UN Secretary-General to Address Climate Change at Pacific Leaders’ Summit in Tonga

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Tonga this week, where climate change will be a primary focus. The summit, which gathers leaders from the 18-member regional bloc, aims to address pressing issues such as rising sea levels and temperature changes that threaten the Pacific region. Guterres emphasized the urgency of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, highlighting the extreme weather events faced by Pacific nations. The meeting will also tackle the situation in New Caledonia, which has experienced unrest over proposed changes to voting rights. The Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown noted the complexities of New Caledonia's dual status as both a PIF member and a French territory, which complicates regional discussions. Leaders from Australia and New Zealand, the forum's largest economies, will join the summit amid increasing geopolitical tensions and competition for influence in the Pacific. As China expands its presence in the region, the United States has ramped up its engagement, leading to a series of ministerial visits and new initiatives. Pacific leaders are expected to advocate for recognition of their priorities, including the Pacific Resilience Facility, which aims to support communities often overlooked by international donors. Drug trafficking and its impact on local youth will also be discussed, with calls for greater collaboration to address the issue. The summit represents a critical opportunity for Pacific leaders to assert their concerns about climate change, security, and sovereignty, as they seek to navigate the complexities of regional and global dynamics.