6th April, 2022 TONGAN The Prime Minister, Honourable Hu’akavameiliku will lead Tonga’s delegation to the 7th Our Ocean Conference 2022, which will be held from April 13 and 14, 2022 in Koror, Palau.
Hon Hu’akavameiliku announced that at a virtual press conference in Nuku’alofa today.
He has been invited by the President of Palau, His Excellency, Surangel.S.Whipps Junior and the United States of America’s Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change, Mr John Kerry.
The conference, jointly hosted by Palau and the United States of America, will be the Prime Minister’s first official duty outside of Tonga.
“Oceans is critical for Tonga and islands in the Pacific and the conference will give us the opportunity to discuss ways we can work together to ensure that we are able to sustainably manage our oceans and its resources for our livelihoods,” Hon Hu’akavameiliku stated.
Tonga’s ocean makes up over 90% of the total Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ).
The Hon Hu’akavameiliku stated the conference will also give him time to meet with the leaders of different countries that had assisted Tonga after the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami.
“That will be an opportune time to meet them personally and relay to them our gratitude for their assistance,” the Hon Prime Minister added.
Tonga’s delegation includes Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, Chief Executive, Officer Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ms.Rosamond Bing and senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs official Ms. ‘Ilaisipa ‘Alipate.
Conference
Our Ocean Conference was originally scheduled for 2020 but had been moved to 2022 because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Around 61 countries are expected to be part of the event.
Our Ocean will focus on six Areas of Action, convening partners from across the globe to identify solutions to manage marine resources, increase the ocean’s resilience to climate change and safeguard its health for generations to come.
The six areas of action are marine protected areas for communities, ecosystems and climate; tackling marine pollution; confronting the ocean-climate crisis; creating sustainable blue economies; advancing sustainable small-scale fisheries and aquaculture; and achieving a safe, just and secure ocean.
Tonga has, in the past five years, focused on Marine Protected Areas as part of the Tonga Ocean 7 committee, tasked with putting together the Tonga Ocean Plan.
Pacific Island Countries have pushed for the oceans as a key element of the Climate Change talks, especially at the Climate Change COP meetings held annually.
It is also a key Sustainable Development Goal within the United Nations framework.
Acting appointments
Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Poasi Mataele Tei will act as Prime Minister in Hon Hu’akavameiliku’s absence. He will also act as Education Minister.
Hon. Sione Sangster Saulala, Minister of Internal Affairs, will act as Minister of Police, Emergency and Fire Services.
Hon. Semisi Fakahau, Minister of Fisheries, will act as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forests.
Minister of Justice Hon. Samiu Vaipulu will act as Minister of Foreign Affairs, in place of Hon. ‘Utoikamanu while Hon Dr Viliami Latu will act as Minister of Tourism.
ENDS
Issued by: The Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tel: (676) 7401351 Fax: (676) 23 888; For media enquiries- Email: pressroom@pmo.gov.to Website: www.pmo.gov.to