By Pita Ligaiula in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Tonga’s Prime Minister, Dr ‘Aisake Eke, says the signing of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) treaty in Honiara will be remembered as a turning point in the region’s fight against climate change.
“History will remember that we, on this 10th day of September 2025, have signed the Agreement to establish the Pacific Resilience Facility at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting here in Honiara,” Dr Eke said.
He confirmed that 15 Forum members signed the treaty, with Tonga and another member Nauru depositing instruments of ratification.
“I sincerely thank all our Forum Leaders for this unprecedented level of commitment to demonstrate the power of our political will and our heart for our people,” he said.
Dr Eke said the agreement shows the Pacific’s unity.
This reflects the strength of our unity and collective action through Iumi Tugeda, Act Now. Our shared commitment today empowers this institution and gives life to our words,” he said.
He stressed that the PRF represents a shift in climate finance.
“We are manifesting our shared vision to establish the PRF as a new innovative way of doing business in climate financing, signalling that climate equity and justice is a right, and that the time for tired narratives is gone and the time for action is now,” he said.
The Tongan leader said the region could not wait.
“Based on all our lived experiences with our extreme vulnerabilities to natural hazards like cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods, the Pacific does not have the luxury of time as climate change threatens the livelihoods and very existence of our people and communities,” he said.
Dr Eke said the next challenge is to meet the facility’s capitalisation target.
“We must also recognise the significant responsibility ahead to meet the capitalisation target of US$500 million by the end of 2026. This Agreement and the Capitalisation Memorandum will be key instruments in driving our advocacy efforts toward that goal,” he said.
Looking ahead, he said the PRF’s next milestone will be in Palau.
“We look ahead to the 55th Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in 2026 as the platform to launch the inaugural call for pilot project proposals,” he said.
Dr Eke reaffirmed Tonga’s role as host of PRF.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Tonga, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders for entrusting Tonga with the honour of hosting the PRF. We are committed to ensuring the PRF delivers effectively on its mandate for the benefit of the Blue Pacific,” he said.
