“Tonga joins Pacific Islands Forum countries in signing the PRF Treaty”

GOVERNMENT OF TONGA
MEDIA RELEASE
(11th September, 2025)

Honiara, 10 September, 2025:-History was made in Honiara on the 10 September 2025, at the margin of the
54th Pacific Islands Forum Meetings, as fifteen (15) Forum Member countries signed the Agreement to
Establish the Pacific Resilience Facility.
“We are manifesting our shared vision [as a region] to establish the PRF as a new innovative way of doing
business in climate financing, signalling that climate equity and justice is a right, and that the time for tired
narratives is gone and the time for action is NOW, ” said the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon ‘Aisake Valu Eke,
who delivered the Closing Remarks on behalf of the Government of Tonga, as Host of the Pacific Resilience
Facility.
“Our global climate leadership is moving to the next level, to create our own international financial institution,
and we can do it, in our own Pacific Way,” said Prime Minister Eke.
“Based on all our lived experiences with our extreme vulnerabilities to natural hazards like cyclones,
earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods, the Pacific does not have the luxury of time as climate change threatens the
livelihoods and very existence of our people and communities,” he further added.
“As we celebrate the legal establishment of the PRF, we must also recognise the significant responsibility ahead
to meet the capitalisation target of US$500 million by the end of 2026. This Agreement and the Capitalisation
Memorandum will be key instruments in driving our advocacy efforts toward that goal. With our shared Pacific
values and strong political will, I am confident we can achieve this together—ensuring no one is left behind,”
Tonga’s Prime Minister also reaffirmed Tonga’s support to the Forum Chair, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele
of the Solomon Islands and to the Forum Troika Leaders meeting to ensure that members fully capitalise the
PRF.
“We look ahead to the 55th Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in 2026 as the platform to launch the inaugural
call for pilot project proposals,” said Tonga’s Prime Minister.
“I take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our Forum Leaders for this unprecedented level of commitment to
demonstrate the power of our political will and our heart for our people. This reflects the strength of our unity
and collective action through Iumi Tugeda, Act Now. Our shared commitment today empowers this institution
and gives life to our words,” remarked Prime Minister Eke.
Prime Minister Eke also extended the sincere appreciation of His Majesty’s Government to the Pacific Islands
Forum Leaders for entrusting Tonga with the honour of hosting the PRF.
” We are committed to ensuring the PRF delivers effectively on its mandate for the benefit of the Blue Pacific,”
he concluded.
Issued by the: The Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tel: (676) 7401351 Fax: (676)
23 888; For media enquiries- Email: pmopressroom@gmail.com Website: www.pmo.gov.to
Following the signing ceremony, as Host of the Pacific Resilience Facility, Hon Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Valu
Eke, deposited Tonga’s instrument of ratification.
For the Treaty to enter into force, at least eight (8) ratification instruments (Tonga plus seven
Members) must be deposited with the PIF Secretary General.
The aim is for the Treaty to enter into force is by the end of March 2026, to allow the PRF Council to be
convened and the first call for project proposals to be launched before the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau in
2026.
-ENDS-

Issued by the: The Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tel: (676) 7401351 Fax: (676)
23 888; For media enquiries- Email: pmopressroom@gmail.com Website: www.pmo.gov.to