Secretariat support for Tonga
Human rights
In September 2018, a Secretariat workshop helped people working in human rights in Tonga to improve their skills to talk with government. The workshop also helped participants improve monitoring and reporting on human rights issues.
At a working session in April 2019, the Secretariat helped Tonga to report on human rights in the country under the United Nation’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. One expert and 15 members of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly and its staff took part.
Youth
The Secretariat is helping young Tongan leaders to become involved in politics and development processes. It has also helped Tonga include young people in tackling unemployment and inequality in the region.
Climate change
The Secretariat supports Tonga to deliver climate action by building its capacity to access international climate finance through the Climate Finance Access Hub and supporting the development of robust climate policies.
Sustainable development
In June 2019, a Commonwealth forum helped Tonga build its knowledge on sustainable energy. The Commonwealth also gave advice to Tonga on managing and benefiting from its natural resources, for example, seabed minerals.
Trade
The Commonwealth’s Geneva office helped Tonga build skills in international trade negotiations.
Blue Charter
Tonga is a member of the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance and Marine Protected Areas Action Groups.
Connectivity Agenda
Tonga is a member of the Supply Side Connectivity cluster of the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda. The Connectivity Agenda is a platform for countries to exchange best practices and experiences to trade and investment and undertake domestic reform.
