In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Pasifika Communities University positions Pacific knowledge at the centre of higher education
2. PACIFIC — Scientists endorse restoration of commercial fishing in Pacific sanctuary
3. FIJI — TB-HIV cases surge to 41 percent in Fiji, including cases among children
4. FIJI — Access to information key to democracy, says Speaker of Parliament
5. PNG — Military to scrutinise recruits: PNGDF deputy chief Ona
6. AUST — EU deal boosts Australian defence and science alliances
7. PACNEWS BIZ — $50 boost ‘won’t reach’ many Pacific families
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Four-day week, work from home could ease fuel crisis: Unity Fiji leader Narube
9. PACNEWS BIZ — $3 million fire truck boosts safety at Vava’u airport
10. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Balancing act: the agency of Pacific Island states in a world of machtpolitik
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — When Online Abuse Silences PNG’s Young Women
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — SPREP and University of Canterbury strengthen cooperation with Memorandum of Understanding
PAC – UNIVERSITY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Wed 25 Mar 2026
Pasifika Communities University positions Pacific knowledge at the centre of higher education
By Pita Ligaiula
SUVA, 25 MARCH 2026 (PACNEWS)—Pasifika Communities University (PCU) is aiming to reshape higher education in the Pacific over the next decade, focusing on culture, identity, and community, says Dean of Strategic Visioning Aisake Casimira.
In an interview with PACNEWS, Casimira said PCU will place Pacific knowledge alongside global frameworks, rather than beneath them.
“Intellectual growth at PCU is always inseparable from cultural grounding, spiritual awareness, and community responsibility. Traditional education often isolates knowledge from the people, land, and traditions they belong. That balance is essential. Intellectual growth without identity can create disconnection. But when learning is rooted in who we are, it becomes transformative.”
“We deliberately embed Pacific philosophies, faith, histories, languages, arts, and worldviews into our academic programmes. At the same time, we teach critical thinking, Pasifika research methodology, and global research frameworks. But here’s the difference — we don’t position Western knowledge as superior. We place it in conversation with Pacific knowledge,” Casimira told PACNEWS.
“Spirituality is not treated as separate from education either. Students are encouraged to see their studies as connected to purpose and service. When students graduate, we want them to be intellectually sharp, yes — but also culturally grounded, spiritually aware, and deeply conscious of their responsibility to their communities, the environment and land and oceans. That is the focus of PCU in the next 10 years,” he said.
Casimira highlighted the role of intergenerational knowledge in teaching and leadership.
“Intergenerational knowledge is central to how we teach and lead. The wisdom of elders, ancestral stories, traditional practices, and language is irreplaceable. These are not simply cultural add-ons—they are the foundation of resilient identity and ethical leadership.”
He added that the university’s mission is closely tied to the realities of Pacific communities.
“Because our ancestors were scholars long before universities were built in this region. Their knowledge systems sustained navigation, governance, agriculture, medicine, and social harmony for centuries. It’s important to include this in our students’ space of learning because this is part of reclaiming the custodianship over our knowledge systems.”
“It tells our students: your heritage is not secondary. It is sophisticated. It is valid. It is powerful. Intergenerational knowledge strengthens identity and resilience. And in a decolonising framework, that reclamation of identity is transformative.”
“It allows students to walk confidently in modern spaces without abandoning who they are. In a decolonial approach to education, learning from intergenerational knowledge is a way of reclaiming stewardship over our own stories and knowledge systems, thus empowering students to navigate the modern world while remaining deeply connected to their heritage,” Casimira told PACNEWS.
He also outlined how PCU integrates indigenous knowledge, languages, and traditions into every part of the university experience.
“When we speak about a whole-of-life philosophy, we’re saying that education is not just about the mind — it’s about the whole person. And for us, that’s deeply connected to our faith, land, ocean and culture.”
“For too long, education systems have separated knowledge from culture, from spirituality, from community. They’ve treated learning as something abstract, often detached from who we are as Pasifika peoples. At PCU, we are intentional about restoring that connection.”
“Our programmes integrate academic rigor with community engagement, cultural practice, and intergenerational mentorship. Students don’t just sit in lecture halls — they learn from elders, from their communities, from lived experience.”
“Our student support systems reflect this too. We don’t just ask, ‘How are your grades?’ We ask, ‘How are you? How is your spirit? How is your family?’ This intimate connection is factored into the redesign of PCU courses and academic pursuits,” Casimira told PACNEWS.
He said this strategy will guide PCU’s growth and produce graduates who are academically capable while grounded in Pacific values and accountable to their communities….PACNEWS
PAC – FISHERIES: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Wed 25 Mar 2026
Scientists endorse restoration of commercial fishing in Pacific sanctuary
HAGATNA, 25 MARCH 2026 (PACFIC ISLAND TIMES)—Scientists at the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council(WPRFMC) have recommended the restoration of commercial fishing in certain portions of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.
The council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee said the partial reopening of the marine sanctuary would allow American fishermen to regain access to U.S. waters amid competition from much larger foreign fleets.
Formerly known as the Pacific Remote Island Marine National Monument, the Heritage sanctuary covers approximately 490,000 square miles of open ocean, coral reef and island habitats. The total area is nearly five times the size of all the U.S national parks combined and nearly twice the size of the state of Texas.
Established by then-President George W. Bush in 2009, the monument is surrounded by seven national wildlife refuges: Howland, Baker, and Jarvis Islands, Johnston, Wake and Palmyra Atoll and Kingman Reef.
At its 206th meeting this week, the fishery council will decide on the committee’s recommendation for the Heritage monument, which aligns with President Donald Trump’s April 17, 2025 proclamation, unleashing commercial fishing in the Pacific.
Also on the table for deliberation are the Papahānaumokuākea, Rose Atoll and Marianas Trench marine national monuments.
“In making its decisions, the Council will determine the impacts of the alternatives on the affected environment, and consider recommendations from industry and science advisory bodies, and comments from the public,” the council said in a statement.
The council anticipates “broad interest” in the issue “because the decisions sit at the intersection of fishing access, seafood security and marine conservation.”
Trump’s proclamation directed the Secretary of Commerce to revise regulations to allow managed U.S. commercial fishing in the monument waters.
U.S longline and purse seine vessels would be allowed to fish in these areas following strict federal fishery requirements.
These include permits, catch limits, gear restrictions, logbooks and observer coverage for monitoring catch and protected species interactions and vessel monitoring systems for enforcing closed areas…..PACNEWS
FIJI – HEALTH: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Wed 25 Mar 2026
TB-HIV cases surge to 41 percent in Fiji, including cases among children
SUVA, 25 MARCH 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Fiji has seen a sharp increase in TB-HIV co-infections, with cases rising from 7 percent in 2022 to 41 per cent last, including children under 15, health authorities have warned.
The surge highlights the urgent need to better integrate tuberculosis (TB) and HIV services across the country.
Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa said the rise in co-infections is a serious public health concern that requires coordinated national action.
“Tuberculosis is preventable and curable,” he said, urging Fijians to recognise symptoms early, seek medical care, and support those undergoing treatment.
The warning comes as Fiji recorded 640 tuberculosis cases in 2025, with infection rates rising to 69 per 100,000 people.
TB-related deaths reached 10.2 per 100,000 in 2024, the highest recorded, while children under 15 account for about 8 per cent of cases, indicating ongoing community transmission.
To strengthen the national response, health authorities launched the Fiji National TB Management Guidelines, 5th Edition (2025), during World Tuberculosis Day in Suva.
The guidelines aim to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment by standardising care and aligning Fiji’s response with international best practices, with support from the World Health Organisation.
Ravunawa emphasised that ending tuberculosis will require a whole-of-society approach involving government, health workers, development partners, and communities.
He also highlighted the need for stronger primary health care systems and integrated responses to HIV and non-communicable diseases.
Commemorations were held nationwide, including outreach programmes, screenings, and awareness campaigns across all four divisions, reaching rural and maritime populations.
“Fiji already has the tools, knowledge, and partnerships needed to eliminate the disease,” Ravunawa said.
“This year’s theme ‘Yes! We Can End TB’ is not merely a slogan, it is a call to act together,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – MEDIA: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Wed 25 Mar 2026
Access to information key to democracy, says Speaker of Parliament
SUVA, 25 MARCH 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Access to information remains a fundamental pillar of democracy, says Fiji Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko.
Jitoko shared this with aspiring journalists at the University of Fiji in Suva Tuesday.
He stressed the importance of upholding this right in their pursuit of truth and accountability.
He said that access to information was not only a legal right but also the foundation of responsible reporting and public awareness.
“This right enables you to pursue stories, expose truth and empower society with knowledge,” Jitoko said.
The university also officially launched their Press Club.
The event brought together some of Fiji’s leading journalists and provided students with a platform to engage, learn, and be inspired.
“This initiative strengthens our commitment to developing the next generation of ethical, critical, and work-ready media professionals,” he said.
He highlighted that Section 25 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to access information held by public officials, as well as to request corrections to false or misleading information.
Jitoko said this provision strengthens transparency and accountability while also protecting individuals within Fiji’s democratic framework.
In the digital age, he noted, the role of journalists has become even more critical as information is produced and shared at an unprecedented pace.
“With connectivity comes greater responsibility to verify facts and consider the impact of misinformation and disinformation,” he said.
Mr Jitoko stressed that journalists play a vital role in helping the public understand parliamentary processes, including debates, policies, and national decisions.
“Clear and accurate reporting ensures transparency and allows citizens to make informed choices,” he said.
He also encouraged students to embrace investigative journalism, including scrutinising parliamentary debates, budget decisions, and committee reports to hold those in power accountable.
At the same time, Jitoko urged future journalists to use social media responsibly, warning that irresponsible use can spread false information and create division within communities.
“Journalists must foster harmony and constructive discourse, particularly in a diverse society like Fiji,” he said.
He further called on students to ensure information is accessible to all Fijians, including those in remote areas, people with disabilities, and individuals who may not be proficient in English.
Jitoko then reminded the aspiring journalists to champion ethical reporting and transparency.
“Your role places you at the forefront of responsible communication. Your commitment will shape the future of Fijian democracy,” he said…..PACMEWS
PNG – DEFENCE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 2: Wed 25 Mar 2026
Military to scrutinise recruits: PNGDF deputy chief Ona
PORT MORESBY, 25 MARCH 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) recruits who failed their medical test but who may have been included will be weeded out, a senior officer says.
PNGDF deputy chief Brigadier General Lari Opa said it was suspected that some recruits who failed the medical test may have been included at the last minute.
Opa made these comments on behalf of PNGDF chief Rear Admiral Philip Polewara who is on duty travel.
“Through an internal review those recruits will be removed and service personnel who are implicated will be charged and dismissed,” he said.
This follows recent viral social media videos showing recruits in an exercise that drew public criticisms alleging that some men in the group did not meet the age requirement.
Opa said the PNGDF would conduct an internal investigation and review of the recent recruitment activity.
“This investigation and review will examine current processes, decision points, use of technology to produce fake documents and oversight mechanisms, and it will recommend improvements and take necessary actions against staff as deemed necessary,” Opa said.
“We take these matters seriously, any allegation of discrepancies in the recruitment process go against the values that guide our service.”
Opa said there had been similar allegations a few years back and they attempted to address those concerns by introducing the online recruitment rather than using the internal procedures.
“However, the allegations that have resurfaced seem to indicate that the process is still being challenged even though we trialed the online recruitment,” he added.
“Our commitment is clear: recruitment must be fair, merit-based, and aligned with the Defence Force’s core values.”
He also said the PNGDF has noted a proposal by the Prime Minister James Marape to recruit directly from schools.
“This was an option that we were considering and are planning to have consultations with the Department of Education and other relevant stakeholders,” he added.
“Not every trainee will complete the programme.
“Some will choose to withdraw; others may not meet the required standards.
“This was a normal and expected aspect of the PNGDF that upholds strict professional requirements.”
Opa added that the safety and well-being of trainees remain central to all PNGDF training programmes.
“If there are recruits who do not meet the high standards I can assure you they will not graduate,” Opa said.
“Our training establishments, including Goldie River Training Depot and all PNGDF bases, provide rigorous physical, mental, and character-based assessments.”
Meanwhile, eight members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) who have qualified as driving instructors, are now instructing 16 others for a driver training package with support from the Australian Defence Force (ADF), through the defence cooperation programme (DCP).
Six of the 12 up-armoured vehicles gifted to the PNGDF last year, are being used as part of the training at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby and Goldie River Training Depot in Central.
These four-wheel-drive up-armoured vehicles allows for personnel to move securely and respond to agility across terrain.
The vehicles were upgraded with additional ballistic steel, armoured glass to protect passengers from fire or explosions.
One of the instructors, Corporal Maria Andaku, has worked for 12 years in force support battalion (FSB) – the logistics battalion.
“We are training them to be qualified to handle the up-armoured vehicle.
“It’s a very big change to the course and we are grateful to the ADF for the vehicles,” Andaku said.
The course trains PNGDF personnel from across the country to operate the up-armored vehicles, supporting the PNGDF’s protected mobility capability.
Andaku has been training PNGDF transport members to operate the up-armoured vehicles, through technical skills, maintenance and how to manage the vehicles for use in PNGDF exercises and operations. Corporal Petra Kimbis, also from the FSB, is a participant with 14 years’ experience serving the PNGDF.
“I am the only female among 15 men going through this course and as a female sitting behind the wheels of this armoured vehicle, I am grateful,” Kimbis said.
“It’s a challenge, but it’s good, it’s interesting and I am enjoying this course.”
Lance Corporal Emily Murphy of the ADF, is an instructor for tactical training assisting the PNGDF during the up-armoured landcruiser course.
She said she was enjoying the experience of working with, and learning from, the PNGDF members, especially Andaku and Kimbis.
This joint training exercise showcases the vital role women play as leaders and learners within both defence forces, working side-by-side and step-by-step to further develop the enduring defence relationship between PNG and Australia….PACNEWS
AUST – DEFENCE: AAP PACNEWS 2: Wed 25 Mar 2026
EU deal boosts Australian defence and science alliances
CANBERRA, 25 MARCH 2026 (AAP)—Australia and Europe will step up co-operation on defence, security and scientific research as part of long-awaited deals inked alongside a new trade agreement.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen became the first female world leader to address Australian parliament, urging governments to come together to counter a new age of global threats.
“Today’s world shows that security threats are no longer restrained by distance but are enabled by technology,” she said.
“Malicious actors are able to reach into our borders without ever leaving their own. Europe, like Australia, does not choose how threats come to us, but we all suffer their fallout.”
While much of the focus was on the landmark Australia-Europe free trade agreement, von der Leyen and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also signed other pacts on defence and research co-operation.
Officials are yet to outline exactly what the new defence agreement will involve, but it will likely include more frequent joint exercises between Australia and European nations and greater co-operation on cybersecurity.
The pact is not on the same level as a recent treaty struck with Papua New Guinea which requires both nations to come to the aid of the other if attacked, government sources say.
In a bid to bolster scientific co-operation, Australia will also sign up to Horizon Europe, the EU’s $155 billion (US$179 billion) research and innovation programme.
Once Australia formally joined, companies would be able to access funding and guidance from researchers around the world, likely from 2027, Albanese said.
“This is the largest research organisation in the world, bar none,” he told reporters after announcing the deal.
“Our new commitments reflect our shared commitment to security and prosperity and our shared understanding that each depends on the other.”
The deal would deepen longstanding research co-operation between the two sides,von der Leyen added.
“It will link our brightest minds with long-term, well-funded programs so that they can be working together to generate the ideas and the products our society needs,” she said.
Australian universities have backed the move, declaring it would strengthen local research and build up critical industries.
“In a more uncertain and competitive global environment, strong international partnerships are more important than ever to protect Australia’s interests and keep us at the forefront of discovery,” Universities Australia chief executive Luke Sheehy said in a statement……PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
NZ – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: PMN PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 25 Mar 2026
$50 boost ‘won’t reach’ many Pacific families
WELLINGTON, 25 MARCH 2026 (PMN)—The New Zealand government has announced a temporary boost for low-to-middle-income working families with children as households face rising fuel, food, and everyday costs.
From April, about 143,000 will get the extra $50(US$23) a week through the in-work tax credit.
The payment will last up to one year or until the price of 91 octane petrol drops below $3(US$1.75) a litre for four straight weeks.
Most eligible households will not need to apply. Payments will be made automatically through Inland Revenue, starting from 07 April for weekly recipients and 14 April for those paid fortnightly.
But Green MP Teanau Tuiono says the support is too limited and risks leaving behind those already struggling.
“It won’t reach Pacific families. It’s just not enough, it’s not going to do it,” Tuiono told PMN News. “We announced earlier about what we should be doing. Providing free public transport and having relief packages which actually takes care of people.”
Pacific households are already among the most financially stretched in Aotearoa New Zealand, with the highest unemployment rates and nearly one in three Pacific children living in material hardship, which is about double the national average.
Ana Ika, Salvation Army’s Social Policy Analyst, says rising fuel prices are already hitting Pacific families hard, especially those who rely on driving to work.
“It has a ripple effect into other areas such as housing, such as food, which we’re primarily seeing at the moment,” Ika told Pacific Mornings.
She says many Pacific families are already struggling despite being employed.
“Even with a lot of Pacific families that are coming through that are employed or that do have two incomes… that is still requiring need despite being employed.”
Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the government is aware of the pressure households are under, driven by global instability and fuel supply issues.
But she warns that large, untargeted spending could make things worse.
“We are making careful choices in order to protect New Zealand’s economic future,” she said in a statement. “The Government is conscious that a careless response to this crisis could have long-lasting and painful consequences.
“We saw this in the aftermath of Covid, where excessive spending more than doubled debt and sent inflation soaring and mortgage rates skyrocketing. Kiwis are still grappling with the effects of that today.”
The policy is expected to cost up to $373 million(US$217 million) over a full year and is already built into Budget forecasts.
Tuiono says more direct support is needed and this includes free public transport and wider relief measures.
“We know that people are going to be reluctant to use their cars and make sure you’ve got free public transport.
“That seems like an easy thing to do, making sure you have targeted relief to make sure that you get people that really need it.
“I think it’s also another thing as well, excluding beneficiaries as well is also problematic,” he said…..PACNEWS
FIJI – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 25 Mar 2026
Four-day week, work from home could ease fuel crisis: Unity Fiji leader Narube
SUVA, 25 MARCH 2026 (FIJI SUN)—A shorter working week and working from home are options the Government should seriously consider to reduce fuel consumption if the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt global oil supply.
Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube made the call when asked by this masthead whether measures adopted by other countries, including Sri Lanka, which reduced its working week to four days to cut fuel use, could work in Fiji.
“That would have to be in the mix,” Narube said. “Work from home — all those things will need to come in.”
The former Reserve Bank of Fiji governor said Fiji had no control over fuel supply, so managing demand was the most practical option available.
“We don’t have any control of supply, so we must manage demand,” he said.
“We cannot just sit back and expect the best to happen — that is where we will be caught if the situation worsens.”
Narube said the Government needed to urgently announce a clear contingency plan rather than waiting for the crisis to deepen.
“We need the government to come out clearly and tell us what those plans and strategies are,” he said.
“What if this continues after three weeks? What contingency measures are they thinking about?”
The Coalition Government has already established a Fuel Advisory Committee and convened a fuel crisis task force as revealed by Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel.
Immanuel has also assured Fijians there will be no fuel price increase until at least May 2026, as current stocks were purchased before global prices spiked.
Narube said the country’s regulated fuel pricing system also needed careful review as world crude prices continued to rise. …. PACNEWS
TONGA – FIRE TRUCK: TALANOAOTONGA PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 25 Mar 2026
$3 million fire truck boosts safety at Vava’u airport
VAVA’U, 25 MARCH 2026 (TALANOAOTONGA)—A new aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle valued at $3 million pa’anga (US$1.3 million) has been handed over to strengthen emergency response at Lupepau’u International Airport in Vava’u, marking a significant investment in Tonga’s aviation safety.
The Category 5 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle was presented last week by Infrastructure Minister Semisi Kioa Lafu Sika to Tonga Airports Limited (TAL).
Funded by the World Bank under the Tonga Climate Resilient Transport Project II, the equipment is designed to meet international aviation safety standards.
Officials say the specialised vehicle will improve the airport’s ability to respond to aircraft emergencies, supporting safer domestic and international travel for Vava’u. TAL acting chief executive Leonaitasi Taukafa accepted the vehicle, with a live demonstration carried out by Aviation Fire Services Ltd.
The investment forms part of a wider $4.5 million pa’anga (US$1.9 million) aviation safety package, which also delivered smaller response vehicles and firefighting equipment to airports in Ha’apai and ‘Eua in 2025. The broader transport project, valued at $91 million pa’anga (US$38 million), aims to strengthen resilience across Tonga’s land, marine and aviation sectors.
World Bank country officer Natalia Latu said such upgrades are essential to comply with global aviation regulations and ensure reliable operations, particularly for remote island communities.
Training for local aviation staff has also been included, with sessions conducted at Fua’amotu Airport to build long-term operational capacity.
The government says the improvements will help ensure safer, more resilient air links for outer islands, with Vava’u a key tourism and transport hub….PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
Balancing act: the agency of Pacific Island states in a world of machtpolitik
By Greg Fry and Terence Wesley-Smith
CANBERRA/HONOLULU, 25 MARCH 2026 (DEVPOLICY.ORG) —The advent of a more punitive geopolitical environment under the second Trump administration creates fresh challenges to the diplomatic agency of Pacific Island states. Since the 1970s, these small entities have successfully negotiated outcomes in matters of great importance. These include prohibiting nuclear testing, governing fisheries access, banning the dumping of wastes, entrenching the rights of archipelagic states under the Law of the Sea and spearheading efforts to manage the climate crisis. Faced with an increasingly callous world of power politics, or machtpolitik, Pacific nations might well look for inspiration to the lessons of their past success.
Changing U.S policy on economic assistance, tariffs, visa access and climate change represent immediate setbacks for island states. But there are also deeper systemic challenges associated with what Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the “rupture” in the world order, which pose a more fundamental set of questions for Pacific diplomatic agency. These include the threats to longstanding pillars of global diplomatic culture, such as respect for international law, multilateralism, non-intervention and state sovereignty.
Under certain circumstances, these changes threaten not just the diplomatic agency of small island states but their very existence as sovereign entities. Ideas of self-determination and the right to sovereign statehood enabled the decolonisation of Oceania and were novel parts of the international order after World War II. Since resuming office, the Trump administration has demonstrated contempt for such fundamental principles as it moved to acquire Greenland, threatened to incorporate Canada, pressured Ukraine to concede territory to the Russian invader and forcibly removed Venezuela’s president. The massive U.S attack on Iran represents a war of choice without UN or congressional endorsement.
According to U.S presidential adviser Stephen Miller, this is a world order “that is governed by force, that is governed by power“. The 2025 National Security Strategy describes the Trump approach as “flexible realism”. Given the echoes of nineteenth-century imperialism, it more closely reflects machtpolitik, a doctrine that endorses the exercise of state power without moral or other constraint.
Imbalances of power were readily apparent within the previous international order. In the Pacific, UN rules of decolonisation were stretched, for example, to allow France to retain its territories. However, larger powers usually pursued their interests with some deference to established norms. Instead of simply annexing the strategically important Micronesian entities taken from Japan at the end of World War II, officials in Washington crafted Compacts of Free Association that acknowledged their right to self-determination while safeguarding US interests. Although the U.S never ratified the UN’s Law of the Sea, it acknowledged some of its key principles by signing the 1988 South Pacific Tuna Treaty. Such restraint seems unlikely now that Washington favours raw power and seeks to dominate bilateral relations with friend and foe alike.
The Trump administration’s foreign policy approach to the Pacific Island countries has yet to be made explicit or to be tested by events, but its primary interests in the region are clearly strategic. Since 2017 this has been framed as part of a broader Indo-Pacific strategy designed to maintain U.S military dominance and contain a rising China. Although the Indo-Pacific emphasis appears to be downgraded in Trump 2.0, reflecting a less confrontational approach to China, the National Security Strategy still aims to “deter adversaries and protect the First Island Chain”. Efforts to strengthen military infrastructure in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia will likely continue. It is also clear that any attempt by China to use its expanding diplomatic and economic influence to establish a military presence in Oceania represents a red line for Washington.
An increasingly important economic and strategic interest for Washington is seabed mining, which targets critical minerals used in battery technology and defence systems. In April 2025, President Trump issued an executive order to aggressively pursue exploration and mining opportunities in U.S and international waters, effectively undermining UN and regional efforts to regulate this fledgling and controversial industry.
Historically, island leaders have been best able to exercise agency when operating in the context of bipolar and multipower balancing. During the Cold War, the spectre of a Soviet intrusion allowed them to win concessions from the US on fisheries access, from Japan on driftnet fishing and from France on nuclear testing. Since China became more active in the region, Pacific states have successfully leveraged infrastructure investment and efforts to manage climate change. On the other hand, in the unipolar world of the 1990s and early 2000s, the US and Australia regarded the sovereignty of Pacific Island states as less important, effectively stifling island agency.
The worrying possibility is that, informed by machtpolitik, the Trump administration will pursue its key interests without regard for sovereignty or balancing power. Washington would likely react forcibly if a Pacific government granted access to Chinese security forces, took action that reduced the ability of the US military to operate freely in the region or opposed US participation in seabed mining. It is worth noting that Panama was recently forced to expel Chinese companies after the US threatened to reclaim control of the canal zone. Washington’s belligerent Greenland initiative is also motivated by strategic concerns, as well as an expressed need to control scarce mineral resources.
Harvard’s Stephen Walt argues that the Trump approach will eventually fail. This may be cold comfort for small Pacific powers who in the meantime have to survive in an increasingly hostile world without some of the pillars that supported their diplomatic agency in the past.
However, it may be too early to declare the end of multilateralism and international law, especially if a “world minus 1” coalition of states succeeds in sustaining an effective form of multilateralism. And there is some solace in the fact that the element that largely facilitated past diplomatic successes, great power rivalry, persists. Although increasingly risky under present circumstances, the ability to play one power off against another could still enhance the bargaining power of island states.
History also shows that such a balancing strategy works best with strong Pacific leadership and a commitment to regional solidarity. Drawing on its long and successful experience dealing with larger powers, the Pacific may find that coalition-building in multilateral forums is still useful in enhancing its diplomatic heft in a new era of machtpolitik. …. PACNEWS
Greg Fry is a member of the Emeritus Faculty, The Australian National University, and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of the South Pacific.
Terence Wesley-Smith is Professor Emeritus at the Centre for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawai’i.
PACNEWS DIGEST
When Online Abuse Silences PNG’s Young Women
In their joint op-ed for National Women’s Day 2026, UNDP Resident Representative, Nicholas Booth, and the Director of the National GBV Secretariat, Diane Kambanei, highlight the threat that technology facilitated abuse poses to PNG’s women and girls
PORT MORESBY, 25 MARCH 2026 (UNDP)—In Papua New Guinea, the internet was supposed to be a space of opportunity — a platform for young people to showcase talent, connect, and be heard. Yet recent events have shown that it can quickly become a place of fear, especially for young women.
During the recent Miss Pacific Islands 2026 competition, Miss Papua New Guinea Iampela Popena faced a torrent of racist comments and online attacks. These were not just casual insults; they were coordinated, targeted, and deeply personal, attacking her appearance, background, and family. The backlash shocked the nation and prompted public condemnation from government leaders, but it also exposed a worrying trend: technology-facilitated abuse is becoming a barrier to participation, not just an unfortunate byproduct of social media.
Unfortunately, this online abuse is not a new phenomenon for our representative at the Miss Pacific Islands. Last year, PNG’s representative May Torowi Hasola faced intense online attacks, but the hostility was largely confined to local audiences. This year, the dynamics have shifted dramatically. The abuse has spilled across borders, with social media users in PNG targeting Tonga and other Pacific nations with racist and derogatory comments, while at the same time receiving vitriolic backlash from these countries. This transnational cycle of online hatred shows how technology can escalate conflicts far beyond national boundaries, leaving young people caught in a storm of cyberbullying on both sides.
Digital platforms may be global, but their consequences are local. Young women in particular feel the weight of constant surveillance and judgment. Studies across the Pacific show that cyberbullying, harassment, and image-based abuse disproportionately affect girls, undermining confidence and limiting opportunities.
In PNG, social media has increasingly been used not just to spread anger, but to inflict direct real-world violence. In several cases, women accused of infidelity, witchcraft, or “bringing shame” to their communities have had their photos and personal details shared on Facebook and other online platforms. This has been followed by calls for punishment that quickly led to harassment or mob violence offline. At the same time, graphic videos of women being tortured or violently punished for alleged infidelity or witchcraft circulate widely on WhatsApp, transforming real-world abuse into viral content.
Rather than exposing injustice in ways that protect victims, the circulation of these videos normalizes violence and keeps women in a constant state of fear about the real-world consequences of online targeting. When a post names a person, shows their face, and tells others what to do to them, the line between speech and incitement disappears — and in PNG’s tightly networked communities, the consequences can be immediate and brutal.
This has broader implications for Papua New Guinea. If our youth — particularly young women — are discouraged from public participation due to fear of online attacks threatening their physical safety, the country loses more than individual potential. We lose leaders, innovators, cultural ambassadors, and voices that could shape a more equitable, resilient society. Opportunities in leadership, media, arts, and international forums may go unpursued, limiting PNG’s presence and influence on regional and global stages.
Addressing this requires more than condemnation. Governments, civil society, and tech platforms must work together to create safe digital spaces. Policies, digital literacy programs, and culturally grounded online safety standards are urgently needed to protect young people, especially women, from abuse and discrimination.
Encouragingly, efforts to address this challenge are already underway across the Pacific with various UN agencies responding to the growing epidemic of online abuse. For example, UNDP supports the ‘Pacific Women in Power Forum’, which connects women parliamentarians and parliamentary staff from 14 Pacific countries for mentoring, solidarity, and skills-building and equips them to manage online harassment and respond to disinformation and coordinated attacks.
Furthermore, UNICEF facilitates ‘Pacific Girls in ICT Online Safety Trainings’, which train young people aged 12-24 on digital literacy and online safety in seven Pacific countries, including PNG. UNDP is also developing targeted interventions ahead of the 2027 PNG national election to address technology-facilitated abuse against women in public life. The initiative will link emerging women political candidates with youth digital leaders while providing AI-enabled monitoring and support pathways where online abuse may breach the Cybercrime Code Act 2016.
This work demonstrates that with appropriate support, women can remain visible, vocal, and effective in public life despite online hostility. By combining preparation, oversight, and support, PNG can celebrate its talent on the world stage without putting young people at unnecessary risk of abuse or intimidation.
The Miss Pacific Islands controversy should be a wake-up call. Our online world must reflect the values we aspire to as a nation: respect, equality, and empowerment. If it doesn’t, we risk silencing the very voices that can carry PNG forward….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
SPREP and University of Canterbury strengthen cooperation with Memorandum of Understanding
APIA, 25 MARCH 2026 (SPREP)— The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the University of Canterbury (UC), New Zealand, have strengthened their cooperation to assist the Pacific’s journey towards a more resilient Pacific environment.
SPREP and the University of Canterbury signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday, providing a framework of cooperation between the parties on issues of mutual concern. This includes collaboration to strengthen systems, institutions, organisations and individuals concerned with environmental protection in the Pacific region
The MOU was signed by SPREP Acting Director General, Easter Chu Shing and Distinguished Professor and Pro-Vice Chancellor Pacific Steven Ratuva, at the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) in the presence of SPREP’s Senior Leadership Team and a delegation from UC.
Acting Director General Chu Shing welcomed UC to the family of educational institutions the Secretariat has signed memorandums with, in its ongoing efforts to work with communities, to build a resilient Pacific environment.
“SPREP is honoured to sign this MOU with the University of Canterbury today,” said Chu Shing. “The signing today builds on ongoing cooperation with UC, including the partnership with the University of Canterbury to host the Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025) in Christchurch, last year.”
Known as the largest climate adaptation science conference in the world, SPREP was involved with the organisation and delivery of AF2025 including supporting the participation of Pacific Island delegates and enhancing the visibility of the Pacific.
SPREP is a regional, intergovernmental organisation comprising 26 members consisting of 21 Pacific Island Countries and Territories and five developed countries with direct interests in the Pacific region. It exists to promote cooperation in the Pacific region and to provide assistance in order to protect and improve its environment and to ensure sustainable development for present and future generations.
Established in 1873, the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha has a long-standing history of research excellence and offers a broad range of academic programmes and research strengths, including environment, earth and climate research.
The University has the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies (MBC), which hosts the Global Research and Innovation Hub on the Pacific (GRIPac). The MBC is a world-class centre for interdisciplinary Pacific research, promoting understanding of Pacific peoples, cultures, histories, arts, politics, environment, resources, and development.
“We are very pleased with the step we have taken today to formalise our collaboration,” said Distinguished Professor and Pro-Vice Chancellor Pacific Ratuva.
“The cooperation between SPREP and the University of Canterbury goes back a long way, the Pacific Ocean Climate Crisis Assessment (POCCA), the largest climate adaptation study focused on Pacific islands, launched at the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2024, is one of those collaborations.
“The success of the AF2025 was another key milestone. So the signing today is a natural evolution of that relationship and we look forward to working with SPREP to build on the foundation already established.”
Distinguished Professor Ratuva was accompanied by Chris Houghton, Pacific Academic Lead, Thea Kleiber, Director of Advancement Engagement with Alumni and Philanthropy and Ms Samantha Boon, Alumni Relations Manager…..PACNEWS