The Pacific Leaders Forum in Tonga was a day I won't forget, a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
From a book launch at a landfill site to a WWF event advocating for whale corridors, to presenting the Tanoa Hotel Group's sustainability strategy alongside the Tongan Prime Minister, the day captured the essence of Pacific leadership: practical, community-focused, and deeply connected to place.
A Book Launch at the Landfill
The day began in an unconventional setting: Tonga's landfill site.
This wasn't a symbolic gesture, it was a statement. The landfill represents both the challenge and the opportunity. It's where the waste crisis is most visible, and where the circular economy vision begins.
I had the honour of signing a copy of How to Build Sustainability into Your Business Strategy for Lord Fakafanua, Speaker of the House. His presence at the landfill sent a clear message: sustainability is a national priority, and leadership starts at the top.
Why launch a book at a landfill?
Because sustainability isn't about polished boardrooms and glossy reports. It's about confronting the reality on the ground and committing to practical solutions.
The landfill is where Tonga's circular economy journey begins, and where the Zero Waste Roadmap by 2040 will have its most visible impact.
Living in Harmony with Tofua'a (Whales)
Later that day, I joined a WWF event focused on living in harmony with Tofua'a (whales), a cornerstone of Tongan culture and a critical conservation priority.
Lord Fakafanua delivered a compelling speech advocating for a whale corridor, a protected migration route that would safeguard these magnificent creatures while supporting sustainable tourism and community livelihoods.
Why whale conservation matters for Tonga:
- Cultural significance, Whales are deeply woven into Tongan identity and storytelling
- Economic opportunity, Sustainable whale tourism supports local communities
- Climate impact, Whales play a critical role in ocean health and carbon sequestration
- Regional leadership, Tonga can set a precedent for Pacific marine conservation
The event reinforced a principle that applies everywhere: sustainability must honour culture, community, and the natural systems we depend on.
Tanoa Hotel Group: Sustainability Strategy Launch
The evening culminated in a presentation with The Rt Hon Siaosi Hu'akavameiliku, Prime Minister of Tonga, where we launched the Tanoa Hotel Group's Sustainability Strategy.
This was a significant moment, a major hospitality group committing to sustainability leadership in the Pacific, with the Prime Minister's endorsement.
Key elements of the Tanoa Hotel Group strategy:
- Energy efficiency, Renewable power, efficient systems, carbon reduction
- Waste management, Circular practices, waste diversion, supplier engagement
- Water stewardship, Conservation, quality management, resilience planning
- Community engagement, Local employment, cultural preservation, education
- Sustainable tourism, Low-impact experiences, conservation partnerships, authentic storytelling
- Governance, Board oversight, accountability, transparent reporting
The strategy demonstrates that sustainability isn't just for corporates in Sydney or Melbourne, it's for every organisation, in every market, at every stage.
Lessons from the Pacific Leaders Forum
The day reinforced principles that apply far beyond Tonga:
- 1
Leadership is visible
When the Speaker of the House and Prime Minister show up for sustainability, it signals priority. Where are your leaders showing up?
- 2
Sustainability is local
The landfill, the whales, the hotel group, each initiative is rooted in Tongan culture, economy, and environment. Generic strategies don't work. Context matters.
- 3
Start where the need is greatest
The landfill isn't glamorous, but it's where the impact is most urgent. What's your organisation's "landfill", the challenge you can't ignore?
- 4
Collaboration drives progress
Government, business, NGOs, community, everyone was at the table. Sustainability requires partnerships, not solo efforts.
- 5
Culture and conservation are inseparable
The whale corridor isn't just environmental policy, it's cultural preservation. Sustainability must respect and reinforce what communities value most.
Why Pacific Work Matters for Australian Business
The Pacific Leaders Forum highlights principles that Australian businesses can apply:
- Think long-term, act now, Tonga's Zero Waste Roadmap targets 2040, but action starts today. What's your long-term vision, and what's your next step?
- Engage your community, Tongan sustainability is community-led. Who are your stakeholders, and how are you involving them?
- Align with culture and values, Sustainability that conflicts with organisational culture will fail. How does your ESG strategy reflect your values?
- Lead from the top, The Prime Minister and Speaker showed up. Is your board and executive team visibly committed?
- Focus on impact, not optics, A book launch at a landfill isn't polished, but it's authentic. Are you prioritising real progress over performative gestures?
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