Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has arrived in Tonga for the highly anticipated 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53), set to take place from 26 August to 30 August 2024. 

This prestigious regional summit which convenes annually is a platform for Pacific leaders to tackle critical issues and forge a unified path toward a more resilient and prosperous Blue Pacific.

Tonga's Prime Minister Ku'akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni is hosting and chairing this year’s forum. 

In his welcoming address, Prime Minister Sovaleni expressed his delight in hosting the leaders in the Kingdom of Tonga, famously known as the "Friendly Islands." 

He extended a warm 'Malo e lelei' to all Pacific leaders, their delegations, Forum Dialogue partners, and friends of the Pacific, emphasizing the importance of this year’s gathering in shaping the region's future. “We are honoured to welcome you to our shores and our meeting place here in Tonga, the crown jewels of the Pacific,” Sovaleni stated.

The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting aims to address pressing regional challenges and advance collective strategies aligned with the vision of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. 

This vision focuses on fostering peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity, ensuring that all Pacific peoples can lead fulfilling, healthy lives. The forum will engage leaders in discussions to formulate policies and initiatives that promote these objectives and reinforce regional cooperation.

The official opening of PIFLM53 will take place on August 26 at 9:00 am at the newly constructed Tonga High School Indoor Stadium. 

This state-of-the-art facility, a significant China-aid project, cost approximately TOP$62 million and spans 4,311 square meters. 

The Indoor Stadium, situated near Tonga High School and the Queen Salote Memorial Hall, is a testament to Tonga's commitment to hosting international events and fostering regional collaboration. 

Last week, HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala unveiled a commemorative plaque at the stadium, marking its completion.

The forum’s schedule includes a range of activities designed to foster camaraderie and cultural exchange. 

On Sunday, leaders, their spouses, and delegates attended a church service at the FWC-Centenary Church, followed by a lunch at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall. In the evening, a traditional choral night, known as Po Hiva, will be held at the Falemasiva Hall, Tailulu College.

Further developments around the Tonga High School Sports Complex are expected to enhance the venue's utility. By the end of the year, additional facilities will include an outdoor rugby field, two outdoor tennis courts, four netball courts, and a renovated basketball court.

The presence of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who arrived in Tonga on a special Royal New Zealand Air Force flight alongside the Pacific leaders, underscores the significance of this year’s forum. 

Tonga’s red-carpet welcome highlights the nation’s hospitality and readiness to facilitate meaningful dialogues among the Pacific’s key stakeholders.