MEDIA RELEASE
(17 Aug 12)

Ministry of Internal Affairs will host the Joint National Consultation on theReviewed National Policy on Gender and Development 2012 (GAD) and Strengthening Capacitiesfor Peace and Development (CPAD) in Tonga on 20-24 August 2012 at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in Nuku'alofa.

His Serene Highness Prince Tungi will deliver the keynote address in the opening ceremony at the International Dateline Hotel on the evening of 20th August. It will be followed by a four-day workshop at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre.

The first day will focus on the outcome of community consultations on the ReviewedNational Policy on Gender and Development.

The presentations and discussions of the gender issues and challenges will be chaired and co-chaired by the Hon Minister of Internal Affairs, Lord Vaea, and CEO of Internal Affairs respectively and will be facilitated by the Department of Women's Affairs and representatives of NGOs.

The following three days will focus on developing a framework for collaboration between Government and Civil Society on building capacities for peace and unity in Tonga.

This will involve conflict analysis and mapping exercises to identify all of the critical issues impacting on peace and unity in Tonga and to discuss processes and resources required to create/re-create and maintain a culture of peace and unity.

The organisers are expecting the participation from a broad and varied group of attendees including Government and Community representatives from across the Kingdom including the two Governors and Government representatives from Niuatoputapu, NiuaFo'ou, Vava'u, Ha'apai and 'Eua and District officers.

The consultation is jointly organized and funded by Women's Affairs on behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, UNDP, AusAID, and CPAD-Tonga.
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For further information please contact LepoloTaunisila, [email protected], Women's Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, phone (676) 27145