The Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, Minister for MEIDECC, attended the Summit for the Future event on “Space for Sustainable Development Goals” at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.
The event aimed to explore how space technologies can support global sustainability, with particular relevance to small island nations like Tonga.
During the summit, Minister ‘Utoikamanu highlighted the devastating impact of natural disasters on Tonga, including volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and cyclones. She noted that the 2022 volcanic eruption alone caused losses equivalent to over 36 percent of Tonga’s GDP. Despite these hardships, the Minister praised Tonga’s resilience and emphasized the role of innovative technologies in disaster preparedness and response.
Tonga’s membership in the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters was emphasized as a crucial step in improving disaster response capabilities. Minister ‘Utoikamanu also discussed a new project in collaboration with the United Nations and international partners, using satellite imagery to assess disaster risks on Tongatapu.
The summit provided an essential platform for Tonga to advocate for stronger international partnerships in using space technology to address climate challenges.
Minister ‘Utoikamanu thanked the UN and key stakeholders, calling for continued cooperation in building a more resilient future for Tonga and other vulnerable nations.
Source: PM Press