In this bulletin:
1. TUVALU — Tuvalu energy stable but risks remain as Minister Kofe outlines backup plan after emergency
2. PACIFIC — How climate change threatens the economic backbone of the Pacific
3. FIJI — Fiji Military deployed in drug fight
4. PALAU — Lawmakers move to address stateless residents in Palau while upholding citizenship limits
5. PALAU — Drive underway to build Palau’s next generation of Media professionals through training hub
6. PACIFIC — Fiji, Pacific urged to act on rising workplace mental health risks
7. PACIFIC — Pacific stands together to honour shared service and sacrifice across generations
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Solomon Islands receives USD$ 500,000 PCRIC Payout Cyclone Maila assistance
9. PACNEWS BIZ — As the fuel crisis pushes up fares — Fiji Airways is betting on what comes next
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Energy Fiji Limited submits emergency fuel surcharge request
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Palau farmers react as dry spell raises early drought concerns, water rationing begins
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Jobs exist, workers lacking: Fiji Employment Minister
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Palau leader and business pioneer Surangel Whipps Senior dies at 86
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — Weather Ready Pacific supports Aviation Safety and Compliance in the Pacific Islands
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — IOM and SPREP to strengthen Regional Climate Action through new Partnership
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — World Malaria Day 2026: Vanuatu’s Progress and the Power of Zero Malaria deaths
17. PACNEWS DIGEST — For every generation, vaccines work and they have saved over 150 million lives: WHO
18. PACNEWS DIGEST — Renewables rising, Part 1: How four countries are reshaping energy security
TUVALU – ENERGY CRISIS: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Tuvalu energy stable but risks remain as Minister Kofe outlines backup plan after emergency
FUNAFUTI, 27 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS)—Tuvalu’s power system is holding steady but backup measures are being rushed in, with a rental generator due next month and new equipment on order, says Transport and Energy Minister Simon Kofe.
As the 14-day State of Emergency comes to an end Monday, Kofe has provided an update on the current energy situation and ongoing efforts by Government and partners.
Kofe said electricity supply is stable, with recent outages linked to network issues rather than generation failures.
“Generators are operating well. Recent blackouts were due to network issues, not generator faults.”
To strengthen supply, Tuvalu is bringing in temporary backup while working on long-term solutions.
“A rental generator, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is expected to arrive on 28 May. This will serve as backup for 3–6 months while new generators are procured,” he said.
International partners are also stepping in to address technical challenges.
“The Government of Japan is exploring support to send a Daihatsu specialist to assist with existing generators at TEC.”
Kofe said progress has been made in integrating renewable energy into the system.
“Solar integration has improved. Previous compatibility issues with older generators are being addressed, and communication cable issues with the battery system have now been fixed, allowing solar power to support generation,” he said.
Technical teams are already working on the ground, with procurement for permanent solutions underway.
“Technical advisors are currently in-country. Procurement processes are underway, with bids for permanent backup generators expected in early May.”
Support is also being directed at vulnerable households affected during the emergency period.
“The Department of Energy, together with the Red Cross, is conducting a survey to identify households eligible for hardship assistance,” he said.
Australia is assisting in strengthening the financial and operational systems of the Tuvalu Electricity Corporation (TEC).
“Technical advisors from Australia will support financial systems and accounts at TEC.”
Infrastructure upgrades are also underway to improve system resilience.
“Public Works Department (PWD) and ICT teams are working with TEC to strengthen infrastructure and system security.”
Fuel supply remains stable, with the next shipment already scheduled.
“Fuel supply is stable for now, with the next tanker expected on 13 May,” he said.
Kofe said efforts are being made to boost fuel storage capacity to guard against future disruptions.
“As part of national preparations, fuel storage capacity is being strengthened with support from Australia, including repairs to existing tanks.”
Authorities are also preparing for worst-case scenarios.
“A Fuel Contingency Plan is being developed to prepare for any worst-case fuel shortage scenario,” Kofe said.
The Minister also acknowledged the support of partners and frontline workers during the emergency period.
While the State of Emergency is ending, Kofe made it clear the work is not over.
“While the State of Emergency is expected to conclude, efforts remain ongoing to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply for all,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – FISHERIES/CLIMATE CHANGE: BBC NEWS PACNEWS 3: Mon 27 Apr 2026
How climate change threatens the economic backbone of the Pacific
TARAWA, 27 APRIL 2026 (BBC NEWS)—The vast Pacific Ocean and the islands dotted within it produce more than half of the world’s tuna.
Among the islands are 33 scattered across the centre that encompass the country of Kiribati.
Here more than 70 percent of government revenues come from selling tuna fishing licenses to foreign fleets – the highest proportion of any nation.
Kiribati has a tiny land mass. When all the islands are combined it is about the size of New York City. However, it has a huge swathe of territorial waters, otherwise known as its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Totalling more than 3.4 million sq km (1.3m sq miles), the EEZ is spread across three separate parts, surrounding the country’s three groups of islands – Gilbert, Phoenix and Line.
Collectively, this area is bigger than India and offers access to an ocean abundant with marine life, including skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye tuna.
Yet, while the ocean is intimately linked to the culture, livelihoods and economy of Kiribati, it is also the country’s biggest threat.
Warming water temperatures caused by climate change pose a substantial risk to local tuna populations, threatening Kiribati’s economic backbone.
Scientists fear warmer waters could lead to tuna moving permanently out of its EEZ to cooler temperatures to the east, reducing the demand from overseas fleets for its fishing licenses, which would badly hit the country’s economy.
The global tuna market is worth more than US$44bn a year, according to one study.
To fish in Kiribati’s waters, foreign fleets must first obtain a licence from the government. Then they have to pay the required fees, and follow strict rules on catch limits and reporting hauls.
The majority of these licences are sold to countries like Japan, China, the US and members of the European Union.
Kiribati generated US$137m (£102m) from selling fishing licenses in 2024, government figures showed. This income is a “critical financial lifeline”, says Riibeta Abeta, permanent secretary for the country’s Ministry of Fisheries.
Abeta adds that such licenses contributed to almost three-quarters of government income between 2018 and 2022.
This equates to roughly two-fifths of the entirety of Kiribati’s GDP, according to the International Monetary Fund.
“Next time you go into the supermarket and you look at the cans of tuna, five-and-a half cans out of 10 stacked up are coming from the Western Central Pacific Ocean [including Kiribati],” says Simon Diffey. He is a fisheries specialist with more than 30 years of experience covering Kiribati.
Diffey says the two biggest players in the region are Kiribati and Papua New Guinea. But while Papua New Guinea has the landmass and physical resources to diversify its economy, Kiribati does not.
“The highest point above sea level in Kiribati – unless you climb a coconut tree – is two metres. No water, no land, no resources other than fish.”
Tuna react to small changes in water temperature to within a tenth of a degree of celsius, adds Diffey. As the surface water temperature rises in the Pacific Ocean, the tuna will migrate to cooler areas.
Numerous studies say that in the Pacific this migration will be eastwards, away from many island nations, including Kiribati.
Abeta says that the risk of international fishing ships not needing to buy the country’s fishing licences “introduces significant volatility to the country’s revenue”.
Kiribati is predicted to be among the worst affected by tuna stock migration, according to a communique issued last November by the regional development organisation, the Pacific Community.
Kiribati’s Ministry of Fisheries says that preliminary modelling showed that it “could lose more than US$10m in fishing access fees per year” by 2050 if global greenhouse gas emissions remained high.
But, under a best-case analysis of much lower emissions, the Ministry says “no decrease in tuna biomass” is predicted in the country’s EEZ.
Yet local fisherman in Kiribati will see a catch decrease under both high and low emission scenarios, according to the Pacific Community.
The Line Islands are set to be the worst affected, with a loss of two-thirds estimated under the low-emission scenario alone. At the same time, Kiribati’s population of around 130,000 is expected to grow, with rapid urbanisation, particularly in the capital Tarawa placing additional strain on already limited land and resources.
There’s also concerns about the reduction in local fish stocks feeding into a growing food security challenge.
With local fish supplies already under pressure, households are becoming more reliant on imported foods. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warns that this shift is increasing costs and reducing nutritional quality, particularly in outer island communities where fish has traditionally been the main source of protein.
According to The Pacific Community (SPC), the average person in Kiribati consumes around 100kg of fish a year. This compares with about 9kg in the U.S, and 22kg in Japan.
In response, new support schemes are being rolled out.
The United Nations’ Green Climate Fund (GCF) launched its US$156.8m (£116m) “adapting tuna-dependent Pacific Island communities and economies to climate change” project last year, covering 14 countries and territories in the region.
This “is helping Pacific Island countries get ahead of climate change by strengthening their food security based on better information”, says Hemant Mandal, GCF director for Asia and the Pacific.
It looks to build a stronger warning system so places like Kiribati can better predict the redistribution of tuna stocks and its economic impact. It also pledges to maintain food security and government revenue despite declining reef fisheries.
“These measures are expected to provide around four million nutritious fish meals each year for communities in Kiribati,” says the Ministry of Fisheries.
The Kiribati government says it is expanding the country’s own tuna processing and canning facilities rather than just selling licences to foreign ships.
Abeta says the administration is also developing ocean farming of species like milkfish, snapper and sea cucumbers to support exports and domestic food security.
It is also seeking to diversify revenues beyond the sea economy through the likes of tourism, renewable energy and the country’s offshore sovereign wealth fund.
“Kiribati retains grounds for optimism and strategic opportunity,” he said.
Yet despite this hope, Kiribati and its territorial waters face an existential threat from climate change…..PACNEWS
FIJI – DRUGS FIGHT: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 3: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Fiji Military deployed in drug fight
SUVA, 27 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—The Fiji military has been deployed to support police in the escalating fight against drugs because the scale and reach of the threat now demands a broader national response, says Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua.
His comments follow police confirmation of an escalation of joint drug operations between the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces across the country.
Tikoduadua stressed the move was not a shift toward militarised policing, but a necessary step to reinforce existing law enforcement capacity.
“This is a serious national response to a serious national threat,” he said.
The coordinated efforts are targeting drug networks, supply routes and proceeds of crime.
Fiji’s drug crisis has been described as a “national emergency”, affecting communities, fuelling a surge in HIV infections, and involving organised crime syndicates.
There have also been massive illicit drug seizures lately, including the about 4.8 tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi, and the $1billion(US$500 million) cocaine bust in Vatia, Tavua.
Fiji is also facing a drug-driven HIV surge, experiencing the world’s second-fastest-growing HIV epidemic, largely driven by methamphetamine injection and the sharing of needles (or “bluetoothing”).
Drug use is increasingly affecting younger populations, with reports of school-aged children as young as 10–13 years involved in drug consumption or trafficking.
Tikoduadua said joint operations have already included raids, seizures of white and green drugs, and deployments across all five divisions, including rural and maritime areas, and known hotspots in the West.
“At this stage, I would be careful about claiming outcomes beyond what has already been publicly reported.
“The fuller assessment of impact will need to come over time.”
He reiterated that the police remain the lead agency.
“The objective must be complementarity, not duplication, and discipline in command and control is essential.”
He also acknowledged concerns about human rights and accountability, particularly following a recent death in custody.
“The enforcement of the law must remain within the bounds of the law.
“Full cooperation with investigators and strict adherence to lawful process are essential.”
He added that the duration and scale of military involvement would depend on operational needs and legal authority, maintaining that the role of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces remains one of support, not substitution…..PACNEWS
PALAU – CITIZENSHIP: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Lawmakers move to address stateless residents in Palau while upholding citizenship limits
KOROR, 27 APRIL 2026 (ISLAND TIMES)–A group of senators has introduced legislation to create a legal pathway for stateless individuals raised in Palau to obtain Palauan nationality, aiming to address a long-standing gap without conflicting with the Constitution’s definition of citizenship.
The bill, introduced last Tuesday by 12 senators, seeks to amend Title 13 of the Palau National Code, also known as the Immigration and Labour Act, to establish a naturalisation process for certain qualified individuals who are currently considered stateless.
The measure targets individuals who were adopted by Palauan parents but lack recognised Palauan ancestry under Article III of the Constitution, which limits citizenship to those of Palauan descent. As a result, these individuals remain non-citizens despite being born and raised in Palau.
Senator Siegfried Nakamura, speaking on the proposal, said many of those affected have spent their entire lives in Palau but face significant restrictions.
“Over the years, many persons who, although they do not have Palauan ancestry, were adopted by Palauan parents and raised as their own are stuck here,” Nakamura said.
“They miss out on higher education opportunities, off-island travel and other basic rights because they cannot obtain passports or legal status.”
The bill would allow eligible individuals to apply for a “Certificate of Palauan Nationality,” granting them the right to reside legally in Palau, work without a permit and obtain a Palauan passport.
To qualify, applicants must meet strict criteria, including being born in Palau, residing in the country for at least 25 years, being adopted by at least one Palauan citizen parent and having no felony convictions.
Lawmakers estimate that at least 20 individuals could qualify under the proposal. Some currently face penalties, including overstay fines, due to their lack of legal status.
The measure includes a one-year application window following its effective date.
While the bill provides a pathway to nationality, it maintains clear distinctions from constitutional citizenship. Recipients would not be allowed to vote, hold public office or own land or marine resources, and would still be subject to Foreign Investment Board requirements for business activities.
Lawmakers said the approach is designed to address humanitarian concerns while preserving the constitutional framework governing citizenship.
A related bill introduced the same day in the House of Delegates would authorise machine-readable travel documents for stateless individuals, offering an additional mechanism to ease mobility restrictions.
Similar proposals have been raised in previous congresses, including during the 2004 Constitutional Convention, but have not advanced.
The Senate bill remains in its introductory stage and has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Affairs. A public hearing is expected…. PACNEWS
PALAU – MEDIA: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Drive underway to build Palau’s next generation of Media professionals through training hub
KOROR, 27 APRIL 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) —— The Palau Media Council (PMC) has launched a fundraising drive to support ongoing efforts to strengthen local media capacity, including training programmes, equipment access and the establishment of a dedicated media training centre.
The campaign, running through 25 May, seeks financial contributions to cover about US$3,000 in import taxes for donated media equipment valued at US$30,000, as well as costs to outfit a new training facility at Palau Community College.
The initiative builds on recent programmes that trained 24 young participants in basic content production. With new equipment expected to arrive in May, PMC plans to expand hands-on instruction in video production, storytelling and digital media, paired with mentorship opportunities.
Organisers say the programme addresses a persistent gap in Palau’s media sector, where strong interest among youth and early-career professionals is often limited by lack of access to industry-standard tools and structured training.
Funds raised will support equipment clearance, facility development and the delivery of workshops and mentorship programmes aimed at increasing the number of trained media practitioners, improving local content quality and expanding shared access to resources.
The training centre is expected to serve young people, early-career journalists, PMC members and community organisations seeking media support, while laying the foundation for a more sustainable, locally driven media sector.
PMC will also host a World Press Freedom Day event on 01 May at Palau Community College to highlight the role of a free and independent press in strengthening democracy and community engagement….PACNEWS
PAC – MENTAL HEALTH: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 3: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Fiji, Pacific urged to act on rising workplace mental health risks
NADI, 27 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Pacific countries, including Fiji, are being urged to act quickly on growing mental health risks in the workplace, as global safety standards shift to treat psychological wellbeing as a core issue.
Speaking at the 2026 Fiji Occupational Health and Safety Conference in Nadi, Australian Institute of Health and Safety board chair Celia Antonovsky said workplaces could no longer treat mental health as a secondary concern.
“There has been a significant shift in how we understand workplace health and safety, and increasing attention is being directed towards psychosocial risks, those aspects of work design, organisation and management that have the potential to cause psychological harm,” she said.
“We are seeing strengthened regulatory frameworks that explicitly recognise psychosocial hazards, including work-related stress, bullying, harassment, fatigue and job insecurity.”
She warned that Fiji and the Pacific must keep pace as workplaces evolve.
“As economies grow and workplaces evolve, so too must our approaches to safeguarding workers.”
Antonovsky said the impact of workplace mental health extended beyond the job, shaping families and communities.
“When workers are supported, families are strengthened, and when workplaces are safe, communities are more resilient,” she said.
She stressed that responsibility must start at the top.
“Creating psychologically safe workplaces is not the responsibility of individuals alone; it is a leadership imperative.
“Leaders set the tone, shape culture and influence whether employees feel respected, included and heard.
“Accountability must therefore sit at the highest level of organisations. Boards, executives and managers must move beyond passive awareness to active responsibility,” she said.
Antonovsky called for structured approaches to managing psychosocial risks, including identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting controls in place within existing safety systems.
“Psychosocial risk management should not sit separately from existing health and safety systems; it must be embedded within them.”
She said early action was key to preventing bigger problems.
“Addressing issues before they escalate not only protects workers but also reduces long-term organisational costs.”
She also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation.
“Regional dialogues such as this are critical. They allow for the sharing of experiences, adaptation of best practices and development of solutions that are locally relevant,” she said.
She said at the centre of the issue were people.
“Behind every policy, framework and strategy are people. Individuals deserve to work in environments that support not only their productivity but also their dignity and wellbeing.”….PACNEWS
PAC – ANZAC DAY: PMN PACNEWS 3: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Pacific stands together to honour shared service and sacrifice across generations
WELLINGTON, 27 APRIL 2026 (PMN)—Across the Pacific, ANZAC Day was marked with respect, pride, and a strong sense of shared history.
Communities came together on the weekend to honour those who served and sacrificed.
This year’s commemorations carried added meaning. It marked 111 years since the Gallipoli landings and 84 years since the Second World War campaigns in Papua New Guinea (PNG), moments that continue to shape the region’s story.
In PNG, where Australian and local forces once fought side by side, remembrance ran deep.
Ceremonies were held across the country, including at Bomana War Cemetery and Lae War Cemetery, honouring those who lost their lives during the 1942 campaigns.
Aotearoa’s official messages focused on national remembrance and the shared legacy across the region, though fewer public remarks were recorded from New Zealand representatives at Pacific island ceremonies.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ewen McDonald, reflected on the lasting bond between the two nations.
“From fighting together on the front lines of the Second World War to maintaining a modern defence force relevant to the challenges of our time, the bonds of mateship forged between our two countries remain.
“We have recently seen that spirit in action, with our two defence forces working together to deliver much-needed supplies to provinces affected by Cyclone Maila, just as close mates do in times of need.”
In Fiji, a dawn service at the Military Cemetery in Suva brought people together in quiet reflection while similar gatherings took place across Sāmoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, and Niue.
These services not only honoured New Zealand and Australian troops but also recognised the vital role Pacific Islanders played as soldiers, carriers, and scouts who supported Allied forces during wartime.
In Tuvalu, the legacy of the Second World War still lives on in everyday life. Australia’s High Commissioner, David Charlton, spoke about the connection.
“As High Commissioner to Tuvalu and as a Colonel in the Australian Army Reserve, Anzac Day has a special dual meaning for me this year in Tuvalu.
“Tuvaluans still live with the legacy of the Second World War today, from aircraft wrecks that are now war graves in Funafuti Lagoon to war remnants on land.
“Like Australians and New Zealanders, Tuvaluans made sacrifices. At its peak, 2000 Tuvalu men served and historians estimate that 55 Tuvaluans lost their lives during the Second World War.”
In Vanuatu, commemorations also highlighted unity across the region. Australia’s High Commissioner, Max Willis, said the values behind ANZAC Day continue to guide relationships today.
“The spirit of unity, resilience, and selflessness that defined the Anzacs are a guide to how our two countries aspire to engage with our Pacific family.
“I am deeply proud when I see these values upheld here in Vanuatu, in the way we – Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu – are working together in pursuit of our shared vision for a safe and prosperous region for generations to come.”
Beyond the islands, ANZAC Day was also marked by Pacific communities overseas, including services in Honolulu and Manila in the Philippines.
In Aotearoa and Australia, large crowds gathered for traditional dawn services and marches, standing alongside the Pacific in remembering a shared past.
Across oceans and generations, the message remained the same: remembrance, respect and a bond that continues to hold strong….PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
SOL – CYCLONE RESPONSE/INSURANCE COVER: SIBC PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Solomon Islands receives USD$ 500,000 PCRIC Payout Cyclone Maila assistance
HONIARA, 27 APRIL 2026 (SIBC)—The Solomon Islands Government has received a USD$500,000 payout from the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) following the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila.
The payout was officially presented by PCRIC CEO Aholotu Palu to the Minister of Finance and Treasury, Rexon Annex Ramofafia, last week with the presence of Permanent Secretary Mckinnie Dentana and Deputy Secretary Technical, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Agnetha Vave Karamui.
Tropical Cyclone Maila caused significant impacts across Western, Choiseul, and Isabel Provinces, prompting the declaration of a State of Emergency.
The payout received highlights the importance of pre-arranged finance in providing immediate financial protection against natural disasters and supporting government relief efforts.
This marks an important milestone for the Government in securing national parametric insurance cover, given the frequency and severity of cyclones in the region.
PCRIC’s risk transfer mechanism directly supports the implementation of the Government’s Disaster Risk Financing (DRF) Strategy 2024–2027.
Through this partnership, the Government has secured insurance coverage for four major hazards: tropical cyclones, tsunamis, heavy rainfall, and earthquakes, in November, 2025, with a premium of USD$125,000 that covers these four major hazards.
This demonstrates the value of proactive disaster risk financing preparedness.
Speaking during the presentation, Minister of Finance and Treasury acknowledged PCRIC’s critical role in supporting the country’s financial preparedness and strengthening the government’s fiscal resilience agenda.
“This payout demonstrates that our proactive investment in disaster risk financing is delivering real and timely support to our people.
“It enables the Government to respond quickly to the needs of affected communities and strengthens our overall resilience,” the Minister said.
The Minister further expressed appreciation to PCRIC for its ongoing technical and financial support in establishing a robust financial protection framework for Solomon Islands.
“We acknowledge PCRIC as a valued partner in helping Solomon Islands build resilience against climate and disaster risks. We look forward to strengthening this collaboration in the years ahead, according to the Minister.”
The funds will be used to support early response and recovery efforts, ensuring that assistance is delivered efficiently to communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
The Solomon Islands Government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing innovative disaster risk financing solutions and strengthening partnerships that safeguard the nation’s economic stability and community resilience….PACNEWS
FIJI – AIRLINE: STUFF NZ PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 27 Apr 2026
As the fuel crisis pushes up fares — Fiji Airways is betting on what comes next
NADI, 27 APRIL 2026 (STUFF NZ)—Proud to inherit an award-winning airline six months ago, Fiji Airways new CEO Paul Scurrah is now, by the hour, focusing on fuel as global conflict sends jet fuel prices soaring.
“For us, the situation’s a little bit different because of our relative geographic isolation and how close we are to our two biggest source markets, Australia and New Zealand.”
While many airlines slap a “fuel surcharge” onto tickets during a crisis, Scurrah is opting for a more subtle approach: revenue management, where the airline’s pricing algorithms automatically adjust fares based on demand and real-time costs.
So yes, Fiji Airways is increasing its fares.
“It would be impossible to keep flying the network we’re flying without making sure we recover on the revenue side,” Scurrah said.
“Things change every day with what’s happening in the Middle East, and, as that evolves we will make some decisions.”
What’s helping the airline through the crisis is the record-high March visitor numbers with 71,765 people visiting last month, a 12.4 percent jump on the previous year.
“People are seeing Fiji as a safe, family-friendly and close destination, particularly for New Zealanders.”
There has also been an influx of tourists from the United States.
“Traditionally, they would have looked at the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii. We’re seeing real interest in coming to Fiji because of the natural beauty, and there’s a lot of high-end products that really appeal to the Americans.
“The world’s learning about Fiji as a beautiful destination for snorkelling, for surfing, for fly and flop, beautiful luxury hotels, so the US is a big focus for us.”
The airline flies to Dallas-Fort Worth Texas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu from Nadi and not long ago, Scurrah said they “ran the ruler over Las Vegas,“ but it didn’t measure up.
Flights going to the US, though, have seen a drop in demand out of New Zealand and Australia, Scurrah said.
“There’s no question about that. It’s partially offset by an increase of Americans still coming this way, but it is hurting the industry, the drop-off in demand between the South Pacific and the US.”
Flights to Vancouver, however are doing “extremely well”.
“We’re seeing a lot of New Zealanders on those flights, which is great, and they’re really enjoying the break in between in Nadi. In fact, we’re seeing a lot of people take what they’re calling a ‘tropical pause’ on their way through to Vancouver now.
“That’s very, very popular, and it’s a deliberate 48-hour curated product that has early check-in, late check-out, and no departure tax. New Zealanders are really taking advantage of it.
“Our Tokyo services are seeing strong support from New Zealand, Hong Kong is seeing strong support, and so is Singapore. Those services are doing really well.
“If we had more planes to put on those routes we would do it, but our routes are under review every day.”
While Air New Zealand prepares to open bookings for its Skynest sleep pods next month, Scurrah says his airline is weeks away from its own ‘wellbeing’ reveal.
He said like Air NZ, being a smallish airline in comparison to others in the world, you need to stand out.
“We’ve got some really exciting things coming that’s focused on the wellbeing side, for our crew and our passengers. Not quite ready to announce it, but we are really confident that we’ll have a unique point of difference that really stands us out from the rest of the airline industry.”
From June to October, Christchurch flights to Fiji will increase to four times per week. Scurrah said they were contemplating to make that a year-round thing.
“Nothing’s confirmed just yet, but we love our New Zealand connection and partnership; there’s a real affinity between New Zealand and Fiji, and I think people are seeing us as a really good, reliable airline that can be trusted and provides an amazing service.
“Queenstown is something we would have a look at. Dunedin hasn’t come up, but I wouldn’t rule it out.”
He said the airline also looked at flights to South America and Antarctic flyovers.
“I don’t think we can do it, we’re not as far south as Qantas, but, you know, it’s amazing these sort of ideas that get put across your table, as the CEO of an airline.”
What he’s also found amazing is the “stunning” natural beauty of Fiji is closer than you think.
“I did a jet ski safari with some friends, where we weren’t that far offshore before some of the most beautiful snorkelling you’d ever imagine was right there.
”I think that’s the thing that surprised me most is absolute stunning beauty is just not that far away,” he said…PACNEWS
FIJI – FUE SURCHARGE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Energy Fiji Limitedsubmits emergency fuel surcharge request
SUVA, 27 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)–Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) has submitted a request for an emergency fuel surcharge adjustment, citing escalating global fuel prices that are driving up operational costs.
The submission, now under review by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), comes as international prices for heavy fuel oil and industrial diesel continue to fluctuate, placing pressure on EFL’s short-term cash flow.
EFL says the request is necessary to manage rising fuel procurement costs and maintain the delivery of reliable electricity services across the country.
FCCC has confirmed it is assessing the application but says no determination has been made at this stage.
The Commission acknowledges the external factors influencing fuel prices but maintains that any adjustment to electricity tariffs must consider the impact on consumers and the wider economy.
An expedited review process is now underway, with FCCC expected to weigh EFL’s operational needs against consumer protection before making a final decision…..PACNEWS
PALAU – FARMERS/DROUGHT: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Palau farmers react as dry spell raises early drought concerns, water rationing begins
KOROR, 27 APRIL 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) — Weeks of little rainfall are raising early concerns of drought across Palau, with farmers already feeling the strain and questioning how to prepare as conditions remain uncertain.
Water rationing has begun in northern states as officials respond to dwindling supplies. Authorities are urging residents to conserve water, warning that drier months may lie ahead as El Niño conditions develop.
Residents across the country report prolonged dry weather, forcing adjustments in daily routines and agricultural practices. The lack of steady rainfall is putting pressure on water resources and raising concern about how long supplies can last.
Farmers say the impact is already visible in their fields.
One farmer said she has not made specific preparations, relying instead on routine planting cycles. “No, not really. I can’t think of anything that I need to do before the drought, coz I just need to harvest and clear and plant again,” she said.
Others are taking a more cautious approach as soil conditions worsen.
“Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed the soil drying out much faster than usual, and our crops aren’t getting the water they need,” another farmer said. “We usually rely on steady rainfall, but lately it’s been unpredictable. Because of that, I’ve started conserving water, mulching more to keep moisture in the ground, and planting crops that can handle drier conditions. If this continues, it’s definitely going to affect our harvest.”
Some farmers say uncertainty in official messaging is complicating their response.
“Even though I’ve seen the soil drying up, without clear statements from the weather and PPUC about the water situation, I’ve been holding off,” another farmer said. “They spoke before about the drought so we bought tanks and then it rained. Just now I see statements coming from the weather station that they expect drier months ahead. What does that mean exactly? Will there be drought or not? It is so frustrating!”
As forecasts continue to signal below-average rainfall, farmers and residents alike are weighing whether to act now or wait for clearer guidance, even as water conservation measures expand……PACNEWS
FIJI – EMPLOYMENT: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Jobs exist, workers lacking: Fiji Employment Minister
NADI, 27 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN) —Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh says claims that there are no jobs in Fiji are false, pointing to alleged labour shortages and unfilled vacancies across key sectors.
At the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) Business Symposium last Friday, Singh said employers were struggling to find workers despite available jobs.
“If anybody in this country says that they are unemployed because there is no job, they are not telling the truth,” Singh said.
“Employers are calling me saying they cannot find workers. There are vacancies, and all you have to do is walk in and give an interview.
“There are jobs available in this country.
“That is why we have Bangladeshis coming and doing unskilled work here.”
Singh said absenteeism and poor productivity were worsening the situation, highlighting the ongoing issue of “Monday sickness.”
“We still have a serious problem with Monday sickness. I get calls from construction companies that say they employed 45 workers, and on a Monday they have nine.
“These are issues we need to address. Productivity must be addressed,” he said.
Singh stressed skills shortages linked to gaps in technical training, saying Government had moved to rebuild Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathways and apprenticeship schemes.
NCCI president Lawrence Kumar said businesses were seeking solutions to workforce shortages and delays in immigration processes.
“If you look at work visas, it can take eight to 10 months. We are trying to find solutions to reduce those timelines while ensuring employers meet compliance requirements,” Kumar said.
“There are a lot of construction happening in Nadi, and companies are looking for workers from abroad to supplement the skills gap in the market. We are looking at countries like Bangladesh, the Philippines, India and Sri Lanka,” he said…..PACNEWS
PALAU – BUSINESS/OBITUARY: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Palau leader and business pioneer Surangel Whipps Senior dies at 86
KOROR, 27 APRIL 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) —— Surangel Whipps Sr, a prominent businessman, traditional leader and former Senate president, has died at age 86, his family has announced.
Widely regarded as a leading figure in Palau’s private sector, Whipps was the founder and owner of Surangel & Sons Company, the country’s largest private employer. He was also the father of President Surangel Whipps Jr and Senator Mason Whipps.
Whipps held the traditional chiefly title of Rekemesik of Ngatpang and served as president of the Senate in the Olbiil Era Kelulau, building a legacy that spanned public service, business leadership and traditional governance.
His death on 22 April prompted the postponement of the president’s annual State of the Republic Address, originally scheduled for 23 April.
In a letter to Senate President Hokkons Baules and House Speaker Gibson Kanai, the president requested the address be rescheduled, citing “an unforeseen emergency.” The Office of the President also issued a public notice confirming the postponement.
Leaders of both chambers of the Olbiil Era Kelulau later circulated a memo formally cancelling the address until further notice, also citing “unforeseen circumstances.” Baules said the delay would allow the president time to attend to his family following the loss.
Under Palauan law, the president is required to deliver an annual state-of-the-nation address, with the national congress issuing a joint resolution each April to set the date.
A new date for the address will be announced once determined…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Weather Ready Pacific supports Aviation Safety and Compliance in the Pacific Islands
NADI, 27 APRIL 2026 (SPREP)—Pacific Meteorological Services play a critical role in supporting the safety of aviation services when it comes to travel by air for our region.
Weather and climate information is just one of many factors addressed when it comes to safe air travel. This week in Nadi, Fiji, our Pacific experts met to strengthen their role in making those journeys safer.
Coordinated to ensure that Pacific Island nations are fully across the key international requirements related to compliance saw weather and aviation specialists from across the Asia and Pacific region come together.
Held in Nadi, the one-week workshop was hosted by the Government of Fiji, supported by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and co-funded by the Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) Programme implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
“We look forward to closer collaboration with the ICAO Office in the Pacific to better guide us on the developments in the Aviation field,” said Laitia Fifita, Director of the Tonga Meteorological Service and Co-Chair of the Pacific Islands Aviation Panel on Aviation Weather Services.
“This way we can pivot to address gaps that arise in our services through the Weather Ready Pacific Programme and other similar initiatives.”
Air travel across the Pacific is a way of Pacific life. Ensuring the weather information that guides those flights, forecasts, warnings about storms, alerts about volcanic ash in the sky, must be accurate, timely, and dependable.
Yet many Pacific Island countries have faced longstanding challenges in maintaining the systems and trained staff needed to consistently deliver these services. Limited budgets, small teams, and the challenge of distance for more remote countries pose a challenge for some Pacific Met Services to meet international safety standards, and the consequences can be serious.
“It must be ensured that no Pacific country is left behind when it comes to the weather services that keep people safe in the air. When we strengthen weather services in the Pacific, we are strengthening the safety net that holds our communities together, and that is what Weather Ready Pacific is all about,” said ‘Ofa Fa’anunu, Manager of the Weather Ready Programme.
“The biggest issue with the Pacific islands is the sustainability of Meteorological Services for which the Pacific Meteorological Directors have requested a regional approach to rectify. The weather equipment of airports needs continuous calibration and maintenance, and aeronautical meteorology personnel need regular training. This will cost money that most Meteorological Offices in the Pacific islands do not have.”
During the meeting Pacific countries explored the feasibility of a regional approach to cost recovery from Aviation to help sustain aviation meteorological services. They looked to the larger countries in the region that manage the Flight Information Regions such as Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand.
This meeting is a precursor to a Joint Pacific Director of Met Services/Director of Civil Aviation Authorises Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands next month where the issue of cost recovery will be raised again and discussed.
“At present, only three Pacific Islands outside the US and French territories have certified Weather Services for Aviation. We’d like to see Pacific Met Services receive the help they need – accessing a portion of the air navigation charges in the region would be a good start. It will ensure that the service provided and the safety of Air Navigation in the region is healthy and won’t be compromised. Weather Ready Pacific is here to support the countries in these negotiations and hopefully establish a solution that is transformational and long lasting,” said Fa’anunu.
The WRP programme, a Pacific-led initiative, funded the participation of 12 participants from Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu through the WRP Multi-Hazard Early Warning System Readiness Funds part of its broader mission to strengthen National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) across the Pacific.
Over the course of the week-long workshop, from 21 to 24 April, meetings will also be held with the ICAO Asia and Pacific Meteorological Information Exchange Working Group, to support regional cooperation on how weather information is shared and used across the Pacific’s aviation network….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
IOM and SPREP to Strengthen Regional Climate Action Through New Partnership
APIA, 27 APRIL 2206 (SPREP)—The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) strengthened their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the margins of the SPREP Fiji Donors and Partners Dialogue on 17 April 2026.
The agreement establishes a framework for closer collaboration between IOM and SPREP in priority areas of mutual interest, including climate mobility, disaster risk reduction, community resilience, and regional coordination. Through this partnership, both organisations reaffirm their commitment to supporting Pacific Island countries and communities as they address increasing climate and disaster-related challenges, with a strong focus on people-centred and evidence-based approaches.
SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra, stressed the importance of this partnership.
“We’re addressing something that looks at the other end of the scale. In addressing climate change impacts, we have mitigation and adaptation but beyond adaptation is loss and damage. Through the work of IOM within the loss and damage space, we must ensure when people have to move or transition elsewhere that this can be done so they are in control and its as less invasive and intrusive as possible on their current way of life.”
“Together, we will endure to address mobility from a humanitarian side and dignified side of climate change impacts for our people,” added Nawadra.
At the signing ceremony, IOM Chief of Mission and Sub-Regional Coordinator Solomon Kantha said “This partnership reflects a shared vision, by working together, IOM and SPREP aim to enhance collective action, reduce duplication of efforts, and contribute to stronger outcomes for Pacific communities most affected by climate change.”
“This builds on the long-standing engagement of both organisations in the region and underlines the importance of collaboration in addressing complex, cross-border challenges that connect migration, environment, and climate change for our people. Working together, we strengthen a people-centred approach to environmental action, one that recognises that protecting the environment also means protecting people, livelihoods, and dignity,” added Kantha.
SPREP and IOM have stressed that this is not just another document, it is something both organisations have vowed to see through the implementation of shared priorities…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
World Malaria Day 2026: Vanuatu’s Progress and the Power of Zero Malaria Deaths
By Praneel Maharaj, Ashna Kumar
PORT VILA, 27 APRIL 2026 (UNDP)—For more than a decade, not a single person in Vanuatu has died from Malaria.
Since 2012, despite ongoing transmission and periodic outbreaks, the country has sustained zero malaria-related deaths. It is a quiet but powerful achievement and one that reflects years of coordinated action by the Government of Vanuatu, communities, and partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), working alongside the World Health Organisation (WHO) and donor partners.
On World Malaria Day, this milestone stands as both a moment of reflection and a call to sustain progress.
Two realities, one country
Vanuatu’s malaria story today is one of contrast – aligning with this year’s theme: “Driven to End Malaria. Now We Can. Now We Must”.
On one hand, Tafea Province has remained malaria-free since 2017, with no local transmission recorded since 2014. Beyond Tafea, malaria elimination gains are emerging across the archipelago. Between 2021 and 2025, 24 islands across Malampa, Shefa, Torba and Tafea recorded zero local malaria cases, demonstrating that elimination is possible even in geographically remote and logistically challenging settings.
On the other hand, provinces such as Sanma, Torba and Malampa continue to experience malaria outbreaks. In 2025 alone, Vanuatu recorded 2,059 confirmed malaria cases, with Sanma accounting for nearly 70 percent of the national caseload. These dual realities – malaria-free islands alongside outbreak-affected communities – highlight both how far the country has come and how much vigilance is still required.
Zero deaths: a national achievement worth protecting
Amid these contrasts, one fact remains constant: no one in Vanuatu has died from malaria in over a decade. In 2025, despite more than two thousand reported cases nationwide, zero malaria-related deaths were recorded across all age groups and all provinces.
This achievement did not happen by chance. It reflects the strength of Vanuatu’s health system response, particularly the emphasis on early diagnosis, effective treatment, and surveillance. Nearly all suspected malaria cases in 2025 were tested using rapid diagnostic tests or microscopy, and the vast majority of confirmed cases received first-line treatment according to national guidelines.
A cornerstone of this success is the 1-7-60 surveillance approach, which ensures malaria cases are reported within one day, investigated within seven days, and fully responded to within sixty days. This rapid response model allows health teams to treat patients promptly, prevent complications, and stop onward transmission saving lives even in high-burden settings.
Sustaining malaria-free communities
In malaria-free areas like Tafea Province, the focus has shifted from response to sustainability. Communities continue to work closely with health authorities to maintain strong prevention practices, including consistent use of insecticide-treated bed nets, Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), environmental management, and prompt reporting of any suspected cases.
UNDP Pacific supports these efforts through procurement of comorbidities, strengthened systems, quality assurance, and community engagement helping ensure that gains are not reversed. The experience of malaria-free islands offers valuable lessons for other provinces: elimination is achievable when communities are informed, services are accessible, and partnerships are strong.
Responding where malaria persists
In provinces experiencing outbreaks, malaria continues to affect daily life particularly in remote and coastal communities where access to services can be limited. Health teams, supported by Vanuatu Ministry of Health, UNDP and partners, are responding through active case detection, bed net distribution, outbreak investigations, and community mobilisation.
In 2025, more than 76,000 long-lasting insecticidal nets were distributed through mass campaigns, alongside continuous distribution targeting pregnant women, children under five, and other vulnerable groups. While challenges remain, ranging from difficult terrain to the impacts of climate events, community participation has been central to ensuring people seek testing early and complete treatment.
Vanuatu’s sustained zero malaria deaths underscore the importance of partnership. The Ministry of Health’s Malaria Programme, provincial health teams, community leaders, civil society organisations, and international partners continue to work hand in hand to protect lives.
UNDP Pacific plays a critical role in supporting programme implementation, strengthening supply chains, enhancing monitoring and evaluation systems, and ensuring that malaria interventions reach those most at risk. Together with WHO and other partners, UNDP is helping to ensure that progress towards elimination is inclusive, resilient, and people-centred.
Looking ahead
As Vanuatu marks World Malaria Day 2026, the message is clear: zero malaria deaths are possible and must be preserved. While elimination remains uneven across provinces, the country’s experience shows that strong systems, community action, and sustained investment can protect lives even where malaria transmission persists.
The task ahead is to extend the promise of malaria-free living beyond a single province and a handful of islands, while never losing sight of the most important goal of all: ensuring that no one dies from a preventable and treatable disease…. PACNEWS
Praneel Maharaj is Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist – UNDP
Ashna Kumar is Communications Associate, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
For every generation, vaccines work and they have saved over 150 million lives: WHO
GENEVA, 27 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —Over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives, as ordinary people chose to protect themselves, their children and their communities from diseases like measles, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and rotavirus.
During World Immunisation Week, which runs from 24 to 30 April, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners are highlighting the benefits of vaccines at every stage of life, as well as the scientific breakthroughs which have led to tried and tested inoculations against contracting malaria, HPV, cholera, dengue, meningitis, RSV, Ebola and mpox.
This year marks the midpoint of Immunisation Agenda 2030, a global push, led by WHO, to ensure that everyone can benefit from life-saving vaccines. A report released to assess the progress made so far found that, despite unprecedented challenges – including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical instability, climate disruption and limited financing – immunization efforts over the past five years have averted millions of deaths.
However, most of the targets remain off track, with persistent gaps in routine coverage, equity and outbreak prevention across many countries.
The UN health agency is calling for renewed commitments to build more sustainable national programmes, stronger integration with primary healthcare, and more prioritisation on the part of global health agencies and partners.
Big results for children
On Friday, the WHO, along with the UN children’s agency (UNICEF) and the Vaccine Alliance (GAVI), announced that The Big Catch-Up, an historic international effort to address vaccination declines driven largely by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reached an estimated 18.3 million children aged one to five across 36 countries, since it was launched in 2023.
The campaign also provided 23 million doses of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) to unvaccinated and undervaccinated children, an essential intervention towards polio eradication. The initiative is forecasted to be on track to meet its target of vaccinating at least 21 million children…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Renewables rising, Part 1: How four countries are reshaping energy security
NEW YORK, 27 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —The ongoing insecurity in the Middle East, where a large proportion of the world’s oil and gas is extracted, is forcing many countries to focus on how they can ensure access to cheap and reliable energy supplies primarily through the use of renewable power sources.
Why it matters: Some 20 percent of the world’s gas and oil supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway which runs between Iran and Oman, and which has been largely closed to marine traffic since the outbreak of the conflict between Iran and the United States.
The disruption of those supplies has exposed countries to volatile prices, geopolitical shocks and supply disruptions.
A chart showing the percentage of renewable energy used by various countries, with Eswatini at 100 percent, Paraguay at 99.76 percent, Bhutan at 99.62 percent, Lesotho at 99.43 percent, Norway at 98.81 percent, Nepal at 98.75 percent, Ethiopia at 98.25 percent, and the world average at 43.25 percent.
“The turmoil we are witnessing in the Middle East makes it evident that we are facing a global energy system largely tied to fossil fuels,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “where supply is concentrated in a few regions and every conflict risks sending shockwaves through the global economy, particularly to the most vulnerable people.”
Renewables, like solar, wind and hydropower offer stable, domestic and increasingly cheaper power.
They are also rapidly overtaking fossil fuels as the backbone of modern energy systems, not just for climate reasons, but also for security and economic resilience.
The renewables pitch
“Renewables already nearly match fossil fuels in global installed power capacity,” said Guterres in July last year adding that “there are no price spikes for sunlight… no embargoes on wind.”
Renewables are now “the foundation of energy security and sovereignty,” he said.
They also cut emissions, reduce pollution, create jobs and lower long-term costs, a combination that is driving a global shift already visible in a handful of frontrunner countries.
Norway: Hydropower backbone, oil dependence fading
The big picture: Norway remains a major oil and gas exporter, however domestically, its electricity system is already overwhelmingly renewable, ensuring a stable, domestically controlled energy supply.
Energy mix:
*Hydropower dominates (around 90–95 percent of electricity generation)
* Growing wind power sector
* Minimal fossil fuel use in power generation
It is also progressing toward full transition including the electrification of transport, the expansion of offshore wind farms and the gradual shift away from fossil fuel use in domestic sectors.
Paraguay: Renewable electricity powerhouse
The big picture: Paraguay is one of the world’s clean energy leaders, generating all its grid electricity from renewables, particularly hydropower.
Energy mix:
*Nearly 100 percent hydropower (shared binational dams like Itaipú)
*Negligible fossil fuel use in electricity, although the transport sector still relies on fossil fuels
With abundant hydropower, Paraguay enjoys extremely low-cost electricity, energy independence as well as export revenues from surplus power.
Nepal: Hydropower transforming lives
The big picture: Nepal has rapidly expanded hydropower and is now almost entirely renewable in electricity generation for its grid, although the transport sector still relies on fossil fuels.
Energy mix:
*Dominated by hydropower
*Small but growing solar and micro-hydro systems
8Declining reliance on imported fossil fuels for electricity
UN data indicates around 98 percent of Nepal’s overall power capacity is renewable.
Hydropower is reducing Nepal’s dependence on imported fuels and is helping to stabilise energy supply in a mountainous, infrastructure-challenged country.
The land-locked country is now working towards the expansion of rural electrification, the development of decentralized renewable systems and is shifting from traditional wood cooking to cleaner energy, reducing household pollution which especially affects women and children.
Ethiopia: Renewables expanding access and opportunity
The big picture: Ethiopia is emerging as a renewable energy leader in Africa, with a system dominated by hydropower and expanding solar.
Solar power is helping farmers in Ethiopia to irrigate their crops more efficiently.
Energy mix:
*Large-scale hydropower from major dams
*Growing solar and wind capacity
*Minimal fossil fuel generation in electricity
UN data shows over 98 percent of Ethiopia’s power capacity is renewable.
Renewables are central to Ethiopia’s strategy to achieve universal electricity access, especially to communities far from the national grid, to reduce reliance on imported fuels and support economic development.
The bottom line
Across very different geographies from hydropower-rich Norway and Paraguay to developing economies like Nepal and Ethiopia a common pattern is emerging:
*Renewables enhance energy independence
*They stabilize costs and reduce exposure to global crises
*They deliver tangible benefits to people, from jobs to health to opportunity
The transition is not uniform, and challenges remain, especially in financing and infrastructure.
But as the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the “energy transition is unstoppable…renewables can put power, literally and figuratively, in the hands of people and governments.”
Powering other countries
Of course, not all countries benefit from reliable sources of hydropower and solar, nor the funds to exploit these renewable options.
Find out more about how other countries with fewer natural resources and larger populations are moving towards energy security in the second part of this UN News series on renewable energy…..PACNEWS
