Tonga’s government ministers have decided to abstain from attending the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil, delegating their responsibilities to other officials. This choice has been made in light of the general elections set for November 20, which has many Cabinet members focused on campaigning and election preparations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for MEIDECC, Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, confirmed on a recent broadcast that all Cabinet ministers will skip the summit, prioritizing their election efforts over international diplomatic engagements. The Tongan delegation will be led by Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Paula Ma’u, along with key climate-change officials from the Department of Climate Change at MEIDECC, including ‘Aloisio Fifita, Losana Latu, and Susana Liava’a. However, the Tonga Civil Society Forum will not be represented at the summit due to budget constraints that hinder travel.
This shift in representation underscores the pressures surrounding the electoral schedule, as officials are gearing up for the polls that will help determine leadership for the 2025 parliamentary term. This strategic decision places the weight of diplomatic discussions in the hands of senior officials.
Tonga’s presence at COP30 is crucial, particularly as a Small Island Developing State that faces significant challenges from climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather. Pacific nations are expected to advocate fervently for increased climate finance, enhanced support for adaptation efforts, and recognition of the “loss and damage” experienced as a result of climate impacts. The summit carries the informal title “COP of truth,” reflecting the urgency for concrete action in response to global climate issues.
The Tongan delegation aims to highlight critical issues important to Pacific nations, like adaptation strategies, ocean governance, and the Global Stocktake process under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). MEIDECC plays a vital role in ensuring Tonga’s active engagement in international climate discussions.
Additionally, Tonga has reaffirmed its ongoing support for the Pacific Resilience Facility, which is designed to assist the region in addressing climate-related challenges. At the COP30 summit, Tonga reiterated its commitment to this facility, which emphasizes a collective response to climate threats in the Pacific.
As the first Pacific island nation to sign the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty and host its Secretariat, Tonga is actively shaping its role in this essential climate initiative. The facility seeks to streamline access to international funding, with pledges amounting to approximately US$380 million, and aims to secure US$1.14 billion by next year and US$3.42 billion by 2030, showing the region’s proactive outlook.
In light of persistent climate challenges and the pressures of escalating global temperatures, Tonga’s advocacy at COP30 reflects its dedication to regional unity and resilience. The nation’s efforts to promote climate financing and responsive strategies highlight a hopeful vision for sustainable development and climate security for vulnerable communities across the Pacific.