The Pacific Community (SPC) and the Kingdom of Tonga were pleased to welcome government officials, regional leaders, and international partners to Nuku’alofa for the 55th meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA 55), which took place from 14 to 15 October 2025.
Tuesday 14 October marked the opening of CRGA 55, setting the tone for a week of bold decisions and shared purpose. The Director-General’s Report sparked reflection on SPC’s journey and future, while sessions on institutional strengthening and human resources reaffirmed our commitment to OneSPC transformation and people-first leadership. We celebrated our stories, digitised and preserved through Pacific Echoes, SPC’s audiovisual programme, before diving into strategic updates on partnerships and unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity. Chair of CRGA 55, Mr Pasuna Tuaga, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu, highlighted that "this week, we meet as one Pacific family to reflect on our shared journey and commitment to a resilient and thriving Blue Pacific. As a region, our strength is in our unity. As we move forward, let us be guided by the principle of unity through diversity — respecting the unique priorities of each member while standing together as one Blue Pacific Continent."
Director-General's Report: SPC achievements and challenges in 2025
This year, SPC continued to deliver tangible results for the region, driven by Pacific priorities, Pacific leadership, and Pacific voices. From science and climate action to people-centred development and cultural celebration, 2025 was a year of Pacific-led progress. This report showcases how SPC supported our 22 Pacific member countries and territories to deliver real outcomes for Pacific communities, from securing the region’s largest-ever climate finance grant to amplifying youth voices, advancing gender equality, and strengthening regional resilience. Watch this snapshot.
Regional collaboration and integrated ways of working
Tuesday morning's sessions encouraged strategic dialogue to align national and sectoral priorities with the 2050 Strategy, supported by SPC’s convenings across agriculture, fisheries, and culture. Members praised SPC’s leadership and emphasised inclusive implementation, especially for small island states, regional collaboration, while recommendations called for co-owned agendas and improved coordination. These efforts aim to enhance governance and coherence across the Pacific. Members also strongly supported SPC’s flagships for their integrated approach, relevance to small island states, and contribution to regional priorities such as technological advancement and climate resilience.
CRGA55 explained by a voice of the future!
Listen to Pacific storyteller and artist, Mia Kami, as she explains this important Pacific gathering, reminding us how this year's theme - "Pasifiki: Rooted in Heritage, Honouring the Past, United for a Resilient Future" is critical for the next generation, highlighting the importance of intergenerational conversations.
What happened in the margin of the event?
Take a look at these illustrations from SPC's Pacific Graphic Artist, Tui Ledua, showcasing the opening of CRGA55 and capturing key moments from the sessions discussed throughout the day—from warm greetings to reflections on institutional transformation and the Pacific Echoes programme.
Highlights from the official opening of the 14th Conference of the Pacific Community
Thursday 16 October marked the official opening ceremony of the 14th Conference of the Pacific Community, at Tonga High School Indoor Stadium in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, featuring a welcoming of Ministers, cultural and musical performances of students of Tonga High School and Tupou College Toloa Brass Band, a welcoming address from His Royal Highness The Crown Prince, Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Responsible for His Majesty’s Armed Forces, and Chair of the 14th Conference of the Pacific Community (SPC) and a video review of SPC's history.
His Royal Highness The Crown Prince, Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Responsible for His Majesty’s Armed Forces, and Chair of 14th Conference of the Pacific Community, officially opened the Conference through a keynote address.
Performance from Tonga Youth
The performance by Tongan youth showcased the following culture: A chorus and the national anthem by Tupou College Toloa Brass Band, and a cultural performance by the students of Tonga High School.
Your SPC
Watch this video outlining the history of your Pacific Community, the oldest and largest Pacific-owned and governed scientific organisation showcasing Pacific the leadership in development working alongside 22 Pacific Island country and territory members across more than 30 sectors from health, education, climate change, ocean science, agriculture, and social development.
What happened online?
The opening of SPC's 14th Conference was also broadcast to our Blue Pacific region by SPC in partnership with the Government of Tonga and Tonga Broadcasting Commission. Thank you also to Pasifika TV, who helped us ensure the opening was accessible to communities across our region. (Re)Play the video.
Highlights from the closing day of SPC's 14th Conference
Friday 17 October marked the final day of the 14th Conference of the Pacific Community, gathering Pacific leaders under the theme "Pasifiki: Rooted in Heritage, Honouring the Past, United for a Resilient Future", and concluded with the appointment of the incoming Director-General of the Pacific Community for the next six years.
Dr Paula Vivili appointed as Director-General of the Pacific Community
Chair of SPC’s 14th Pacific Community Conference, His Royal Highness, Crown Prince, Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister Responsible for His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga announced the appointment of Dr Paula Vivili as incoming Director-General of the Pacific Community (SPC). The decision was announced at the conclusion of the 14th Conference of the Pacific Community today, in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Dr Vivili, will be the 23rd Director-General to serve SPC and its 27 members. He assumes the roles as the first Tongan to be appointed to lead the organisation since. Know more
Review of the day
The morning of this final day opened with a heartfelt farewell address by Dr Stuart Minchin, reflecting on his leadership journey and the Pacific Community’s achievements during his tenure. Watch
Pasifiki Talanoa
The morning session was driven by thematic discussion on the theme of the Conference, exploring how our heritage and past experiences have shaped effective responses to national and regional challenges.
A youth representative from Tonga highlighted the importance of youth participation in decision-making through a storytelling approach, explaining her personal experience in promoting Pacific youth voices in international spaces.
What happened online?
The closing of this final day was also broadcast to our Blue Pacific region by SPC in partnership with the Government of Tonga and Tonga Broadcasting Commission. Thank you also to Pasifika TV, who helped us ensure this was accessible to communities across our region. (Re)Play the video.
Are you looking for images from the event?
You can check and download the meeting images through this link.
NB: This event is organised responsibly. Find out more about our sustainability measures here.