This event convened the Tonga National Planning Division, Tonga Statistics Department, and selected line ministries for a structured series of discussions with ESCAP and SPC to advance the development of the Tonga Strategic Development Framework (TSDF) III indicator framework. Its primary purpose was to outline a coordinated approach for building a comprehensive set of indicators and to explore pathways for establishing a “Core Set” that would meet global, regional, and national reporting requirements. This work aims to support the future establishment of an integrated TSDF III indicator dashboard and strengthen national monitoring and reporting systems.
Proceedings began on 8 July with technical preparations between the Tonga Statistics Department and the National Planning Division. These discussions focused on refining processes for developing and finalizing the TSDF III indicator framework, ensuring alignment with analytical work already undertaken. On 9 July, a full‑day engagement brought together government counterparts and development partners to review progress to date, including data availability assessments, indicator mapping exercises, and considerations for advancing the overall monitoring and evaluation (MEL) system. This session also included guided discussions on addressing data gaps, identifying proxy indicators, and opportunities for strengthening national data systems.
The event continued on 10–11 July with two days of sector‑level engagement and capacity development sessions involving line ministries. These sessions focused on deepening understanding of sound indicator design, developing high‑quality metadata, and ensuring alignment across TSDF III, SDG, and other reporting frameworks. Activities included presentations, group exercises, sector validation discussions, and technical sessions on MEL processes, regional dashboard tools, and approaches for capturing stories of change. The agenda emphasized enhancing national skills and processes for indicator development and strengthening the evidence base for TSDF III monitoring, evaluation, and learning into the future.