Commissioner Urpilainen travels to Tonga to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and strengthen the EU-Pacific partnership

From 26 August until Wednesday (28 August), International Partnerships Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen (pictured) will be in Tonga, representing the EU at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting to discuss the way forward of the Pacific Protocol of the Samoa Agreement, which provides a framework for the EU's partnership with 79 countries of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS). The Protocol will strengthen cooperation on the ground, helping to promote a sustainable ocean-based economy, and enhance environmental protection and climate resilience in the region.

The commissioner will hold bilateral meetings with high-level representatives of partner countries, as well as other development partners, to discuss cooperation priorities and how the Global Gateway investment strategy can boost sustainable growth in the region. In the context of the visit, she is expected to make several announcements, in support of a resilient and sustainable future for local populations.

The commissioner will also visit the EU-funded Climate and WASH Resilience Community Project, which seeks to identify and support vulnerable households in better preparing for and responding to climate risks. The Commissioner will equally engage with the youth and civil society.

EbS will provide photo coverage.

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