Readout of the Secretary-General's meeting with H.E. Lord Tu'ivakano, Prime Minister of Tonga
Readouts | Ban Ki-moon, Former Secretary-General
The Secretary-General met with Lord Tu''ivakano, Prime Minister of Tonga, on Tuesday. They discussed ways to further strengthen UN-Tonga cooperation as well as UN-Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) cooperation. The Secretary-General stated that the Pacific Island Forum Summit provides a good opportunity to discuss mutual concerns and greater cooperation.
The Secretary-General outlined to the Prime Minister his priorities for his second term, noting the special importance of sustainable development.
They discussed climate change and the central importance of sustainable energy for achieving development and climate goals. The Secretary-General noted he had just visited the Solomon Islands and Kiribati, and that this had underscored his conviction that climate change was an existential threat that required urgent action. He would speak out loudly at the Forum and at other venues in the coming months
The Secretary-General also underscored the importance of women's empowerment. The two sides exchanged views on challenges facing the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, including maritime security.