In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — PSIDS will arrive in Santa Marta as one: PM Napat
2. PACIFIC — Global fuel crisis a call to reduce reliance on fossil fuels: Regenvanu
3. TUVALU — Tuvalu fuel supply ‘not assured’ beyond June
4. VAN — Perjury complaint filed against Vanuatu Parliament Speaker
5. NZ — NZ group opposes waste export to Fiji, plans protest in Wellington on Friday
6. FIJI — Plea date set for former Fiji deputy PM Kamikamica in alleged false oath case
7. FIJI — Fiji delivers1,500 food packs to Cyclone – hit Yasawa, steps up relief in Ba
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Hotel sector turnover hits $1.63 billion in 2025
9. PACNEWS BIZ — France grants over VT240M to strengthen Pacific cooperation
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Labour Party accuses FCCC of ‘cheating consumers’ over fuel price hike
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Shaping the future of nature conservation on Pacific agenda this year
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — U.S and Global Fund expand commitment to long-acting HIV prevention as country rollout of Lenacapavir Accelerates
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — Disability support in PNG: bridging policy and reality
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — New research provides updated estimates on global forest-sector employment
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — Reparations ‘key to dismantling systemic racism’: UN rights chief
16. PACNEWS SPORT — Moana Pasifika confirm Super rugby exit
PAC – FOSSIL FUEL TREATY MEET: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Apr 2026
PSIDS will arrive in Santa Marta as one: PM Napat
PORT VILA, 15 APRIL 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST)—As the world prepares for its first major diplomatic conference on phasing out fossil fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia, at the end of this month, Pacific nations are working to ensure they arrive united and ready to shape the outcome.
Senior officials and ministers of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) are in Port Vila for a three-day dialogue to strengthen coordination and align their position.
“The Pacific helped bring that conference into being. Our task this week is to ensure we arrive in Colombia as one,” said Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat, who opened the dialogue this week.
Vanuatu and six other Pacific island nations established the call for a global fossil fuel treaty, which is now backed by many governments, civil society organisations, and individuals worldwide.
The treaty aims to stop the expansion of fossil fuel exploitation and manage a just transition away from coal, oil, and gas to clean energy. It gained momentum in Port Vila in 2023, following two category 4 cyclones within the same week.
Fossil fuels are by far the largest contributors to climate change, releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Extremely vulnerable to climate change, the Pacific region has long understood that its survival depends on ending the world’s dependence on fossil fuels.
“The Pacific has never waited to be invited to lead on climate. We have led because we had no other choice,” PM Napat said in his remarks.
From the founding of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), to the push for Loss and Damage, to securing the 1.5 °C red line in the Paris Agreement, the ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change and Human Rights, and now a global framework for managing the phase out of fossil fuel production.
The PM said the ongoing global tension shows why dependence on fossil fuels is fragile. While governments around the world are planning to produce far more fossil fuels than is compatible with limiting warming to 1.5 °C, that gap must be closed, he said.
“Fossil fuel dependency is not an economic model. It is a development trap. And it is time we disrupt and change this model,” he said.
“An economy that continues to depend on fossil fuels is an economy that continues to generate the crises we are here to solve”
PM Napat said the Pacific’s effectiveness in Santa Marta will depend on the unity, clarity, and preparation achieved in this week’s dialogue.
“Santa Marta must open a genuine process one that complements the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement by addressing what they have not yet addressed: the supply side. The managed phase out of fossil fuel production itself,” he said.
“The outcomes of Santa Marta must be deeply linked to the COP30 Presidency’s pathway process and to the Belém Roadmap. These must not be parallel tracks that fade from my view.
“Furthermore, we need updated and more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions from all countries, especially major emitters. Those who polluted the most must contribute the most: to financing, to ambition, and to supporting the most vulnerable through the transition.
“Pacific island nations need concrete support for renewable energy transition, economic diversification, and adaptation, not as development assistance, but as a matter of justice and obligation.
“The emerging series of fossil fuel phase out conferences must unlock new and additional financing streams for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).”
The PSIDS Ministerial Dialogue on Global Just Transition in Port Vila ends today. ….PACNEWS
PAC – FOSSIL FUEL TREATY MEET: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Apr 2026
Global fuel crisis a call to reduce reliance on fossil fuels: Regenvanu
PORT VILA, 15 APRIL 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST)—The fossil fuel crisis driven by the Middle-East conflict is unequivocally a call to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for everyone, said Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change and Energy, Ralph Regenvanu.
He was responding to a question during a press conference at the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) Ministerial Dialogue on the Global Just Transition in Port Vila.
“I acknowledge that many countries are now stumbling to find the energy they need when supply is cut or reduced,” he said.
“For Vanuatu, it has been a moment of realisation that we really have to scale up and fast-track as much as possible on our National Energy Road Map, which sets targets for the transition to renewable energy.”
Under its National Energy Road Map, Vanuatu aims to achieve 100 percent electrification with renewable energy by 2030.
Minister Regenvanu said Vanuatu is on track to achieve the target.
Pacific countries with limited finances rely on commitments from wealthier nations to provide climate finance for renewable energy, as agreed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
While Pacific countries are among the most dependent on fossil fuels in the world, they have the highest ambitions for energy transition, said Minister Regenvanu.
Tuvalu’s Minister for Climate Change and Environment, Dr Maina Talia, said the fuel crisis has shown that things can be done differently and that there are alternative sources to explore.
He said his country has recently declared a two-week state of emergency due to critical fuel supply risks.
“We are seriously looking into our energy programmes to achieve our 100 percent renewable energy targets with the support of donor partners,” he said.
The PSIDS Ministerial Dialogue on the Global Just Transition in Port Vila will consolidate regional positions, strengthen coordination, and reinforce collective resolve ahead of the first-ever global conference on fossil fuel transition in Santa Marta, Colombia, at the end of this month.
“Our path to Santa Marta should not be limited by the unwillingness of other countries. What matters is the willingness of Pacific nations and those ready to engage, as we take on a new role and step forward together,” said Tuvalu’s Minister Talia.
For the Pacific, a just transition is not simply about climate ambition. It is about economic stability, resilience, and survival….PACNEWS
TUVALU – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Apr 2026
Tuvalu fuel supply ‘not assured’ beyond June
FUNAFUTI, 15 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—Tuvalu’s Transport Minister Simon Kofe says they have not been assured that fuel will be consistently supplied beyond June.
A state of emergency has been declared on Tuvalu’s Funafati Island for two weeks in light of risks to the fuel and electricity supply.
This allows the government broad powers to control supplies and services including transport, or the consumption of fuel and light.
Tuvalu’s governor-general said there is increasing instability in electricity generation and distribution systems.
Kofe, who is the Minister for Transport, Energy Communication and Innovation, told RNZ’s Morning Report that as of 01 April, diesel went up by 40 percent and petrol by 30 percent in Tuvalu – where fuel is already expensive.
“At the moment, we haven’t been assured that fuel will be consistently supplied beyond June, so we’re quite concerned that that will certainly have a big impact if we don’t get the supply,” he said.
“That affects not just our electricity, but the shipping which we rely on to supply the outer islands and also possibly airplanes.”
He said they are expecting disruptions to their supply, which comes from a company that gets supplies from Singapore and Korea, which in turn relies on oil from the Middle East.
“We are expecting that there will be disruptions, and we believe that countries will also be putting their priorities first.
“So, we’re quite worried that countries, like Tuvalu and other small island nations, may not be in a priority for some of these bigger countries, so we need to prepare now and have storage in place before that time arrives.”
Kofe said Tuvalu has not sought assistance from New Zealand, but Aotearoa reached out when they heard about the state of emergency.
He said New Zealand may be able to help boost diesel supplies or transporting spare parts and generators.
“We’ve been experiencing power outages in the last few weeks, some areas for about two days, 20 hours,” he said.
“So, it’s been having a big impact on the day-to day life of ordinary Tuvaluans. We’ve managed to stabilize it for now, but the challenge we have is that we don’t have a backup generator, which is something now that we’re trying to procure during this state of emergency.”
Tuvalu is not the only Pacific Island nation with supply concerns.
The Marshall Islands declared a 90-day state of economic emergency on 30 March.
The Cook Islands government is providing extra welfare funding and free bus services.
Childfund New Zealand said fuel prices have risen between 20 and 40 percent in many Pacific nations.
ChildFund New Zealand CEO Josie Pagani said families in Aotearoa feel it at the pump, while in the Pacific, families feel it on the table.
Pagani said the two-week Iran war ceasefire is a welcome reprieve for children and families across the region.
But she said this crisis has highlighted the urgent need for more long-term and enduring energy solutions in the Pacific…..PACNEWS
VAN – PERJURY: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Apr 2026
Perjury complaint filed against Vanuatu Parliament Speaker
PORT VILA, 15 APRIL 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — Police have confirmed to the Vanuatu Daily Post that Opposition Leader and Port Vila MP Ishmael Kalsakau has filed an official complaint alleging perjury against Speaker of Parliament and Efate Rural MP Stephen Felix.
Police said the complaint has been registered for investigation.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition, MP Jay Ngwele, said the issue dates back to the last Ordinary Session of Parliament in November last year, when Speaker Felix was alleged to have committed perjury.
MP Ngwele alleged the sworn statement made by Speaker Felix in court is not supported by Hansard records and recordings from the parliamentary session.
He alleged that Hansard records of statements made by Speaker Felix were also included in the complaint file submitted to police Tuesday.
The alleged perjury relates to the November session, when Speaker Felix closed Parliament during proceedings that were due to debate the first motion of no confidence against Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat.
The Opposition challenged the Speaker’s decision to close Parliament in the Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of the complainant.
Speaker Felix appealed the decision, but the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling of the Supreme Court.
The Daily Post contacted Speaker Felix yesterday regarding the complaint. He said he had no comments to make.
“We will let the criminal police carry out their investigations, as with all criminal cases,” he said……PACNEWS
NZ – WASTE EXPORT PROTEST: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Apr 2026
NZ group opposes waste export to Fiji, plans protest in Wellington on Friday
WELLINGTON, 15 APRIL 2206 (FIJI TIMES)—Environmental organisation Zero Waste Aotearoa is calling on the New Zealand Government to reject any plans to export its waste to Fiji, raising concerns over a proposed large-scale incinerator project.
The group said the facility, proposed by Australian company TNG Ltd, would be built along the Saweni coastline in Vuda—an area described as culturally significant and environmentally sensitive.
Spokesperson Sue Coutts warned the incinerator could process up to 900,000 tonnes of waste annually—more than four times Fiji’s own waste output.
“This incinerator would burn 900,000 tonnes of waste per year… leaving between 225,000 to 300,000 tonnes of highly toxic ash,” Coutts said.
She said both emissions and ash from the plant would contain hazardous materials.
“When rubbish is burned these are concentrated in the ash… and some escape into the air,” she said.
The group also raised climate concerns, arguing the project would generate significant carbon emissions.
“Sending our waste to Fiji would mean offloading our climate emissions to Fijians,” Coutts said.
Zero Waste Aotearoa described the proposal as “waste colonialism”, accusing developers of shifting environmental burdens to the Pacific after similar projects were rejected in Australia.
“It is completely unacceptable for New Zealand to impose onto Fiji the social and environmental burden of dealing with our waste,” she said.
A protest is planned outside the Fijian High Commission in Wellington, while a separate demonstration is expected in Fiji, as opposition to the project grows….PACNEWS
FIJI – COURTS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Apr 2026
Plea date set for former Fiji deputy PM Kamikamica in alleged false oath case
SUVA, 15 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN)—A plea date has been set for former Fiji deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who is accused of making false statements under oath regarding a key government appointment.
The charges relate to allegations that between 01 December, 2024, and 31 March 2025, Kamikamica knowingly gave false evidence while under oath.
It is alleged that he claimed he had no involvement in the appointment of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner, FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali.
The matter was called before Magistrate Charles Ratakele, where Kamikamica was absent from court Tuesday.
His lawyer, Wylie Clarke, told the court that his client is in Australia undergoing a medical procedure.
Clarke further informed the court that the High Court has already heard an application for a permanent stay of proceedings, with a decision expected next Friday.
Kamikamica also faces an additional allegation that he gave the same false information to a Commission of Inquiry.
The court will now hear his plea on the next hearing date set for 12 May.
Meanwhile, a high Court judge has stepped aside from presiding over a high-profile case involving former Attorney-General and Minister for Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, after declaring a personal family connection to one of the accused.
Justice Aruna Aluthge recused himself from the matter in the Lautoka High Court Tuesday and transferred the case to Justice Sekonaia Vodokisolomone, citing a potential conflict of interest.
The judge disclosed that his daughter is a close friend of the accused’s daughter, with both attending the same school on Drasa.
The case involves Sayed-Khaiyum, who faces 11 counts each of unlawful carriage of firearms on an aircraft, receiving a corrupt benefit, breach of trust by a person employed in the public service, and abuse of office.
Former Fiji Airways executive general manager corporate affairs Shaenaz Voss faces three counts of giving a corrupt benefit.
Additionally, Voss, Fiji Airways general manager safety, security and quality Sharun Ali, and Fiji Link face five counts of breach of mandatory reporting of security occurrences and three counts of breach of airline security.
The charges are filed under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and the Crimes Act 2009.
The trio appeared before Justice Aluthge in the Lautoka High Court…..PACNEWS
FIJI – CYCLONE RESPONSE: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Apr 2026
Fiji delivers 1,500 food packs to Cyclone – hit Yasawa, steps up relief in Ba
SUVA, 15 APRIL 2026 (FIJI GOVT)—The Fiji Government continues to prioritise the needs of families affected by Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, with urgent food assistance delivered to communities in the Yasawa Group.
More than 1,500 food ration packs were prepared and dispatched, as teams worked efficiently to ensure supplies reached those most in need. The operation was coordinated from the Western Division, with packing completed following the arrival of essential supplies.
This effort reflects Government’s ongoing commitment to support affected communities and ensure timely assistance during the recovery phase.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu was part of the team on the ground, reinforcing Government’s presence and support for communities in Yasawa.
Government acknowledges the strong collaboration with partners whose collective efforts continue to ensure that no community is left behind.
Meanwhile, the Government continues to stand with communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, with food ration assistance delivered Tuesday to 21 families in Natawarau settlement in Ba following recent flooding.
The support forms part of ongoing relief efforts to ensure affected households have immediate access to essential supplies as they begin recovery. Government teams, working closely with divisional and district officials, remain on the ground to assist communities and assess further needs.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu was present during the distribution, reaffirming Government’s commitment to supporting families during difficult times and ensuring no one is left behind.
Government also continues to remind residents to remain vigilant and prioritise safety as the cyclone season continues…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – HOTEL INDUSTRY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 15 Apr 2026
Fiji Hotel sector turnover hits $1.63 billion in 2025
SUVA, 15 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji’s tourism accommodation sector has recorded strong financial performance, with annual turnover reaching $1.63 billion(US$815 million) in 2025, an increase of 6.3 percent year-on-year.
Provisional data released by Fiji Bureau of Statistics shows the growth was driven by higher visitor demand and improved service earnings across hotels and tourist accommodation providers.
In the December quarter alone, takings from accommodation, food, liquor and other services totalled $414.1 million (US$207.05 million), up 9.4 percent compared to the same period in 2024.
Employment in the sector also expanded, with paid jobs rising by 5.0 percent, reflecting increased activity across the industry.
Operational indicators point to steady gains in both capacity and usage. The number of rooms available rose slightly by 0.2 percent, while rooms sold increased by 0.4 percent, pushing the room occupancy rate up to 56.6 percent. Bed occupancy also improved to 52.5 percent.
Regionally, the Coral Coast recorded the highest occupancy rates, with increased activity also noted in the Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Coral Coast and Lautoka areas during the fourth quarter.
Visitor trends show strong arrivals from Australia in the Coral Coast and Nadi areas, while the Northern Division attracted a large number of visitors from the United States. In Suva, most visitors in the December quarter came from Japan and other Pacific Island countries.
The figures highlight continued resilience in Fiji’s tourism sector, a key driver of economic growth….PACNEWS
PAC – FUNDING: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 15 Apr 2026
France grants over VT240M to strengthen Pacific cooperation
PORT VILA, 15 APRIL 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST)—France has allocated €1.89 million (over VT240 million) to fund 54 regional cooperation projects across the Pacific, with Vanuatu among key beneficiaries in programmes covering health, climate resilience, youth development and cultural exchange.
The funding was approved at the Pacific Fund Steering Committee meeting in Nouméa under the Pacific Fund, a programme financed by France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
It is implemented from Nouméa under the coordination of Ambassador Véronique Roger-Lacan, and aims to strengthen collaboration between French territories—New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna—and Pacific island countries.
The initiative brings together expertise from French Pacific communities to deliver practical and innovative solutions for Pacific populations.
In 2026, the fund supports projects involving at least one French authority working alongside partners in countries including Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Nauru, Palau, Australia and New Zealand.
Vanuatu is set to benefit from several health programmes. These include training 50 educators to lead HIV and AIDS prevention work through the Polynesian organisation Agir contre le SIDA, aimed at strengthening community awareness and response. The Pasteur Institute of New Caledonia will carry out zoonotic risk assessments in Vanuatu to support early detection and prevention of infectious diseases. Vanuatu is also part of wider scientific cooperation projects such as the Bright Pacific consortium, designed to improve health surveillance systems across the region, and research into traditional Pacific plants to explore potential anti cancer properties.
Climate related research forms another key area, with support directed toward projects such as converting organic waste into biofuel in New Caledonia, strengthening coral resilience through reef restoration methods, and analysing long term ocean climate patterns using coral data from Nauru. These initiatives aim to generate knowledge and practical approaches relevant to vulnerable island nations including Vanuatu.
The fund also supports human development through sports exchanges, including rugby and rowing, and training programmes enabling young people to gain skills through internships in hospitality, mechanics, electrical trades and language studies in English speaking Pacific countries.
Cultural programmes form a major part of the initiative, with support for audiovisual festivals in French Polynesia and New Caledonia, training opportunities for young Pacific filmmakers, literary residencies, book fairs and regional film festivals in Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. These activities aim to strengthen cultural links and promote Francophone engagement across the Pacific.
In addition, the Pacific Fund has renewed €350,000(US$412,000) in support for the Pasifika Echoes programme led by the Pacific Community, focusing on preserving and promoting audiovisual heritage in the region.
All funded initiatives align with regional frameworks, including the Pacific Community Strategic Plan 2022–2031 and the Pacific Islands Forum’s Blue Pacific 2050 strategy, supporting a shared direction for sustainable development across Oceania….PACNEWS
FIJI – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 15 Apr 2026
Fiji Labour Party accuses FCCC of ‘cheating consumers’ over fuel price hike
SUVA, 15 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—The Fiji Labour Party has strongly criticised the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) over its April fuel price determination, calling it “a classic exercise in bureaucratic deflection dressed up as technical rigour.”
Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry said the Commission’s decision to extend its usual one-month pricing window effectively passed global fuel cost volatility directly onto consumers.
“While the FCCC insists it did not simply pass on overseas cost volatility… this is precisely what they did,” Chaudhry said.
He said sidelining the “least cost methodology” removed a key buffer that had traditionally protected households from sudden price spikes.
“The process must not be altered in the short term to advantage suppliers. The FCCC must represent the interests of the consumer, not the fuel companies,” he said.
The FLP pointed to sharp increases in April fuel prices, including a 71-cent (US$0.35 cent) rise in kerosene and a 49-cent (US$0.24 cent) increase in unleaded petrol, describing the impact as immediate and severe.
“This unjustified action… is akin to cheating the consumer,” Chaudhry said.
He also questioned the necessity of the adjustment, noting earlier assurances from Government that fuel supplies were secure.
“It has caused an undue burden on households and businesses… and negatively impacted the economy,” he added.
Chaudhry called on the Prime Minister or the Minister for Finance to intervene under Section 40 of the FCCC Act.
“Labour will continue to demand real accountability and immediate measures to protect households,” he said….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Shaping the future of nature conservation on Pacific agenda this year
APIA/NOUMEA, 15 APRIL 2026 (SPREP)—New Caledonia will host the region’s largest Nature Conservation Conference for the Pacific from 07–11 September this year.
Held every five years, the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas will unite hundreds of stakeholders to help shape priorities and actions for conservation across the region.
This year’s conference will highlight Pacific leadership in addressing the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. It is essential for maintaining dialogue and collaboration, the pillars of Oceanian solidarity required for turning ambitions on nature conservation into concrete action.
Organised by New Caledonia, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation, the conference will result in a chart that will course our collective Pacific journey for nature conservation and protected areas. It will be supported by a shared political vision for biodiversity conservation in the Pacific.
“The 11th Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation is much more than just a regional gathering: it is a call to all Pacific nations to come together, share ideas, and take action for our blue continent and our planet.
Historic milestones such as the BBNJ Agreement on the high seas and the global 30×30 target provide us with an ambitious framework.
It is up to us, the peoples of the Pacific, to champion it with a strong and united voice,” stated Katidjo-Monnier, the Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change of New Caledonia.
The Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) aims to conserve and sustain use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Bringing together governments, civil society, Indigenous and local communities, development partners, and technical experts over the course of five days, the Pacific Nature Conservation Conference will promote practical, action-oriented solutions to support local and national actions and highlight success stories and strengthen partnerships for increased investment in conservation.
The 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas will also be the opportunity to showcase innovative approaches, traditional knowledge and best practices in conservation as well as contribute to global biodiversity goals like the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Taking an intergenerational approach, the Conference is committed to enabling meaningful and effective youth engagement and civil society participation. It will strengthen a unified Pacific voice on biodiversity conservation.
“Our natural environment is our Pacific foundation. It has sustained our culture, our livelihoods and our identity. The Pacific’s largest Nature Conservation Conference held in New Caledonia is critical on our journey for a Blue Pacific,” said Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General of SPREP.
“The partnerships, networks, solutions and framework that will be born from this conference are just one environmental outcome of many that will guide a united approach from our region as we implement our 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.”
After the 10th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas was held virtually due to COVID-19, the 11th Nature Conference will be the first major in-person gathering of Pacific stakeholders since 2013.
The 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas is organised by New Caledonia, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, and the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
U.S and Global Fund Expand Commitment to Long-Acting HIV Prevention as Country Rollout of Lenacapavir Accelerates
GENEVA/WASHINGTON, 15 APRIL 2026 (THE GLOBAL FUND) — The United States and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund has announced an expanded commitment to scale up access to long-acting lenacapavir (LEN) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), aiming to reach an additional 1 million people over the next three years.
Building on the original commitment, this brings the total joint ambition to 3 million people reached with LEN through 2028.
“This expanded commitment in partnership with the United States reflects both the scale of the opportunity and the urgency of the moment,” said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “Long-acting lenacapavir could reshape HIV prevention by overcoming some of the structural challenges that have long constrained uptake. The task now is to translate scientific progress into broad, equitable access – at speed and at scale.”
LEN is a long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, administered twice a year, that has shown near 100% effectiveness in preventing new HIV infections in clinical trials. By offering a highly effective, discreet and user-friendly alternative to daily oral PrEP, LEN has the potential to significantly reduce new infections and transform prevention efforts.
This new milestone comes as countries begin rolling out LEN, marking a major step toward expanding access to a new generation of HIV prevention tools. Initial deliveries have reached nine African countries: Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
As of today, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have started their rollouts of LEN with the other early adopters commencing soon. Early program data indicate that uptake is particularly strong among priority populations, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescent girls and young women, and people accessing PrEP for the first time – highlighting LEN’s potential to reach those not previously accessing prevention. Data continue to be collected and consolidated as programs scale up across countries.
Building on this momentum, the Global Fund has also extended support for LEN PrEP introduction to 12 additional countries: Benin, Botswana, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Georgia, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Morocco, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda and Thailand – reflecting strong and growing global demand for long-acting HIV prevention options.
Gilead Sciences has granted voluntary licenses to several manufacturers to produce generic versions of LEN, helping to pave the way for expanded and more affordable supply. This milestone comes as the Global Fund launched a global call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) [ download in English ] from manufacturers to submit their LEN PrEP products for review by its Expert Review Panel – an important step to accelerating the availability of quality-assured generic products and expanding global supply capacity over the coming months. At the same time, early shipments of the original product continue to arrive in countries.
“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against HIV,” said Hui Yang, Head of Supply Operations at the Global Fund. “We are delighted that first deliveries have already been completed within our planned timelines across nine countries. This reflects strong collaboration across partners and a shared commitment to move quickly. By expanding our supplier base through both the original and generic manufacturers, we are working to ensure sustainable, affordable access at scale.”
Countries across multiple regions have expressed strong interest in introducing LEN as part of their HIV prevention strategies, reflecting demand for more discreet, long-acting options that can help overcome adherence challenges associated with daily oral PrEP.
“The level of country demand we are seeing is both encouraging and urgent,” said Mark Edington, Head of Grant Management at the Global Fund. “Countries recognise the transformative potential of LEN to reach populations that have not been adequately served by existing tools. Our focus now is on supporting rapid, responsible introduction – ensuring that programs are ready to deliver and communities can benefit as quickly as possible.”
The Global Fund is working closely with countries, partners and manufacturers to ensure that implementation is equitable, efficient and aligned with national strategies. Community-led organisations are playing a critical role in supporting rollout, building trust, raising awareness and driving uptake among populations most at risk. The organisation aims to significantly scale up supply through a dual-track approach – supporting both the original product and accelerating the entry of quality-assured generics, with expanded availability expected as early as 2027.
Welcoming the rollout of LEN in Eswatini, the country’s Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, said: “Lenacapavir represents a breakthrough in HIV prevention, especially for communities that face barriers to daily treatment adherence. As one of the countries preparing for early introduction, Eswatini is committed to ensuring that this innovation reaches those who need it most. By expanding access to long-acting prevention, we aim to significantly reduce new HIV infections and accelerate progress towards eliminating HIV as a public health threat. We value the Global Fund and United States partnership in helping us move quickly and effectively.”
Today’s announcement underscores the Global Fund’s commitment to accelerating access to innovative health technologies and ensuring that lifesaving tools reach communities most affected by HIV. This effort is made possible through strong partnerships, including with the United States and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), which are helping to expand access to this breakthrough prevention tool…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Disability support in PNG: bridging policy and reality
By Jerry Hensen
PORT MORESBY, 15 APRIL 2026 (DEVPOLICY.ORG) —Papua New Guinea is home to an estimated one million persons with disabilities (PWDs): roughly 10-15 percent of the population. Over the past decade, PNG’s government has made significant policy commitments to support them, including the National Policy on Disability 2015-2025 and the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Despite these frameworks, most PWDs remain excluded from education, employment and community life.
Only 2 percent of PWDs in PNG currently access formal services. The vast majority are left without assistive devices, rehabilitation, inclusive schooling or income support. Most live in rural areas, where rugged geography and poor infrastructure make access especially difficult. Furthermore, in urban settings, public spaces and services remain largely inaccessible. Many buildings lack ramps, signage or toilets adapted for mobility or sensory impairments.
Deep-seated stigma and cultural attitudes further isolate PWDs. Disability is often seen as a source of shame or associated with sorcery. Families might hide children or keep adults with disabilities at home, fearing ridicule. Women with disabilities face compounded discrimination, experiencing high rates of violence and being excluded from both disability and gender initiatives.
Improving disability support in PNG is a multifaceted endeavor requiring cultural change, institutional strengthening and resource investment. The pieces of the puzzle — policy, community engagement, partnerships — are starting to come together, but sustained effort is needed.
PNG has a strong policy foundation. The National Policy on Disability 2015-2025 outlines a rights-based approach built around three pillars: advocacy and empowerment, inclusive service delivery and institutional strengthening. The policy emphasises that disability is not caused by impairment, but by barriers in society. Regional commitments, such as the Pacific Framework on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, reinforce PNG’s obligations to the disabled.
However, effective documentation and implementation remain significant shortfalls. Government departments remain under-resourced and there is no dedicated disability law with enforcement powers. Coordination is weak. Data on disability prevalence and service access is limited. Most disability programming is donor-dependent and delivered by NGOs or churches.
Encouragingly, 2025 has seen a renewed push for reform. Prime Minister Marape publicly pledged to fast-track a comprehensive Disability Act. This long-awaited law would mandate accessibility, anti-discrimination protections and budgeted service provision. The PNG Assembly of Disabled Persons (PNGADP) has been revitalised and is engaging with government on strategic planning.
Pilot projects offer models for inclusive development. Inclusive schools, community-based rehabilitation programs and disability-friendly Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives have shown success. Donor partnerships, especially with Australia, have provided funding and technical assistance. But these remain isolated pockets of progress that are not accessible to all who need them.
To move forward, PNG must accord priority to five core actions:
*Enact and implement the Disability Act with strong enforcement mechanisms. This will create a legal foundation for rights-based inclusion.
*Invest in inclusive infrastructure and services. All new schools, clinics and transport systems should meet universal design standards. Teacher training and healthcare delivery must integrate disability support.
*Empower disabled persons’ organisations (DPOs). Organisations like PNGADP need support to advocate, monitor and co-design programs that address gaps and needs. Representation at all levels of policymaking is essential.
*Fund disability inclusion. Government budgets must allocate resources for assistive technology, rehabilitation, social protection and accessibility retrofits.
*Challenge stigma through awareness campaigns. Engage churches, local leaders and media to shift attitudes. Show that disability is part of human diversity, rather than something to be hidden.
Disability support in Papua New Guinea today stands at a critical juncture. PNG has the tools, policies and momentum to build a more inclusive society. By implementing these recommendations, PNG can make significant progress to uphold the rights and potential of all its citizens, including persons with disabilities.
Many of the recommendations are mutually reinforcing for example, better data will improve planning, improved inclusion in schools will change attitudes for the next generation, empowering DPOs will help keep the momentum, and so on.
Some actions can yield early wins, such as launching awareness campaigns, passing the Disability Act and starting teacher aide hiring. Others are longer-term investments, like training enough therapists or achieving full accessibility in infrastructure. It is crucial that momentum is maintained and monitored.
The challenges must also be acknowledged. One is data and secrecy. In remote areas, families might still hide PWDs, so identifying them for services can be hard. Another challenge is cost — making buildings accessible or providing assistive devices carries a cost that cash-strapped agencies may resist unless they see the value. There might also be some cultural resistance. Enforcement mechanisms need to be thought through — for example, should there be penalties or incentives to comply with accessibility standards?
The coming years will determine whether PNG can turn vision into action. Disability inclusion is not just a human rights issue; it is a development imperative. With political will, adequate funding and strong community engagement, PNG can remove barriers and improve the wellbeing of the disability community….PACNEWS
Jerry Hensen passed away in January 2026 after a six-month illness.
He was an inveterate champion of persons with disabilities in PNG, especially of the blind and visually impaired. He was well known in the National Capital District, in Simbu and Eastern Highlands (where he had attended Mt Sion School for the Blind), Wewak, Lae and even Bougainville, attending conferences and speaking out, questioning protection for the disadvantaged and the provision of transport and facilities and other services for PWDs.
Jerry wrote papers and debated wider development issues. He was also known in legal circles, having trained in law at UPNG and the PNG Legal Training Institute, and fought cases on behalf of the disadvantaged (often on a gratis basis).
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
New research provides updated estimates on global forest-sector employment
ROME, 15 APRIL 2026 (FAO)—– Forests employ approximately 42 million people worldwide, with women accounting for one quarter of the workforce, according to new research from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Thünen Institute of Forestry.
Published on Tuesday, Updated methodology to quantify forest-sector employment: Global and regional estimates presents fresh estimates that help close critical data gaps in global and regional forest-sector employment between 2011 and 2022.
The joint paper draws on annual data for the sector and its subsectors for 182 countries, representing 99 percent of the world’s forest area.
The study also presents the first global sex-disaggregated employment estimates for the forest sector, revealing that women account for nearly 10.6 million jobs, or 25 percent of forest-sector employment, and highlighting persistent disparities between women and men across regions. The widest disparity was found in Europe, where 1.8 percent of men and only 0.5 percent of women were employed in the forest sector in 2022. By contrast, these disparities were narrower in Africa, the Americas and Asia.
“To help build a more sustainable and resilient forest sector, we need a clear picture of who works in our forests – and that starts with sex-disaggregated data,” said Zhimin Wu, FAO Assistant Director-General and Forestry Division Director.
“Internationally comparable data on employment in the sector is essential for creating policies that protect both people and forests.”
Vital data and improved methodology
The forest sector contributes to national economies and sustainable development by creating jobs, generating economic value and supporting environmental sustainability.
Building on earlier joint work, FAO, ILO and the Thünen Institute of Forestry have developed a new methodology – the Forest EMployment (FEM) model – to improve the availability and consistency of forest-sector employment data. The model generates annual, sex‑disaggregated estimates for the forest sector and its subsectors, providing more robust evidence base for policy and analysis.
The study estimates that the forest sector employed at least 42 million people worldwide in 2022 – around 1.2 percent of total employment – representing a decline of approximately 3.1 percent compared to 2011.
Asia continues to account for the largest share of forest-sector employment in total employment (around 1.4 percent). In Europe, the share declined slightly, from 1.3 percent in 2011 to 1.2 percent in 2022. Africa saw fluctuations – starting at 1.2 percent in 2011, peaking in 2016, and decreasing to 1.0 percent by 2022 – while employment levels in the Americas remained relatively stable at around 0.8 percent, with minor fluctuations following the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Across the sector, wood and wood product manufacturing remains the largest source of employment, accounting for approximately 58 percent of total forest employment, followed by forestry and logging, and pulp and paper manufacturing.
The FEM model was developed in the context of FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) 2025, with the assistance of the European Union.
Compared with previous estimates, the FEM model introduces several methodological improvements, including annual estimates instead of three-year intervals, and the use of country‑specific socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, labour‑market indicators and forest‑sector variables to estimate missing data….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Reparations ‘key to dismantling systemic racism’: UN rights chief
GENEVA, 15 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described reparatory justice for colonialism, enslavement and the trade in enslaved Africans as “key to dismantling systemic racism.”
Speaking on Tuesday at the fifth session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, he lauded the advances in racial justice and equality that have been made over the past decades.
These include the adoption of anti-discrimination laws, the creation of independent human rights and equality institutions and steps towards reparations.
However, the picture for people of African descent around the world remains uneven and fragile, he said, and in some cases progress is even being pushed back.
‘Daily realities’ of poverty, racism and AI bias
The UN rights chief pointed to daily discrimination in a wide range of situations, from the workplace, to hospitals, classrooms and encounters with law enforcement.
Poverty rates across all regions, he noted, are consistently higher among people of African descent, especially for women, young people and those already affected by other forms of discrimination.
“Racism and dehumanising rhetoric still pervade our public institutions, communities and online platforms,” he declared, adding that “digital technologies, including AI, are reproducing and amplifying existing biases against people of African descent.”
These daily realities are, said Türk, “the direct legacy of colonialism and enslavement.”
Steps towards racial justice and equality
He outlined three key asks for Member States going forward:
*Anti-racism laws, policies and practices which can lay the foundation for safer, fairer, and more inclusive societies, should be adopted and enforced
*Young people of African descent and members of civil society should be included at all levels of decision-making
*Momentum towards reparatory justice should be maintained
On the latter, Türk welcomed the General Assembly’s March 25 resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity and the decision by certain governments and institutions to issue apologies and return artefacts.
At the same time, he warned, “efforts to advance reparatory justice are facing resistance in some quarters. So, we need to make sure that advocacy around it is creative and firmly grounded in human rights.”
Moving forward
This year’s session of the forum is being framed as an opportunity to advance the human rights of the African diaspora.
Panels and discussions will examine reparatory justice through the return of cultural artefacts; the human rights situation of youth of African descent; and the implications of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which remains the most comprehensive global framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, 25 years on from its adoption…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS SPORT
PAC – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 15 Apr 2026
Moana Pasifika confirm Super Rugby exit
AUCKLAND, 15 APRIL 2026 (AAP)—Moana Pasifika have been deemed unviable and will disband at the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The franchise, which joined the remodelled league alongside Fijian Drua in 2022, confirmed on Wednesday that the “financial, operational and strategic realities” meant ownership could not commit beyond 2026.
Unless new owners step forward to take up the estimated $7 million (US$4.12 million) annual operating costs, Super Rugby will become a 10-team competition next season.
The tournament currently has 11 teams after the 2024 dissolution of the Melbourne Rebels, also for financial reasons.
“This is one of the hardest decisions we have ever made. We are immensely proud of our players, staff and the community who have supported our team over the years,” chairman Kiki Maoate said.
Maoate said the club’s commitment now “is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone affected and to celebrate our legacy by finishing the season strong”.
Over the past four seasons they have finished 12th, 12th, 11th and seventh and currently sit last with a 1-7 record.
All Blacks star Ardie Savea was a standout last season but had left for Japan on a sabbatical and was due to return to Pasifika in 2027.
Head coach, former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, was already set to depart and join the Test side as Dave Rennie’s assistant.
While the Drua have cemented various home ground venues as strongholds, the Auckland-based Pasifika have been unable to deliver on their ambition to be based in Samoa and also play regularly in Tonga.
Instead they have struggled to attract the top Pasifika talent and played in near-empty venues in Auckland, where the Blues are the dominant rugby force.
“Across our rugby, pathways and community programmes, we have been able to support a growing hub of Pacific talent across multiple sporting codes, both locally and in the Pacific region,” Maoate said.
“This is something we are extremely proud of and will continue to support and advocate for as best we can,” he said……PACNEWS
