“National Development Summit for Tonga’s Strategic Development Framework 2026-2036”

Nuku’alofa, Tonga – 18 March 2025: The Government of Tonga is convening a 4-day national consultation, known as the National Development Summit 2025 (NDS), that begins today, Tuesday 18th March and ends on Friday 21st March at the Fa’onelua Conventon Centre. This summit is for the people of Tonga to contribute to a dialogue (better known in Tongan as “talanoa”) on the nation’s development progress in the past decade (2015-2025) of the Tonga Strategic Development Framework (TSDF) II and to support the development of forward-looking strategies for TSDF III (2026-2036).

The NDS is envisaged to facilitate ‘talanoa’ with participants from across a wide spectrum of Tonga’s diverse people and communities. The summit’s theme, “A Resilient Tonga through Transformative Action: Safeguarding Our Heritage”, underscores the importance of preserving Tonga’s cultural identity while advancing social, economic, and environmental well-being. This pivotal event is an opportunity for the people of Tonga to play an active role in shaping the framework that will guide the nation’s plans for the future decade.

The TSDF III (2026–2036), takes a people-centred approach to national development, prioritizing the well-being of the Tongan people at its core. The TSDF III aims to strengthen a shared vision for Tonga’s sustainable development and reaffirm a collective commitment to working together for progress for all. The NDS will foster collaboration between key stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector enterprises, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, community leaders, development partners, and regional and international institutions.

Participants representing a broad range of stakeholders have been invited to contribute to the dialogue. Attendees will include government officials, Members of Parliament, non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society leaders, business representatives, and community voices. Registration for the 4-days is open to the public via https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfQevz0NBuIEX…/viewform

The NDS will be live-streamed and available on the PM Press Facebook page. Viewers can submit feedback, comments, and/or questions via the PM Press Messenger. Those from the outer islands can call 26018 with any questions for all the sessions.

Media enquiries should be directed to:

Dr Mele Paea

Email: mpaea@pmo.gov.to

Telephone number: (676) – 740135, Prime Minister’s Office – National Planning Division

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