Crown Prince Emphasizes the Value of Tonga’s People at Development Summit

HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala stressed the importance of Tonga’s people for national development during the National Development Summit 2025. The summit gathered over 200 participants to discuss strategies for the future, addressing the significance of access to education and healthcare. Challenges such as natural disasters were acknowledged, with a strong emphasis on collaboration for resilience. The event continues to engage community stakeholders in formulating effective development plans for the next decade.

At the recently convened National Development Summit 2025 in Tonga, HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala emphasized that the nation’s greatest asset is its people. He stated that the future hinges on improving access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for all citizens.

The summit, which took place at the Fa’onelua Convention Center in Nuku’alofa and was broadcasted live, attracted over 200 attendees. Participants included representatives from across Tonga who evaluated the progress made from 2015 to 2025 under the Tonga Strategic Development Framework (TSDF) II and designed strategies for the next development phase, TSDF III (2026-2036).

During his address, the Crown Prince highlighted the importance of collaboration and proactive leadership in fostering resilience among the populace. He asserted, “The people are our nation’s most valuable asset for development,” aiming to harness their potential to implement effective strategies for national growth.

He acknowledged the challenges Tonga faces, including natural disasters and crises such as hurricanes, COVID-19, and volcanic eruptions. Despite these issues, he lauded the resilience of Tongans, noting that their unity is crucial for overcoming adversity.

The Crown Prince called for a renewed commitment to ensuring equitable access to essential services for all Tongans, including women, youth, and individuals with disabilities. He underscored the necessity for community engagement and the support of skills development.

The Prime Minister Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke and other key stakeholders joined the summit’s discussions to reflect on past achievements, shared lessons, and strategies for future national development. The summit continues for four days, focusing on primary issues such as Economic Development, Infrastructure, Technology, Education, and the cultural aspects of development in Tonga.

The National Development Summit 2025 highlights the pivotal role of Tonga’s people in national development. Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala’s call for equitable access to education, healthcare, and employment underscores the need to empower communities for robust growth. The summit serves as a platform for dialogue among various stakeholders to formulate strategies that ensure the well-being and resilience of Tonga’s population moving towards 2036.

Original Source: matangitonga.to