Tonga's Prime Minister says there is an urgent need to continue addressing the security implications of climate change including threats to food and water supplies and forced displacement of people.
Lord Tu'ivakano was speaking at the United Nations General Assembly's 67th General Debate in New York.
Tonga has joined other Alliance of Small Island States nations in adopting a declaration on the continuing serious threats posed by climate change.
Lord Tu'ivakano told the Assembly that safeguarding the survival of the smallest and most vulnerable is to safeguard a viable future for all states.
"Our challenge to the international community in particular developed countries is to take the bold measures necessary to reduce emissions of all greenhouse gases to a level that ensures a viable and meaningful future for states like Tonga."
Lord Tu'ivakano has stressed the upcoming meeting of the States Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, must advance efforts to bridge differences on key issues including the future of the Kyoto Protocol.
