Opening statement by the Chair of CRGA 55, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu, Mr Pasuna Tuaga
14 October 2025, Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Heads of delegation, Senior Officials, Permanent Observer, Partners, Secretariat staff, ladies and gentlemen, Warm Pacific greetings.
I join the Director-General, Dr Stuart Minchin, in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Tonga for your warm hospitality. It is a privilege for us to gather here in Nuku‘alofa and experience the generosity and hospitality that Tonga is known for.
I also acknowledge the outgoing Chair of CRGA - Tokelau for its leadership. Thank you for guiding us through the past year.
Tuvalu is deeply honoured to chair the 55th Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations. This week, we meet as one Pacific family to reflect on our shared journey and commitment to a resilient and thriving Blue Pacific. As a region, our strength is in our unity.
For 78 years, the Pacific Community has been a pillar of regional cooperation — providing trusted scientific and technical support to advance our priorities and support our needs. This legacy continues to strengthen our collective resolve.
We gather at a critical time. Climate impacts, economic fragility, and shifting global dynamics remind us of that business as usual is not an option. We must continue to be bold, collaborative, and innovative in shaping solutions that improve the lives of our people.
As we move forward, let us be guided by the principle of unity through diversity — respecting the unique priorities of each member while standing together as one Blue Pacific Continent.
I also take this opportunity to acknowledge Dr Stuart Minchin for his leadership and vision during his tenure as Director-General. This being his final CRGA as Director-General, and on behalf of the membership I acknowledge his service, dedication and stelar leadership during some of the most challenging times for the region and the organisation.
To the SPC staff, we thank you for your service and continued commitment in the works that you do.
Distinguished delegates, we have important discussions ahead with a busy week ahead of us. However, outside this room, I encourage you to connect and strengthen the bonds that define us as a Pacific family.
Let us conduct our work in the spirit of SPC’s values — unity, care, stewardship and generosity.
With that, I warmly welcome you all and declare the 55th Meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations officially open.
