The Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) programme has gained significant momentum following the appointment of Tonga’s new Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua, as the champion of the initiative. This development was confirmed during a recent meeting with the Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) on January 30, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s efforts to enhance weather and climate resilience.
Prime Minister Fakafanua’s involvement underscores Tonga’s commitment to leading regional initiatives addressing the increasing impacts of climate change while bolstering community resilience throughout the Pacific. His role is anticipated to galvanize further regional cooperation and inspire international support critical for fostering a safer, more climate-resilient Pacific.
The WRP programme, designed by Pacific nations for their own, received endorsement during the 51st Forum Leaders Meeting. It aims to strengthen National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), enhance early warning systems, and ensure that vital weather, climate, and emergency information effectively reaches communities, particularly during crucial moments.
By championing the WRP programme, the Tongan Prime Minister will provide essential political leadership and amplify its messaging to international partners and donors. Such advocacy is poised to improve collaboration with development allies, multilateral organizations, and climate finance entities, positioning the WRP as a vital investment for protecting lives, livelihoods, and economies across the Pacific.
“The Weather Ready Pacific programme is about saving lives and protecting livelihoods from extreme events,” stated Prime Minister Fakafanua. He emphasized the importance of reliable and timely weather and climate information in empowering communities to prepare and respond to changing conditions in a sustainable manner.
In his new role, the Prime Minister will help align regional priorities with global commitments under frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement, and the UN Early Warnings for All initiative. By showcasing Pacific leadership and success stories, the WRP aims to highlight the substantial returns on investment that arise from enhancing meteorological services and early warning systems.
SPREP, which oversees the WRP in collaboration with Pacific NMHSs and regional stakeholders, welcomed the Prime Minister’s appointment. The organization expressed that having a Head of Government championing the programme sends a powerful message regarding its urgency and significance.
“We are grateful to have the Honourable Prime Minister of Tonga as our WRP Champion,” remarked Sefanaia Nawadra, the Director General of SPREP. He noted that Lord Fakafanua’s leadership will enhance awareness regarding the programme’s critical and life-saving nature, continuing a legacy of support from Tonga’s leadership since the initiative’s inception.
With renewed enthusiasm and elevated leadership, the Weather Ready Pacific programme is well-prepared to attract more consistent and robust funding from international partners, equipping Pacific nations to better anticipate, prepare for, and respond to severe weather events and other environmental hazards now and in the future.