27th November, 2019 

His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga only daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Halaevalu Mata’aho Napua Okalani Tuku’aho has been appointed as Patron for UNFPA, and for the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25: Accelerating the Promise.  She served as Tonga High Commissioner in Canberra since 2012 and advocating for Government to achieve National Plan TSDF II2012-2025, Samoa Pathway, Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals, in collaborations with Governments including Australia and partners.

The Under-Secretary General and Executive Director for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Dr. Natalia Kanem visited Tongatapu and Vava’u islands in February 2019, she personally sought the approval of the Royal Family and Government for Her Royal Highness high-level appointment as the first ever Patron of UNFPA for the Pacific.

His Majesty Government approval and commitment supports Her Royal Highness’s acceptance of this UNFPA high-level appointment.

Her visible Diplomatic and professional work, respected spokesperson and good vocal advocate for Good Health & Education, Youth empowerment & development, Humanitarian assistance are effective essentials for UNFPA work and Sustainable Development through genuine and durable partnerships.

As a Patron of UNFPA, Her Royal Highness led the Tonga delegation and Pacific participation to the Nairobi Summit and ICPD25 in Kenya, 12-15 November 2019, and forward-looking plans to collectively advance the ICPD agendas in the Pacific with increased Global commitments and local actions.

Aiming to achieve the UNSDG by 2030, Her Royal Highness wishes to urgently advocate for universal sexual and reproductive health and rights within this agenda of – ending poverty, ensuring good health and well-being for all, realizing gender equality and achieving sustainable communities and among many other goals. Furthermore, Her Royal Highness, is looking forward to engaging and to champion the work of UNPA in Tonga and the Pacific to set of global commitments that would collectively advance the ICPD agendas and for sustainable development through genuine and durable partnership.

Acknowledged close collaborations between Government, UNFPA, Tonga High Commission office in Canberra, and Tonga United Joint Presence office in Nuku’alofa.

ENDS

Source: Government of Tonga and High Commission of the Kingdom of Tonga in Canberra.