The Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) programme is making significant strides following the recent appointment of Tonga’s new Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua, as its champion. This important development was confirmed during a meeting with the Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) on January 30, 2026, marking a key step in the region’s initiative to enhance weather and climate resilience.
Prime Minister Fakafanua’s new role emphasizes Tonga’s dedication to leading efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and strengthening community resilience across the Pacific. His leadership is expected to foster greater regional collaboration and attract essential international support necessary for creating a safer, climate-resilient environment.
The WRP programme, created by Pacific nations for their own needs, received significant backing during the 51st Forum Leaders Meeting. It focuses on fortifying National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), improving early warning systems, and ensuring that critical weather, climate, and emergency information is disseminated effectively to communities during crucial times.
By taking on the mantle of champion for the WRP, Prime Minister Fakafanua will provide crucial political guidance and enhance the programme’s outreach to international partners and donors. This advocacy is likely to improve synergy with development allies, multilateral organizations, and climate finance entities, positioning the WRP as a vital investment for safeguarding lives and economic stability throughout the Pacific.
“The Weather Ready Pacific programme is about saving lives and protecting livelihoods from extreme events,” stated Prime Minister Fakafanua. He highlighted the necessity of having reliable and timely weather and climate information, which empowers communities to prepare and respond to changing conditions sustainably.
In his new capacity, the Prime Minister aims to synchronize regional goals with global commitments established under initiatives like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement, and the UN Early Warnings for All initiative. The WRP seeks to showcase Pacific leadership and success stories to underline the significant returns on investment arising from enhanced meteorological services and early warning systems.
SPREP, which manages the WRP in collaboration with Pacific NMHSs and regional stakeholders, expressed its enthusiasm for the Prime Minister’s appointment. The organization noted that having a Head of Government endorse the programme sends a strong message about its urgency and importance.
“We are grateful to have the Honourable Prime Minister of Tonga as our WRP Champion,” remarked Sefanaia Nawadra, the Director General of SPREP. He emphasized that Lord Fakafanua’s leadership would heighten awareness of the programme’s essential and life-saving nature, continuing the legacy of support from Tonga’s leadership since the initiative’s inception.
With a renewed spirit and enhanced leadership, the Weather Ready Pacific programme is set to attract more consistent and robust funding from international partners, better equipping Pacific nations to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to severe weather events and other environmental challenges now and into the future.