UN General Assembly
2015

As the first democratically elected representative of the people to the rank of Prime Minister in my country, I am particularly pleased with the inclusion of Sustainable Development Goal 16 related to building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. That Goal relates to the notion of good governance — the guiding principle of my Government under our democracy, fit for purpose, and a principle that I have always demanded of any Government of the day in Tonga throughout my almost 30-year career in politics. Indeed, it is my Government’s mantra that good governance, transparency, accountability and law and order will drive all other development goals of a country. As such, my Government is committing time and resources to strengthening governing institutions through measures such as the establishment of an anti-corruption commission, and considering approaches to removing other challenges and constraints on the sustainable development of the country, such as cultural perceptions and religious dogmas.