The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, will attend the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Tonga, set to take place from 26-30 August 2024. The announcement was confirmed by Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku.
The Prime Minister extended an invitation to Secretary-General Guterres during a bilateral meeting in New York on 17 September 2023. The participation of such a high-profile figure underscores the significance of this year’s PIF Leaders Meeting, themed “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki; Build Better Now.”
Speaking to local media on Friday, 3 May, Prime Minister Hu‘akavameiliku remarked, “Having high profiles coming will attract more people because of the level of their visits.” The government anticipates at least 1,000 participants for the meeting, which will bring together leaders from 18 member countries across the Pacific Ocean, along with important organizations, in Nuku’alofa.
This gathering will be a crucial platform for discussing regional challenges, with the presence of the UN Secretary-General expected to elevate the discourse on pressing issues such as climate resilience, economic recovery, and sustainable development in the Pacific region.
