In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Australia’s neighbour criticises Albanese and will ‘definitely’ ask China for fuel help
2. TONGA — Tonga Finance Minister resigns following bribery conviction
3. TONGA — Tonga declares dengue outbreak as cases spread across the Kingdom
4. PACIFIC — Pacific churches launch climate justice decade in erosion-hit Togoru
5. FIJI — Calls for better-targeted climate aid, not just more funding
6. FIJI — Fiji issues fresh travel advisory amid Middle East tensions
7. TONGA — Tonga validates national climate loss data to strengthen resilience planning
8. PACNEWS BIZ — ‘Who gave you the right?’: PNG villagers take on gas giant
9. FIJI — Fiji Government suspends overtime payments under fuel cost measures
10.PACNEWS DIGEST — Leadership That Mirrors the World: The UN’s Next Great Test
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Six Pacific Met Service Officers awarded ClimSA scholarships at USP
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — Clean Energy Powers Sustainable, Reliable, and Climate Resilient Healthcare for Savai‘i Communities
PAC – IRAN CRISIS/DIPLOMACY: SBS PACNEWS 2: Fri 17 Apr 2026
Australia’s neighbour criticises Albanese and will ‘definitely’ ask China for fuel help
PORT VILA, 17 APRIL 2026 (SBS)—A Pacific leader has criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the region stares down the climate crisis, while signalling his country will “definitely” seek assistance from China amid global energy turmoil.
Vanuatu’s climate change adaptation minister Ralph Regenvanu’s comments come against a backdrop of Australia failing to secure a $500 million (US$358 million) security pact with Vanuatu in September last year, while China eyes regional influence in the Indo-Pacific.
An outspoken climate advocate, Regenvanu told SBS News that Australia “needs to think hard about where its future lies” in relying on fossil fuels, as a chokehold on oil shipments the Strait of Hormuz continues to threaten the country’s energy security.
Albanese landed in Malaysia on Wednesday, after travelling to Brunei and Singapore over the past week, to secure assurances Australia will continue to receive petrol and diesel from the countries the government is dependent on for supply.
“Australia has a great opportunity to transition to renewable energy, as it is already doing in the domestic market. And any resources spent on additional fossil fuels is resources taken away from the transition,” Regenvanu told SBS News.
“To go looking for even more fossil fuels from outside — I don’t think it’s the right approach.”
Regenvanu also threw his support behind Australia introducing a 25 per cent gas export tax, an idea which has gained traction from the crossbench and Greens during the war in the Middle East.
“We are concerned about Australia continuing to supply LNG [liquefied natural gas] to the Asian economies,” he said.
“There’s a need to rein this in, in alignment with international law. There’s a need to phase out these exports as well.”
When asked about whether it was time for a gas export tax to be introduced, Albanese said any changes would be found in the upcoming federal budget, to be handed down in three weeks.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen stressed Australia’s first priority was supply, but recognised the importance of diversifying energy — including with renewables — during times of global conflict.
“There isn’t one country in the world that said: ‘You know what this fuel crisis reminds us, is we need more fossil fuels’,” he told reporters on Monday.
“No war can impede the flow of sun to Australia. No sanctions can be applied to wind.”
The Pacific Islands are some of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change as rising sea levels have threatened their long-term existence.
They are also among the most vulnerable to fuel shortage shocks, with the United Nations warning this week that, with Pacific nations at the end of the global supply chain, they could be pushed into deeper economic insecurity.
The Marshall Islands have declared a state of economic emergency, while one Papua New Guinean fuel supplier has started rationing. Tuvalu has ordered its government staff to work from home.
Regenvanu said Vanuatu has enough fuel reserves until the end of June, but residents will likely start seeing fuel and food price hikes by May.
Vanuatu has not asked for help with energy security from Australia yet, but Regenvanu did not rule it out.
“We are definitely going to reach out to China as well,” he said.
“I don’t think anyone has anything to be concerned about Vanuatu doing what it does as a sovereign state.
“We are not going to be a militarised state in any way. We will never host any foreign military bases. We will never abide any foreign interference in our infrastructure,” he said.
Regenvanu’s criticism come as Pasifika leaders wrap up three-day talks in Port Vila to manage a transition away from fossil fuels, ahead of a major international summit in Colombia later this month.
But Regenvanu said that the delayed and unsigned agreement between Australia and Vanuatu is “on the cusp” of being finalised.
The proposed 10-year, $500 million (US$358 million) Nakamal agreement was aimed at funding Vanuatu’s key economic and climate priorities, while locking in Australia as Vanuatu’s security partner of choice.
But last-minute sticking points emerged while Albanese travelled to Port Vila last September to sign the pact, due to concerns from Vanuatu officials it could hurt the country’s economic ties with China.
Pacific Affairs Minister Pat Conroy told the ABC on Monday the federal government was open to helping Pasifika communities where possible.
“We’re continuing to talk to our Pacific neighbours — we’re proud to be a part of the Pacific family and to understand what the challenges there are,” he said…. PACNEWS
TONGA – FINANCE MINISTER RESIGNS: TALANOAOTONGA PACNEWS 2: Fri 17 Apr 2026
Tonga Finance Minister resigns following bribery conviction
NUKU’ALOFA, 17 APRIL 2026 (TALANOA TONGA)—The Minister of Finance, Lata í Faingataá Tangimana, has resigned from Cabinet following a court ruling that found him guilty of indirect bribery during the 2025 general election.
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua confirmed the resignation at a press conference Thursday, stating it took effect immediately.
Lord Fakafanua said he received Tangimana’s resignation letter earlier this week and accepted it in light of the court judgment issued on 24 March.
The ruling was formally certified to the Speaker of Parliament on 09 April, prompting constitutional procedures regarding his parliamentary seat.
The court found that Tangimana had attempted to influence voters by distributing fish ahead of the November 2025 election. Such actions fall under electoral bribery offences under Tongan law, which can result in disqualification from Parliament.
Despite the conviction, Tangimana will remain the People’s Representative for Niua 17 for now.
The Speaker has advised that he is due to be unseated on 27 April, but the court has granted a stay of the judgment pending an appeal scheduled for early July.
Lord Fakafanua said he will temporarily assume responsibility for the finance portfolio until a replacement is made.
The Prime Minister is also overseeing Tonga’s diplomatic services while the Crown Prince serves as Prince Regent during the King’s overseas travel.
The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of electoral integrity in Tonga, with the appeal outcome likely to determine Tangimana’s political future…..PACNEWS
TONGA – HEALTH: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Fri 17 Apr 2026
Tonga declares dengue outbreak as cases spread across the Kingdom
NUKU’ALOFA, 17 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS)— Tonga’s Ministry of Health has declared a dengue fever outbreak, warning of community transmission across three island groups as cases continue to rise.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Reynold ‘Ofanoa confirmed and suspected cases are increasing in Tongatapu, Ha’apai and ‘Eua.
“The Ministry of Health officially declares a dengue fever outbreak in Tonga as the number of confirmed and suspected cases continues to increase in Tongatapu, Ha’apai and ‘Eua. All these cases do not have any evidence of linkage which strongly indicates community transmission across these 3 island groups.”
Health officials confirmed 6 cases and 7 suspected infections, with most reported in Ha’apai.
“There are 6 confirmed and 7 suspected cases, and majority of them from Ha’apai with ages ranging from 10 to 35 years. More cases are expected due to the presence of the responsible vectors (Aedes mosquitoes) and the ongoing rain and adverse weather conditions which favor breeding sites for the mosquitoes.”
The Ministry said it is closely monitoring the situation and called on the public to take preventive action.
“The Ministry continues to monitor the spread of the disease, and the public is urged to assist in preventing further spread by maintaining household and community cleanliness, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using mosquito repellents and bed nets, and wearing protective clothing.”
Officials reminded the public how the virus spreads.
“The Ministry reminds the public that dengue fever is contagious, it spreads from person to person through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The public is also urged not to panic but to learn about dengue fever and present early to a medical facility if they develop symptoms.”
The Ministry outlined key symptoms to watch for.
“Dengue Fever symptoms include:
*Sudden high fever
*Severe headaches
*Pain behind the eyes
*Joint and muscle pain
*Nausea
*Vomiting
*Swollen glands
*Rash that appears 3-4 days after fever begin.
It warned that severe symptoms require urgent care.
“Severe symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bleeding gums and vomiting blood or any other form of bleeding require immediate medical attention.”
The Ministry urged calm as response efforts continue.
“The public is encouraged to remain calm and follow the advice from the Ministry and the health workers on the ground.”….PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE CHANGE/CHURCH: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Fri 17 Apr 2026
Pacific churches launch climate justice decade in erosion-hit Togoru
NAVUA, 17 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Church leaders from across the region have launched the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action in Togoru in Navua.
The ceremony, held during the Pacific Church Leaders’ Meeting organised by the Pacific Conference of Churches, highlighted the urgent realities facing coastal communities.
Togoru is experiencing severe coastal erosion, with the sea consuming up to 1.5 metres of land each year, submerging homes, plantations and burial grounds, and forcing relocation plans.
PCC general secretary James Bhagwan said the location underscored the urgency of action.
“We are gathered here because this is one of the most vulnerable communities in Fiji in the context of climate change,” he said, noting how rapidly the coastline has changed in recent years.
World Council of Churches general secretary Jerry Pillay described the visit as deeply meaningful.
“It is so meaningful to be with people, to pray with them, to walk with them, to listen to them, and to know how they are being affected by the climate catastrophe,” he said.
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Sivendra Michael said the impacts of climate change are already being felt across Fiji.
“The reality is already being lived across Fiji and the Pacific,” he said. “They are affecting our food systems, our water sources, our coastlines, and our livelihoods.”
The launch included prayers, hymns and a call to action urging churches and communities to unite in addressing climate change.
“We invite you to bring your dreams, your voice, and your actions to bear on this groaning world,” the declaration read.
Organisers say the decade-long initiative aims to mobilise churches across the Pacific to drive faith-based climate action and support vulnerable communities on the frontline of environmental change….PACNEWS
FIJI – CLIMATE CHANGE: FBC NEWS PACNEWS 2: Fri 17 Apr 2026
Calls for better-targeted climate aid, not just more funding
SUVA, 17 APRIL 2026 (FBC NEWS) —Fiji is calling for a shift in how climate aid is delivered to the Pacific, urging development partners to focus on better-targeted, more effective support rather than simply increasing funding levels.
Speaking at an event in Suva, Permanent Secretary for Environment Dr Sivendra Michael said the growing scale of climate impacts across the country demands assistance that is practical, aligned with national systems, and sustainable beyond short-term project cycles.
“For Fiji, and for the Pacific, the expectation going forward is not just more support. It is better targeted support”.
Dr Michael highlighted that while international commitments to climate financing continue to grow, small island states like Fiji are under increasing pressure from overlapping challenges, including climate change, rising costs, and global geopolitical tensions.
He stressed that climate change is no longer a distant threat for Pacific nations, but a present-day reality affecting communities in different ways, from flooding and drought to coastal erosion and village relocation.
Dr Michael noted that recent support from China, including investments in renewable energy, early warning systems, and community-level initiatives, reflects the kind of practical assistance Fiji is seeking.
However, he emphasised that future partnerships must go further in delivering measurable outcomes.
Among Fiji’s top priorities are expanding renewable energy access, particularly for rural and maritime communities and strengthening disaster monitoring systems.
Dr Michael described early warning infrastructure as “essential,” noting that delays in preparedness can cost lives and increase recovery expenses.
Despite the challenges, Michael pushed back against narratives that frame Pacific nations solely as vulnerable, instead portraying them as clear-eyed about their needs and focused on practical solutions……PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Fri 17 Apr 2026
Fiji issues fresh travel advisory amid Middle East tensions
SUVA, 17 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—The Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has issued a fresh travel advisory, warning that the security situation in the Middle East remains volatile and could escalate without warning.
In its weekly update released on Thursday, the Ministry said the ongoing conflict may lead to widespread travel disruptions, including severe movement restrictions that could affect Fijian travellers even outside the region.
Fijian nationals have been strongly advised against all travel — including transit — to several countries under a Level 4 advisory. These include Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.
A Level 3 advisory — urging travellers to avoid all non-essential travel — has been issued for Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry said other areas fall under Level 2 (exercise increased caution) and Level 1 (exercise normal precautions), depending on the prevailing security conditions.
Fijians currently in affected areas are being encouraged to consider voluntary evacuation as soon as practical. Those who remain are advised to closely follow instructions from local authorities and avoid high-risk areas.
The Ministry is also urging families in Fiji to maintain regular contact with relatives in the Gulf region to monitor their safety.
It says it continues to work closely with Fiji’s diplomatic missions across the Middle East and beyond to ensure the safety and welfare of Fijian nationals amid the ongoing crisis….PACNEWS
TONGA – CLIMATE CHANGE: TALANOAOTONGA PACNEWS 2: Fri 17 Apr 2026
Tonga validates national climate loss data to strengthen resilience planning
NUKU’ALOFA, 17 APRIL 2026 (TALANOAOTONGA)—The Tonga government has taken a key step in strengthening its response to climate change, convening a national workshop to validate data on climate-related loss and damage.
The event, held in Nukuʻalofa brought together government, civil society and development partners to review findings that will inform future policy and investment decisions.
The workshop is part of the Loss and Damage Capacity and Capability Project, led by the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications. It is supported by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and funded by the New Zealand Government.
Officials say Tonga continues to face escalating impacts from climate change, including damage to infrastructure, water systems, agriculture and fisheries. Non-economic losses, such as impacts on cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and ecosystems, are also becoming more evident.
The validation process focuses on Tonga’s first National Evidence Base Report on Climate Change-Induced Loss and Damage. The report draws on consultations across the country, including outer island communities in Vavaʻu, Haʻapai and ʻEua, where climate impacts are often most severe.
Participants at the workshop are reviewing draft findings, identifying data gaps and contributing sector-specific expertise. Project lead Richard Reinen-Hamil of Tonkin + Taylor said the goal is to produce a robust evidence base to guide national planning.
The completed report is expected to strengthen Tonga’s ability to access climate finance and support more resilient development pathways. It also reflects broader Pacific efforts to better quantify and respond to climate loss and damage…. PACNEWS
PNG – COURTS: AAP PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 17 Apr 2026
‘Who gave you the right?’: PNG villagers take on gas giant
PORT MORESBY, 17 APRIL 2206 (AAP)—Villagers from remote communities in Papua New Guinea have challenged Australia’s second-largest gas producer over a $16 billion (US$11.45 billion) project, saying it violates their rights.
Santos holds a 22.8 percent interest in the Papua liquid natural gas joint venture, for which French energy giant TotalEnergies is expected to make a final investment decision on whether to proceed later in 2026 after years of delays.
The complex project involves developing the Elk and Antelope gas fields in the Gulf of Papua and constructing a 320km pipeline to a new LNG plant north of the capital, Port Moresby, that can process up to 5.6 million tonnes of gas each year.
Supporters say Papua LNG will create jobs, infrastructure and boost the country’s economy.
But two villagers who spoke on Thursday at Santos’s annual general meeting of shareholders at the Adelaide Convention Centre fear its impact.
Meg Heako, a customary landowner from PNG’s rugged and remote Kikori District, told the board her village was directly in the pipeline’s path.
“Your partners are working on our land without consulting or even talking to everyone and clearing our land without consent, drilling without consent,” she said.
“You are just walking in, cutting trees, drilling. Who gave you the right or the consent to come to my land?
“We have a right to be able to understand what is happening on our lands and to be informed and properly consulted.”
She invited Santos board directors to come to her village of Mareke and walk the pipeline route themselves so they could see the land, homes and community that would be affected.
Departing Santos chairman Keith Spence did not directly respond to that invitation but said the PNG government and TotalEnergies would hold a development forum with landowners to discuss those issues and risks.
“I really can’t say any more than that the development forum needs to occur and is planned to occur,” he said.
Another villager, Joseph Ka’au, chief of the Kaimare tribe from the remote Baimuro area, said his community and others were not being included in discussions about the project’s development.
“We’ve been excluded by some stupid laws that we set up in our country, that if you are five kilometres away from the area that company operates in, we were excluded.”
Ka’au said he had seen a permit that allowed TotalEnergies to discharge waste into the environment, but it did not specify what kind of waste.
“This permit is already issued and it’s for 35 years, which means you and your partners will be dumping this waste into my people’s environment for the next 35 years,” he said.
“This is not on. This, for me, looks like human rights abuse.”
Spence thanked Ka’au for his “powerful question” and said Santos would look into it as part of the company’s assurance processes as the project moved forward.
Chief executive Kevin Gallagher said Santos would receive an update from TotalEnergies following the development forum but would also seek assurances the project met its standards.
“I’d be very confident they would, but I say that only based on my track record and Santos’ track record and Total’s reputation,” he said.
Ka’au and Ms Heako’s journey to the Santos meeting was supported by the environmental group Market Forces, which raised more than $11,000(US$7,879).
TotalEnergies has said it is employing a network of village liaison officers to gather community feedback as part of a five-phase model in alignment with international standards.
Villagers are provided with third-party legal advisers who attend meetings and consult with communities without Papua LNG project representatives…. PACNEWS
FIJI – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 17 Apr 2026
Fiji Government suspends overtime payments under fuel cost measures
SUVA, 17 APRIL 2206 (FIJI TIMES) —The Fiji Government has suspended overtime payments for civil servants as part of cost-cutting measures during the ongoing fuel emergency.
According to a circular issued by Permanent Secretary for Civil Service Pita Tagicakirewa, the decision follows an announcement by the Prime Minister on 08 April.
“In an address to the nation on 8 April 2026, the Prime Minister announced the suspension of overtime payments and the application of TOIL as part of the Government’s ‘cost mitigating measures’ during this Fuel Emergency Management period,” he states in the circular issued on 14 April.
The directive confirms that, effective from 08 April, overtime payments have been suspended for all eligible officers and government wage earners.
Instead, eligible employees — including those on salary Band E and nurses on Band F — may claim time off in lieu (TOIL) for hours worked outside normal schedules.
“With effect from 8 April 2026, the payment of overtime is suspended for all eligible officers and government wage earners,” the circular states.
The document also reiterates that TOIL must be managed strictly, with ministries required to ensure accrued time off is used within six months and not carried forward indefinitely.
Permanent Secretaries have been instructed to ensure overtime is approved only in exceptional circumstances.
“In all circumstances the need is to be identified by the Permanent Secretary/Head of Agency/Manager, not by the individuals concerned,” the circular states.
The circular has been distributed to all Permanent Secretaries and applies across ministries and departments, superseding previous directives on overtime management…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Leadership That Mirrors the World: The UN’s Next Great Test
Opinion by Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly
NEW YORK, 17 APRIL 2026 (UNGA)—This year, for the first time in a decade, the United Nations will select its new Secretary-General.
This critical process comes at a time when our global community faces unprecedented challenges, among them: escalating geopolitical tensions, a raging climate crisis; and rapid advances in digital technology which are transforming how we work, communicate, and function as a society.
While the world has never been more in need of the United Nations, the multilateral tools set up to meet these borderless challenges are under immense strain. At the same time, the United Nations – at it’s 80th anniversary – also needs the world, because the legitimacy and efficiency of our work is strengthened when more voices are heard, and more perspectives are included – as encapsulated in the theme I have chosen for this session: Better Together.
Against this backdrop, the 2025-2026 Secretary General selection process is more than a procedural milestone. It is a moment of reflection and an opportunity to renew our commitment to the principles that bind us.
So, what does it mean to lead the United Nations from its 80th year into the future?
The world is looking to the next Secretary-General to provide strong, dedicated leadership to deliver on the three pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, human rights, and development, while adapting the United Nations to meet the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow.
Beginning on 21 April, the interactive dialogues with candidates offer a unique opportunity for candidates to present their vision for the future of this organisation, and for Member States and civil society to ask questions and interact directly with candidates. These dialogues will be available to watch live through the UN’s Web TV service and will spotlight the vision, skills and priorities of each candidate while fostering accountability in action.
By inviting civil society participation, the UN is signaling that the future of multilateralism depends on broad engagement, not closed door deliberations. It is an opportunity to listen, to question, and to deepen trust in the institution at a time when trust is both fragile and essential.
The interactive dialogues are therefore essential to ensuring a transparent and inclusive selection and appointment process while maintaining the important role of the General Assembly.
In parallel, the process will be available across social media platforms in a way that is accessible, dynamic, and educational.
Because this is not simply about broadcasting information; it is about cultivating understanding and connecting with people who are politically motivated, but perhaps not yet fully engaged in the multilateral sphere. By demystifying the process and presenting it through a youthful, modern lens, we aim to inspire ordinary citizens and future diplomats alike who will advocate, support, and carry forward the work of the United Nations to the next generation.
The selection of the next Secretary-General is also a moment to confront an undeniable truth: half the world’s population are women and girls, yet global leadership rarely reflects that reality.
In 80 years, I am the fifth woman to serve as the President of the General Assembly. Right now, only 22 percent of the GA floor is represented by women Permanent Representatives. And never has a woman held the role of Secretary-General. Our choice will send a powerful message about who we are, and whether we truly serve all the peoples of the world, of which, everywhere in the world, half are women and girls.
This decision is not only about putting SDG 5 on Gender Equality into action—it is also a question of credibility for an institution that champions equal rights.
Moments like this invite us to pause, to reflect, and to imagine what leadership could look like if it truly mirrored the world it serves. A world where women and men stand equally at the helm. A world where transparency is lived, not promised.
The idea of being better together only matters if we choose to make it real; in who we listen to, who we select as a beacon of progress, and who we trust to guide us forward.
The next Secretary-General will be the voice of all nations and all peoples; this choice will reflect not only our world today, but the future we will build together, Better Together…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Six Pacific Met Service Officers awarded ClimSA scholarships at USP
APIA, 17 APRIL 2026 (SPREP)— Six officers from National Meteorological Services across the Pacific have been awarded scholarships to pursue postgraduate study in Climate Change at the University of the South Pacific (USP), through the European Union-funded Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Pacific Programme.
The scholarships, jointly supported by SPREP through ClimSA and USP’s Centre for Sustainable Futures, are investing directly in the people who produce and deliver climate information across the region every day.
Pacific meteorological services play a critical role in generating the data, forecasts, and climate outlooks that governments, communities, and sectors like agriculture and fisheries depend on. But producing high-quality, well-documented scientific publications from within these services remains a challenge. Development partners have consistently identified a gap in the academic capacity of Pacific met services, a gap that limits the ability of these institutions to contribute to the peer-reviewed literature that informs policy and government decision-making.
Salesa Nihmei, Director Climate Science and Information at SPREP said, “Investing in our people is investing in the future of Pacific climate services. Through ClimSA, SPREP is proud to support accredited post-graduate qualifications for meteorological officers, a key priority under the Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy. We are deeply grateful to the European Union for recognising this critical capacity gap and for supporting selected Pacific countries to strengthen the next generation of climate leaders.”
Strengthening competency training and academic skills within met services improves the quality and accuracy of data and ensures that Pacific climate knowledge is captured in publications that carry weight at national, regional and global levels.
This is a gap the European Union is actively trying to address through programmes like ClimSA. Initial funding under the project was earmarked for two Master’s scholarships. By working within the partnership with USP, the programme was able to stretch that investment to support six scholars: four at the Master’s level and two at the Postgraduate Diploma level.
“The Fiji Meteorological Service is very thankful to ClimSA for empowering our people. The provision of this scholarship to Amy McGowan who is just into her 3rd year at FMS and to Sajiva Sharma who on the other hand is onto his 32nd of service has indicated that we are bridging the knowledge gap and building capacity for the next generation of FMS Staff. For this, Fiji Met is very thankful to ClimSA,” said Misaele Funaki, Director of Fiji Meteorological Services.
Some of the selected scholars had already begun self-funded postgraduate studies, and ClimSA funding now enables them to continue studying while remaining in their roles. This approach also ensures that the limited staffing capacity within Pacific met services is not further strained.
Kamaitia Rubetaake from the Kiribati Meteorological Service will undertake both the Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s in Climate Change full time. As a representative of one of the most climate-vulnerable atoll nations in the world, Kamaitia’s training will strengthen Kiribati’s capacity to produce and communicate climate information that matters to communities living just metres above sea level.
Kotoni Faasau from the Samoa Meteorological Service will pursue the Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s in Climate Change full time. Kotoni’s studies will directly support Samoa’s growing need for skilled climate professionals who understand both the science and the local context.
Kila Kila from the Papua New Guinea National Weather Service will undertake the Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s in Climate Change full time. PNG’s vast and diverse geography presents some of the most complex climate monitoring challenges in the Pacific, and Kila’s advanced training will contribute to building national capacity in a country where demand for climate services continues to grow.
Sajiva Sharma from the Fiji Meteorological Service will pursue a Master’s in Climate Change on a part-time basis, building on existing expertise within one of the region’s largest met services.
Amy McGowan from the Fiji Meteorological Service will complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Climate Change part time, adding formal climate qualifications to her operational meteorological experience.”
Gary Vite from the Tonga Meteorological Service will complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Climate Change full time. Tonga’s met service has made significant strides in recent years, including achieving Quality Management System certification, and Gary’s training adds to this momentum.
Laitia Fifita, Director Tonga Meteorological Services said, “We are very thankful and appreciative of the ClimSA Scholarship funded by the European Union, of which one of our staff is a recipient. This golden opportunity has surely elevated the groundwork that Tonga Met Service is doing to improve the capacity of our staff in terms of academic research.
This is a direct benefit to our organisation as it will further enhance staff capacity and addressing operational gaps in our Weather and Climate Services through research and studies funded and supported by this ClimSA Scholarship.”
Interest in the scholarships was strong, with 59 applications received from across the region. Of these, 19 came from met service staff, and 13 met USP’s postgraduate admission requirements. A selection committee chaired by Dr Awnesh Singh of USP’s Centre for Sustainable Futures, with SPREP representation, evaluated candidates on academic qualifications, professional experience, research quality, and their potential to contribute to national climate services. Seven additional candidates were placed on a backup list.
The six scholars represent five Pacific Island Countries: Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga. When they return to their met services with postgraduate qualifications in climate change, they carry with them the capacity to strengthen how climate information is produced, interpreted, and used across the Pacific.
These are the people behind the forecasts, the climate outlooks, and the warnings. Investing in their education is investing in the resilience of Pacific communities……PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Clean Energy Powers Sustainable, Reliable, and Climate Resilient Healthcare for Savai‘i Communities
SAVAII, 17 APRIL 2026 (UNICEF)— The Ministry of Health in Samoa, together with UNICEF and the Government of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), marked the official handover of a solar electrification system at Satupaitea Healthcare Facility today. The new system will strengthen access to reliable and climate-resilient healthcare services for communities across Savai‘i.
“The rollout of solar electrification in Savai‘i’s rural district hospitals are timely, reinforcing our health system with sustainable energy solutions that directly benefit our communities,” said the Associate Minister of Health, Afioga Motuopua’a Seve Henney Afereti Papalii.
“This initiative will significantly improve the reliability of essential services at the district level, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical equipment, enhancing patient care, and strengthening the capacity of our rural hospitals to respond effectively to community health needs.”
The handover forms part of a broader initiative supporting the solarization of four clinics across Savai‘i, helping ensure essential healthcare services can continue even during power disruptions caused by cyclones, and other extreme weather events, or because of unreliable electricity supply.
For many years, rural and remote healthcare facilities in Savai‘i have faced challenges with frequent power outages, affecting their ability to safely store vaccines, operate medical equipment, provide emergency care at night, as well as deliver continuous services for mothers, newborns, children, and patients with chronic illnesses.
“By harnessing the power of the sun, this project helps to strengthen energy security in Samoa’s health sector and accelerate the transition to renewable energy,”said Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Samoa, Simon Dawkins.
“At a time of uncertainty about international energy supply, this project builds community resilience in Savai’i.”
With the installation of solar power systems, healthcare facilities are now better equipped to provide round‑the‑clock care. This includes supporting maternal and newborn services, immunization, child health services, emergency care and treatment for non‑communicable diseases.
The solar system installed at these four healthcare facilities is expected to benefit around 31,000 people – nearly 70 per cent of Savai‘i’s population – by strengthening access to reliable primary healthcare.
“When a clinic has reliable power, it means a mother can give birth safely at night, vaccines can be stored at safe temperatures, and healthcare workers can look after patients without fear of power cuts,” said UNICEF Pacific’s Deputy Representative, Roshni Basu.
“This is about dignity, safety, and making sure communities can rely on care when it matters most. We are deeply grateful to DFAT and the leadership of the Ministry of Health in strengthening healthcare services.”
Beyond improving healthcare delivery, solar power also helps reduce operating costs, strengthens resilience to climate shocks, and supports cleaner, more sustainable services for communities. Reliable electricity further enables clinics to keep records, track diseases, connect with specialists, and report cases more effectively.
This project has been funded by DFAT, with technical support from UNICEF. UNICEF is supporting the solarisation of healthcare facilities in over 80 countries worldwide, including across the Pacific in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu, helping communities continue to receive care even in challenging conditions….PACNEWS
