Tonga is represented at the Pacific Regional Tripartite Employment Conference 2025 and celebration of the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s 50^th Anniversary in the Pacific in Nadi this week.  Tonga’s national tripartite delegation was led by the Hon. Kapelieli Lanumata, Minister for Trade and Economic Development.  The four-day event was officially opened by the Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji.

In his opening address, the Hon. Prime Minister spoke of the Ocean of Peace that must be anchored in decent work for all Pacific peoples. He highlighted that key areas of employment security as national security, climate-resilient livelihoods, regional labour mobility that strengthens all and innovation rooted in Pacific values.

The conference honoured the ILO’s 50 years in the region, supporting member countries labour law reforms, advancing decent work including social protection, and strengthening skills and trainings.

While in Nadi for the conference, the Hon. Minister Lanumata and his tripartite delegation met with the new Assistant Director General for the ILO and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kaori Nakamura Osaka, and discussed Tonga’s priority needs, including continuous assistance to finalize and implement its national employment policy, national apprenticeship policy and reintegration strategy framework for migrant workers.  The delegation also discussed possible ILO presence in Tonga to support tripartite constituents and social dialogue.

The Hon. Minister Lanumata and government officials including the Deputy CEO for Labour – Ms. Kolotia Fotu, Principal Labour Officer – Sione Faleafa, and Senior Labour Officer – Tanginitopa Tu’ifua, had a bilateral meeting with the Hon Agni Deo Signh, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations of Fiji, and his senior officials, to discuss closer collaborations on strengthening workplace standards and protect migrant workers protection programs. 

The Government representatives were also able to meet other development partners and discussed potential partnerships on some of Tonga’s key employment priorities.