The Kingdom of Tonga co-hosted a Climate Mobility Summit on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, held under the theme “Harnessing Climate Mobility for Adaption and Resilience”. The event was organized by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility.
The summit featured a moderated dialogue among leaders on ways to advance people-centered climate action that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, thereby harnessing climate mobility to protect livelihoods, sustain peace, preserve social cohesion, and prevent loss and damage.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tonga, Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, delivered one of the keynote remarks where she highlighted the need for like-minded leaders to come together and call for urgent action to address climate-forced migration and displacement.
“This is a timely moment for Tonga to advance its voice as one of the Climate Champions,” said Minister ‘Utoikamanu. “The world is increasingly subjected to the accelerating impacts of climate change, and low-lying coastal countries of the Pacific are among the most vulnerable.”
Against the backdrop of more frequent and severe hurricanes and other disasters, Minister ‘Utoikamanu reiterated the need to revitalize funding mechanisms and ensure that more resources are committed to support the most vulnerable. She welcomed the proposal to establish a Pacific Islands Communities Fund (PICF) capable of disbursing small grants faster and with less bureaucratic burden than the existing climate funds.
“We must work together towards a future where no one is left behind in the face of climate calamity,” said Minister ‘Utoikamanu.
The Hon. Minister was accompanied by the Chief of Protocol and US/UN Desk Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Secretary ‘Ilaisipa ‘Alipate.
The Climate Mobility Summit was a timely and important event, as the world grapples with the increasing challenges of climate change and its impact on people and communities. Tonga is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and its leadership in this area is essential. The proposed Pacific Islands Communities Fund would be a valuable tool in supporting the most vulnerable communities in the region to adapt and build resilience to climate change.