In this bulletin:
1. UN — Historic climate shipping deal faces ‘real fight’ as talks restart
2. FIJI — Fiji’s third Voluntary National Review to strengthen accountability accelerate SDG: PM Rabuka
3. BOUG — UXO disposal operation to be undertaken in Central Bougainville with New Zealand support
4. FIJI — Fiji military armoury breach attempt exposes system strength : Defence Minister
5. FIJI — Vuda project hangs in balance — no decision yet: Environment Minister Tabuya
6. MARSH — ‘Nothing like this in the world’: Marshall Islands’ reefs among the most pristine on Earth – study
7. KIRIBATI — 100 mats and elders from Butaritari to Nauru
8. CHINA — Australian foreign Minister headed to China for high level talks as Beijing pushes stronger ties
9. AUST — ‘Mmanosphere’ requires new approach to gender equality: Former Aust PM Gillard
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Air Kiribati engineer forced home as Middle East conflict intensifies
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Green light for Starlink. Nicta allowed to issue licence to new telecom player in PNG
12. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG PM hails Starlink ruling as step to boost telecommunication
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Qantas launches Auckland–Apia flights
14. PACNEWS BIZ — Vanuatu overhauls main airport
15. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Powerful states are trying to sabotage decarbonisation of shipping
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — A Bridge Across the Ocean: Making FSM’s Legislatures Accessible to All
UN – SHIPPING: THE FINANCIAL TIMES PACNEWS 1: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Historic climate shipping deal faces ‘real fight’ as talks restart
LONDON, 28 APRIL 2026 (THE FINANCIAL TIMES) —Efforts to revive a historic climate deal for the global shipping industry are foundering on U.S and Saudi opposition, with negotiators gearing up for a “real fight” in talks this week.
Discussions starting on Monday at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London mark the first time countries have come together since the U.S was accused in October of using “bully-boy tactics” to sink the UN-backed net zero framework for shipping.
China and European countries have backed the plan to impose a carbon price on emissions for ships bigger than 5,000 tons. Provisionally agreed in April last year, it was expected to generate revenues of up to US$15bn per year from 2030, with the aim of incentivising a shift to greener fuels.
The industry delivers about 80 per cent of global trade and contributes an estimated 3 percent to the emissions driving climate change.
But during preliminary talks held last week, negotiators said that countries including the U.S and Saudi Arabia remain opposed to the framework and argued against restrictions on traditional fuels.
Opponents also argued that the UN does not have the authority to administer an international fund into which carbon revenues would be paid, negotiators said.
The U.S state department confirmed that Donald Trump’s administration remained opposed to the net zero framework, calling it a “dead end” and “a fundamentally flawed proposal that would not work”.
The U.S is backed in its opposition by a “clear, strong” and sizeable bloc of other countries, a department spokesperson said, adding: “Our efforts must be redirected toward more pragmatic, flexible, and incentive-based approaches that protect our industries and workers, rather than imposing a global tax on American consumers and our shipping and energy industries.”
The Saudi government declined to comment.
Many delegates at the IMO have been fearful to speak publicly about the talks following the unusually aggressive approach of the U.S last year. The Financial Times reported in November that Trump administration officials made personal threats against negotiators from other countries to block the framework. When approached for comment at the time, a state department official did not address the personal threats to delegates from other countries.
Recalling October’s talks, Simon Bergulf, vice-president for environment and climate at the World Shipping Council, said he “had not witnessed that before and I don’t think many people had”, adding: “It is a really important piece of legislation… with some strong ramifications and impacts, so it is important to get it right from the start.”
The World Shipping Council represents container shipping lines.
One country delegate at the IMO said he expected a “real fight” this week between nations over the future of the framework, pointing out that Panama and Liberia, two of the world’s biggest states for ship registrations, appeared to be backing the U.S position.
Flag states are critical to the implementation of any agreement.
“There is definitely going to be a divide in the room,” the delegate said, but there “will be a robust defence” against any weakening of the framework.
Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s environment minister, said: “If anyone tries to reopen the agreement to weaken the ambition, Vanuatu stands ready to push for higher ambition, as science and international law demands.”
The tiny nation of Pacific islands is under threat from rising sea levels driven by climate change.
Countries including the UK, Brazil, Norway, Mexico and Kenya have also signalled their support for the framework, including a carbon price.
The maritime industry has been lobbying for a global approach to decarbonisation to avoid a patchwork of emissions trading systems.
Shipping has been covered under the EU’s flagship emissions trading system since 2024 and will be included in the UK ETS from 01 July.
The IMO talks are taking place at the same time as more than 50 countries meet in Colombia to discuss how to phase out fossil fuels across wider economies…..PACNEWS
FIJI – PARLIAMENT: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 1: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Fiji’s third Voluntary National Review to strengthen accountability accelerate SDG: PM Rabuka
SUVA, 28 APRIL 2026 (FIJI GOVT) —Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustainable development with the formal endorsement of Fiji’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR), to be developed over 2026–2027 and presented at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development next year.
Speaking in Parliament Monday, Prime Minister Rabuka said the VNR assesses national progress across the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identify gaps and constraints and mobilise partnerships and financing for accelerated implementation.
He was responding to Inosi Kuridrani’s question regarding the formulation of Fiji’s third Voluntary National Review Report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The VNR is not simply a report, it is a national statement of where we stand, where we must improve, and how we will mobilise the partnerships and resources needed to deliver on the 2030 Agenda,” the Prime Minister said.
“I wish to inform the Honourable House that Cabinet, at its meeting on 14 April 2026, endorsed the formulation of Fiji’s third VNR, to be undertaken during 2026–2027 and presented at the HLPF in July 2027.
“The process will be led by the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics through a coordinated whole-of-government and whole of society approach. Governance structure will include a high-level Core Working Group comprising of senior officials and a Technical Working Group with representation from line Ministries.
“I wish to assure this House that the 2027 VNR will not be a bureaucratic exercise. It will be a genuine national conversation, transparent, evidence-based, and anchored in the lived realities of our people, including those in our rural and maritime communities who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.”
Prime Minister Rabuka emphasised that the review will be inclusive, transparent, and grounded in evidence, reflecting the lived realities of all Fijians, particularly those in rural and maritime communities most vulnerable to climate change.
Fiji has previously presented two VNRs in 2019 and 2023, both recognised for their inclusivity and credibility, particularly among Small Island Developing States…..PACNEWS
BOUG – UXO DISPOSAL: ABG GOVT PACNEWS 1: Tue 28 Apr 2026
UXO disposal operation to be undertaken in Central Bougainville with New Zealand support
BUKA, 28 APRIL 2026 (ABG GOVT)—The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) will lead the safe disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) identified in Central Bougainville, with technical support from the Government of New Zealand through the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
Following a formal request by the ABG President, Ishmael Toroama, the Government of New Zealand has confirmed its support and will deploy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists and supporting assets to Bougainville to carry out the operation.
The operation will focus on two World War II-era bombs located near Kieta Primary School and Aropa Airfield. These items have been assessed as posing a potential safety risk to nearby communities and require specialist handling and disposal.
President Toroama said the operation reflects the strong partnership between Bougainville and New Zealand, particularly in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of communities, particularly as Bougainville continues recovery efforts following Tropical Cyclone Maila.
“This operation is about protecting our people, especially our children, families, and communities living near these dangerous remnants of war,” President Toroama said.
“These unexploded bombs have remained a serious risk for many years, and we are grateful to the New Zealand Defence Force for their timely support and expertise in helping us safely remove this threat.”
The ABG emphasises that this is a Bougainville-led operation, with all activities being coordinated under the direction of the ABG, in close collaboration with national agencies, the Bougainville Police Service, and local authorities.
Deployment of NZDF personnel and equipment is expected to commence immediately, with disposal activities planned within the coming week, subject to operational and safety conditions.
The ABG is assuring communities in Kieta and Aropa that all necessary safety measures will be strictly enforced throughout the operation. Temporary safety cordons will be established around both sites, and members of the public are strongly urged to comply with all instructions issued by authorities on the ground.
During the disposal process, residents may observe increased activity, including the movement of defence personnel, helicopters, and preparation works such as sandbagging around the sites. A controlled detonation will also produce a loud noise, which is expected and part of the safety procedure.
The ABG, through its relevant agencies and in coordination with NZDF teams, will continue to provide timely updates and community notifications before, during, and after the operation.
Once the UXO has been safely disposed of, communities will be formally advised when the areas are declared safe.
Communities are reminded that any suspected unexploded ordnance should not be touched and must be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities.
The programme will be undertaken by NZDF with coordination from the ABG Office of the Chief Secretary, the ABG Department of Community Government, National Airport Cooperation and New Zealand High Commission in Port Moresby. ….PACNEWS
FIJI – DEFENCE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 1: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Fiji military armoury breach attempt exposes system strength : Defence Minister
SUVA, 28 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The attempted breach of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Armoury over the past few weeks proved that the military’s electronic security systems are working.
This was highlighted by Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua in Parliament adding that while investigations into the incident are ongoing, the attempt exposed something useful.
“One good thing about this incident, it actually tested the effectiveness of the electronic systems that were there,” he said.
“And that’s the very reason why they were there, the systems are there, because people do want to attempt to do that.”
Tikoduaduda was responding to questions from Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar, who asked whether the armoury breach had been anticipated under Fiji’s National Security Strategy, and what protocols were activated in response.
Tikoduadua said he could not comment on the specifics of the attempt while investigations continue, but confirmed the National Security Strategy which was endorsed and launched in 2025 covers threats of this nature.
An armoury is a secure facility where military weapons and ammunition are stored. Any unauthorised attempt to access it is considered a serious national security threat.
“Breaches of the armoury or the magazines, or any attempt to do so, is a serious offence and would be repelled at any cost,” the minister warned.
Tikoduadua also linked the incident to the country’s growing drug problem, saying the hybrid military-police model being discussed under the new RFMF Act would help Fiji respond faster to serious threats, including narcotics, without the legal delays that currently slow down military involvement.
He said new legislation would allow the military and police to work jointly with clear roles and legal backing…. PACNEWS
FIJI – INCENRATOR PROJECT: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 1: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Vuda project hangs in balance — no decision yet: Fiji Environment Minister Tabuya
SUVA, 28 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN)—No decision has been made on the proposed waste-to-energy project at Vuda Point, with the Fiji Government stressing that the outcome will be determined strictly by law and evidence.
Minister for Environment Lynda Tabuya told Parliament Monday that the process was still ongoing and had not reached a conclusion.
“The assessment process is still underway. No decision has been made. Let me repeat that. No decision has been made,” she said.
The project has drawn significant national attention, with strong public interest reflected in hundreds of submissions and thousands of petition signatures.
Tabuya said the process was designed to ensure transparency, independence and public participation, under the Environment Management Act.
“A meeting is not a decision. A proposal is not a permit. A discussion is not an approval,” she said.
She outlined that the EIA process began in September 2025, with a full assessment required due to the scale and potential impact of the project. The report was submitted in March this year and underwent public review until 22 April.
According to the Minister, 875 written submissions were received, along with more than 5,600 online petition signatures and over 3,100 paper-based signatures, indicating strong public engagement.
The project has now entered the technical review stage, where all submissions and findings will be assessed before a final determination is made.
Tabuya stressed that the decision could result in approval, approval with conditions, or rejection — and would be subject to appeal.
“There will be no political interference. There will be no predetermined outcome. The decision will be guided by law, informed by evidence, and shaped by consultation,” she said.
She also defended public officers involved in the process, urging that scrutiny remain focused on the project rather than individuals.
“Public officers must be accountable, yes, but they must also be treated with fairness and respect,” she said.
The Vuda waste-to-energy proposal remains one of the most closely watched environmental decisions currently under review.
Meanwhile, an exchange erupted in Parliamenty over the proposed $1.4billion (US$630 million) waste-to-energy incinerator at Vuda, Lautoka.
Opposition MP Premila Kumar accused the Government of allowing Fiji to become a dumping ground for foreign rubbish.
Kumar challenged Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya on the floor of the House, demanding to know why a project rejected in Australia after seven years was being allowed to proceed through Fiji’s environmental assessment process.
“If this project cannot meet Australian standards, why should Fijian lives be worth less?” she asked.
Kumar argued the Coalition Government failed to conduct proper due diligence before the project even entered the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
The EIA is a formal, step-by-step review that examines whether a development is safe and acceptable.
She raised alarm over plans to import up to 150 tonnes of waste daily from Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific countries.
“We are not being offered an energy solution. We are being offered a contract to become the Pacific’s rubbish bin,” she said…..PACNEWS
PAC – MARINE ECOSYSTEMS: PMN PACNEWS 1: Tue 28 Apr 2026
‘Nothing like this in the world’: Marshall Islands’ reefs among the most pristine on Earth – study
MAJURO, 28 APRIL 2026 (PMN)—Local communities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) are living alongside some of the most intact marine ecosystems left on the planet, according to international researchers completing a major ocean survey across the Pacific nation’s outer atolls.
The findings come from the National Geographic Pristine Seas (NGPS) programme, which has returned to the Marshall Islands for a second time to study reef health, marine life, and climate impacts across seven remote atolls.
Working alongside the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) onboard the Argo, the team is surveying Erikub, Ailuk, Taka, Ujelang, Ailinginae, Jemo, and Enewetak, atolls to map biodiversity and identify areas requiring protection.
Ryan Jenkinson, the expedition leader of NGPS, says what the team has seen stands out even on a global scale.
“We’ve been all around the Pacific and even all around the world. This is some of the most pristine coral reefs and fish abundances and shark abundances that we’ve seen anywhere,” Jenkinson says.
“We were at [Utirik Island] and I was talking to the mayor. I’m like, ‘I’m not joking, there is nothing like this in the world and it’s just your backyard’.
“It’s what you’ve grown up with, what you have always used for food and resources, and obviously managed and conserved in a way that is possible to have both things. It is an incredibly powerful message”
The expedition is working with the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority to map biodiversity and to understand how these ecosystems are coping with climate change and other pressures.
Bryant Jeffery Zebedy, a scientist from the Marshall Island Marine Resources Authority and Pristine Seas team member prepares for a SCUBA dive near Taka Atoll. Photo/National Geographic Pristine Seas
Researchers are using deep sea cameras, SCUBA surveys, and the submersible Argonauta to track marine life and collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples.
The team says the results are mixed. While many reefs remain strong, some signs of change are already visible
Land surveys at Taka Atoll suggest seabird populations have fallen compared to data from the 1980s. Jenkinson says it is not clear why.
“The problem is, those are two marks on this incredibly long time. It’s really hard to just assign a single purpose for something like that to happen.”
He says several factors could be involved including climate change, invasive species, and industrial fishing pressure that can disrupt the wider food chain.
At Bokak Atoll, earlier surveys found what researchers described as “ghost forests” of dead coral linked to past warming events. But recent findings at Ailuk and Taka show many ecosystems are still thriving.
A highlight of the mission for Jenkinson occurred at Jemo, one of the remote stops on the mission. He describes it as a “white elephant” due to the difficulty of reaching it.
During a single 12 hour period, the team captured a complete snapshot of the atoll’s biodiversity, from the deep sea at 3000 metres to the land.
“We put every single tool that we had in the water and the people on the land in one single 12-hour period. I don’t know if we’ve done that just a couple times ever.
“As the expedition leader, to see that happening, see the team, the vessel and all of the equipment come together in a single day to capture the complete biodiversity of a place.
“Then to finish that day at midnight with the film crew on land watching green sea turtles come ashore, dig their nests and lay their eggs, it was the best. It was an amazing day. It’s an amazing place.”
Data from the expedition will feed into Reimaanlok, the Marshall Islands’ national conservation framework, which combines scientific research with traditional knowledge and requires approval from local leaders and chiefs….PACNEWS
KIRIBATI – DIPLOMACY: BPA NEWS PACNEWS 1: Tue 28 Apr 2026
100 mats and elders from Butaritari to Nauru
MARAKEI, 28 APRIL 2026 (BPA NEWS) — Nauru’s President, David Adeang, says he felt privileged to represent the government and people of Nauru at the priestly ordination of Father Bwebwentetaake Kouen, held last Saturday.
“We are not only privileged, but blessed to live in a part of the world that is peaceful, loving, and strong in faith,” President Adeang said.
He noted that while other parts of the world face challenges, the Pacific continues to stand out for its unity and strong Christian values.
“For this, we must feel grateful. My delegation and I are honoured to share in the joy of our faith and to celebrate this special occasion with you,” he added.
During his visit, President Adeang also met with Tawaia Natibu and members of the Butaritari Parish to discuss strengthening friendship and cooperation between the people of Butaritari and Nauru.
“To further promote our shared Christian faith, love, and mutual understanding, I had the pleasure of accepting an invitation from the parish on the evening of 25 April,” he said.
As a gesture of goodwill, the two sides agreed on a cultural exchange. Butaritari Parish will send 100 locally handwoven mats to Nauru, while 100 elderly men (unimwane) from Butaritari will be invited to visit Nauru.
Speaking to BPA News, Father Natibu confirmed the mats will be ready for shipment within a month. In return, the visiting unimwane will travel to Nauru next year to attend the ordination of the country’s first Catholic priest.
President Adeang is a frequent visitor to Kiribati and is a regular guest at priestly ordinations in the outer islands….PACNEWS
CHINA – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Australian foreign Minister headed to China for high level talks as Beijing pushes stronger ties
BEIJING, 28 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS)—China has confirmed that Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong will visit Beijing this week for key bilateral talks aimed at strengthening relations and boosting cooperation.
Announcing the visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the trip comes at the invitation of China’s top diplomat Wang Yi.
“At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong will visit China from 28 -30 April ,” said Lin.
Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Lin outlined the significance of the visit, pointing to improving ties between the two countries.
“Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership has maintained a sound momentum of growth. During Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will co-chair with her the eighth Foreign and Strategic Dialogue, and the two sides will have an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest,” said Lin.
The talks are expected to cover a wide range of issues, including regional security and global developments, as both sides look to stabilise and expand cooperation.
Lin said Beijing sees the visit as an opportunity to build on recent progress and deepen engagement.
“Through the visit, China looks forward to further delivering on the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, enhancing political mutual trust and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-Australia relations and deliver more benefits to the people of the two countries,” said the spokesman.
The visit marks another step in efforts by China and Australia to reinforce diplomatic ties and maintain dialogue on key regional and global issues…..PACNEWS
AUST – WOMEN MEET: SBS PACNEWS 1: Tue 28 Apr 2026
‘Mmanosphere’ requires new approach to gender equality: Former Aust PM Gillard
MELBOURNE, 28 APRIL 2026 (SBS)—Gender equality advocates are being urged to ensure the movement is grounded in inclusivity while ensuring rights for women and girls are not wound back.
But a concerted, organised and strategic pushback by the “manosphere” against gender equality can’t be swept under the rug, Australia’s only female prime minister says.
Former Labor prime minister Julia Gillard, now primarily based in the United Kingdom, has returned to Australia as a keynote speaker at Women Deliver, a major gathering of activists, policymakers and former leaders.
Melbourne is hosting. It is the first time the conference — established in 2007 and held every three years — has been in the Oceanic Pacific region.
The conference is being held against a backdrop of global push-back against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and concerns about the rise of the manosphere and its impact on young men.
“We have seen in many parts of the world a form of politics which weaves together nationalism, isolationism, patriotism and anti-women’s rights agendas,” “Gillard said.
“With all of this happening, it’s a particularly important time for people to come together and to discuss what we can do to win the popular debate globally because … more gender-equal societies benefit everyone.”
“But solidarity, while powerful in itself, is not enough and what we need to do is to generate a new direction forward for gender equality,” she told reporters at a press conference on Monday to open the conference.
“We must acknowledge that much of the (current) system was never built for girls, women and gender diverse people.”
Gains for women and girls could not be taken for granted as history showed they could be easily wound back, former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark said.
“[Women Deliver] is about supporting civil society at the local and national level, so that they can hold governments accountable, and it also calls on governments to be responsive,” she said.
“States have to be held accountable for the commitments that they have made in signing up to any number of international agreements and conventions.
“It’s only we — the people — that can hold them accountable.”
In 2018, Gillard was appointed chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London and later founded its sister institute based at the Australian National University in Canberra.
The institute was among the first to spotlight and track the trend of young men’s attitudes towards gender equality going backwards.
That trend could be partially attributed to the equality movement not being as inclusive of men as it could have been, Gillard said.
“Some of the language we’ve used around gender equality has given the impression that it’s solely about women … it hasn’t been inclusive enough to explain that it’s about a better future for all,” she said.
“[But] I think we’ve got to be pretty knowing that there is concerted, organised and strategic pushback.
“There is a form of politics that has fused with online influencers and the manosphere, who are peddling a particular version of masculinity … [about being] able to project dominance over women in their lives,” she said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
KIRIBATI – IRAN CRISIS: BPA NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Air Kiribati engineer forced home as Middle East conflict intensifies
TARAWA, 28 APRIL 2026 (BPA NEWS)—An aviation engineer with Air Kiribati has had his training at the Qatar Aeronautical Academy in Doha cut short due to the ongoing Iran war in the Middle East.
Bwatieta Rino told BPA News that he had spent more than a year at the academy before being instructed by the Kiribati government to return home for his safety.
“We weren’t aware of the war at first. We only learned about it when Iran started launching missile strikes targeting a U.S military base in Qatar. Our face-to-face classes were cancelled, and we had to switch to online learning from our apartments,” he said.
“For me, the training itself wasn’t affected by the war, but we had to be sent home as a safety precaution,” Rino added.
The Al Udeid Air Base, located southwest of Doha in the municipality of Al Rayyan, is the largest U.S military facility in the Middle East. It serves as the forward headquarters for U.S Central Command (CENTCOM) and houses approximately 10,000 troops.
The 30-year-old said they were fortunate to be living in Doha, far from the military base targeted by Iran. However, they were still able to see missiles flying overhead toward the base, which either exploded on impact or were intercepted.
He said the situation was frightening and unfamiliar.
“I was very worried because this was completely new to me. My family tried to contact me through Facebook Messenger and became increasingly concerned when they couldn’t reach me for a week after the war began,” he said.
“They were relieved when I was finally able to get in touch with them.”
Rino said that when the conflict started, he immediately wanted to return home, as he was uncertain how long it would last. He added that the Kiribati government fully supported his return for safety reasons.
“I want to thank the Kiribati government, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Air Kiribati, for supporting my return home and prioritizing my safety and security,” he said.
Bwatieta Rino said he is happy to be back home with his family and looks forward to returning to Qatar to continue his training once the war ends…..PACNEWS
PNG – STARLINK: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Green light for Starlink. Nicta allowed to issue licence to new telecom player in PNG
PORT MORESBY, 28 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL) —The Papua New Guinea National Court has given the green light to National Information and Communications Technology (Nicta) to issue an operator’s licence to Starlink.
It quashed a directive by the Ombudsman Commission, which stopped Nicta from issuing the licence to Starlink Internet Services (PNG) Limited, saying the commission had acted beyond its jurisdiction in issuing the directive.
Judge Oagile Dingake, who delivered the judgment on behalf of presiding judge Susan Purdon-Sully, ruled that the commission’s directive was “ultra vires and consequently null and void”.
On 28 February 2024, the commission pursuant to Section 27(4) of the Constitution, directed Nicta and its agents to:
*Take all steps necessary to ensure that you or your officers, employees, servants and agents do not authorise or grant approval on any network operator’s licence to Starlink Internet Services (PNG) Limited;
*Ensure that the licence is not granted unless clearance is issued by the Ombudsman Commission for the issuance of a network operator licence to Starlink; and,
* Revoke the network operator’s licence issued to Starlink until further and wider public consultation is conducted with relevant stakeholders.
On 05 April, Nicta sought a court ruling to have the directive lifted, and that it be allowed to issue the licence to Starlink, and/or a meeting be convened to discuss the licensing process.
On 10 June, a meeting took place between Nicta chairman Noel Mobiha, Nicta officers and commission officers.
A letter requesting the commission to lift the directive was not granted.
ICT Minister Timothy Masiu, Nicta chief executive officer Kila Gulo-Vui, Mobiha, licensing and enforcement director Panny Yokope, and Nicta sought leave for a judicial review of that directive through lawyer Kenneth Imako.
They argued that the industry stakeholders, third parties and individuals were prevented from using Starlink equipment, causing hardship and inconvenience.
They submitted that the commission’s directive exceeded its jurisdiction, was exercised arbitrarily, and should be quashed.
The commission argued that it had jurisdiction over Nicta as a regulatory statutory authority established under the Act, and said the directive was to allow it to investigate the licensing and consultation procedures.
The court ruled that Nicta was an agency established by Section 8 of the Act to regulate the ICT industry in PNG, and that Act empowered it to grant individual operator licences.
Judge Purdon-Sully said the commission could have used its powers to examine processes, seek documents and document preservation, seek explanations, and make findings on whether Nicta complied with the Act.
“The court finds the direction an arbitrary and unconstitutional exercise of power issued without proper regard to the constitutional limits on the exercise of Section 27(4) power, rendering it an excess of jurisdiction, liable to be quashed,” she said.
The court refused the commission’s objections and its application to dismiss the proceedings…..PACNEWS
PNG – STARLINK: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 28 Apr 2026
PNG PM hails Starlink ruling as step to boost telecommunication
PORT MORESBY, 28 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the National Court’s decision on the Starlink licensing case, describing it as an important step in improving communication access in the country.
“My Government welcomes this outcome because Papua New Guinea urgently needs reliable, real-time communication services for our people, businesses, schools, health facilities, and disaster response agencies,” Marape said.
He said the decision allowed the country to move ahead with practical solutions to improve telecommunication services, especially for rural and remote communities that had struggled with poor or non-existent network coverage.
Marape said that the recent natural disasters, including cyclone-related emergencies affecting parts of the country, had demonstrated the importance of dependable communication systems.
“When communities are cut off during cyclones, floods, earthquakes, or other emergencies, lives can depend on real-time communication. We must ensure our people are never isolated in times of crisis,” he said.
Marape said the Starlink process had begun through lawful regulatory channels when the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (Nicta) began public consultation in 2023 on low earth-orbit satellite internet services, with major global industry players participating in the process.
“Today’s ruling restores certainty and confirms that proper regulatory institutions must be allowed to perform their lawful functions in the national interest,” he said.
“We support Starlink coming into PNG, alongside existing operators, because our people deserve better services, broader coverage, and more choices.”
Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr said the outcome reinforced the importance of compliance with national laws governing the ICT sector.
“Importantly, this decision is both timely and significant.
“It provides a clear and enabling pathway for the Nicta to consider licensing broadband services to support national disaster preparedness and response efforts,” he said.
“In a country characterised by challenging terrain, dispersed populations, and vulnerability to natural disasters, satellite connectivity presents a practical and strategic complement to existing terrestrial infrastructure.
“It enhances the Government’s ability to overcome geographic barriers and extend reliable communication services to remote and underserved communities.”
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu has urged Nicta to speed up the final approvals for telecommunication service providers such as Starlink.
This follows the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology announcement of a regulatory outcome that clears the path for the licensing of satellite broadband services, including the entry of Starlink into the PNG market.
Pomaleu welcomed the decision by Tsiamalili Jr as a win for national connectivity, disaster resilience, and the digital economy.
Pomaleu called on Nicta to finalise the licensing process of Starlink.
“This outcome affirms Papua New Guinea’s commitment to a transparent, rules-based regulatory environment,” he said.
“Our people in remote and underserved communities cannot afford to wait for the benefits of high-speed, reliable internet.”
Polmaleu said that areas where satellite licensing would have an impact included:
*Disaster preparedness: providing communications lifeline during natural disasters when terrestrial networks may fail;
*Bridging the digital divide: reaching dispersed populations in PNG’s challenging terrain where traditional infrastructure is not viable;
*Government coordination: supporting first responders and ensuring the continuity of essential services in remote districts; and,
*Economic growth: enhancing inclusive digital access to fuel innovation and local entrepreneurship.
He said that the Government viewed the entry of global innovators such as Starlink as an opportunity to strengthen national resilience…PACNEWS
SAMOA – AIRLINE: SAMOA OBSERVER/IB PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Qantas launches Auckland–Apia flights
APIA, 28 APRIL 2026 (SAMOA OBSERVER/IB) —Qantas will launch a new year-round flight service between Auckland and Apia from 16 June.
It will be the airline’s first international route from New Zealand to the Pacific.
Qantas Manager of Corporate Communications Zac Pittas said the new service will operate three times a week using a Boeing 737, boosting travel options and improving access to Samoa for New Zealand-based passengers.
“The launch of flights from Auckland to Apia marks the first Qantas international flight from New Zealand to the Pacific Islands, making Samoa more accessible than ever for Kiwi travellers,” Pittas said.
The Auckland-to-Apia flights, operating as QF145, will depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 5:55pm, arriving in Apia at 10:45pm local time.
Pittas said the service was an extension of Qantas’ existing daily Sydney-to-Auckland route.
Return services from Apia to Auckland, operating as QF144, will depart Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:40am, arriving in Auckland at 9:55am, with onward connections to Sydney.
Qantas said it did not currently expect fuel supply issues to disrupt the new route….PACNEWS
VAN – AIRPORT: VBTC/IB PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Vanuatu overhauls main airport
PORT VILA, 28 APRIL 2026 (VBTC/IB) —VANUATU’S international airport terminal upgrade is now in the design stage after Fosi Consulting won the tender.
The original terminal was built in the 1990s.
The project includes feasibility studies, design planning, and cost assessments, with an estimated budget of about VUV18 million (US$151,000).
Jason Rakau, CEO of Airports Vanuatu Limited, said that the design must account for growth and rising demand over the next 20 years. He warned that small expansions are only “band-aid solutions” and that congestion will persist unless a proper new terminal is built according to the master plan.
The airport is already under pressure due to limited cargo space and increasing passenger numbers from multiple daily international flights.
Rakau added that the government is reviewing several options moving forward, including future financing and possible private investment.
The successful contractor has presented concept designs to Airports Vanuatu, Public Works, MIPU, and the Ministry of Finance.
As the design stage continues, the government is actively considering funding pathways.
The project is managed by the Public Works Department through its Project Management Unit, with current focus on arrivals, check-in, and departure facilities.
Authorities say more detailed information, including confirmed funding plans, is expected to be released next month….PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Powerful states are trying to sabotage decarbonisation of shipping
Pacific Island states cannot and will not allow key climate shipping agreement to be watered down.
By Ralph Regenvanu
LONDON, 28 APRIL 2026 (ALJAZEERA)—The global fallout of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz may create the impression that the world cannot function without fossil fuels. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every single industry can and must decarbonise.
For global shipping, this process would be relatively easy because technological solutions exist and a single United Nations agency can set legally binding rules for all ships. The first steps have already been made.
In 2025, member states of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) agreed on a policy mechanism to cut shipping emissions: the Net-Zero Framework (NZF). But they opted to postpone a decision on formal adoption of this landmark agreement.
This delay is emblematic of obstructive tactics used by countries opposing climate action.
The IMO Framework – the world’s first global carbon price on any international polluter – took years of compromises and watering-down. As it stands, it is the lowest possible bar Pacific Island states like the one I represent can accept. We cannot give in another inch.
While I join the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia, delegates will gather again at the IMO in London to decide whether to uphold their unanimous commitment to phase out fossil fuels in a just and equitable way.
The delegates of Vanuatu who travel to London have a mandate to push for the adoption of the NZF this year.
Should anyone reopen the framework to water it down, our position is clear: We will revert to our original Pacific demand for a universal levy on emissions of US$150 per tonne of carbon dioxide.
Last year my country abstained from the vote on the NZF agreement. We reached that decision because the mechanism is not nearly ambitious enough. Even so, it is a starting point we can work with.
But since then, the tide has shifted dramatically.
After the delay in adoption, a small group of countries is now suggesting further weakening the ambition in the framework to meet the demands of particularly influential states whose current policy positions are not aligned with climate ambition. This strategy is problematic as reducing our collective actions to align with those that want no climate action at all is incompatible with our people’s continued survival.
The world’s poorest countries, and the planet, simply cannot afford anything less than what is already on the table.
The framework, as it is, gives the world and the industry some chance of meeting the climate obligations that IMO countries committed to in 2023, namely reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 in a just and equitable way.
The NZF introduces penalty fees – eg emission pricing for noncompliance with the regulation. This provides the regulation with a “stick” to ensure ships comply or else they must pay.
The penalties also represent revenues, up to US$10bn to US$12bn a year, to both incentivise industry transition and enable a fair transition for all. This fund is a lifeline for developing – and especially least developed – states to be able to afford clean maritime energy upgrades and compensate for the rising trade costs because of this transition.
Some claim that revenues raised by the NZF will blow out transport costs. This is preposterous.
The penalties charged through this framework come down to less than US$1.50 per year for every living human being – although the biggest polluters should pay this cost. If the richest 10 percent of the world’s population foots this bill, it adds up to less than US$15 per person. That’s a few coffees a year, which the world’s richest can easily spare.
Losing both financial penalties for noncompliance and financial support for countries like mine in the name of a political compromise with rich oil-producing states is a bad deal. Not just for all climate-vulnerable states but also for the industry that demands and deserves clarity.
If anything, we need more action and more ambition in the framework.
For years, Pacific states have pushed for the IMO regulation to be in the form of a universal levy on emissions, by pricing all emissions. We managed to get the majority of IMO member states on board, including the European Union, South Korea and Japan, as well as important Global South states, such as Panama and Liberia. However, the US has been very effective in exerting its influence in this area, which is resulting in shifts to some positions to the detriment of us all.
Our position was always backed by the best available scientific evidence.
A levy on all shipping emissions is the best way to send an unambiguous signal to the industry: Invest in the future now! The revenues, up to 10 times more than those from the NZF, serve as both a bigger stick for polluters and a bigger carrot for first movers and cash-poor countries…..PACNEWS
This is not a handout: Hitting net zero by 2050 is not possible if our countries cannot invest in clean ships.
The bridge we have built in the form of the NZF through years of compromise and evidence is still standing. Let us cross it together by adopting it as agreed without any further dilution.
Pacific states stand ready to fight for what science and justice demand, and we call on our partners to stand with us. …PACNEWS
Ralph Regenvanu is Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards and Disaster Management.
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
A Bridge Across the Ocean: Making FSM’s Legislatures Accessible to All
POHNPEI, 28 APRIL 2026 (UNDP)— Four state legislatures across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) have launched new digital platforms, opening up public access to elected representatives, parliamentary proceedings, and institutional information for communities spread across one of the world’s most geographically dispersed regions.
Under the Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific (SLIP II) project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from the Government of Japan, the launch marks a decisive shift toward more transparent, inclusive, and accessible governance, ensuring that citizens across every island can be more easily connected to their parliaments.
Joined by partners and government officials, the launch forms part of the Government of Japan’s broader support to governance, parliamentary development, and digital connectivity across the North Pacific.
By making laws, records, and parliamentary information available online, the websites replace barriers of geography with pathways of access. They bring clarity where information was once fragmented, continuity where access was uneven, and opportunity where distance once limited engagement.
“It will enable our citizens local and abroad as well as people of the world to have access to the state laws so it’s available to everyone. We’ve never had this online presence before, so it is a giant step for the country and its citizens, to have that presence in the cyberworld. Thank you UNDP, for providing the assistance for our state to make all this a possibility,” said Barney Dois, IT Specialist, Chuuk State Legislature.
The handover followed two days of intensive technical training, where representatives from Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae, and Pohnpei State Legislatures, alongside the Palau National Congress, worked with UNDP and technical experts, with a focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the new platforms.
This investment in institutional capacity ensures that access to information is not temporary, but embedded within the long-term functioning of legislatures.
“This project represents and emphasises that the chamber in Yap state legislature is the meeting place of the people and belongs to everyone, now more than ever through this modern medium that is more real to the people. On behalf of our small legislature, we are grateful to UNDP and the people of Japan for helping us,” said Dee Libian, Chief Clerk of the Yap State Legislature, together with Legal Counsel Genevieve Mangefl.
Speaking at the handover, Kagomiya Nobuo, Ambassador of Japan to the Federated States of Micronesia, said: “Japan shares common values including democracy, rule of law, human rights and maritime security with the Pacific Island Countries and continue to support these countries.”
Gulbahor Nematova, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for the North Pacific added the initiative was built on the back of a whole-of-society approach to digital transformation: “This project lays the foundation for more connected and informed Federated States of Micronesia. Building on the momentum, UNDP will continue to promote open and reliable digital connectivity.”,
The initiative reflects a strong partnership between UNDP and the Government of Japan, grounded in shared commitments to democracy, rule of law, and inclusive governance. The broader regional rollout will continue, with the Palau National Congress website to be launched in the coming months. ..PACNEWS
For more information please contact: Nick Turner | Head of Communications | nicholas.turner@undp.org
