In this bulletin:
1. UN — Global temperatures set to stay near record levels: UN weather agency
2. FIJI — Melanesian Arts festival plans put on hold
3. CNMI — Radiation survivors advocate bats for CNMI ‘s inclusion in reparation bill
4. PACIFIC — Rapa Nui gathering of Pacific leaders focuses on cultural, voyaging exchanges and marine conservation
5. AUST — Former PALM Fijian workers found homeless under Sydney bridge
6. PNG — PNG Marape clarifies Joseph’s ministerial status
7. PNG — Margaret Vagi stays on as PNG Acting EC’s term extended
8. VAN — NZ Army engineer awarded DSD for emergency responses in Vanuatu
9. PACIFIC — ‘Overwhelmed and grateful’: Beatrice Faumuina honoured in King’s Birthday list
10. SAMOA — Tongan-Samoa community humbled by Kings visit
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Minimum wage proposal to follow formal review process: Finance Minister Immanuel
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Kawakawa, donu seasonal ban takes effect today, Beche-de-mer harvesting season extended in Fiji
13. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG Government disburses K630 million for fuel price subsidy
14. PACNEWS BIZ — New chief executive officer appointed to lead Australia-Pacific business councils
15. PACNEWS BIZ — Nokia, Airbus to inspect PNG market at forum
16. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Understanding the climate change-statelessness nexus in the Asia Pacific and what to do about it
17. PACNEWS DIGEST — The WTO fish deal was an environmental first – but three countries could unravel it
UN – WEATHER WATCH: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 2: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Global temperatures set to stay near record levels: UN weather agency
GENEVA, 01 JUNE 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE)—A report produced by the UK Met Office and released last Thursday by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said there is an 86 per cent chance that at least one year between 2026 and 2030 will surpass 2024 as the hottest year ever recorded.
It also found there is a 91 per cent likelihood that average global temperatures will temporarily exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels during at least one of the next five years.
The 1.5°C mark is a key benchmark under the Paris Agreement on climate change, with scientists warning that exceeding it for prolonged periods would sharply increase the risks of extreme weather, ecosystem collapse, food insecurity and displacement.
Such temporary breaches do not mean the Paris Agreement’s long-term climate goals are unattainable since the accord refers to warming sustained over decades rather than individual years.
Still, the forecasts underscore the accelerating pace of global warming and the increasing frequency of extreme heat events.
Annual global temperatures between 2026 and 2030 are expected to range between 1.3°C and 1.9°C above the 1850-1900 average.
The report said there is also a 75 per cent chance that the average warming across the entire five-year period will exceed 1.5°C.
“There is an El Niño predicted for the end of 2026, which increases the chances of the following year, 2027, being the next record-breaking year,” said Leon Hermanson, the report’s lead author.
Projections that the Arctic will continue heating far faster than the rest of the planet are also ringing alarm bells.
Temperatures across the region during the next five northern hemisphere winters are forecast to average 2.8°C above the 1991-2020 baseline – more than three-and-a-half times the projected global average increase over the same period.
Scientists also predicted continued declines in Arctic sea ice, particularly in the Barents Sea, Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk. Sea ice loss matters because it accelerates warming by reducing the Arctic’s ability to reflect sunlight, while also disrupting ecosystems, weather patterns and livelihoods in polar regions.
The report pointed to widening shifts in global rainfall patterns consistent with a warming climate.
Higher-than-average rainfall is expected in parts of the Sahel, northern Europe, Alaska and Siberia between 2026 and 2030, while drier conditions are forecast for the Amazon region and parts of the subtropics.
Wetter conditions are also likely at higher northern latitudes during upcoming winter seasons.
The forecasts are intended to help governments, regional climate centres and national weather agencies plan for risks that are no longer distant projections, but increasingly part of the world’s near-term climate outlook.
The report was produced by the UK Met Office as the WMO Lead Centre for Annual to Decadal Climate Prediction….PACNEWS
FIJI – ARTS FESTIVAL: FBC NEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Melanesian Arts festival plans put on hold
SUVA, 01 JUNE 2026 (FBC NEWS)—-Fiji’s hosting of the 8th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival has been deferred to next year.
The government cited competing national programs and fiscal pressures as key reasons for the delay.
The Cabinet had approved Fiji as the host in June 2024. The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts was tasked with leading preparations. A national task force was formed to coordinate the event.
iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu explained that a $1 million(US$500,000) allocation was included in the 2025/2026 budget.
The funding was meant to set up a secretariat, secure venues, arrange accommodation and support early planning. Suva was identified as the main hub for ceremonies and performances. The University of the South Pacific was proposed to accommodate visiting delegations.
Parliament was told the task force is chaired by the Ministry. It includes senior government agencies and statutory bodies. A secretariat has been established at the Fiji Arts Council. Staff from the Department of Culture, Heritage and Arts have been seconded to support operations.
A festival director and cultural programme advisor have been appointed. They were selected through a formal process. Consultations have also been held with artists and cultural practitioners. These inputs are guiding program development.
Planning, according to the Minister, had progressed to detailed stages. This included infrastructure needs, communications and programme scheduling. The festival design covered a two-week format. Week one was planned for Suva-based ceremonies. Week two was set for regional outreach activities.
Each Melanesian Spearhead Group country was expected to send about 100 delegates. This includes performers, officials, and support staff. A host agreement is being finalised with the MSG Secretariat.
However, Vasu said the Cabinet reviewed the schedule in March. It decided to defer the festival to 2027. The decision followed, he states, clashes with other major national programs this year. Fiscal constraints and global economic pressures were also cited.
The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts remains responsible for MACFEST. The task force continues preparatory work despite the deferment.
Separately, Opposition MP Jone Usamate raised concerns about Melanesian-descended communities in Fiji.
He referred to descendants of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands labourers brought during the blackbirding period. He asked whether their cultural issues would be included in the festival.
Vasu confirmed ongoing consultations with Melanesian communities in Fiji.
He said engagement is also taking place with regional partners.
The aim is to ensure their cultural heritage is reflected in planning and future programming…..PACNEWS
CNMI – RADIATION BILL: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Radiation survivors advocate bats for CNMI ‘s inclusion in reparation bill
SAIPAN, 01 JUNE 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) —The Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors has endorsed the Northern Mariana Islands’ inclusion in a fresh proposal to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act programme.
The CNMI-based Matua Council for Native Chamorro Advancement thanked PARS for including the Northern Mariana Islands in its long fight for justice, saying it would ensure parity for all Pacific radiation survivors.
Robert Celestial, PARS president, wrote to Guam Delegate James Moylan, proposing to add the CNMI in his H.R. 7672, the “Parity for Pacific Radiation Survivors Act,” which was introduced in February.
“Our ancestors have left us a legacy that we, the people of the Mariana Islands, are one family,” said Celestial, a U.S Army veteran.
The bill, the latest in a series of attempts to include Guam in the RECA program, would expand the eligibility and extend the compensation to residents of the territory who were physically present on island for a period of at least one year from 01 July 1946, to 21 November 1992; or for the period beginning on 25 April 1962, and ending on 06 November 1962.
H.R. 7672 would also extend to eligible members of the U.S armed forces who participated on-site in the radiological cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands between 01 May 1977 and 31 May 1980.
The RECA programme gives partial restitution to those whose health may have been harmed by their exposure to nuclear fallout and toxic waste.
Celestial had worked for decades with partners and friends from many states and toxic waste communities across the United States to have Guam included in RECA.
Guam’s inclusion in the RECA program has repeatedly been introduced in the U.S Congress, but the proposal never reached the finish line.
RECA was reauthorised in July last year under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but Guam was chopped off from the expanded list of eligible jurisdictions. The expanded programme includes New Mexico, Idaho and Utah.
PARS asked Moylan to amend his proposed bill to classify the CNMI as a “downwinder” and make it eligible to receive compensation. Downwinders are communities that were exposed to radioactive contamination or nuclear fallout from nuclear weapons testing.
In a letter to Celestial, the Matua Council claimed the CNMI was not included in Moylan’s original H.R. 7672 because of “non-responsiveness” from the CNMI delegate’s office.
CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds has not responded to the Pacific Island Times’ request for comment.
Celestial said including the CNMI in H.R. 7672 is another opportunity “to correct the injustice” made to the people of Guam and the CNMI.
Matua Council president Liana M.S. Hofschneider expressed hope for a positive response from Moylan’s office.
In 2005, Guam celebrated the National Research Council’s report declaring the territory’s eligibility for compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments programme.
“Guam did receive measurable fallout from atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons in the Pacific between 1946 and 1958,” read the council’s report, which recommended that people living on island during that period be compensated under RECA “in a way similar to that of persons considered to be downwinders.”…..PACNEWS
PAC – MARINE CONSERVATION: MAUI NOW PACNEWS 2: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Rapa Nui gathering of Pacific leaders focuses on cultural, voyaging exchanges and marine conservation
RAPA NUI, 01 JUNE 2026 (MAUI NOW)—Koro Nui o te Vaikava o Rapa Nui, the ocean council of Rapa Nui, together with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Pacific Pwo Navigators, hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, a gathering of Pacific community and government leaders held last month in Rapa Nui.
The convening brought together voyaging leaders, scientists, ocean experts, cultural practitioners, community leaders and government representatives from across the Pacific to strengthen ancestral relationships, share voyaging knowledge and collaborate on ocean conservation initiatives with a particular focus on the high seas.
Participants represented communities and organisations from New Zealand, Chile, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaiʻi, Panama, Rapa Nui, Solomon Islands, as well as Barbados, Belize and France.
The gathering provided a platform for Pacific communities to exchange traditions, practices and lessons from ancestral and modern-day voyaging and wayfinding. Participants also shared experiences and best practices in marine conservation, indigenous stewardship and high seas protection efforts throughout Oceania.
“Why weʻre here at Rapa Nui at this convening is to build connection through our teachers, through our stories, learn from each other around voyaging, around marine protection, about what it means to be of the Pacific,” said Jonah Apo, Hōkūleʻa crew member and PVS Development Coordinator.
“Every time we travel these sea roads, thatʻs another connection, another generation of Pacific people being united.”
Voyaging communities from across the Pacific shared insights and practical knowledge to support the Rapa Nui community as it embarks on the process of building its own deep-sea voyaging canoe. KNTV envisions the future canoe as a vessel for cultural revitalization, education, navigation training, ocean science and marine conservation.
“It was crucial to us to share the importance of continuing to protect our ocean, our Tupuna (ancestors), through the responsible caring of our marine protected areas,” said Felipe Nahoe Tepano, President of KNTV. “The highlight of this meeting for me was to feel that all of us understand the importance of protecting the ocean and the work we must do together for a better future.”
Presentations during the convening highlighted the voyaging traditions and experiences of communities in Rapa Nui, Hawaiʻi, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Satawal in the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Solomon Islands. Discussions also profiled community-led marine conservation initiatives, marine protected areas, governance structures for stewardship and indigenous participation in emerging international conservation frameworks, including implementation of the High Seas Treaty.
“What I find special about this gathering is the unity,” said Tamahau Tangitu of Te Kura Waka in Aotearoa. “Coming together and talking about what we can do to safeguard our ocean, not only for this generation, but for future generations to come.”
The convening reaffirmed a collective commitment to perpetuate traditional voyaging practices while advancing collaborative ocean protection efforts across the Pacific. During the gathering, PVS committed to designating “envoys” between PVS and KNTV to serve as ongoing points of contact to support development of Rapa Nui’s canoe and future school of navigation.
Participants also discussed concrete efforts to strengthen high seas protections throughout the Pacific region. KNTV shared ongoing work to advance protections for Honga’a o te Moana Nui, a proposed high seas protected area between Rapa Nui and mainland Chile encompassing the Salas y Gómez and Nazca Ridges.
The initiative seeks to integrate indigenous knowledge and cultural stewardship into conservation planning while protecting one of the Pacific’s ecologically and culturally significant ocean regions.
“This is a great moment for us. This is a seed that has been planted to reconnect,” said Ludovic Burns Tuki of KNTV. “This is the union between the Pacific, the biggest country connected by our blood.”
The final days of the convening focused on cultural exchange and learning opportunities across Rapa Nui, including visits to archaeological and cultural sites and educational activities with local students centreed on star compass construction and traditional navigation training.
Participants and organizers concluded the gathering with a renewed commitment to strengthen cultural ties, perpetuate voyaging traditions and continue collaborative efforts to care for the Pacific Ocean for future generations.
Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva reaffirmed a foundational Pacific principle: building a voyaging canoe is not solely the construction of a vessel, but the building of a community grounded in stewardship, ancestral knowledge, culture, language and shared responsibility for the ocean that sustains all life…..PACNEWS
AUST – PALM WORKERS: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Former PALM Fijian workers found homeless under Sydney bridge
SYDNEY, 01 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—A social media post by the PALM Scheme Community has highlighted the plight of former Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme worker who is now living under a bridge in metropolitan Sydney after becoming disengaged from his employment.
The story was brought to public attention by Fijian blogger Bula Boys Abroad, who recently met the man and shared details of his circumstances.
One former worker arrived in Australia under the PALM Scheme and was employed at an abattoir in Tamworth, New South Wales.
The post said like many participants in the scheme, he travelled to Australia with hopes of supporting his family and building a better future for his wife and four children in Fiji.
However, following marital difficulties that affected his wellbeing and work performance, he eventually disengaged from his employment and found himself struggling to survive.
Today, he is living in difficult circumstances under a bridge in Sydney.
A qualified welder by trade, the man told Bula Boys Abroad he has managed to secure occasional work, but not enough to obtain stable accommodation or rebuild the life he had envisioned when he first arrived in Australia.
He also revealed that he had lost his passport, creating further challenges.
The video highlighted that he is not alone. Other people were also living in and around the same location, including another Fijian man and individuals from Vietnam and Timor-Leste, all facing similar hardships.
Moved by their situation, Bula Boys Abroad purchased groceries and essential supplies for the group.
While focusing on one individual’s experience, the PALM Scheme Community said the case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can arise when workers disengage from the scheme.
“Many workers leave their families, children, villages and support networks behind to pursue opportunities in Australia,” the post stated.
It noted that workers who disengage often lose access to stable employment, employer-provided accommodation, community support networks, structured welfare and wellbeing support, and the ability to consistently send money home to their families.
“For many, what may begin as a personal or family issue can quickly spiral into unemployment, homelessness, financial hardship, isolation and uncertainty,” the post said.
The PALM Scheme Community urged workers facing difficulties to seek assistance early.
“There are often community leaders, church leaders, fellow workers, employers and support services willing to help before a situation reaches crisis point.”
The group stressed that the overwhelming majority of PALM Scheme workers honour their commitments and achieve positive outcomes for themselves and their families, but warned that disengagement can come at a very high personal cost.
Workers requiring assistance can contact the PALM Scheme Support Line on 1800 51 51 31 or email palm@dewr.gov.au…. PACNEWS
PNG – POLITICS: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 2: Mon 01 Jun 2026
PNG Marape clarifies Joseph’s ministerial status
PORT MORESBY, 01 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape told Parliament that only the Defence portfolio was removed from Nipa Kutubu MP Dr Billy Joseph while he remains minister over the other portfolios.
Marape said Joseph was defence minister as well as for disaster and emergency services, national volunteer service and Fire Services.
“Those acts of parliament that administer those functions are under him (Joseph) still. We didn’t not create a new ministry,” Marape said.
Marape was responding to questions by the Opposition Leader James Nomane on the status of Joseph, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) recruitment saga, and if Marape acting as the minister raised allegations of conflict of interest and lack of governance.
He said 39 cabinet minister hold many portfolios that relate to the jobs and as far as Defence is concerned, Billy is innocent until proper investigations are complete.
“If he’s found to have breached the duties then he will be decommissioned from Defence and other portfolios will take place,” Marape said.
“Three key offices that are under scrutiny are the Office of Defence Secretary, Chief of PNGDF Rear Admiral Philip Polewara and the minister.
“He (Joseph) is minister over portfolios parked under one minister.”
Marape said a prime minister gives ministerial powers to cabinet ministers and at any time the prime minister can assume the role by determination.
“I have assumed the role as defence minister in the meantime when the investigations are running. Thde investigations are almost completed,” he said.
“The Defence Council is constituted by these three offices, but the operation is headed by the commander, that’s where the recruitment comes under.”
Marape added that when the investigation report is complete, those responsible will be dealt with accordingly.
“The report will give us a full detail and composition of recruits that are expected to be completed early next month, that will be made public to bring credibility back to the PNGDF,” Marape said.
He denied having no blood relation to Defence Secretary Hari Akipe and said he (Akipe) was from Chimbu and Hela and served as managing director for Livestock Development Corporation for more than 10 years, giving him that qualification as secretary in his second term….PACNEWS
PNG – ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 2: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Margaret Vagi stays on as PNG Acting EC’s term extended
PORT MORESBY, 01 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea’s acting electoral commissioner Margaret Vagi’s six-month term has been extended as the process of appointing a permanent commissioner nears completion, according to Prime Minister James Marape.
“We have extended her term in an acting capacity until the appointment of a permanent electoral commissioner is completed,” Marape told Parliament last week.
“From what I was advised, the process is nearing completion.
“Once it is completed, the committee (Electoral Commission Appointments Committee) will pick the best applicant.
“I want this process to be retired as soon as possible, so that there is certainty and leadership over this important constitutional office to start preparations for the election.”
He said the members of the committee – chaired by the prime minister – were the opposition leader, chief justice, chief ombudsman and the Public Service Commission chairman.
Marape was responding in Parliament to a question from East Sepik Governor Allan Bird regarding the appointment of a permanent electoral commissioner, with only 11 months to go before the issue of writs for General Election 2027 (GE27).
Bird, also chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on General Election 2022, also sought an explanation on the Government’s preparedness for GE27.
“Early this year, we held an inquiry into the country’s election preparedness, and several important issues arose that require urgent Government intervention as we are now 11 months from the issue of writs,” Bird said.
“With the implementation of the committee’s 70 recommendations, is the Government prepared to bring legislation to support some of the recommendations in the remaining 11 months of this Parliament?”
On the GE27 funding, Bird said agencies responsible for conducting the K1 billion (US$220 million) nationwide exercise were yet to receive the funds they had requested in their submission to the Treasury Department early this year.
“We gather that they submitted (for consideration) almost K600 million(US$137 million) to Treasury, (but) were only allocated 25 per cent of the amount they requested,” he said.
“In our inquiry early this year, the Treasury secretary indicated that they would later this year consider more funding to those agencies, and that they would seek National Executive Council approval for this funding to the tune of K400 million (US$91 million).”
Marape, in response, said the Government was committed to delivering a free, fair and safe GE27, with preparations by relevant authorities underway.
“Elections are a very expensive exercise, but funding will not be an issue,” he said.
“This Government will not under-resource the Electoral Commission.
“However, I need clear visibility on where this money is being spent.
“The country deserves detailed accountability, so that government funding is used prudently and correctly.”
Marape said the Government would ensure that all eligible voters were accorded their rights to cast their ballots next year….PACNEWS
VAN – DEFENCE: NZDF PACNEWS 2: Mon 01 Jun 2026
NZ Army engineer awarded DSD for emergency responses in Vanuatu
WELLINGTON, 01 JUNE 2026 (NZDF)—A New Zealand Army warrant officer who led emergency engineering responses to both a light aircraft crash and a deadly earthquake in Vanuatu has been awarded the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD).
Warrant Officer Class 2 Rob Allen’s DSD, for services to the New Zealand Defence Force, was announced in the King’s Birthday Honours List, where his leadership during both incidents helped save lives and reinforced the New Zealand Defence Force’s reputation in the Pacific nation.
An emergency responder with the Royal New Zealand Engineers, he has been seconded to the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) Engineer Squadron since 2023.
In July 2024, a light plane crashed into a plantation near Port Vila Airport with five passengers aboard.
WO2 Allen assembled a team of VMF engineers to extend an access road for ambulances and rescue services to reach the scene, enabling the evacuation of the five injured occupants. One passenger died later in hospital.
Five months later, on 17 December, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, killing 14 people.
WO2 Allen’s team carried out a search and rescue mission in the collapsed three-storey Billabong building while he coordinated with Vanuatu’s first responders.
Over three days he coordinated recovery efforts, provided technical guidance and organised logistical support.
His leadership was critical in immediately rescuing two trapped victims, another four survivors subsequently, and the recovery of four deceased victims.
WO2 Allen said he was humbled by his decoration and paid tribute to his VMF team and the Vanuatu locals.
“Like most soldiers I am not great at receiving awards. I feel grateful to be nominated, that someone took the time to do that.
“The crash and the earthquake highlighted the ability of people from all walks of life and professions to work together to help people in their time of need.
“The people working on the Billabong building site had all experienced the earthquake and had damaged houses and frightened families. They stayed and worked through the days and nights to extricate fellow people from the rubble.”
WO2 Allen was born and raised in Nelson. He enlisted in 1993 and has served in Timor-Leste and Iraq.
His posting to Vanuatu involves improving the capacity of the VMF Engineers and Engineering Squadron.
There was also rewarding work in community projects where they are rebuilding a school classroom, a childcare classroom and a boys’ dormitory, he said.
“The childcare classroom and dormitory were severely damaged in a cyclone and the school classroom was three-quarters completed and ran out of funding,” WO2 Allen said.
All three were due to be completed last week……PACNEWS
PAC – KING HONOURS LIST: PMN PACNEWS 2: Mon 01 Jun 2026
‘Overwhelmed and grateful’: Beatrice Faumuina honoured in King’s Birthday list
WELLINGTON, 01 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—Beatrice Faumuina has been recognised for a career spanning sports, diplomacy and leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.
The former world discus champion has been appointed a Companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday Honours – one of the country’s highest honours and a step below a damehood.
She is one of 178 recipients honoured in this year’s honours including 12 of Pacific heritage.
Faumuina says she is overwhelmed and deeply grateful and calls the award a reflection of the people who have supported her throughout her life.
“It really is overwhelming to be honest… you immediately think about your family,” she tells PMN News.
“For me, it’s always been about my mum, Roini. This recognition is not just about me, it’s a reflection of everyone who’s been involved.”
Faumuina’s honour comes 21 years after she was appointed an Officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit in 2005.
Her journey in elite sports started early. At just 15, she was selected as New Zealand’s flag bearer at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games.
Raised in Auckland, she competed across several sports before focusing on discus where she went on to make history.
She went on to win silver at the 1994 Commonwealth Games, before becoming world champion in 1997 in Athens – the first New Zealander to win a field event world title.
She followed that with back-to-back Commonwealth Games gold medals in 1998 and 2002, and represented New Zealand at four Olympic Games.
Looking back, Faumuina says sports gave her the discipline and resilience that later shaped her work beyond athletics.
She said this has also helped her channel into leadership and advisory roles across government and community sectors.
“Sport gives you the understanding of what it is to become disciplined and consistent and resilient … wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to provide those opportunities for other people,” she says.
After retiring from professional sport in 2010, she moved into diplomacy, serving as New Zealand Trade Commissioner and Consul General in New York from 2015 to 2018.
She also contributed to the New Zealand and Sāmoa Trade and Investment Commission.
At home, Faumuina has held senior governance roles in sports and leadership, including two terms as a Director of Sport New Zealand, helping shape high-performance sports strategy.
She has also served on the New Zealand Olympic Committee and was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. She became a familiar face to many New Zealanders when she finished runner-up on Dancing With the Stars in 2006.
Faumuina says her Pacific identity remains central to how she leads and the work she continues to do.
“Family, faith, culture, it’s everything about our upbringing. It’s a part of our DNA,” she says. “Your culture, your voice, your way of being is your strength. It is not your barrier.”
Despite her achievements across sports, diplomacy and governance, Faumuina says she still sees more work ahead.
“We know that our work is not done yet,” she says. “There is still time and space for us to continue and do more. The purpose that I’m fulfilling now has more depth.”
Faumuina also has a message for emerging Pacific leaders: trust your identity and stay grounded.
“Don’t ever be afraid,” she says. “Your voice, your culture and your way of being is your strength… keep dreaming and be prepared to work and remain humble.”
Grounded in her Pacific identity and shaped by decades of elite sports, Faumuina says her focus remains on opening doors and creating pathways for others.
The honours are administered through the New Zealand Government and Governor-General system. The New Zealand honours system is overseen by the Honours Unit within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Nominations are reviewed before recommendations are made, with the final honours list announced each year around King’s Birthday and New Year…PACNEWS
SAMOA – DIPLOMACY: TALAMUA ONLINE PACNEWS 2: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Tongan-Samoa community humbled by Kings visit
APIA, 01 JUNE 2026 (TALAMUA ONLINE)—-It may have been a brief meeting but the Tongan community in Samoa were humbled and excited to meet His Majesty King Tupou VI in Apia last week.
The meeting started with formalities before the presentation of gifts by the local Tongan community to his Majesty.
His Majesty then addressed the gathering.
The whole ceremony was conducted in the Tongan language and Talamua spoke with Alipato Tavo, the President of the Tongan Samoan community who translated His Majesty’s message to the community.
“He was giving guidance and encouragement to the Tongans who are working in Samoa and to the students attending the University of the South Pacific (USP) at Alafua.
Tavo said that anytime a person of high calibre visits Samoa, the Tongan community come together and present a traditional welcome.
He said the Samoan gifts presented to His Majesty the King was to show their deep appreciation for accepting their request for a meeting.
Every family was introduced to him and he spoke with them, laughed with them then in a lighter mood invited them to take photos for their Facebook pages before leaving.
His Majesty was in Samoa as Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific and presided at the graduation at the Football Stadium at Apia Park last Friday.
Also present at the meeting was Tonga’s Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua and good lady Fane who are guests in Samoa’s 64 Independence celebrations.
He stayed with the community after the King left and also gave encouragement to the community.
“Stay in school, in church and stay away from drugs,” he said.
The King left Samoa on Sunday 31st May…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – MINIMUM WAGE: FBC NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Fiji Minimum wage proposal to follow formal review process: Finance Minister Immanuel
SUVA, 01 JUNE 2026 (FBC NEWS)—The Fiji The Government has stressed that any move towards an $8 (US$4) minimum wage must go through the proper review process before any decision can be made.
Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel said while the idea of higher wages is understandable and would benefit workers, it cannot be implemented without assessing its broader impact on jobs, businesses and the wider economy.
His comments come as the Fiji Trades Union Congress intensifies its push for an $8 (US$4) hourly minimum wage, arguing that current rates are no longer sufficient in the face of rising living costs.
Immanuel says the government is not dismissing the proposal, but insists there is a structured process that must be followed.
“If you read the statement. It’s good to have $8(US$4), but there’s a process to reach that, and we have to consider all views as well.”
He said that any wage adjustment must be backed by a formal review before changes can be considered.
“The minimum wage has to go through a process. So there has to be a review, and if that’s needed, we’ll have to do a review.”
On the other side of the debate, FTUC National President Daniel Urai says workers are already under pressure, despite being employed full-time.
He is calling for the introduction of a living wage framework that reflects the real cost of survival in Fiji.
“That is why I call for the introduction of the living wage system, a wage that reflects the true cost of living—assuring that every worker can afford decent housing, nutritious food, health care, and education for all children.”
The issue continues to sharpen the divide between labour and the government, with unions pushing for urgent reform while authorities maintain that wage decisions must be carefully balanced against economic stability and employment risks….PACNEWS
FIJI – FISHERIES: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Kawakawa, donu seasonal ban takes effect today, Beche-de-mer harvesting season extended in Fiji
SUVA, 01 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN)–A nationwide ban on the fishing, sale, transport and export of grouper (kawakawa) and coral trout (donu) comes into force today as Fiji authorities move to protect the species during their peak breeding season.
The Ministry of Fisheries announced that the seasonal closure will run from June 1 to September 30, 2026, and applies to all species of grouper and coral trout.
Acting Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry Saimone Tauvoli said the ban was aimed at safeguarding fish stocks and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Fiji’s marine resources.
Under the closure, the fishing and collection of kawakawa and donu are prohibited, along with the sale, offering or exposing the fish for sale, transportation, receiving, possession and export of the species.
The restrictions also apply to the movement of fish between local markets, including transportation from Vanua Levu to Viti Levu.
The Ministry has also imposed strict requirements on fishermen and vendors holding stocks caught before the ban came into effect.
Existing stocks could only be sold locally until 11pm on Sunday, 31 May.
Any unsold fish caught before the closure must now be frozen, bagged and clearly labelled with the fisherman’s or vendor’s name and the date received.
The fish must remain in storage and cannot be sold during the four-month ban.
Fishermen and vendors retaining frozen stocks are required to report their quantities in writing to their respective Divisional Fisheries Offices by today and make the fish available for inspection.
Tauvoli said the closure was enforced under Regulation 4 of the Offshore Fisheries Management Regulation.
“A person shall not kill, take, land, sell or offer or expose for sale, deal in, transport, receive or possess any fish identified in Schedule 2A in accordance with the requirements described in that Schedule,” the regulation states.
The Ministry has warned that any person or business found breaching the regulation commits an offence.
Members of the public, commercial fishers and seafood exporters have been urged to comply with the ban to support the protection and recovery of Fiji’s grouper and coral trout populations during their spawning season.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Government has extended the beche-de-mer (BDM) harvesting season by eight months, citing the significant economic benefits the fishery has delivered to coastal and maritime communities since its reopening earlier this year.
Minister for Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu announced that the harvesting period, which was due to end yesterday, will now remain open from 01 June 2026, until 31 January 2027.
Bainivalu said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of the socio-economic impact of the fishery since it reopened in February.
The beche-de-mer industry remains a critical source of income for many rural and maritime communities where employment opportunities are limited.
Revenue earned from harvesting activities helps families meet daily household expenses, food security needs, children’s education costs, transportation expenses and community obligations.
The fishery has also generated seasonal employment for fishers, divers, processors, boat operators and transport service providers across the country.
Bainivalu acknowledged the challenges currently facing maritime communities, particularly rising fuel prices and logistical difficulties.
She said beche-de-mer harvesting had provided much-needed financial relief, helping communities sustain fishing operations and transport services in remote areas.
The extension also coincides with the annual seasonal closure of kawakawa (grouper) and donu (coral trout), which takes effect from 01 June to 30 September.
Bainivalu said the move would provide an alternative source of income for fishers who depend on those species during the closure period.
The seasonal ban on kawakawa and donu is aimed at protecting spawning aggregations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the species.
By extending the beche-de-mer fishery, the Government hopes to reduce the economic impact of the closure on fishing communities while supporting marine conservation efforts.
Despite the extension, Bainivalu stressed that sustainability remained a priority for the Ministry of Fisheries.
She said strict monitoring, enforcement, compliance measures and export controls would continue throughout the extended harvesting period.
The Ministry will also work closely with customary fishing rights owners, licensed exporters, community leaders and enforcement agencies to ensure harvesting is conducted responsibly and in accordance with fisheries regulations.
Bainivalu thanked qoliqoli owners, coastal communities, exporters and other stakeholders for their continued support and co-operation in managing Fiji’s marine resources…..PACNEWS
PNG – FUEL SUBSIDY: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 01 Jun 2026
PNG Government disburses K630 million for fuel price subsidy
PORT MORESBY, 01 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The Papua New Guinea Government has disbursed K630 million(US$144 million) as subsidy for the fuel price increase created by the Middle East conflict, an official says.
Chairman of the advisory committee on the fuel crisis Joseph Lelang told Parliament that K247 million (US$56 million) was released at the start of the price increase in April, and K383 million (US$87 million) was released recently.
“The Government has not budgeted this amount but can reallocate funds within the existing budget,” Lelang said.
“The price stabilisation programme has successfully reduced fuel prices.
“The sustainability of the programme is being evaluated,
with policy options being considered.
“The public is encouraged to report any price gouging to the ICCC (Independent Consumer and Competition Commission) for investigation and penalties.”
The committee has completed the review of policy options to sustain the K1 billion(US$220 million) fuel subsidy programme, including assessing Treasury’s ability to reallocate budget resources, and bring a sustainability decision to Treasury for consideration.
“The Middle East war has not eased,” Lelang said.
“As of today, the spot price for crude oil is around US$93.50 (about K394) a barrel.
“Around April it was around US$139 (about K585) per barrel.
“It’s easing down but will continue to remain high for some time.
“So the issue of sustainability of the fuel price is very important, and the task force team, together with Treasury, are looking at options so that we can sustain the subsidy programme.
“If we can come up with certain sustainability options, we should be able to push that back towards the end of the year or so.
“And then we can look at what options are there, as the global well prices of crude oil continue to remain high.”….PACNEWS
PAC – BUSINESS COUNCIL CEO: APIBC / AFBC / APNGBC PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 01 Jun 2026
New chief executive officer appointed to lead Australia-Pacific business councils
BRISBANE, 01 JUNE 2026 (APIBC / AFBC / APNGBC)—The Australia Pacific Islands Business Council, Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council and Australia Fiji Business Council have appointed Leata Alaimoana-Roberts as Chief Executive Officer from 01 June 2026.
She succeeds Frank Yourn, who has served in the role for more than 20 years and has played a central role in the growth and development of the councils across the Pacific region.
The appointment comes at a time of expanding commercial engagement between Australia and the Pacific, with growing opportunities across infrastructure, trade, investment, agriculture and regional connectivity.
Alaimoana-Roberts brings extensive experience in trade, investment and economic development, with a strong background in building partnerships between governments, businesses and regional stakeholders across Pacific markets. She has held senior leadership roles focused on investment promotion, regional engagement and practical commercial outcomes.
In the role, she will lead the shared secretariat supporting the three councils, overseeing member engagement, strategic partnerships and delivery of key initiatives including major business forums, trade missions and sector-focused programmes.
Announcing the appointment, Mills said, “I’m very excited to announce Leata’s appointment. She brings a fantastic level of experience and energy to the role and I think it’s a very, very exciting time. She’ll be working with Frank in a transitional period and over that time, I’m sure there’ll be a very smooth transition.”
He added: “I hope all members will join me and the Executive Committee in congratulating and thanking Frank on his exceptional contribution to the Council. Frank’s successor has very large shoes to fill.”
Alaimoana-Roberts said she was looking forward to working closely with businesses and stakeholders across the region.
“I’m really excited by the opportunity, by what’s happening in the Pacific right now and also, importantly, working closely together with you all. We really want to work closely with the private sector, as well as see how best we can continue the legacy and the amazing foundation that’s been built over the years.”
The councils also paid tribute to Yourn for his longstanding contribution to strengthening commercial and institutional links between Australia and Pacific Island countries.
He will remain in a transition role for six months to support continuity and handover arrangements.
Council representatives said the appointment reflected both continuity and renewal as the organisations respond to increasing demand for deeper Australia-Pacific business engagement……PACNEWS
PNG – BUSINESS: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Nokia, Airbus to inspect PNG market at forum
PORT MORESBY, 01 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—European Union companies Nokia and Airbus representatives are expected to have a close look at the Papua New Guinea market when they attend the PNG-European Union (EU) business forum in Port Moresby next week.
EU Ambassador Erika Haznos said the event, on 02 – 03 June, would bring together political and business leaders, investors, and development partners from PNG and the EU.
“The forum is expected to create a platform to address any gaps,” she said.
“During the forum, the European Union will not only act as a facilitator for business-to-business and business-to-government contacts, but will also present itself as a developer of major infrastructure and investment projects under the global gateway strategy in collaboration with the PNG Government.”
Forty European companies and more than 400 participants have registered for the forum.
Finland’s Nokia, a world renowned brand, has expressed interest in investing in PNG.
Participants will explore how to translate a bilateral trade relationship worth more than K5 billion(US$1.14 billion) annually into investment partnerships and new commercial opportunities in:
*SUSTAINABLE infrastructure and renewable energy;
*DIGITAL transformation and connectivity;
*INCLUSIVE and sustainable extractive industries development; and,
*AGRICULTURE value chains.
The forum plans to strengthen economic cooperation, advance sustainable investment, and expand partnerships under the EU-Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA).
PNG was the first Pacific country to ratify iEPA, in May 2011. Today, it benefits from duty-free and quota-free access to the EU single market.
The EU market is the fourth biggest export destination for PNG.
Participants will engage in:
*HIGH-level plenary on strengthening EU-PNG strategic partnerships under the global gateway, including announcement for new investment initiatives;
*THEMATIC sessions covering sustainable infrastructure including renewable energy and safe water;
* BUSINESS-focused sessions on exporting agri-food products to the EU market and on doing business and investing in Papua New Guinea;
*A MASTERCLASS supporting PNG exporters to navigate the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR);
*B2B and B2G matchmaking sessions to facilitate concrete business deals and partnerships; and,
*SITE visits showcasing projects and investment opportunities around Port Moresby….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
Understanding the climate change-statelessness nexus in the Asia Pacific and what to do about it
By A/Prof Radha Govil, Hannah Gordon & Aashish Yadav
MELBOURNE, 01 JUNE 2026 (MELBOURNE ASIA REVIEW)—-In December 2025, the first cohort of 280 Tuvaluans selected via ballot to migrate to Australia under the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Treaty (‘Falepili Treaty’) arrived at Brisbane airport to make Australia their new home. Touted as the ‘world’s first and only bilateral agreement on climate mobility’, the operationalisation of the Falepili Treaty highlights that long-held projections of climate-related migration and displacement are now a reality in the Pacific.
With the Asia-Pacific widely recognised to be one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world, human mobility in response to the negative impacts of climate change is expected to increase.
To date, the related risks of loss of nationality and statelessness, as well as the increased impacts on groups already living in protracted situations of statelessness in the Asia Pacific have largely been overlooked in debates on climate-related mobility and in climate adaptation, risk reduction and relief policies.
We argue that new initiatives designed to better identify and address risks of statelessness need to be quickly activated by governments in the region.
What does the science say?
Climate change is intensifying a range of environmental hazards across the globe. These include slow-onset events (sea-level rise, desertification, rising temperatures) and extreme weather events (heatwaves, droughts, extreme precipitation, and cyclones). The 2023 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report identifies Asia as particularly exposed to physical climate risk, noting that densely populated countries including Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Indonesia face especially high risk from sea-level rise and both coastal and inland flooding. The Asian Development Bank’s Columbia University Climate School assessment identifies six Asia-Pacific countries in a high-risk ‘red zone’: Bangladesh, Kiribati, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which together hosmore than 520 million people.
Tuvalu is facing an urgent threat of sea-level rise with projections suggesting nearly all of its land could be submerged by 2100.
Climate change also exacerbates the impacts of extreme weather events, as seen in record-breaking heatwaves in India and Pakistan in 2022, and in Australia in 2019-2020. In 2025, the Asia-Pacific region suffered one of its worst typhoon seasons with severe impacts on communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
Climate-related hazards and the link with statelessness
Many of the world’s known stateless populations are exposed and vulnerable to climate-related hazards. Based on data reported to UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, in 2025 there were more than 4.4 million stateless people globally, with 70 percent of this population based in just four countries, three of which are in Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand. Stateless populations often face specific and heightened risks because of pre-existing vulnerabilities that arise because of their lack of legal status and marginalisation, leading them to be excluded from climate-related policies, including those related to disaster relief and emergency healthcare.
Impact on stateless communities
Stateless persons, such as Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in Bangladesh, have limited mobility options to withstand climate-related hazards. The Cox’s Bazar settlement in Bangladesh is routinely affected by landslides and floods, putting the lives of stateless refugees at risk. Even the proposed relocation of Rohingya refugees to Basan Char in Bangladesh would leave them extremely vulnerable to sea-level rise. Many stateless persons, including the Rohingya, work in the informal economy and may face loss of their livelihoods resulting from extreme weather events, from which they may have little or no support to recover. Individually or together, these vulnerabilities leave stateless persons more exposed to climate and disaster-related harms.
Moving beyond ‘sinking states’
Climate change is increasingly linked to human displacement. However, awareness of the risks that climate-related hazards pose in creating or exacerbating conditions resulting in the loss of nationality and statelessness is limited. The image of ‘sinking states’ leading to loss of statehood has dominated the limited discourse on the issue and has overshadowed the real and tangible risks of statelessness arising out of climate-related migration and displacement. However, a series of authoritative pronouncements from the UN Sixth Committee, the International Law Commission, the International Law Association, the Pacific Islands Forum, and most recently the International Court of Justice, in its long-awaited advisory opinion, have consistently and progressively argued that losing territory does not necessarily mean losing statehood.
Loss of documentation
People who are displaced or who need to migrate in response to climate-related hazards may face loss or damage to documents that help prove their nationality, such as birth certificates or national identity cards. In 2024 the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre recorded that 45.8 million people were displaced from their homes due to weather-related hazards globally. For example, in Assam, India, annual floods not only lead to the continual displacement of populations but also to the loss and damage of essential documents, including land titles. This has hindered the ability of individuals to verify their citizenship under the National Register of Citizens (NRC) increasing the risk of these groups being left stateless.
Gaps in nationality law and discrimination within the law
Displaced populations may also be affected by gaps in nationality laws. For example, the laws of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu provide no protection or right to nationality for stateless children born on their territory. Further, Nauru, Samoa and Tuvalu permit loss of naturalised citizenship due to extended periods of residence abroad, even where the loss could result in such nationals being left stateless.
Some nationality laws prevent women from conferring their nationality to their children born abroad and lack safeguards to grant nationality to children born on the territory who would otherwise be stateless. For example, the Constitution of Kiribati prevents women from conferring citizenship to children born outside the country.
Indigenous populations
Indigenous populations often view migration as a measure of last resort, prioritising adaptation strategies that would allow them to stay in their homeland safely as long as possible. This understanding lies at the heart of the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility, which underscores that for Pacific peoples, ties to land and sea are central to identity and sovereignty, making displacement a deeply existential issue.
For example, in 2023 the UN Human Rights Committee recognised an element of this unique connection to land and waters held by members of the Torres Strait Islander community. The authors of the complaint against Australia argued that climate change impacts compromised their traditional way of life and threatened to displace them from their island homes which would result in ‘the infliction of egregious and irreparable harm with respect to their ability to enjoy their culture.’ The Committee found that by failing to address the impacts of climate change, Australia had violated the rights of Torres Strait Islander communities to maintain their culture and traditional ways of law as well as to transmit this culture to future generations. The risk of such harm exists even in instances where legal statelessness may not arise—as well as in instances where it does—and should be considered in corollary to risks of formal loss of nationality and statelessness.
Gaps in policy responses
Domestically, development and humanitarian policies, plans and programming relating to climate adaptation, management and disaster risk reduction and relief have not incorporated stateless populations and their specific needs. These gaps are further compounded by the fact that most states in the Asia-Pacific are also not parties to the two UN statelessness conventions, which contain important protections for stateless persons as well as safeguards to prevent new cases of statelessness.
Regionally, the Asia-Pacific lacks a framework to address migration and displacement in the context of climate change. Risks of loss of nationality and statelessness have also not been adequately considered when it comes to laws and policies developed to address cross-border displacement and migration in the context of climate change.
The Falepili Treaty between Tuvalu and Australia
The Falepili Treaty is the world’s first binding agreement providing mobility options to the Tuvaluan population affected by climate change. The bilateral treaty entered into force in 2024 and includes Australia’s guarantee of recognition of Tuvaluan statehood irrespective of ‘the impact of climate change-related sea-level rise’. It provides permanent residency pathways for 280 Tuvaluans every year to live, study and work in Australia. The inaugural visa ballot in 2025 closed with applications from over half of Tuvalu’s 11,500 people, demonstrating overwhelming interest.
Although praised as a model agreement that focuses on ‘human mobility with dignity’, the Falepili Treaty does not explicitly address the question of what happens to the nationality status of those who migrate under the scheme, or loss or deprivation of nationality Tuvaluans may encounter if they acquire Australian nationality. The non-binding Explanatory Memorandum released in 2024—a year after the Treaty was signed—only includes a brief reference to the fact that Tuvaluans migrating to Australia will have the option to retain their nationality while being eligible to acquire Australian nationality on the same basis as other Permanent Residents.
While Tuvalu’s Citizenship Act does not provide for loss of Tuvaluan nationality upon acquisition of another nationality, expert have identified that naturalised citizens of Tuvalu may be deprived of their citizenship, and be at risk of being stateless if they do not intend to make Tuvalu their permanent home. The Explanatory Memorandum also restricts the migration pathway to ‘genuine Tuvalu citizens’ without clarifying further what conditions need to be met for someone to be considered a ‘genuine citizen’. At minimum, it seems that being a ‘genuine citizen’ would exclude stateless persons, or persons whose nationality status might be unclear, from applying to move to Australia under the Falepili scheme.
The Treaty has also been criticised for creating a transactional relationship between the two countries and a lack of consultation with Tuvaluan communities especially in relation to those who wish to remain in their homeland. Similar concerns have emerged in discussions on migration or permanent relocation options in the context of climate change in the Pacific islands (e.g., Fiji-Kiribati), given the deep connections that communities have with their lands and seas.
What can be done?
Global Recommendations on Nationality and Statelessness in the Context of Climate Change
In 2026, the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness at the University of Melbourne Law School, together with the UN Refugee Agency, will launch the world’s first Global Recommendations on Nationality and Statelessness in the Context of Climate Change (‘Global Recommendations’). Developed through a series of consultations with statelessness and climate-related mobility experts, as well as affected communities, the nine recommendations guide States and other stakeholders to take concrete steps that will help to safeguard every person’s right to a nationality and reduce the impacts of climate change on those who are already stateless.
The Global Recommendations aim both to prevent future cases of statelessness in the context of climate change, and to improve the lives of those currently stateless, including by proposing that such persons be granted nationality. Each Recommendation identifies the population type to which it applies (e.g., those who are already stateless, or those who are at risk of statelessness) as well as their location (e.g., in their own country, or in a situation of displacement or migration). Each Recommendation also offers a set of practical suggestions on how it may be implemented.
The Recommendations in relation to the Falepili Treaty
For example, one of the Recommendations, has been developed to address the deficit in terms of citizenship protection observed in bilateral (and multilateral) agreements that facilitate migration in the context of climate change, like the Falepili Treaty. To safeguard the nationality of persons who use such migration opportunities, and to protect against statelessness, these agreements need to explicitly engage with issues of nationality. This Recommendation proposes that States take steps, including a thorough assessment to identify and address potential gaps in, and conflicts between, the laws of States participating in the facilitated migration agreement that could lead to statelessness. If such an assessment had been undertaken prior to the Falepili Treaty being signed, the issue of naturalised Tuvaluans being left at risk of statelessness could have been identified and remedied in advance of the Treaty being formalised.
This Recommendation also calls on States to meaningfully engage with affected communities in the design, negotiation, and implementation of such agreements and ensure that they are fully aware of the potential impacts of migration under these agreements on their nationality status. In this regard, the Falepili Treaty has also come under significant criticism, with neither communities in Tuvalu nor Australia having been consulted prior to it being signed.
Finally, this Recommendation suggests that States entering into facilitated migration agreements permit dual (or multiple) nationality as this would help to mitigate risks of statelessness by allowing migrants to retain their original nationality as they integrate and eventually acquire the nationality of their new country of residence. Many countries in the Asia Pacific, including those that are highly vulnerable to climate-related hazards, and from whose territories people may eventually migrate or be displaced, either do not permit dual nationality, or only allow it in very limited cases (e.g. with a small number of countries).
Importantly, the Global Recommendations are underpinned by five guiding principles, which reflect universally applicable norms of international law:
*the right to a nationality
*equality and non-discrimination
*the right to life with dignity
*the duty of international cooperation; and
*the right to participate.
Each of these principles plays a critical role in ensuring that policy responses developed to address and prevent statelessness in the context of climate change are fair, rights-based, and developed through state-to-state support and exchange of good practice, and with the meaningful participation of the people affected by such policies.
Conclusion
Given the vulnerability of the Asia Pacific region to both slow-onset and extreme weather events, and the risk of increased human mobility as a result, governments can ill-afford to turn a blind eye to gaps in their legal and policy systems that have the potential to generate and sustain new cases of statelessness.
Initiatives such as the Global Recommendations on Nationality and Statelessness in the Context of Climate Change offer States and other stakeholders an opportunity to analyse the statelessness risks they might face and take early action to prevent them from occurring. Doing so will ensure that law and policy responses to climate-related hazards are more inclusive and equitable; and could also lead to a much-needed breakthrough in resolving protracted situations in the most statelessness-prone region of the world….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
The WTO fish deal was an environmental first – but three countries could unravel it
Stricter rules on illegal fishing are good news for the Pacific,unless India, Indonesia and the US block the agreement.
By Jim Redden, Peter Draper, Jameson Henderson-Redden
GENEVA,01 JUNE 2026 (THE INTERPRETER)—-More than 600 million people around the world seek to make their living through fishing or from processing the catch. Most of those workers – often impoverished – rightly pay little attention to the intricate debates of the World Trade Organisation, but a newly struck Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (FSA) heralds a breakthrough for the marine environment as well as a timely boost for multilateral rules-based cooperation.
Following 20 years of negotiations, the FSA came into force on 15 September 2025. The first phase of the agreement, known as “Fish 1”, targets subsidies linked to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfished stocks, and unregulated fishing on the high seas.
For Pacific Island countries, the FSA means fairer competition, greater protection of vital marine resources, and increased economic security for artisanal fishers and fish exporters.
But many of the benefits could be undermined if just three countries – India, Indonesia and the United States – stall the second phase of the FSA negotiations, Fish 2.
Global fisheries subsidies total around US$35 billion annually, with approximately US$22 billion considered harmful. Subsidies such as fuel assistance, tax exemptions and vessel construction support allow distant-water fleets to fish profitably even when stocks decline. This creates overcapacity, encourages overfishing and contributes to IUU fishing. Most subsidies come from major economies including China, Japan, the United States and European Union members.
In the Pacific, IUU fishing causes estimated annual losses of US$333 million. Most violations are committed not by unlicensed vessels, but by licensed industrial fleets that underreport catches or breach licence conditions.
These practices reduce government revenue and threaten local food security, but also have major implications for employment and export industries in Pacific Islands countries. Locally based, industrial tuna vessels in member countries of the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) employ around 26,000 people. Many Pacific islands are significant exporters of marine animal products. Tuna exports from PNG make up about 18% of the global tuna catch, while Kiribati, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Fiji are also major exporters. In fact, Pacific island exporters account for over half of the world’s tuna catch, either selling fishing access rights or exporting directly.
Subsidies and IUU fishing not only limit the ability of Pacific exporters to compete, but “foreign” fleets have far greater capacity to continue fishing in Pacific waters even when catch stocks are low. This means local fishers, whose livelihoods rely on fishing, face serious food shortages and loss of income.
The FSA seeks to address these problems by prohibiting subsidies for unregulated high-seas fishing and improving monitoring and transparency obligations. At a recent webinar on fisheries subsidies facilitated by the Institute for International Trade, Ambassador Mere Falemaka, Permanent Representative of the Pacific Islands Forum to the WTO, described the agreement as an important additional tool for protecting tuna stocks and supporting sustainable fisheries management. Falemaka highlighted the establishment of the WTO Fish Fund, which provides grants to developing countries to implement the agreement, strengthen fisheries regulation and improve surveillance capacity.
The impact of the FSA also extends to non-WTO members such as Kiribati and Tuvalu, by improving ocean health, reducing distant-water fleet pressure, curbing IUU fishing and supporting the livelihoods of small-scale fishers.
Despite these advances, the future of the agreement depends entirely on negotiations over Fish 2, which has broader aims to address subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing. The FSA includes a sunset clause, meaning if WTO members fail to conclude Fish 2 negotiations by 15 September 2029, the entire agreement could terminate.
India and Indonesia argue that stronger subsidy disciplines could infringe upon national sovereignty and disadvantage developing fishing industries and small-scale fishers. Such claims are rejected by the overwhelmingly majority of WTO members and directly contradicted by Article 11 of the FSA, which preserves the jurisdictions, rights and obligations of members under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The United States initially supported the agreement, but under President Donald Trump has adopted a more cautious stance.
For Pacific Island countries, concluding Fish 2 is critical. Australia and New Zealand need to throw their full support behind the “Blue Pacific” agenda. The three remaining Pacific Islands WTO members yet to ratify the FSA – Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands – should do so as soon as possible to amplify the Pacific’s voice in Fish 2 negotiations. Non-WTO Pacific Island countries can voice support through regional organisations.
Diplomatic pressure should be maintained on the United States, which says it is still committed to supporting a meaningful outcome. China, and other major users of fisheries subsidies, have to date been supportive of the FSA and Fish 2, and the United States should likewise offer its support to rebuild its flagging credibility in the Pacific
The success of the FSA will strongly reinforce that global cooperation, not narrow-minded nationalism, is the best way forward for a more sustainable and equitable planet. The recently concluded 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon saw governments pledge to restart the stalled Fish 2 negotiations and finalise the second part of the agreement by mid-2028, so there is room of cautious optimism. The Pacific, more than most, will be watching…..PACNEWS
