On the margins of the Governing Council meeting at the IFAD Headquarters, CEO Kilisitina had the opportunity to publicly officiate the newest IFAD Project approved for Tonga in 2025 – the Tonga Rural Innovation Project Phase 3 (TRIP III). CEO Kilisitina represented the Minister of Finance – Hon. Lataifaingata’a Tangimana - on behalf of the Kingdom of Tonga, while the IFAD Asia Pacific Region (APR) Regional Director – Ms. Reehana Raza, represented the President of IFAD for this auspice event.

Today marks the 2nd day of the 49th Governing Council that convened the high-level dialogues by the Governors of the member states. The dialogue was clear in outlining the key issues from the global challenges that the Member States are facing in agriculture and rural development, but most importantly was how Governors provide strategic priorities as guidance for the upcoming IFAD 14 (IFAD14) replenishment in the medium term (2028-2030).

The Grant Contract for Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Project (GGP) was signed on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, in Nuku’alofa, supporting the construction of classrooms and a multipurpose hall at Kolovai Free Wesleyan Primary and Middle School.

On Wednesday, 28 January 2026, His Excellency Mr. INAGAKI Hisao, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tonga, officially handed over the upgraded water supply system of Navutoka Village to its community.