional solidarity and resilience. The nation’s leadership in advancing climate financing and response reflects a hopeful outlook toward a future that prioritizes sustainable development and climate security for vulnerable communities across the Pacific.