THE Speaker of the Legislative Assembly today warmly welcomed a high-level delegation from Members of the United States Congress who are visiting the Kingdom on a UN Foundation Congressional Learning Trip to the Pacific including Tonga.
The delegation was led by Congressman Ami Bera (Sacramento County in the U.S House of Representatives, Congressman Ed Case (Oahu, Hawaii), Congressman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (first black woman to represent Florida’s 20th congressional district), Representative Sara Jacobs (Representative of California), Representative Ted Lieu of California (in his 5th term in Parliament) and Representative Donald Norcross.
They were here as part of a mission to see the UN’s work in person and ask questions about a wide range of initiatives. Also, to explore an emerging issue on how the UN work on Small Islands Development States navigate emerging challenges, particularly climate change’s impact on nutrition and health.
The UN Foundation is a charity that links the UN works with others around the world, mobilising the energy and expertise of policymakers, businesses, and NGOs to help the UN tackle global challenges.
Part of their core mission is to regularly organise privately funded learning trips that allow US Members of Congress and their staff the opportunity to see the UN’s work in person and ask questions about a wide range of on initiatives.
Issues discussed during the high-level meeting at the Parliament’s chamber was on wider economic and social initiatives with the low representation of women in the Tongan politics among other important subject matter.
Members of Parliament for Tongatapu constituency 1 ,2 and 10 Hon. Tevita Puloka, Hon. Dr. ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi and Hon. Kapelieli Lanumata were also present to welcome their counterparts and visitors from the United States.
Upon arrival at Fua’amotu airport, they were greeted upon arrival at Fua’amotu airport by Members of the Legislative Assembly including the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola, Tongatapu 1 MP. Hon. Tevita Puloka and Hon. ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi
Lisa Carty, Ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council was also in this tour. They met with the Acting Prime Minister Hon. Samiu Vaipulu and Cabinet Ministers.
Technical briefing on the recent Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai Volcanic eruption was also provided for the visitors.
They also visited the displaced community of ‘Atata, MORDI, Tonga Side School and Vaiola Hospital before touring Parliament this evening.