Prime Minister Takes Charge as Pacific Islands Forum Chair
The Prime Minister of Tonga and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke, wasted no time stepping into his leadership role, meeting with PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa in Tonga on 24 January 2025. The high-level briefing provided by the Forum Secretariat highlighted the region’s pressing priorities leading up to the 54th PIF Leaders Meeting in September, which will be hosted in Solomon Islands.
The briefing covered significant regional and international developments, including the Review of the Regional Architecture, the Pacific Resilience Facility, the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development, and preparations for the High-Level Talanoa on Deep Sea Minerals in February 2025 in Suva, Fiji.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Eke expressed his dedication to Tonga’s leadership role in advancing regional priorities, stating:
“I am committed to continuing Tonga’s leadership role in the region and I look forward to working with colleague Leaders to advance the regional priorities of the Pacific Islands Forum. Recognising the importance of the work programme before us as the Forum, I am grateful that the Secretariat General was able to facilitate a comprehensive briefing on the expectations of Tonga and the deliverables this year, as the region works towards the Leaders Meeting in Honiara in September.”
The Prime Minister’s active engagement so early in his tenure as Forum Chair demonstrates his commitment to ensuring the region’s challenges and opportunities are tackled head-on. This includes chairing pivotal ministerial meetings in 2025, such as the Special Forum Economic Ministers Meeting, Forum Trade Ministers Meeting, and Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.
Secretary General Waqa commended the Prime Minister’s leadership:
“I am heartened by the support and commitment of the Forum Chair. He brings with him deep insights and views on regional priorities, especially as they relate to political and economic development and regional system efficiencies. I look forward to supporting him and Forum Leaders over the coming months.”
A notable aspect of Tonga’s leadership will be its hosting of the Pacific-led and Pacific-owned Pacific Resilience Facility, a groundbreaking initiative to fund climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness, and community resilience projects across the region.
The Prime Minister’s proactive start to his role as PIF Chair underscores Tonga’s readiness to lead and collaborate with Pacific nations to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2025.
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