Tonga will dedicate a week to host the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting from 26 – 30 August, chaired by Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni with the emphasis on going beyond policy deliberation to more action– to achieve transformation by building better now.
The theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifika: Build Better Now,” (Lakai ha Pasifiki Tu’uloa: Langa ke Tu’utai) reflects the government’s aspiration as skipper of PIF’s vaka.
The official programme to-date, since the formal launch back in April, includes a range of activities designed for leaders to discuss challenges, collaborate on solutions, and advance shared goals for the Blue Pacific Continent. Resilience is central to the discussions that Tonga is driving as a host country, aligning with the seven thematic areas of the Pacific Islands 2050 Strategy.
The meeting will start with the arrival of leaders and forum members on Saturday, 24 August, followed by the Annual Royal Agriculture and Fisheries Show and a meet-and-greet dinner with the diaspora.
Paula Ma’u, Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, told Radio & Television Tonga last week that all Forum leaders will stay at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel. On Sunday, 25 August, leaders will attend church service and enjoy a late afternoon tea.
The formal proceedings start on Monday, 26 August, with the official opening ceremony at the new Tonga High School Indoor Stadium. The day will include meetings for PACP and Smaller Island States (SIS) leaders, as well as sub-regional discussions. A reception and dinner will close the first day held on the new Tonga High School rugby field.
Tuesday, 27 August, features dialogues with António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, CSOs, and the private sector, followed by discussions with Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) heads and observers.
Wednesday, 28 August, will see a plenary session, national statements, and further dialogues with development partners.
On Thursday, 29 August, leaders will travel to Vava’u for a one-day retreat meeting, and on Friday, 30 August, the programme includes a boat cruise and the closing ceremony.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku, as Forum Chairperson, is expected to announce the outcomes from the Vava’u retreat to all stakeholders followed by a press conference. Leaders will depart Tonga on Saturday, 31 August, after a prayer breakfast.
At the moment, the government is making last minute preparations, most notably the housing and meeting centre, to cater for the week-long event, which expects over a thousand guests arriving in Tonga.
Secretary Ma’u said that the one hundred and fifty container houses being installed at four locations in Nuku’alofa will shelter 300 guests while the rest will be distributed amongst private hotels and homes.
