15th October 2018 TONGAN The Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva officially opened the 17th Session of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Regional Association (RA) 5 meeting this morning, at the National Reserve Bank of Tonga’s Conference Centre.
More than 90 participants, observers and technical experts from the 23 member states and territories of the WMO Regional Association 5 attended the conference.
Prime Minister Pohiva said that this is the first time a Meeting of this Constituent Body of WMO has been hosted by a Pacific Small Island Developing State and Tonga is proud to be given that honor.
“Tonga like many small island developing states is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of natural hazards and climate change. Tonga is ranked number 2 in the world risk index of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of natural disasters. And the trend of natural disasters occurring is increasing, as well as its intensity.”
“Last month in Nauru at the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting, we agreed as leaders of this region under the Boe Declaration that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the people of the Pacific. The special report released last week by the International Panel on Climate Change (or IPCC) on the impacts of global warming of degrees Celsius world reaffirmed our discussions last month.”
“Our island nations will face huge challenges ahead and the grave risks of exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels – an upper limit of warming small islands states have advocated for many years. This report is a wakeup call for us – we no longer have time for complacency or delay on taking action to advert the danger of climate change.”
He stated that the extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones, floods and drought are experienced in the Pacific and Asia, recent years continue to affect our economies, like Tropical Cyclone Gita that hit this main island of Tongatapu and the nearby island of ‘Eua, in February this year. It caused great devastation and loses.
Prime Minister Pohiva acknowledged the continued assistance of the WMO to the national meteorology and hydrological services in our region.
He also expressed his sincere gratitude to WMO and its members for all the kind support and assistance offered to Tonga and the Development of Tonga Meteorological Service since a member in 1996.
“Particularly in the establishment and development of our weather, forecasting capability, capacity building and modernization of equipment. Tonga continues to support the work of WMO and its members, including for the past 2 inter-sessional periods as a member of the Regional Management Group and Vice President of the Regional Association 5.”
Reverend Falematapule Lomu officiated the conference and presence at the opening ceremony, also attending were the Honorable Ministers of Cabinet, President of WMO, Mr. David Grimes, President of the WMO Regional Association 5, Dr. Andi Sakya, Permanent Representatives Heads of Delegation from WMO Regional Association – 5 Member States and Territories, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, government officials and guests.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications