Tonga’s National Development Summit wrapped up last Friday, setting a roadmap for the next decade with a strong focus on resilience, economic growth, and governance.
Held at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre in Nuku’alofa from March 18-21, the summit attracted around 200 attendees daily, including government leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders. The Tongan diaspora also made significant contributions via livestream, providing valuable insights from abroad.
The summit’s primary goal was to assess the achievements and challenges of the Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 (TSDFII) and to chart a course for the upcoming ten-year plan, TSDFIII (2026-2036).
The discussions centered on assessing the achievements of the Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 (TSDFII) and shaping the next 10-year plan, TSDFIII (2026-2036). Each day focused on key national priorities.
Talks started with an exploration of economic development, resilience, climate change, and the ongoing journey of TSDFII. Discussions on the second day addressed infrastructure, technology, culture, education, security, and the fight against illicit drugs, emphasizing the need for stronger policy coherence.
The third day delved into governance, public service delivery, demographic trends, and community development, sparking engaging discussions on good governance. Friday being the last day, focused on healthcare services, localising research and innovation, and strengthening collaboration and partnerships.
The government expressed gratitude, stating: “Grateful for the insightful discussions and collective efforts that are shaping a stronger, more resilient future. Together, we’re paving the way for sustainable development and growth!”
The summit was themed “A Resilient Tonga through Transformative Action: Safeguarding Our Heritage”.
