Rep. n° 16/2026
Funafuti, October 19, 2026. Tuvalu today joined an international initiative promoting peace, friendship among nations and environmental sustainability with the planting of a Tree of Peace at the Governor-General’s residence. The ceremony also saw the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Sir Iakoba Taeia Italeli, presented with the Tree of Peace Memorial Plaque by Servare et Manere, a Slovak non-governmental organisation behind the international initiative. Sir Iakoba becomes the 11th recipient of the award, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening peace, understanding and cooperation among nations. Accepting the award, Sir Italeli emphasised that the honour belongs to all Tuvaluans: “This honour is not mine alone, it belongs to the people of Tuvalu, whose spirit of resilience and hope continues to inspire the world.” Sir Iakoba further dedicated the award to the children of Tuvalu and future generations everywhere, expressing hope that they would inherit not only the shade of the tree but also the promise of a world where peace is cherished as the highest gift. “As its roots grow deep into Tuvaluan soil, may its branches reach outward to remind us that peace, like a tree, must be nurtured with care, patience, and unity,” he added.
Marek Sobola, Secretary-General of Servare et Manere highlighted the global significance of the planting, which brings the initiative to 44 trees across 24 countries on five continents. “It is an immense honour for me that we have planted the 44th tree together today, and that a 24th country is being added to our map of peace,” Dr. Marek Sobola said. Originating in Slovakia, the Tree of Peace initiative promotes peace and friendship among nations while raising awareness of environmental protection and sustainable development.
The following day, Marek Sobola and his fiancée, Katarína Rybáriková, met with His Excellency Dr. Tufoua Panapa—the Secretary to Government, a high-ranking official in Tuvalu—at the Parliament building. Through the Secretary, Marek Sobola presented a gift to the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, the Hon. Feleti Penitala Teo, a book about the Javorníky region, intended to introduce him to the landscape, culture, and people of the home region of Servare et Manere. At the meeting, Dr. Panapa noted that it was a special honour for the Slovak tree to be planted at Government House. “It is the first and only foreign tree in the garden of the residence of the Governor-General of Tuvalu,” he remarked. In 2021, two coconut palms were planted there by Their Royal Highnesses Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
During their stay, Marek and Katarína had the opportunity to experience Tuvaluan culture and made many new friends. They also attended a Catholic Mass, where they presented a gift from Slovakia—a restored statue of Christ the King, the Patron Saint of the local Catholic church. The conclusion of their visit was marked by farewells to their friends. While a Tree of Peace remains in Tuvalu, so too do our hearts.
