Australia-Tonga Partnership Set to Boost Resilience and Sustainable Development

15 Dec Australia-Tonga Partnership Set to Boost Resilience and Sustainable Development

August 29, 2024 – The Government of Australia MORDI Tonga Trust have officially launched the Tonga Australia Resilient Partnership, a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two nations. The partnership aims to strengthen Tonga’s resilience to climate change, natural disasters, and socio-economic challenges by supporting sustainable development initiatives across the island nation.

The Honorable Pat Conroy, Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, graced the event as the guest of honor. Other guests included Australian High Commissioner HE Beck Batley Australian Ambassador for Climate Change Kristin Tilley, MEIDECC Minister Hon. Fekita ‘Utoikamanu, Minister of Internal Affairs Hon. Lord Vaea, Ministry of Finance CEO Kilistina Tuaimei’api, MAFF CEO Viliami Manu. In his address, Minister Conroy emphasized the shared commitment between Australia and Tonga to fostering a future where communities are better equipped to face the evolving challenges posed by climate change and other external pressures.

“I’m delighted to announce today that the Tonga Australia resilient Communities program and Australia’s commitment of Tonga pa’anga 15 million or Australian 9.5 million dollars for the new program. ,” said Minister Conroy. “The program will provide grants to all communities across Tonga to implement their priorities identified in community development programs.”

The partnership, formalized under the auspices of the Tonga Australia Resilient Partnership, will be implemented by MORDI Tonga Trust, a leading community development organization known for its work in supporting rural and remote communities. The Trust will oversee the rollout of various projects aimed at enhancing local capacity, improving infrastructure, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

“ […]it’s been important coming together as a Pacific family to discuss important issues and work on our shared priorities like climate change regional security and economic prosperity and here we are in a place that embodies all three of those priorities action on climate change shared regional security and prosperity ” Minister Conroy added. “Australian deeply values our relationship with Tonga and it’s one that strengthened by our community cultural church and sporting links and endures throughout development partnerships and I’m so pleased to come to MORDI today to see the development [and] cooperation in action,.”

This partnership underscores Australia’s commitment to the Pacific region, with a focus on fostering resilience, promoting economic growth, and supporting sustainable development. The collaborative effort will prioritize initiatives in key areas such as climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive community development, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind.

Welcoming the guests, Dr. Vili Fuavao, a Board Member of MORDI Tonga Trust, highlighted the enduring partnership between Australia and Tonga, stating, “Our relationship has been a cornerstone of our shared progress for many years. The Australian government’s unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in our collective efforts to uplift and, more importantly, to empower Tonga’s rural communities.”

The launch of the Tonga Australia Resilient Partnership marks a significant step forward in the shared journey of Australia and Tonga towards a more resilient and prosperous future.