At the National Development Summit 2025, Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala highlighted the Tongan people as the nation’s most valuable asset for future development. He stressed the need to address educational, healthcare, and livelihood needs. The summit involves over 200 participants focusing on strategic development, particularly TSDF III for 2026-2036, emphasizing resilience and community empowerment.
At the inaugural National Development Summit 2025 in Nuku’alofa, HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala emphasized that the Tongan populace serves as the nation’s most significant asset for future development. He articulated the importance of addressing citizens’ fundamental needs, highlighting access to quality education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Over 200 participants convened to assess national development progress from 2015 to 2025, contributing to strategies aimed at TSDF III for the upcoming decade.
The Crown Prince underscored the theme of the summit, “A resilient Tonga through transformative action, safeguarding our heritage,” which advocates for collaboration and proactive leadership. He described the inherent value of the Tongan people, noting their intellectual capacity and resilience in the face of adversities such as natural disasters and crises, including hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Crown Prince urged for renewed focus on community engagement and empowerment for all Tongans, particularly women, youth, and individuals with disabilities. He asserted that national development should adopt a people-centered approach within the framework of TSDF III, which spans 2026 to 2036, to prioritize the well-being of Tongan society.
The summit, attended by key figures, including Prime Minister Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Eke, aims to foster dialogues on strategies for national advancement. The four-day event is being broadcast live, facilitating public engagement through feedback via social media and phone calls.
The Prime Minister commenced discussions on the achievements of the past decade, while future sessions are set to cover pertinent topics such as Economic Resilience, Climate Change, Infrastructure, Technology, and Education Development, ensuring a comprehensive dialogue on Tonga’s path forward.
In summary, the National Development Summit 2025 served as a vital platform for addressing the developmental needs of Tonga, with a strong emphasis on the significance of its people as the cornerstone for future growth. The discussions highlighted the nation’s resilience and the collective responsibility to empower communities, reinforcing the importance of education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities in achieving sustainable development. Through collaborative efforts, the summit aims to chart a proactive course for Tonga in the coming decade, ensuring that the well-being of its citizens remains a priority.
Original Source: matangitonga.to
