As finance ministers and central bank governors gather in Washington D.C. for the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, Tonga’s Prime Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr Aisake Valu Eke, is leading his nation’s delegation in what may be his final mission in the finance portfolio ahead of next month’s general election.

The Annual Meetings, held from 13 to 18 October, bring together finance ministers, central bank governors and policymakers from around the world to discuss economic challenges and development priorities. For small island states such as Tonga, the gathering provides an important platform to secure fairer access to funding and advocate for reforms that recognise their vulnerability to external shocks and climate risks.

Dr Eke and his team are meeting with the World Bank, the IMF and development partners to strengthen Tonga’s position on key issues including climate resilience, economic stability and sustainable growth. A central part of his discussions has been urging the World Bank to use the Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) as a fairer way to determine eligibility for financial assistance, rather than relying solely on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which does not reflect the fragility of Small Island Developing States.

Throughout the week, the Prime Minister has held talks with senior World Bank and IMF officials, championing initiatives such as the Pacific Resilience Facility and the Pacific Insurance and Climate Risk Initiative. Both programmes are designed to improve financial preparedness against natural disasters and support long-term resilience across the Pacific.