Data for Evidence-based Sustainable Energy Policies 9th October to 11th of October

09^th October 2018 The Government of Tonga through the Energy Department (of the Ministry of MEIDECC) in conjunction with the UN ESCAP Office in Bangkok is hosting an Information Consultation and training to ensure that Tonga is able to make ‘Evidence based Policy Formalisation and Decision Making’.

The three days training was opened this morning by the CEO for MEIDECC Mr. Paula Pouvalu Ma’u at Waterfront Lodge & Retaurant.

In his opening remarks Mr. Ma’u said this initiative is to strengthen capacities of policymakers in Asia and the Pacific to develop evidence-based policy and planning for sustainable use of energy resources at national and regional levels.

“As a national focus topic, Tonga has decided to work on improving the data gathering, analysis and tracking capacity for achieving SDG7, Nationally Determine Contribution (NDC), Tonga Energy Roadmap (TERM), Tonga Energy Efficiency Master Plan, and other energy related national targets.”

Gathering and the dissemination of credible information on a timely basis and in the correct and appropriate format is crucial for effective and appropriate ‘Policy Formalation and decision making.’

The newly set up Energy Department (under MEIDECC) has been battling with the gathering of the appropriate information on a timely basis and is in need of improving the situation.

The offer by the UN ESCAP to assist with resolving this issue is most welcome and we look forward to improving the situation at the end of the consultation and of the training. The practical results of this improvement is that Tonga will be able to know exactly where it stands with its Energy development, it’s current status and therefore can project its future needs given its Energy vision.

Economic Affairs Officer from the Office of the UNESCAP in Bangkok, Mr. Fabian Kruezer and ESCAP Consultant Dr. Kaoru Yamaguchi are also here in Nuku’alofa to conduct the training.

Attended the opening ceremony was the Secretary for Foreign Affairs and UN point of contact in Tonga Mr. Mahe Tupouniua, CEO of Tonga Power Mr. Setitaia Pasivaka Chen, with Senior Government Officials from various Ministries and representatives from Civil Society.

ENDS

Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications