GCF, Tonga seal deal on privileges, immunities

The Government of the Kingdom of Tonga has signed an agreement with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to grant privileges and immunities to GCF. The agreement was signed in advance of the upcoming GCF Structured Dialogue with the Pacific that will take place in Tongatapu, Tonga from 18 to 21 July.
Pursuant to a decision by the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Parties recommended to enter into bilateral agreements with the Green Climate Fund by promptly providing Privileges and Immunities.
The privileges and immunities granted by Tonga are equivalent to those granted to other international organizations, such as the multilateral development banks.
The Executive Director of the GCF Secretariat, Mr. Howard Bamsey, welcomed Tonga’s granting of privileges and immunities, noting the conclusion of such agreements is necessary to protect the Fund’s assets and ensure the effective performance of its activities.
“I invite all countries currently developing or finalizing privileges and immunities with the Fund to follow Tonga’s lead and conclude such agreements expeditiously. This is a necessary component in making GCF operational and able to carry out its work with both developing and developed countries,” he said.
To date, 12 countries have granted Privileges and Immunities status to GCF. Seven of these belong to the group of Pacific Small Island developing States (SIDS), including the Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Cook Islands, Kiribati, and Tonga.