Pacific CSO ‘hustle to a new level’at the global level

New York———Pacific CSO at the High Level Political Forum in New York congratulate the strong sense of ownership and collaborative nature with which the Tongan VNR report was produced.

However, there is a need to improve on the participatory involvement of civil society and strengthen partnerships between CSO and Government.

Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) board chairman Sitiveni Kunaika intervene the session calling on the Government of Tonga to commit to supporting the CSO umbrella (Civil Society Forum of Tonga) around the implementation of SDGs.

“In particular, we would like to see a coordinated mechanism for funding CSO engagement in the national SDG framework, what plans do you have to ensure civil society continue to be systematically engaged once you return home,” Mr Kunaika asked the leaders of Tonga in front of thousands of delegations.

He said Tonga has prioritized social protection and human rights with a focus on vulnerable groups which is commendable, however, they note that Tonga has not ratified the Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

Mr Kunaika applaud the Government work to continues to implement necessary measures to conserve and ensure sustainable use of marine and land resources.

He concluded seeking answers from the Tongan government on what measures have the taken to guard against the exploitation from seabed mining.

Ends