New York, 9 June 2026 – The Kingdom of Tonga participated in the opening day of the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Convened under the theme “CRPD at 20: Celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world,” the Conference marks the twentieth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and brings together governments, United Nations entities, civil society organizations and organizations of persons with disabilities from around the world.
Tonga’s delegation is led by Mrs. Akanesi Polotu Fakafanua Paunga, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and includes H.E. Mr. Viliami Vaʻinga Tōnē, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations, and Mr. Ulise Pilima Misa, Director of the Lavameʻa Taʻeʻiloa Disabled People Association Incorporated, representing Tongan civil society. During the opening session, delegates heard remarks from the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and other senior representatives who reflected on progress made since the adoption of the CRPD while highlighting the need to strengthen accessibility, social protection, independent living, political participation, and protection from violence and discrimination for persons with disabilities.
On the margins of the Conference, Mr. Misa participated in the side event “Peer-to-peer support for strengthening national Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs),” co-hosted by the Pacific Disability Forum, the International Disability Alliance, and the Permanent Missions of Australia and New Zealand. In his intervention, he emphasized the importance of cooperation, partnerships and peer learning in strengthening organizations of persons with disabilities and advancing disability-inclusive development across Tonga and the Pacific.
Tonga also welcomed the historic election of representatives from Samoa and Palau to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, marking the first time Pacific Island countries have secured representation on the Committee. Their success represents a significant milestone for Pacific leadership within the international human rights system and reinforces the growing influence of Pacific voices in global disability advocacy.
Tonga’s participation at COSP19 reflects the Kingdom’s continued commitment to promoting the rights, dignity, inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities through close collaboration between government, civil society and persons with disabilities themselves. The delegation will continue its engagement throughout the Conference, including participation in the General Debate, side events and consultations with regional and international partners.
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