UN General Assembly
2008

hunger in the world — is most timely. We all should look upon this crisis as an opportunity to redouble our efforts and refocus on policy actions that would help boost agricultural production in order to build greater self-reliance and self-sufficiency. Development aid can assist, but in the long term there is no substitute for a more dynamic and productive agricultural sector. Greater self-reliance is the ultimate goal for which Kingdom of Tonga strives. Tonga’s performance under the United Nations Human Development Index continues to reflect a high level of expenditure and investment in the social sectors, including health and education. The United Nations Human Development Report for 2008 ranks Tonga 55 out of a total of 177 countries. Tonga has achieved targets such as universal primary education and gender equality through the provision of free primary school education. Tonga shares the concern that the President expressed about the impact of climate change on small island States. In his prepared remarks for his opening statement on assuming the presidency last week, he emphasized that the negotiations process on agreed