Lord Fakafanua Joins Panel at XII Global Baku Forum: Rethinking World Order – Turning Challenges into Opportunities

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Lord Fakafanua, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, was among the distinguished leaders, policymakers, thinkers, and experts who gathered at the XII Global Baku Forum to discuss the future of global governance. The forum’s central theme, “Rethinking World Order: Turning Challenges into Opportunities,” focused on addressing the complex global issues that are reshaping international relations.

Lord Fakafanua participated in Panel 7 titled “COP 29 Breakthrough to Belem – Accelerating Transformation,” where he provided valuable insights on climate justice and the role of small island nations in global climate negotiations.

During the panel discussion, Lord Fakafanua responded to critical questions, including:

• In a world increasingly transactional and insular, with major countries like the US and UK cutting back on international aid, what actions should be prioritized to maintain a focus on climate justice leading up to Belem?
• Small island states expressed frustration at COP 29 over the reluctance of wealthy countries to contribute meaningfully to climate finance. What changes would you like to see at COP 30 to advance progress, and how can small island states be given a stronger voice in negotiations, considering their vulnerability to climate change?

As global challenges—ranging from geopolitical instability to climate change and technological disruption—continue to evolve, the forum provided a platform for discussing innovative solutions that can transform these challenges into opportunities for global cooperation. Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking strategies to build a more resilient and inclusive world order.

Throughout the event, keynote speakers and panelists shared diverse perspectives on sustainable development, global power dynamics, and the evolving roles of multilateral institutions. The forum underscored the urgent need for dialogue, mutual understanding, and collective action to address the world’s most pressing issues, emphasizing that strategic partnerships are key to creating a more balanced, peaceful, and prosperous future.

In his opening address, the President of Azerbaijan reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to fostering global dialogue and cooperation, positioning Baku as a central hub for international discussions. The forum concluded with a shared commitment to turning global challenges into opportunities for growth, unity, and progress.