Tonga, recognized as the sixth most vulnerable nation to climate change in the world, is hosting Pacific leaders this week. The country gained international attention following the devastating eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha-apai Volcano in 2021, which resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, and extensive damage to infrastructure.
Since that disaster, Tonga has faced multiple cyclones, leading to a surge in public debt, which now exceeds 40% of its GDP. These fiscal challenges hinder its progress toward achieving global development goals and restrict its capacity to effectively respond to imminent climate crises. Like other nations in the Pacific, Tonga is advocating for a more robust strategy to address the challenges brought about by a world that has surpassed a 1.5 degrees Celsius increase in temperature.
During the 53rd meeting of Blue Pacific leaders this week, Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni will set the region’s priorities for the upcoming year in a manner that embraces the diverse perspectives of fellow leaders.
The Kingdom has outlined its vision for a strong and resilient Pacific. Achieving this vision necessitates collaborative efforts to build resilience throughout the Blue Pacific, starting with solid leadership at the regional level and expanding partnerships to secure necessary resources. Tonga emphasizes that the most climate-vulnerable region must act decisively to enhance its resilience in this decade, as climate urgency has reached existential levels.
The agenda for Pacific leaders includes discussing the potential associate membership of Guam and American Samoa in the Forum family, which could strengthen the United States’ ties to the Pacific region—a recognition of its status as a Pacific power.
Another critical issue on the table is how to effectively address the decolonization of New Caledonia. Many leaders believe that the time for gradual changes has passed and concrete, time-bound steps should be established. The MSG subgroup of leaders may advocate for a more prominent role for the PIF to ensure a non-violent completion of New Caledonia’s decolonization process.
The leaders will also work on operationalizing the Pacific Resilience Facility, discuss the implications of transnational crime on domestic economies, and review ongoing initiatives such as the implementation of the 2050 Strategy, named the Blue Pacific’s Southern Cross.
This meeting occurs amid a challenging geopolitical climate influenced by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The Pacific leaders are acutely aware of the intensified geopolitical competition for resources across various domains, including maritime, seabed, and even outer space.
The risk of conflicts stemming from misunderstandings between global superpowers has increased dramatically. Small island states find their voices increasingly marginalized in larger international forums where critical global decisions are made.
In this context, Tonga, as the Chair, has the responsibility to revitalize Pacific international diplomacy to address the pressing policy challenges that extend beyond the region’s borders.
The meeting may also mark the first gathering of Pacific leaders in a world that has possibly surpassed the 1.5 Celsius global warming target last year. This development holds profound implications for the Pacific region, as every small increase in temperature complicates adaptation efforts and escalates costs.
Pacific leaders are expected to unanimously assert that a failure to adhere to the Paris Agreement commitments represents a declaration of war against Pacific island communities. The urgency for adequate partnerships is clear, with a focus on limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Moreover, Pacific leaders are keen to implement their own climate finance initiative, the Pacific Resilience Facility, aiming to establish sustainable funding avenues independent of traditional international aid, which often comes with delays and restrictions.
They are also expected to call for a significant increase in climate finance, seeking commitments of $1.5 to $2 billion annually, to address the urgent adaptation needs of the region.
As the Pacific community looks to strengthen its maritime stewardship and address security challenges related to maritime resources, leaders are poised to advocate for an expansive approach to the Blue Economy.
With upcoming participation in the United Nations General Assembly and the Summit for the Future, Pacific leaders have an opportunity to push for reform in international financial architecture to better support small island states and ensure their voices are heard in global governance.
This meeting is of great significance to Pacific Islanders, and they hope for productive outcomes that address the pressing issues facing their communities.