UN Secretary General António Guterres will be attending the Pacific leaders’ summit this week in Tonga, with a focus on climate change, a pressing issue in the region due to rising sea levels and temperature changes. The Pacific Islands Forum is set to begin on Monday, with discussions on key issues such as a regional policing initiative promoted by Australia and the future of New Caledonia.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, along with leaders from the 18-member regional bloc, will also be in attendance. Guterres emphasized the urgent need to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius to protect the Pacific region, which contributes minimally to global emissions but is disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change.
The summit will also address the recent deadly violence in New Caledonia over voting rights expansion. The geopolitical tensions in the region, including competition for influence between the US and China, will also be a key topic of discussion. While Pif members agree on many priorities, maintaining regional solidarity can be challenging, as seen in the divide on deep-sea mining issues.
With increasing interest in the Pacific region from major global powers, including China and the US, Pacific leadership is seeking more financial support for climate and disaster initiatives. The summit in Tonga will be crucial in addressing these pressing issues and fostering unity among the region’s leaders.
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