The Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) CEO, Sione ‘Akau’ola, has called for stronger climate finance and energy resilience at the 2025 SE4ALL Global Forum in Barbados.
Representing Tonga at the March 12-14 event, Mr. ‘Akau’ola played a key role in high-level discussions on sustainable energy for small island developing states (SIDS).
As a keynote speaker in the Small Islands, Big Solutions session, he emphasized the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation, increased investment in resilient energy infrastructure, and better access to climate finance tailored to SIDS.
“We need financing mechanisms that acknowledge the vulnerabilities of small islands and accelerate our transition to clean energy,” Mr. ‘Akau’ola told delegates.
He also joined the Bridging the Gap session, where he pushed for inclusive energy transition policies that ensure just and equitable access to funding.
Alongside other Pacific leaders, Mr. ‘Akau’ola engaged with global policymakers to advocate for solutions that address Tonga’s climate challenges.
