Take The Lead Tonga has joined the Blue Planet Alliance, marking a new partnership aimed at strengthening Pacific leadership on climate change and expanding opportunities for young people to help drive the transition to renewable energy.
The agreement was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Nuku’alofa between Take The Lead Tonga Founder and Chief Executive Elizabeth V. Kite and Blue Planet Alliance Founder and Chief Executive Henk Rogers.
The alliance, established in 2020, works with governments, organisations and island communities to promote a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2045.
Ms Kite said the partnership would help ensure Pacific voices play a leading role in global climate discussions rather than simply being represented. She said emerging leaders from the region would gain greater access to international expertise, partnerships and opportunities to advance renewable energy and climate action.
Following the signing, Take The Lead Tonga hosted its first TTL Leaders Talanoa of the year, featuring Mr Rogers under the theme Game Changers: Building a Sustainable Blue Pacific One Piece at a Time.
The discussion brought together emerging Tongan climate leaders and members of the Take The Lead Oceania–Arctic Alliance Climate Leaders Cohort from 10 Pacific Island countries.
The event also recognised Mr ‘Isitolo Siale, who was nominated by Take The Lead Tonga as a Blue Planet Alliance Global Youth Ambassador. Mr Rogers acknowledged the nomination, highlighting the contribution young Pacific leaders can make to climate advocacy.
Climate change remains one of the Pacific’s most pressing challenges, with Tonga continuing efforts to strengthen renewable energy and resilience through national and international partnerships.
The new alliance is expected to create further leadership and collaboration opportunities for Pacific youth while supporting broader regional climate goals.
