Tonga Highlights Climate Change During Expo 2020 Dubai National Day Celebrations

The Kingdom of Tonga celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Friday, drawing attention to climate change and the environment, and thanking Expo 2020's participating nations for their compassion and solidarity in the wake of January's devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami.

The celebrations began with a flag-raising ceremony at the Al Wasl Stage of Nations, speeches and cultural performances, with Noah Al Hammadi, Director of East Asia and the Pacific, MOFAIC, welcoming Akau'olaAkau'ola, Ambassador of Tonga to the UAE.

Al Hammadi said, "Through its Expo 2020 Dubai participation, Tonga invites visitors to learn about its traditions, history, and the relationship that has been cultivated between the Tongan people and their unique environment.

"Since establishing diplomatic ties in 2006, our relationship with Tonga has continued to develop on several fronts. We look forward to witnessing greater opportunities for collaboration between our two countries, across all areas of shared interest, for our mutual benefit and prosperity."

Akau'olaAkau'ola, in turn, stated, "King Tupou VI knew that with the UAE hosting the first-ever World Expo in the MENA region, the world was about to witness something extraordinary would be an unprecedented opportunity for our small South Pacific kingdom.

"Our pavilion has enabled us to share our values, and our concerns with regards to climate change and environmental threats, and to do our part, teaching the children the dangers of pollution, how it affects our oceans, and the need to grow up to be smarter and more responsible than the generations before.

To date, the pavilion has welcomed close to 200,000 visitors, the ambassador said. "No other travel or trade show has even come close to providing Tonga with this level of exposure, and neither has any prior World Expo. Furthermore, our connections made here at Expo 2020 Dubai have provided us with opportunities that can expand our kingdom on a global level through digital media."

A showcase of five cultural performances by Feniu Cultural Dance Group entertained guests during the ceremony.

Located in the Opportunity District, the Tonga Pavilion invites the world to see the Earth through the eyes of youth. The theme, ''The Earth is My Friend'', represents a child's journey as they learn how to take care of the planet and delivers powerful messages of the importance of the ocean and the environment and the need for recycling and living sustainable lives.

Tonga is home to unspoilt beaches, a beautiful variety of bird species, and fertile arable land. However, in January, the island was rocked by the eruption of an underwater volcano, which triggered a tsunami that swept across the Tongan islands, reached as far as Australia, and impacted tides across the West coast of the United States and South America.

Akau'olaAkau'ola added, "Both our Embassy in Abu Dhabi and our pavilion team here in Dubai have been deeply touched by the outpouring of sympathy and concern from the other nations of the world being represented here at Expo. This show of compassion and solidarity for our peoples suffering at home was doubly heartfelt as all communications with Tonga had been severed immediately after the volcanic eruption and tsunami.

National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate the 200-plus international participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.