In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Pacific Ministers seek long-term fix to fuel crisis as costs hit households
2. PACIFIC — Forum regional architecture review heads to Leaders as strategic partnership decisions await
3. SAMOA — Samoa Minister threatens to revoke Samoa Observer business license
4. FIJI — Lau drug operation expands as joint forces intensify maritime patrols
5. AUST — Australia responsible for offshore detainees: UN report
6. GUAM — Board approves Guam’s first permit to operate weed-growing facility 12 years since cannabis legalisation
7. PACNEWS BIZ — Experts warn of slower Fiji economic growth ahead
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Niuean designers take ‘Welly finesse’ to Pacific Fusion Fashion Show
9. PACNEWS BIZ — New global rules clear the road for driverless vehicles
10. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Do not let geopolitical disputes hijack the Blue Pacific: The 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Leader Meeting must return to its original commitment to “unity”
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Guardians of the Blue Pacific: How Inoke Navigated the Frontlines of Ocean Conservation
PAC – FEMM MEET: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Pacific Ministers seek long-term fix to fuel crisis as costs hit households
By Pita Ligaiula
MAJURO, 25 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific Economic ministers are looking beyond short-term responses to rising fuel prices and living costs, with Marshall Islands Finance Minister David Paul saying leaders are determined to find long-term solutions to the region’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Responding to a question on what concrete measures are being taken to lower food, fuel and shipping costs for ordinary families, Paul said the fuel crisis is affecting countries across the Pacific and requires a regional response.
Paul said Pacific countries have responded differently to the crisis, but all share a common challenge.
“I think the common denominator in all of this is because, number one, most of our energy sources in our economy depend so much on importation of that energy source,” he said.
The Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) Chair said Pacific countries have often reacted to crises rather than preparing for them.
“Every time there is a crisis, we tend to react,” he said.
Paul highlighted the 2008 energy crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the current fuel shock as examples.
“When that crisis subsided, then everybody pretty much relaxed. Then the next crisis hit, which is the COVID. And then everybody mobilised so much resources to try to solve the problem. When the COVID was done with, we kind of back to business as usual. And then now this crisis.,” he explained.
He said ministers now recognise that future shocks could be even more severe.
“I think this time around, which all the ministers realise, that the next crisis is going to be twice or three times more severe than this one. So, you can see that there is a resolve among the members to really get to the bottom of it, come up with a concrete way forward to be able to make sure that when the next time comes around, we’re ready for it,” he said.
Using the Marshall Islands as an example, Paul said the government chose not to continue subsidising state-owned services but instead allowed operators to pass on costs while providing direct support to households.
“What the government did is rather than continue to subsidise the services, which is the electricity services, shipping and the air service, we thought that we allow them to pass through, meaning pass on the cost so that they themselves can continue to operate within the context of the market forces.”
“In the meantime, the government turns around and pump liquidity into people’s budget so they get able to absorb that increasing cost,” he said.
Paul said measures included tax relief, higher wages and income support.
“What we’ve done is we’ve cut taxes on the low-income earners. First US$8,320 of your income is tax exempt.”
“Number two, we increase minimum wage. Now, by 01 October, it’s going to be US$5 an hour.”
“Number three, we implemented the UBI or the Universal Basic Income and we top it off so it reached US$200 a week and continue to pump liquidity into families’ budget so they can be able to absorb that increase in cost,” he said.
Paul said those measures were only temporary solutions.
“The government thinks that this is only a bandaid solution. We have to come up with something that is going to wean us away from continuing to depend on that fossil fuel that continues to be our main source of energy,” he said.
He said discussions would continue on finding a permanent solution.
“We will continue to discuss this and come up with a way forward to address this issue once and for all.”
Forum Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa said ministers had spent considerable time discussing the impact of the Middle East conflict on Pacific economies.
Waqa said rising fuel prices were affecting transport costs and livelihoods throughout the region.
“Not just on fuel, the cost of fuel and cost of transportation, livelihoods of our people are affected tremendously.”
The Forum SG said ministers reported that higher costs were making it harder for families to maintain a sustainable standard of living.
“These have continued to erode their ability to maintain a normal and sustainable cost of living,” he said.
Waqa said ministers focused on how Pacific countries could work together to ensure fuel supplies remain stable.
“How do we as a region work together to making sure that the cost of fuel, the supply of fuel is unaffected?”
He noted the Pacific’s heavy dependence on imported fuel. “As you know, the Pacific is one of the most vulnerable users or dependent on fuel that most come from Singapore.”
“So yes, the cost of fuel, because it’s affected, it affects the inflation of the cost of living in all of our island countries,” he said.
Waqa said ministers arrived at the meeting prepared to discuss the issue and exchange experiences and solutions.
“The ministers brought that with them, the concerns and to share experiences and best practices that they can share among each other,” Forum SG Waqa said…. PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Forum regional architecture review heads to Leaders as strategic partnership decisions await
By Pita Ligaiula
MAJURO, 25 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa says the regional architecture review is still underway and will be presented to Forum Leaders for approval before further details on strategic and development partnerships are made public.
Responding to a question during a press conference in Majuro on the status of the review and whether partners would be informed of their status before the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, Waqa said the process remains ongoing.
“For that part of the work, it’s ongoing at the moment. It’s ongoing.”
He said the Forum Secretariat expects to submit the review to leaders for consideration in the lead-up to the meeting in Palau.
“We hope to have that ready for leaders’ approval later on within the month or two in Palau,” he said.
However, he indicated that details of the review would remain limited until leaders have considered the recommendations.
“As far as the review goes, I think we will be able to provide some more information probably next week, but that will remain fairly much under wraps because our leaders need to approve it,” Forum SG Waqa said.
He said the same approach would apply to development partnership arrangements.
Waqa said the Secretariat would provide updates where possible but stressed that some information must first be presented to leaders.
“We do our best to try and update where we see possible to share the information.”
“But as you probably are aware, some of this information will need to get to our leaders before we can share publicly,” Forum SG Waqa said…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – MEDIA THREAT: SAMOA OBSERVER PACNEWS 2: Thu Jun 2026
Samoa Minister threatens to revoke Samoa Observer business license
APIA, 25 JUNE 2026 (SAMOA OBSERVER) —Samoa Minister of Revenue and Member of Parliament for Vaimauga No. 1, Pauga Talalelei Pauga, threatened to revoke the Samoa Observer’s business licence during Parliament on Wednesday.
Pauga made the threat while speaking on business licences in his budget address, saying the Ministry of Revenue is responsible for issuing them and that businesses must comply with the laws administered by the Ministry in order to continue operating.
“We issue licences, but there are businesses that are not abiding by the laws of the Ministry of Revenue,” Pauga said.
“For us to issue a licence, businesses need to comply with the laws for them to carry out their work.”
He referred to a recent case in which a business licence was cancelled after the business was “caught selling ice”, or methamphetamine.
Pauga then turned his attention to the Samoa Observer.
“We are looking at the company Samoa Observer,” he said.
“There are a lot of publications that I have recorded that are incorrect and biased,” he said.
He added that the Ministry was looking at whether the company “should continue’, before saying the Ministry of Revenue would issue the cancellation of the business licence, with the Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo, signing it off.
“Listen here, Samoa Observer, stop writing irrelevant and false news,” Pauga told Parliament.
Speaker of the House Auapaau Aloitafua Mulipola cut in and stopped Pauga, saying the Samoa Observer was not present in Parliament and could not respond to comments made in the chamber.
He then told Pauga to refrain from continuing his remarks about the newspaper…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DRUGS FIGHT: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Lau drug operation expands as joint forces intensify maritime patrols
SUVA, 25 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN) — A multi-agency maritime operation involving the Fiji Navy, Fiji Police Force, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and the United States Coast Guard is continuing in Lau waters as authorities ramp up efforts to combat transnational organised crime and investigate the recent discovery of suspected illicit drugs in the region.
The joint operation comes amid ongoing investigations into parcels containing suspected drugs recovered from islands in the Lau Group and other parts of Fiji, with authorities maintaining an increased presence across the country’s maritime borders.
The operation brings together Navy vessels, Police investigators and FRCS officers to conduct patrols, vessel inspections, shoreline searches and maritime law-enforcement activities throughout the area of operations.
Authorities said the partnership enhances Fiji’s ability to maintain maritime-domain awareness, deter illicit activity and respond to information of operational interest across the country’s vast maritime area.
Specialist teams, including Fiji Navy divers and the Deployable Geospatial Survey Team (DGST), have also been deployed to support underwater searches, assess locations of interest and provide geospatial information to assist operational planning and evidence recovery.
During the deployment, substances recently recovered in Lau and believed to be linked to the wider illicit-drug threat were collected and secured for appropriate handling and further investigation by the relevant authorities.
The operation is also being supported by the United States Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane (USCGC Harriet Lane), which is operating alongside Fijian authority sea riders as part of a joint maritime security effort.
Operations are expected to continue in the coming weeks as authorities pursue information of operational interest and work closely with communities to safeguard Fiji’s maritime borders from criminal activity.
Authorities said the partnership enhances Fiji’s ability to maintain maritime-domain awareness, deter illicit activity and respond to information of operational interest across the country’s vast maritime area.
Despite challenges posed by the size of the operational area, the complexity of criminal threats and increasing demands on resources during the current fuel crisis, agencies say they remain committed to maintaining maritime security.
Operations are expected to continue in the coming weeks as authorities pursue information of operational interest and work closely with communities to safeguard Fiji’s maritime borders from criminal activity.
Officials acknowledged the professionalism and commitment of personnel involved in the operation, as well as the support of partner agencies and communities throughout Lau.
Members of the public are being urged to report suspicious maritime activity, unfamiliar packages or debris, and any information relating to illicit drugs to the Fiji Police Force or relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) chairperson Ratu Viliame Seruvakula has urged the people of Macuata to remain vigilant and protect their coastlines as Fiji continues to grapple with the growing threat of illicit drugs.
Speaking at the opening of the Macuata Provincial Council meeting in Naduri Village Wednesday, Ratu Viliame said the Northern Division must remain free of drugs.
His comments follow recent discoveries of suspected illicit drugs in waters around Viti Levu and the Lau Group.
“The Great Sea Reef has been spared so far from drugs and it’s my plea that it remains this way,” Ratu Viliame said.
“We should be prepared and guard our shores and learn from its effects that we have seen.”
He encouraged heads of districts, villages and families to discuss drug-related issues and raise awareness among young people before drugs reach their communities.
“No province will be spared from this drug war; we can only be prepared for it,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – ASYLUM SEEKERS: AAP PACNEWS 2: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Australia responsible for offshore detainees: UN report
CANBERRA/GENEVA, 25 JUNE 2026 (AAP) — Australia remains responsible for the wellbeing of asylum seekers it has sent to Nauru, a scathing United Nations report has found.
Australia “cannot avoid responsibility by contracting out their obligations to other states, international organisations or private entities,” the report, written by the UN’s special rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, said.
It has been the policy of successive governments to send undocumented asylum seekers offshore for processing or hold them indefinitely in domestic immigration facilities.
Australia signed a $408 million (US$281 million) deal with Nauru in August, under which the Pacific nation is resettling more than 350 non-citizens.
The cohort had been held in indefinite immigration in Australia before the High Court found the practice was illegal given, they had no reasonable prospects of deportation, in a landmark 2023 ruling.
Several members of the group had a history of violent offending.
“This report confirms what we have long said that Australia remains responsible for the harm caused by offshore detention and is yet again more condemnation of a cruel system,” deputy chief executive of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Jane Favero said.
“The Albanese government cannot wash its hands of the people it has sent to Nauru by paying another government or private contractors to carry out its policies”
People transferred to Nauru since the arrangement have reported sexual abuse, including against children, and isolation.
Many were also at risk of being separated from their family after having lived in Australia for years, the report said, while pointing to similar trends across the world.
It also called for more transparency around offshore processing and agreements with foreign governments, which have, in the past, rarely been made public.
“Over the past decade, and continuing today, it is only through whistleblowers, advocates, lawyers and refugees that the harm and abuses offshore have been exposed,” Favero said.
“This UN report makes clear that transparency and accountability about offshore detention is not optional,” she said…. PACNEWS
GUAM – LEGALISED DRUGS: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Board approves Guam’s first permit to operate weed-growing facility 12 years since cannabis legalisation
HAGATNA, 25 JUNE 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The Cannabis Control Board Thursday approved the first permit to operate a cannabis facility on Guam, wrapping up another requirement in a drawn-out process to build the commercial market 12 years after voters approved the legalisation of medical marijuana.
Deep Green Guam’s application received a unanimous vote from the board after obtaining the mandatory clearances from all government agencies.
“This applicant has paved the way for future local cannabis industry establishments,” said Marie Lizama, director of the Department of Revenue and Taxation.
“We want to thank him and all the other responsible officials who have followed the law and taken the necessary steps to enter the industry,” she added.
Registered as Guam’s Real Deal LLC, Deep Green Guam met facility requirements and passed an inspection conducted by DRT’s Compliance Branch, officials said.
The cannabis board began accepting license applications for marijuana dispensaries in 2022. Deep Green Guam, along with Pacific Roots LLC, received its cultivation license from DRT in February.
While it has secured a permit to operate, Deep Green has more hoops to go through.
“Additional steps must be taken before this business can begin production and sales,” states a statement from DRT.
Guam voters approved the medical use of marijuana in 2014 but regulatory delays and the lack of a licensed testing facility have since hampered retail sales.
The Guam Cannabis Industry Act, signed into law 2019, legalised recreational marijuana and laid the foundation for establishing a regulated industry in Guam.
Since the budding industry has been too slow to take off to a commercial scale, most people in Guam rely on home cultivation to legally obtain weeds either for medical or recreational use.
Guam was the first U.S territory to pass a law that legalised marijuana for recreational use, but the CNMI was the first to build a commercial marijuana industry. The CNMI issued its first marijuana business licence in March 2021.
In 2024, Bank of Guam launched a new service allowing cannabis-related businesses to do regular banking transactions and operate in the financial mainstream instead of being constrained to a cash-basis operation.
In the U.S, the cannabis industry still faces a banking challenge due to a conflict between state and federal law, which continues to classify marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance.
As a result, financial institutions refuse to accept transactions from cannabis businesses, pending the Senate’s approval of Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation Banking Act which ensure that state-sanctioned cannabis businesses have access to deposit accounts, insurance and other financial services…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – ECONOMY: FBC NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Experts warn of slower Fiji economic growth ahead
SUVA, 25 JUNE 2026 (FBC NEWS) — Fiji’s economic growth outlook for this year has been downgraded. Rising fuel costs, inflation, and global geopolitical tensions are weighing on the economy in the first half of the year.
Head of Department at the College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies at the Fiji National University, Ashwin Deo, states the latest macroeconomic commentary report shows a worrying picture for growth.
He said the downgrade is largely driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
These tensions have pushed up global fuel and transport costs.
“The forecasted economic growth, which was around 3 percent, has now been revised downward to 1.5 percent. That is a significant drop of 50 percent.”
Deo said inflation remains a major concern. Fiji’s inflation rate stood at about 3.9 percent last month, and this is adding pressure on prices across the country.
Despite the challenges, Deo says tourism and remittance inflows continue to support the economy, and these continue to generate revenue and sustain demand.
“Looking at the aggregate demand and supply framework, tourism and remittances are somewhat supporting revenue generation. However, supply-side pressures, particularly imported inflation and rising fuel costs, are creating inflationary pressure on the economy”
Economics lecturer at the University of the South Pacific, Dr Nilesh Chand, says conditions have worsened since April and growth has slowed further since the start of the second quarter.
“The forecasted economic growth rate was 3 percent for the 2026 season, but this has now been revised down to 1.5 percent by the Reserve Bank”
Chand said rising fuel and energy costs are putting pressure on businesses and households and this is also slowing overall economic activity.
Economists say tourism and remittances are still providing some resilience. However, higher fuel costs, rising utility prices, and persistent inflation are expected to remain key challenges in the months ahead…. PACNEWS
PAC – FASHION WEEK: PMN PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Niuean designers take ‘Welly finesse’ to Pacific Fusion Fashion Show
AUCKLAND, 25 JUNE 2026 (PMN) — It takes a village to raise a child, but in the case of the Niue Creative Collective (NCC), it takes an entire community to fund a runway.
The self-funded collective is preparing to take their designs from Wellington to Auckland’s prestigious Pacific Fusion Fashion Show (PFFS) at New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) this August.
The NCC members include Maria Mitimeti, Christyl Matagi Vilitama, Inangaro Vakaafi, Margaret Jackson, and Maryanne Lapana.
“I think it takes a village and this is all self-funded,” Mitimeti tells PMN Niue.
“We’ve been extremely fortunate that once we’ve shared the story about what we’re doing and the why, there’s many hands that have come forward with the heart to lend their time, their resources, and also space.”
NCC made their NZFW and PFFS debut in 2025, this year marks 10 years of the PFFS.
This year, they will showcase Hiapo (traditional Niuean tapa cloth) reimagined through a contemporary lens.
By blending historic heritage with modern style, the collective aims to use the high-profile platform to preserve and pass on their cultural legacy.
“This is not just about individual pieces of fashion,” Mitimeti says. “This is about our history, the history of our people and what we bring in all the spaces that we are a part of.”
Navigating the logistical hurdles of a major fashion showcase as a self-funded entity has required some innovation.
Feeling the cost of living strain and fuel crisis, NCC has turned to their community, running raffles to help ease the financial burden.
Rookie designer and newbie to the NCC Margaret Jackson says she’s feeling a mix of nerves and cultural pride.
She describes the collection’s unique aesthetic as a fusion of regional identity and heritage.
“What excites me about being in our group is to be able to showcase what we have from Wellington to bring up to Auckland and show that kind of Welly finesse with a little bit of Niue spice in there,” Jackson says.
Though the road to Auckland is daunting, the designers are leaning into the challenge.
As Mitimeti puts it, “It’s scary, but we’re leaning into this opportunity. And we know that we’re not alone.”
With tickets for the 21 August event at Shed 10 selling fast, the collective is calling on the wider community to get behind the movement, whether that’s by purchasing tickets or following their newly launched Facebook page…. PACNEWS
UN – DRIVERLESS VECHICLES: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 25 Jun 2026
New global rules clear the road for driverless vehicles
GENEVA/NEW YORK, 25 JUNE 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — A UN vehicle standards forum has approved the first global regulations for fully autonomous driving systems (ADS), marking a major step towards the safe deployment of self-driving vehicles.
The new regulatory framework – adopted on Wednesday by the UN Economic Commission for Europe’s (UNECE) World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations – comes a decade after early predictions of widespread automated driving failed to materialise.
The new rules establish common safety requirements and a shared method for validating vehicles equipped with ADS.
They aim to strengthen trust among governments, industry and the public by ensuring that automated systems meet rigorous safety standards.
“By preventing fragmented national approaches, the regulation offers clarity for manufacturers, confidence for consumers and a pathway to scale innovation safely across markets,” UNECE said.
The regulations require manufacturers to implement audited safety management systems covering the full life cycle of an automated driving system.
Moreover, manufacturers must ensure test environments, including virtual testing tools, meet strict credibility criteria and demonstrate that their ADS poses no unreasonable risk.
Manufacturers must conduct continuous performance monitoring and reporting so that the real-world performance of automated vehicles can be assessed after deployment.
Vehicles also must be equipped with a data storage system for automated driving, ensuring that safety-relevant data is recorded and available for oversight.
Safety first
The regulation requires automatic driving performance to match or exceed that of a competent human driver, UNECE said.
Because an ADS will handle all driving tasks, which includes steering, accelerating, decelerating and signalling, manufacturers must demonstrate “robust design, validation and compliance with traffic rules through simulation, track testing, and real‑world trials”.
The regulation has support from major auto markets, including Canada, China, European Union, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States.
It is expected to enter into force in roughly one month.
Alongside the new regulatory framework, the UN forum also adopted amendments to roughly 90 UN regulations.
The amendments introduce clarifications that ensure existing vehicle regulations remain applicable to vehicles equipped with ADS, including those without traditional driver controls.
“This approach will ensure continuity of the regulatory framework while enabling innovative vehicle designs, including fully driverless configurations,” UNECE said…. 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
Do not let geopolitical disputes hijack the Blue Pacific: The 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Leader Meeting must return to its original commitment to “unity”
By Oliver Brown, Independent political analyst
SYDNEY, 25 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS) — In 2026, the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leader Meeting (PIFLM) will kick off in Palau.
Under the theme “Building Economies: Life, Action, Unity (BELAU)”, PIFLM carries the region’s deep aspirations for green transformation, climate change response, and implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent in the post-pandemic era.
As the current chair, Palau stands in the regional political spotlight. However, at a critical juncture of PIFLM preparations, discussions regarding whether Palau will invite Taiwan as a “development partner” have quietly intensified. This movement has not only drawn international attention but also cast a geopolitical shadow over this multilateral forum, which was intended to focus on “development and cooperation”.
In recent years, the number of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies has been steadily declining, and its global influence has gradually diminished. Taiwan’s Vice President, Hsiao Bi-khim, visiting Palau reveals her ambitions clearly demonstrating the close relationship between Taiwan and Palau while seeking to increase presence in the region. All these actions are aimed at preserving Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies and expanding its influence in the Pacific region.
Given the current complex global situation, Palau, as the host country, should maintain a broad perspective and a sense of regional responsibility. At this juncture, Palau’s introduction of highly sensitive political disputes into the PIFLM not only undermines the collective interests of all the Pacific Islands Countries but also runs counter to the vision of “unity” emphasised at this PIFLM.
Pacific Island Countries do not need interference from geopolitical tug-of-war.
The core value of the Pacific Islands Forum lies in its strong inclusiveness and the collective power of “speaking with one voice”. For Pacific Islands Countries facing rising sea levels, frequent extreme weather, and fragile economic structures, the Forum is a crucial platform for building consensus and advocating for climate justice and development assistance on the international stage.
However, if Palau forcibly elevates Taiwan’s participation in the PIFLM, it will effectively transplant a highly controversial “diplomatic tug-of-war” directly into the Forums core agenda. Of the 18 PIF member states, the vast majority recognise the One-China policy and maintain long-term, in-depth, and comprehensive cooperation with China across infrastructure, public health, and other fields.
If Palau disregards the fundamental diplomatic positions of the majority of member countries and forcibly brings Taiwan into the PIFLM, it will inevitably create unnecessary factional divisions among member states, potentially leading to paralysis in multilateral dialogue. It would shift the PIFLM’s focus from “regional development” to “diplomatic posturing”, inadvertently deepening rifts among members states.
The focus of PIFLM on climate and economic issues would be blurred, and the Forums overall capacity to engage in constructive dialogue with major global economies would be undermined. In this unnecessary geopolitical infighting, it is the overall interests of the entire Pacific region that will ultimately suffer.
Regional public authority should not be used as a “bargaining chip” in the foreign policy of
individual countries.
There is a fundamental principle in international multilateral mechanisms: the rotating chair holds “public authority” that represents the trust of all member countries, not a private tool for advancing a single country’s specific diplomatic preferences.
It is undeniable that Palau has its own choices and considerations in bilateral diplomacy, which falls within the scope of its sovereignty. However, there must be a clear firewall between “bilateral diplomacy” and “multilateral mechanisms”. If Palau were to exploit its position as host to leverage the time, energy, and attendance of the other 17 member states as “bargaining chips” to help Taiwan increase its international exposure and enhance its political influence, this would not only violate fair international multilateral diplomatic norms but would also lead other member countries to feel that their regional interests are being “held hostage” by the unilateral actions of a single country.
Looking back at history, the Pacific Islands Forum has faced several crises of division due to internal disputes; today, all member states are at a critical juncture for healing rifts and restoring harmony. At such a sensitive moment, any unilateral action lacking consensus could reignite conflicts within the multilateral framework. If Palau were to undermine regional consensus for the sake of short-term diplomatic maneuvering, it would likely bear the political burden of “undermining unity”, causing irreversible damage to its own regional leadership and long-term credibility.
Returning to the “original aspiration of development” in the Blue Pacific.
The Pacific is a shared home for the people of the Pacific Islands, it is not an arena for great power political rivalry, nor should it be used as a tool by certain forces seeking political gains.
As the 2026 PIFLM approaches, the best way for Palau to demonstrate political wisdom is to ensure a complete separation of bilateral affairs from multilateral mechanisms. On the stage of the PIFLM, Palau should fulfill its role as an “impartial mediator” and a “unifying force”, setting aside highly contentious invitations and ensuring that the PIFLM’s agenda is fully focused on economic resilience and climate action issues directly related to the well-being of islanders.
“Life, Action, Unity” is the theme Palau has set for this PIFLM. Only by setting aside geopolitical calculations and refusing to allow the multilateral platform to become a pawn for specific interests can the 2026 PIFLM truly earn the respect of the entire blue Pacific continent and write a successful chapter in multilateral cooperation…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Guardians of the Blue Pacific: How Inoke Navigated the Frontlines of Ocean Conservation
SUVA, 25 JUNE 2026 (FIJI FISHERIES MINISTRY) — When the RFNS Timo slipped out of harbor to join Operation Tui Moana 2026, it carried more than just tactical gear and a dedicated crew.
For Inoke Vasu, the lone officer selected from the Fiji Ministry of Fisheries to join the massive regional maritime surveillance mission, the vessel carried the weight of national expectation.
“As the lone representative from the Ministry, I was acutely conscious that my actions, professionalism, and technical expertise reflected not only on me, but also on the Ministry and Fiji as a whole,” Vasu reflects.
Far from being a burden, that profound sense of responsibility became his primary fuel. Over two intense weeks at sea, Vasu stood on the frontlines of a massive regional effort to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing – a silent threat that jeopardizes the economic survival, food security, and cultural heritage of the Pacific.
Taming an Unforgiving Frontier
Monitoring an ocean expanse as vast as the Pacific is an operational tightrope. Vasu quickly learned that the frontlines of fisheries compliance require constant vigilance, adaptive problem-solving, and a resilient stomach.
“The ocean environment can be unpredictable,” Vasu says, recalling the long hours spent scanning the horizon. “Rough seas, strong winds, and rapidly changing weather conditions constantly tested our ability to carry out inspections and observations effectively.”
Every vessel sighting triggered a meticulous, high-stakes process of observation and verification. On the high seas, identifying whether a fishing vessel is operating legally requires precision. But nature wasn’t the only hurdle; communication proved to be its own frontier.
When boarding or interacting with foreign fishing vessels, Vasu and the crew frequently encountered language barriers, particularly with Chinese crews who spoke only Mandarin. In a high-stakes environment where verifying licenses, catch records, and vessel documentation must be done quickly and accurately, limited English proficiency threatened to stall operations.
“Simple questions often required translation applications or assistance from crew members who could speak a little English,” Vasu explains. “It slowed down the verification process and increased the risk of misunderstandings, but it taught us the vital importance of patience and tactical clarity.”
The Power of the Pacific Family
If the challenges of Operation Tui Moana were massive, the solution was uniquely Pacific. The heartbeat of the operation lay in its regional unity – bringing together personnel from different island nations to protect a shared, vital resource: tuna.
For Vasu, collaborating with maritime security officers from across the region was the most rewarding aspect of the deployment.
“Although we come from different countries and agencies, we face the exact same challenges. No single country can effectively monitor the vast Pacific Ocean on its own. The operation demonstrated how strong partnerships, timely communication, and mutual support can significantly enhance our collective ability to detect and deter illegal fishing.”
Despite differences in resources and national priorities, a powerful sense of solidarity unified the multinational force. “Everyone recognised that tuna is a vital resource for Pacific Island countries,” Vasu says. “Protecting it is essential for our economies, food security, and future generations. Regional cooperation is truly one of our strongest tools.”
Bringing the Lessons Home
Now back on dry land, Vasu is focused on turning his operational insights into actionable strategies for Fiji’s coastal and oceanic waters. The two weeks aboard the RFNS Timo solidified a clear roadmap for the future of domestic fisheries enforcement.
To safeguard Fiji’s waters effectively, Vasu advocates for:
*Targeted Joint Operations: Increasing collaborative patrols specifically designed to intercept illegal fishing, transshipment violations, and fisheries-related crime.
*Technological Expansion: Scaling up the use of cutting-edge satellite imagery and advanced vessel-monitoring technology.
*Inter-Agency Intelligence Sharing: Maintaining a seamless, ironclad network of cooperation between the Republic of Fiji Navy, the Ministry of Fisheries, the Police, and regional partners to direct patrol assets to high-risk areas before illegal vessels can slip away.
A Call to the Next Generation
Vasu’s journey from the corridors of the Ministry to the rolling decks of the RFNS Timo serves as a powerful blueprint for young Pacific Islanders dreaming of a career in marine resource management.
“Our ancestors relied on the ocean for survival, and future generations will depend on the choices we make today,” Vasu says. “The ocean has given so much to Pacific communities, and it is our duty to give back through stewardship and conservation.”
To the youth looking to follow in his footsteps, Vasu leaves behind a stirring charge:
“Never underestimate the role you can play in protecting our marine environment. Whether you become a fisheries officer, a scientist, a naval officer, or a community advocate – your contribution matters. Stay curious, work hard, and never be afraid to pursue this path. The challenges may be great, but the opportunity to make a positive difference for your country, your community, and the Pacific region is even greater.”
“The ocean connects us all,” Vasu concludes. “By protecting it today, we secure a stronger and more sustainable future for generations to come…. PACNEWS
