Inception Workshop marks the start of Engagement for Tonga’s Private Sector with the Green Climate Fund
Attendees from the Private Sector alongside the GCF stakeholders in Tonga take a moment to smile simultaneously
The Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc- TCCI as the Executing Agency to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) held an Inception Workshop on Tuesday 5th Oct at the Davina House.
This event was the formal launch for the Private Sector Readiness Program, themed “Enabling Private Sector Access to Climate Finance to Strengthen Climate Resilience Development in Tonga”.
Ms Malini Teulilo - Program Development Officer - PMU, welcoming participants as they register 
This was the 1st step of the Project Management Unit’s (PMU) quest to share information with Tonga’s Private sector and how high-quality concept proposals should be prepared to access the Green Climate fund.
The day began with Pastor Khevin Villanueva from the Church of Christ who reminded the participants that caring for the earth was indeed advice that is even scripted in the bible. 
The line up also included Mr Paula Taumoepeau – President of the TCCI who officialised the workshop and encouraged engagement with the GCF, openly inviting businesses that may not be members of TCCI to still take an interest in the opportunities this may bring to them. 
Mr. Sam Vea – Vice President of TCCI brought the issue closer to home reminding attendees that “Climate change has affected many businesses in Tonga, however,   the private sector has limited knowledge about the GCF, and its engagement in climate change actions within Tonga is minimal. Given the climate change challenges facing Tonga, this readiness intervention is designed to build awareness and strengthen the private sector’s capacity to engage with the GCF”.
The day in Pictures
Miss Leta Kami-, CEO - TDB, Mr Paula Taumoepeau, Mr Sam Vea & Ms. Elizabeth Akauola - MEIDECC
The participants were presented with an overall insight of the program by the Program Manager, Ms. Carrie Vaea including:
  • Project Management Unit set up
  • Roles and responsibilities of the involving agencies
  • Background of the Green Climate Fund
  • Linkages of the GCF towards the government existing frameworks, policies and plans
  • National priorities as stipulated in the Tonga GCF Country Program
  • Activities outline to be implemented by the PMU
  • Reporting channel and the
  • breakdown of the application and approval process
It is important to remember that these actions will need to be tailored to the needs of the private sector and aim to reduce vulnerabilities while increasing the resilience to the negative impacts of climate change. The project outcomes and outputs were also further clarified in detail during the workshop and how it links to achieve the overall targets of the Paris Agreement and the government strategic frameworks.
 
 A comprehensive presentation delivered by the National Project Coordinator for GCF, Miss Elizabeth Akauola covered the National Designated Authority (MEIDECC) overarching role in compliance with the GFC guidelines. 
Ms. Carrie Vaea & Ms. Elizabeth Akauola giving an overview about the application & Approval process
​Ms. Carrie Vaea  the Program Manager for the PMU
One of the programs that runs out of Tonga Chamber of Commerce, Business Link Pacific, a private sector development program that was initiated and funded by the Government of New Zealand and supported by Australian DFAT were also familiarized with the participants. BLP Business Service Manager, Ms. Sonia Lea had an opportunity to provide a presentation about the services and support that BLP offers the Small Medium Enterprises (SME) in Tonga.