From March 18 to 21, Tonga will host a National Development Summit at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre, uniting approximately 200 representatives from various sectors to shape Tonga’s Strategic Development Framework (TSDF) III for 2026-2036.
This follows an announcement made by the Prime Minister Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke earlier this month inviting the public to the summit themed “A resilient Tonga through transformative action: Safeguarding our heritage (Ke tau pikipiki hama ke tauhi hotau tofi‘aˊ ki ha Tonga koloa‘ia).”
Prime Minister Eke highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying, “Working together, trusting each other and building durable and genuine partnerships is the way forward for the next decade of Tonga’s TSDF III.”
Participants from government, parliament, development partners, civil society, private sector, faith-based organizations, academia, traditional leaders, and community groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, will engage in dialogues to contribute to the framework’s development.
Eke expressed his commitment to a people-centered approach, saying, “It is my commitment to ensure that the development of the TSDF III is based on the priorities of the people.”
The summit will adopt the “Fofola e fala kae talanoa e kāinga” approach, encouraging open discussions to weave together the “Loto’i Tonga”—the Tongan spirit characterized by qualities such as love, humility, faithfulness, patience, respect, and goodwill. These values are seen as essential for fostering resilience and sustainable development.
This consultative process aims to evaluate the successes and challenges of the previous TSDF II and to chart a course for a more inclusive and resilient Tonga in the coming decade.
