Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, is starting a two-week mission in the Pacific this week, commencing his travels in Samoa. This marks Guterres’ first visit to the region in five years, during which he will also visit New Zealand, Tonga, and East Timor.
The highlight of Guterres’ mission will be the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, taking place in Nuku’alofa starting on Monday. While in Tonga, he plans to visit areas still recovering from the tsunami that struck in 2022 and engage in discussions with leaders at the PIF, including hosting bilateral meetings.
A spokesperson for Guterres expressed hopes that the visit will enhance awareness of the critical need for climate action, including the establishment of early warning systems and strategies for both adaptation and mitigation. Spokesman Farhan Haq noted that the visit will also spotlight the effects of rising sea levels in the region and globally.
Guterres began his Pacific tour in Samoa, which is centered on climate change, before heading to Auckland ahead of the PIF Leaders Meeting. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon expressed his eagerness to receive updates on ceasefire negotiations in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the necessity for dialogue rather than military solutions. Additionally, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters mentioned he would be having dinner with Guterres on Friday night.