Tonga’s Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke, used his address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly last week to highlight Tonga’s constitutional legacy, call for urgent global climate action, and press for reforms to strengthen multilateralism and Pacific representation in the UN system.
“As I stand before you in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, I am pleased to share that Tonga will soon celebrate the 150th anniversary of our Constitution on 4th November 2025,” Dr Eke told the Assembly.
“Constitution Day is a profound reminder of our sovereignty, unity, and enduring independence.”
The Tongan Prime minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the UN Charter, describing it as a “beacon for multilateralism” that remains vital for addressing today’s crises.
He stressed that reform of the United Nations must ensure that Pacific priorities are reflected.
“If the UN is to deliver for our people, it must deliver with us, through us, and in alignment with the principles our Leaders have endorsed,” Dr Eke said.
He emphasised the need to ease reporting burdens for small island states, secure fair financing, and increase Pacific representation in decision-making bodies.
On climate change, Dr Eke was blunt.
“For Tonga, this is not a remote threat but an unfolding reality that threatens to erase decades of development gains and imperils the very existence of our islands.”
He voiced Tonga’s support for Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 with the Pacific, calling it “a unique opportunity to bring the voices of Small Island Developing States to the forefront of the global climate agenda.”
He welcomed the recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice(ICJ), describing it as “more than a legal milestone—it is a moral victory that amplifies the voices of the world’s most vulnerable.”
The opinion, he said, strengthens calls for urgent emissions cuts, adaptation, and finance for loss and damage.
Dr Eke highlighted Tonga’s role as recent Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, which he said helped unify the region in global negotiations.
He stressed Tonga’s leadership in the Pacific Resilience Facility(PRF), the region’s first locally led climate finance mechanism, urging development partners to support “our Pacific-led solution.”
“Tonga acknowledges with gratitude the commitments and contributions already extended by our development partners and friends of the Pacific.
“We continue to urge global partners to support our Pacific-led solution, the PRF, designed to bridge the financing gap for smaller, high-impact adaptation projects. In doing so, we not only strengthen resilience in the Pacific but also demonstrate how regionally owned solutions can advance global climate and sustainable development goals,” said Dr Eke.
On ocean governance, he reaffirmed Tonga’s commitments under the Nice Ocean Action Plan and highlighted the adoption of the Ocean of Peace Declaration.
“The ocean must not only be protected—it must be honoured as a foundation of our security, of our economies, our way of life – our legacy of resilience,” he said.
Turning to domestic challenges, Dr Eke outlined Tonga’s work to strengthen protections for children in the digital age, tackle the scourge of drugs, and combat non-communicable diseases.
Dr Eke also noted efforts to harness trade, sports, and the contributions of Tonga’s diaspora to drive development and unity.
He urged global leaders to pursue peace, justice, and sustainable development with humility and solidarity.
“Our common challenges are greater than any one nation,” he said. “With faith, solidarity, and collective action, we can rise above and beyond—turning trials into pathways for hope,” said the Tongan PM.
