Adverse climate changes, sea level rising and extreme weather patterns are causes of great concern for the Pacific community. IMO has joined more than 100 high-level delegates and experts in Nuku’alofa, Tonga (26 April) for the Third Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministerial Meeting, under the theme of "Affordable, Reliable and Sustainable Energy and Transport Services for All".

Energy and transport sectors are vital at national, regional and global levels for the survival and sustainability of the Pacific region. IMO’s Juvenal Shiundu delivered an opening address and outlined the technical assistance provided by IMO to assist member States to implement IMO regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas from maritime transport sectors. He also acknowledged the long-standing cooperation between IMO and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in the implementation of technical cooperation activities in the region.

Mr. Shiundu also touched upon maritime transport in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.