In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Pacific must shape its own future: Forum Chair Wale
2. VAN — Vanuatu to strengthen border defences as drug trafficking threat grows across Pacific
3. FIJI — Fiji – Solomon Islands relations built on shared history and unity: PM Wale
4. PACIFIC — Pacific nations among hardest hit as global aid drops, OECD says
5. TUVALU — Tuvalu, Australia launch Operation RENDER SAFE to Survey WWII bombs in Nanumea Lagoon
6. POLAND — Cannibalism is bad for your health, scientists find
7. PACNEWS BIZ — ADB establishes North Pacific subregional office, expanding support in region
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Govt rules out mini-budget unless economy worsens
9. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG economy grows, Jobs gap persists: World Bank
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Australia’s National Measurement Institute donates fuel trolleys to Pacific Island nations
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Year-end inflation forecast raised above 6 percent amid fuel, power price pressures: Fiji Reserve Bank
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Solomon Airlines struggles highlight regional challenges, aviation expert warns
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Tuvalu Fisheries Authority marks first anniversary
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — New system to give Samoa a “living, real-time picture” of its schools
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — ‘The science is here’: UN chief welcomes first global AI assessment
PAC- DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Thu 02 July 2026
Pacific must shape its own future: Forum Chair Wale
SUVA, 02 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS)— Solomon Islands Prime Minister and Forum Chair Mathew Wale has declared that Pacific leaders must take ownership of the region’s future, warning that while international interest in the Pacific continues to grow, the region’s development agenda and security priorities must remain firmly in Pacific hands.
Delivering his inaugural address at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Wale said the Pacific was operating in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment and urged leaders to ensure that decisions affecting the Blue Pacific are made by Pacific nations themselves.
“It is wonderful to be here in Suva, and most especially here at the Secretariat – the very heart of our Pacific Regionalism.
“At the outset, allow me to thank you, Secretary General, and your staff for the warm and generous welcome accorded to my team and I this morning,” PM Wale said.
The Prime Minister said Pacific cultures, traditions and heritage remain the foundation of regional unity.
“The celebration of our cultures, our traditions and our heritage will always be the cornerstone of our connections and kinship as one Blue Pacific region.”
Reflecting on assuming both the leadership of Solomon Islands and the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum, he said the regional role was an unexpected privilege.
“Assuming the leadership mantle in Solomon Islands has offered me the rare honour to lead my country and my Government in the service of my people.
“What I did not anticipate was that I would also have the opportunity, albeit brief, to assume the regional leadership role as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.
“Indeed, words do not do justice to the privilege I carry with this role, especially at a time as important as this in our regionalism journey,” he said.
The Prime Minister said geopolitical competition had become a defining reality for the Pacific, alongside climate change.
“The fact that we are in a geopolitically contested time is no secret. Just like climate change – it is our current reality in the Pacific region.”
He said this reinforced the importance of the Forum as the region’s political platform.
“It brings to the fore the very value of our Forum Family – one that allows us a dedicated space and time together as a collective to consider and discuss issues of shared concern, ambition and vision.”
The Forum Chair said the Pacific was witnessing a rapidly changing strategic environment, with partners increasingly competing for influence.
“”Yes, we find ourselves in a fast and fluid strategic environment.
“Increasingly we see the fast-paced settlement of multitudes of partnerships and arrangements as partners tussle for influence at all levels – nationally, regionally and globally.
“We also see the increasing complexity of interconnected challenges that draw us away from our shared goals and priorities,” PM Wale said
Following discussions with Forum Troika leaders, he said the responsibility for the Pacific’s future rested with Pacific nations themselves.
“Having had the opportunity to sit with Troika Leaders over the last day or two and to engage on issues of regional importance has driven home for me the very reality that indeed, our success as a region, and as a Blue Pacific Continent spread out in our vast Ocean of Peace, lies not in the hands of others but our very own – unless we do not take ownership of our own destiny, our own future, and hand it over to others, not of our region willingly or otherwise to shape.
“This is a value we often forget when the challenges of the present time overwhelm us as Small Island Developing nations.
“Yet, it is precisely in times like these that regional ownership matters most,” PM Wale said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the growing international attention on the Pacific but stressed that partnerships should support, not direct, regional priorities.
“Over the years, our Forum has grown in influence and stature. With that has come greater international interest in our region, our priorities and our collective voice.
“We welcome that interest and we value our partnerships.
“But we must always remind ourselves that our development agenda must remain one that is conceived, driven, and owned by the Pacific.
“Our partners should help us realise and complement our ambitions – not define, nor shape them for us,” he stressed
He said the Pacific Islands Forum must remain the political home of the region.
“As Leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that the Pacific Islands Forum remains first and foremost the political home of our region.”
The Chair called for continued efforts to ensure Leaders’ Meetings remain focused on member priorities while strengthening engagement with development partners through more strategic dialogue.
“We should therefore continue to explore ways to ensure that our annual Leaders Meeting remains firmly focused on Member priorities, while also strengthening our engagement with our valued Development Partners through arrangements that allow for more strategic, more purposeful and more effective dialogue.”
“In doing so, we preserve what is most valuable about our Forum – a Leaders forum where we, as a region, speak first, with one voice, on the issues that matter most to our people,” PM Wale said.
He said the region’s future would ultimately depend on the decisions made collectively by Pacific leaders.
“Because ultimately, the future of our region will not be determined by the interests of others. It will be determined by the choices we make together as one Blue Pacific family.”
The Prime Minister described regionalism as part of the Pacific identity rather than simply the work of regional institutions.
“Regionalism is not simply the work of our institutions. It is who we are as Pacific peoples.”
Referring to last year’s Forum theme in Solomon Islands, he said “Iumi Tugeda – Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent” reflected the region’s identity and responsibility to one another.
PM Wale said regionalism had enabled Pacific countries to achieve outcomes that individual nations could not accomplish alone.
“Therefore, regionalism is the currency through which we have achieved many of our greatest regional successes.
“Together, we have elevated the Pacific voices on climate change, defended our maritime zones, advanced ocean governance, strengthened our collective resilience and secured international recognition for priorities that no single country could have achieved alone.
“It is through regionalism that we transform many small island states into one Blue Pacific Continent. It allows us to speak with one voice where individually our voices may struggle to be heard,” he explained.
“It enables us to engage the world not from a position of weakness or vulnerability, but from a position of togetherness, purpose and strength. Not from ‘small island states, but from big ocean states.'”
Turning to regional security, the Prime Minister said Pacific security has always centred on protecting people, sovereignty and the Pacific way of life.
“Security in the Pacific has never been about competition between nations. It has always been about protecting our people, our sovereignty, and our way of life.
“It is about ensuring that the Blue Pacific remains an ocean and region of peace, stability, and mutual respect,” said PM Wale.
PM Wale said the Pacific had made progress through the Biketawa Declaration, the Boe Declaration and other regional commitments but acknowledged that more work remained.
“We have made important progress through the Biketawa Declaration and the Boe Declaration and other regional commitments. But we should also acknowledge that there remains work to do in strengthening the regional architecture that supports our shared security interests,” said Wale.
He called for consideration of stronger regional security arrangements grounded in Pacific priorities.
“As Leaders, we should never shy away from considering bold ideas that strengthen our collective security and provide greater certainty for future generations.”
“This includes exploring whether there is value in a stronger regional framework that reflects our shared commitments and gives enduring expression to the security principles we have agreed together,’ the Forum Chair said.
He said leaders must ensure that security decisions affecting the Pacific are shaped by Pacific nations.
“Whatever path we choose, our objective should remain unchanged – to ensure that decisions affecting the security of our Blue Pacific are shaped first and foremost by us, as a region,.” said PM Wale.
The Chair also urged leaders to protect the annual Forum Leaders Meeting from outside influence.
“We must jealously guard our leaders meeting, as the single most important regional platform that our leaders have once a year to meet – in order that it is not undermined by interests of others.”
He also proposed establishing a regional mechanism to safeguard collective security.
“We must also work together to put in place a regional mechanism that ensures and safeguard our collective security – a mechanism that will help the region achieve the aspirations embodied in the Ocean of Peace, covers the scope of the Boe Declaration and utilises the processes articulated in the Biketawa declaration.”
The Prime Minister said the Pacific’s biggest challenge was no longer developing ideas but implementing them.
“I am sure you will all agree with me that the Pacific has never lacked vision.
“We have produced bold declarations, ambitious strategies and collective commitments that continue to shape our region and inspire the international community.
“The challenge before us now is not one of good ideas – it is one of implementation,” PM Wale said”
He said implementation required all Forum members, CROP agencies and development partners to work together.
“Implementing means all members must collaborate and work together. All CROP agencies must also work together as one UNIT. And all development partners must support member driven priorities,” he said
He said leadership should be measured by results rather than discussions.
“As I begin my tenure as Prime Minister, I do so with a clear appreciation that leadership is measured not simply by the conversations we have, but by the outcomes we deliver for our people – some as a result of such conversations.”
The Prime Minister said Pacific leaders must act with urgency.
“That is why I believe we must move with greater purpose, greater urgency and greater resolve.
“Our people are looking to us not simply for statements of intent, but for tangible progress and lasting results,” Wale said.
He urged leaders to make implementation the defining measure of the Pacific’s success.
“Let this be the next chapter of our regionalism and our Pacific Way.
“One where we match our collective ambition with collective action, and where implementation becomes the defining measure of our success.”
The Forum Chair also called on Pacific leaders to rediscover the region’s opportunities rather than focusing only on its vulnerabilities.
“We need to rediscover the Pacific in a modern era which is apt for the region.”
“Too often we emphasise our vulnerabilities-geopolitical contestations and climate change etc, to the point that opportunities we have, struggle to surface. For eg, we have a combined EEZ of nearly 40million square kilometres – of what is the ocean, but land covered with water,” said PM Wale.
He said unity remained the region’s greatest strength.
“If we remain united in purpose, steadfast in our values and confident in our own leadership, there is no challenge that the Blue Pacific cannot overcome.”
“If issues become recalcitrant then it means we are problematising rather than solutionising,” he said.
The Prime Minister said regionalism must remain inclusive and continue drawing strength from young Pacific people.
“As we shape the future of our region, let us also ensure that our regionalism remains inclusive, drawing strength from the voices of all our people, particularly our young people, whose energy, innovation and leadership will carry forward the vision we set today.
“I look forward to working closely with all of you in the weeks ahead as we prepare for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. Our strength is unity in the diversity of our Forum Family!,” PM Wale said…PACNEWS
VAN – ORGANISED CRIME MEET: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 3: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Vanuatu to strengthen border defences as drug trafficking threat grows across Pacific
PORT VILA, 02 JULY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — As illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime continue to spread across the Pacific, the Government of Vanuatu is stepping up efforts to protect its borders by convening its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats next week.
The summit forms part of efforts to strengthen national security and address the growing risks posed by illicit drugs, transnational crime and HIV in the Pacific region.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Solomon Napuat said the event would be a milestone for the country, bringing together key stakeholders to develop a coordinated national response to emerging security and public health challenges.
Minister Napuat announced that the Government, through the Council of Ministers, has approved and given its full support for the Ministry of Internal Affairs to organise the inaugural national summit.
The two-day event will be held on 07-0 8 July 2026 in Port Vila.
‘This will be the first-ever national summit focusing on border security and preparedness for emerging drug and HIV threats that we are seeing across the Pacific region,” Minister Napuat said.
He said the summit aims to examine the growing challenges facing the region and identify practical measures that Vanuatu can implement before the situation worsens.
“This is a historic event because it is the first time Vanuatu will bring together all border security agencies, government ministries, the Ministry of Health, provincial governments, community leaders and other key stakeholders to discuss the threats posed by illicit drugs, HIV and other border security issues,” he said.
Minister Napuat said the summit will provide an opportunity for participants to work together in developing solutions and recommendations to strengthen border management systems and national preparedness.
“As a government and as communities, we want to come together and make decisions on how we can effectively address these issues before they become more serious,” he said.
The Minister warned that Pacific Island countries are increasingly facing challenges linked to illicit drugs and transnational criminal networks.
“The Pacific is experiencing serious issues relating to illicit drug movements and transnational criminal networks. This has become a major concern for Pacific Island countries,” he said.
Minister Napuat said recent developments have shown that no country in the region is immune from these emerging threats.
“We have realised that no country is immune from these kinds of criminal activities,’ he said.
He noted that regional law enforcement agencies have reported increasing organised criminal activity across maritime borders, highlighting the need for stronger cooperation among Pacific nations.
Minister Napuat pointed to neighbouring Fiji as an example, saying authorities there have recorded an increase in drug seizures involving vessels engaged in illegal activities entering the country, while also facing a rise in HIV cases.
“Our neighbours, particularly Fiji, are experiencing increasing drug seizures from boats entering their waters for illegal activities, as well as rising HIV cases. These developments demonstrate why Vanuatu must take action,” he said.
He stressed that the Government is determined to respond while there is still time to prevent the situation from escalating. “The Government of Vanuatu is determined to act while we still have the opportunity,” Minister Napuat said.
The summit is expected to bring together representatives from border security agencies, law enforcement authorities, health officials, provincial governments, churches, community organisations and regional partners to strengthen coordination and develop strategies to combat emerging drug, crime and HIV threats…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: SOL GOVT/FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 3: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Fiji – Solomon Islands relations built on shared history and unity: PM Wale
SUVA, 02 JULY 2026 (SOL GOV/FIJI GOVT) — Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has reaffirmed the strong and enduring relationship between Solomon Islands and Fiji, describing the two countries as bound by history, culture and a shared Melanesian identity.
Speaking at an official state dinner hosted by Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva last night, Prime Minister Wale thanked Fiji for its warm hospitality.
“This evening truly feels like a gathering of family,” he said, noting the close people-to-people ties between the two nations.
He said the relationship is rooted in shared history and longstanding cultural connections.
Wale acknowledged Fiji as one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands after independence in 1978.
Prime Minister Wale said cooperation has since expanded across education, trade, security and climate resilience.
He also thanked Fiji for allocating land at Muanikau in Suva for Solomon Islands’ Chancery.
He also commended Fiji for providing education opportunities for Solomon Islanders, with many students continuing their studies in Suva.
Emphasising the importance of Pacific unity, Prime Minister Wale said the region must work together to address climate change, geopolitical competition and energy pressures.
“No country can stand alone. Together, as members of the Pacific family, we can transform challenges into opportunities,” he said.
Prime Minister Rabuka said the two countries share a unique and longstanding relationship that spans generations, built on shared history, faith, and regional solidarity.
“This longstanding history speaks to the enduring bond between Fiji and Solomon Islands that transcends geography, as we have walked hand in hand through various phases of our shared history,” he said.
“As we gather here, we are yet again, confronted with an increasingly fragmented global landscape that demands more of us. With conflicts in distant lands of Europe and the Middle East placing considerable pressures on governments to manage their economies while at the same time reshaping the global security environment.
“While we continue to call for peace and the importance of the international rules-based order, Fiji remains committed to exploring avenues of strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation to support resilience and economic stability across our Pacific family.”
Also present at the official dinner was the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua.
Prime Minister Rabuka added:” Fiji also remains committed to a strong, forward-looking partnership with Tonga under the leadership of Lord Fakafanua, and to the constructive resolution of outstanding bilateral issues and arrangements in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation”.
“Let us draw on inspiration from our shared history as we work together towards a shared future — one grounded in Melanesian solidarity, Pacific regionalism, and our shared vision for a Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace,” he said…. PACNEWS
PACIFIC – GLOBAL AID: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 3: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Pacific nations among hardest hit as global aid drops, OECD says
PARIS, 02 JULY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Global aid forecasts have small island developing states “among the hardest hit individually” as aid spending reaches new lows.
The OECD, which tracks their wealthy member states’ Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), is projecting a 6.9 percent drop this year. Last year, it was 23.3 percent.
In a report, it noted this would make for the lowest global ODA level since 2014, with health spending down to pre-pandemic levels.
“Most reductions come from a small number of the largest providers,” the report noted, referring to European countries, and the United States.
“Many highly aid-dependent countries rely on a small number of providers, increasing vulnerability to shocks.”
It was also noted that five of the fifteen recipient countries with the largest cuts are small island developing states. Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will have lost 36.6 percent of aid between 2024 and 2026; Asian and Pacific states will have lost 33.4 percent.
“A single provider accounts for most ODA in several LDCs and small island developing states (SIDS), such as the United States in Marshall Islands and Micronesia, or Australia and New Zealand in Tonga and Tuvalu,” it read.
“In these countries especially, a shift in aid could therefore spill over quickly into broader macroeconomic and societal stress.”
Globally, health spending is projected to fall by between 29 and 46 percent in that two-year timeframe, with aid for public health and the control of communicable diseases the hardest hit. Aid targeting malaria falls by 59.6 percent, tuberculosis by 57.2 percent, other infectious-disease control by 40.4 percent.
Humanitarian aid is projected to fall by 40.3 percent, while government and civil society fall by 39.8 percent. Aid from multilateral institutions falls by 31 percent.
For Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund NZ, these are the most dangerous trends from a Pacific perspective.
“That’s for when you’re in a crisis, like we’ve just seen in Venezuela, or in the Middle East,” she said.
“That is gonna have a very direct impact on the ability for countries to respond, or charities like ChildFund to respond directly to a crisis.”
Pagani said it creates both a need and an incentive to make the way that aid is delivered more efficient, and more effective.
This, she said, would address a core issue around public perception – where aid is viewed as useless or unnecessary, and so is deprioritised.
“Across the Pacific, there are sort of dinosaur aid projects scattered around… water tanks with logos on them… (but) there are five million people in the Pacific who still don’t have access to running clean drinking water.”
“You can’t solve that by a tank here and a tank there, you’ve got to look at it systemically.”
She also noted that unchanged aid budgets from Australia and New Zealand could insulate the Pacific from wider multilateral grant cutbacks.
Australia and New Zealand, in their respective budgets from May, kept their aid allocations roughly the same. New Zealand brought over NZ$160 million (US$90 million) forward to this year from unspent cash in the previous two years.
Meanwhile, the Trump Administration is lobbying United Nation member states for its “Trade Over Aid” policy, which would prioritise aid spending for “free market reforms” in poor countries…. PACNEWS
TUVALU – RENDER SAFE OPERATION: TUVALU GOVT PACNEWS 3: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Tuvalu, Australia launch Operation RENDER SAFE to survey WWII Bombs in Nanumea lagoon
FUNAFUTI, 02 JULY 2026 (TUVALU GOVT) — Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo Wednesday joined officers and crew aboard HMAS Diamantina to officially mark the commencement of Operation RENDER SAFE 2026, a joint mission between Tuvalu and Australia to investigate unexploded ordnance in the Nanumea Lagoon.
Opening the ceremony, Prime Minister Teo highlighted the importance of the operation to Tuvalu, saying, “These explosive remnants of war are more than relics of history. They are unfinished business from a conflict that our people did not create, yet whose legacy we continue to live with today.”
Teo said the operation represents another important chapter in the longstanding defence partnership between Tuvalu and Australia and thanked the Australian Government and the Australian Defence Force for responding to Tuvalu’s request to undertake the mission.
Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Tuvalu, Charlene Watego, described the operation as “a perfect example of our partnership under the Falepili Union Treaty,” highlighting the close cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the Tuvalu Police Service Maritime Wing.
Commander Nicholas Lee, Commander of the Australian Contingent, reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Pacific-led solutions, noting that ‘Australia does not deploy unilaterally. We are here at the request of the Government of Tuvalu.”
The operation follows a request from the Government of Tuvalu to the Government of Australia for assistance in addressing the legacy of unexploded ordnance in Nanumea Lagoon, reflecting the close partnership and enduring friendship between the two countries.
The operation will undertake a technical investigation of Nanumea Lagoon to identify and assess World War II explosive remnants, providing critical information to guide future clearance efforts and helping make Tuvalu’s waters safer for future generations.
The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial sunset, a longstanding naval tradition symbolising the end of the day and honouring the service, dedication and camaraderie of those serving at sea.
The ceremony also reflected the enduring friendship and cooperation between Tuvalu and Australia as Operation RENDER SAFE 2026 gets underway…. PACNEWS
POLAND – CANIBALISM: REUTERS PACNEWS 3: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Cannibalism is bad for your health, scientists find
WARSAW, 02 JULY 2026 (REUTERS) — Cannibalism became taboo in human societies not out of instinctive aversion but because it is harmful to populations who practise it, scientists from Poland and the Czech Republic have found.
Michal Misiak of the University of Wroclaw and Petr Turecek of Charles University in Prague used a mathematical model to show that the long-term practice of cannibalism can lead to population collapse by causing illnesses in those who eat other people.
“We looked at the human body as a potential source of food, analysing both energy gains and hidden costs,” Misiak said in a statement released on Wednesday by Wroclaw University.
“From a caloric perspective, a person turns out to be an average meal … The key problem, however, lies elsewhere: the risk of infection. Pathogens have an easier task because they end up in an organism with almost identical physiology.”
Their model shows the risk of disease rises exponentially when cannibals consume other cannibals, as even cooking does not eliminate prions, or misfolded proteins, which can cause fatal neurological diseases.
One of these, kuru, was once common among the Fore people of Papua New Guinea, who cooked and ate their deceased relatives, believing they were freeing the spirit of the dead person.
The researchers said these risks probably contributed to the emergence of one of humanity’s strongest taboos, which was based at least in part on its protective function.
“Taboo acts as an evolutionary safeguard,” Misiak said. “Our results suggest that this was a biologically justified response to the growing risk of epidemics. Communities that didn’t curb cannibalism simply didn’t survive,” he said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – ADB OFFICE: ADB PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 02 Jul 2026
ADB establishes North Pacific subregional office, expanding support in region
MANILA, 02 JULY 2026(ADB) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced the establishment of a subregional office to support its expanding operations in the North Pacific, strengthening the bank’s commitment to its Pacific developing member countries (DMCs) as a steadfast partner for growth, development, and resilience.
The North Pacific Subregional Office will be in Pohnpei, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and will upgrade the bank’s existing FSM Pacific Country Office.
The office—expected to be operational by the end of 2026 and led by a regional director—will help deepen the engagement with governments, private sector, development partners, regional organisations, and civil society across the FSM, the Marshall Islands, and Palau.
It will also strengthen project preparation and implementation, portfolio performance management, policy dialogue, capacity–building assistance, and emergency response of ADB to the North Pacific DMCs.
“The North Pacific Subregional Office will bolster delivery of ADB’s growing assistance, tailored to help solve the complex development challenges faced by this part of the Pacific region,” said ADB Director General for the Pacific Emma Veve.
“ADB’s stronger presence in the North Pacific will help to unlock more public and private financing for development, while deepening partnerships and regional cooperation to build resilience and prosperity.”
The North Pacific has geographically dispersed, small, open economies that are highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, disasters and economic shocks. Addressing these challenges requires consistent on-the-ground interactions with governments and development partners.
ADB is a leading development partner in the Pacific, and since 1990 a key partner of the North Pacific DMCs, supporting efforts to boost economic growth, public service delivery, and resilient development.
As of 31 March 2026, ADB had cumulatively committed US$841.11 million to its North Pacific DMCs, including support from the Asian Development Fund (ADF).
Its active public sector portfolio comprised 34 projects worth US$320.5 million as of 31 December 2025, with further growth expected in the coming years.
In June, ADB provided a US$500,000 grant to the FSM government to support recovery efforts following Typhoon Sinlaku, which affected 34,000 people across 42 municipalities…. PACNEWS
FIJI – BUDGET: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Fiji Govt rules out mini budget unless economy worsens
SUVA, 02 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Government will not need a mini-budget to fund the 2026 General Election and referendum unless the economic outlook worsens.
Rabuka said the $18.2 million (US$9.1 million) allocated for the 2026 General Election and $20 million (US$10 million) for the Referendum in the 2026-2027 National Budget were sufficient for now.
“We cannot fundraise for the election,” Rabuka told the Fiji Sun on Tuesday.
“The Budget we got was the budget for the year, considering all factors, the international economy, the national economy, the cost of living and all those things.”
He said Government had already frozen some public service positions and asked workers “to work a little longer, work a little harder” to manage costs.
Rabuka said a mini-budget, and a further parliamentary session to approve it, would only be considered if conditions failed to improve by year’s end.
“If by the end of the year we see a brighter horizon, then we may have to use some of the funds to fund the election, which means we may have to have another budget session,” he said.
“But, at the moment, if we need to pull in the funds, we will, but from within the allocated funds for the year.”
The next General Election is expected between 24 December 2026, and the first week of February 2027, alongside a Referendum, both to be run by the Fijian Elections Office and Electoral Commission…. PACNEWS
PNG – JOBS: WORLD BANK PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 02 Jul 2026
PNG economy grows; Jobs gap persists: World Bank
PORT MORESBY, 02 JULY 2206 (WORLD BANK) — Papua New Guinea’s economy is growing strongly but is not yet creating enough quality jobs for its fast-growing population, according to a new World Bank Economic Update launched today.
The latest Papua New Guinea Economic Update: Turning Growth into Jobs finds PNG’s economy expanded by 5.6 percent in 2025, one of the strongest performances in the Pacific. This was supported by strong gold and LNG production, alongside exchange rate reforms, which improved the business environment beyond the resource sector.
However, the report finds that formal employment per capita has declined, with most new workers entering subsistence farming and informal work rather than secure, formal jobs. The World Bank suggests this growth-jobs disconnect is one of PNG’s central development challenges.
“Papua New Guinea is at a critical moment. The economy is growing and the resource sector has major opportunities ahead. There is now a small window of opportunity to turn this momentum into better jobs and livelihoods for all Papua New Guineans,” said Han Fraeters, World Bank Division Director for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
“All evidence points in the same direction: PNG can make its resource wealth work better for its people. That means securing fairer returns, investing more in human capital and infrastructure, and improving the conditions for private sector growth.”
The Economic Update sets out a three-part jobs agenda: (i) strengthening foundations for growth through improved infrastructure and human capital; (ii) enhancing the business environment and economic governance so firms can invest and hire; and (iii) mobilizing more private capital while ensuring resource revenues are used more effectively to support sectors that can create jobs at scale. The report identifies agribusiness as one of PNG’s most promising pathways for creating jobs at scale.
Strengthening key agricultural value chains could generate around 330,000 additional formal jobs over the next decade and reduce poverty by around five percentage points, lifting an estimated half a million Papua New Guineans out of poverty.
However, the report highlights inadequate infrastructure and weak human capital as key constraints to productivity growth and job creation. Better roads, electricity, and digital connectivity are also needed to support investment beyond Port Moresby and Lae, while stronger investment in nutrition, education, and skills will be critical to prepare PNG’s young population for more productive work.
Business constraints also remain significant. Crime, insecurity, regulatory uncertainty, and limited access to finance continue to increase the cost and risk of doing business.
The report highlights the potential of upcoming resource projects, including Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu, as a major opportunity to support long-term growth and job creation. However, realizing these benefits will require agreements that ensure better capture and management of resource revenues to support national development priorities…. PACNEWS
PAC – FUEL TROLLEYES: AUST GOVT PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Australia’s National Measurement Institute donates fuel trolleys to Pacific Island nations
CANBERRA, 02 JULY 2026 (AUST GOVT) — Australia’s National Measurement Institute (NMI) is supporting Pacific nations by donating specialist fuel measurement equipment to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
The donation gives 6 fuel trolleys a new home in Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. The equipment was no longer needed after recent NMI upgrades.
The trolleys will help local authorities test fuel pumps to ensure accurate and fair measurement at service stations and fuel depots. This will give businesses and consumers confidence in fuel transactions.
The donation is part of the Pacific Quality Infrastructure (PQI) Initiative project to strengthen trade and economic development across the region. The NMI has supported this work by sharing technical expertise and delivering hands‑on training to build local capability.
Each fuel trolley is made from high-grade stainless steel and designed to meet trade measurement requirements in Pacific conditions. They provide precise fuel measurements and are supplied with calibration certificates to confirm accuracy and reliability.
By improving access to trusted measurement equipment, this initiative helps Pacific nations support fair trade, protect government revenue and strengthen local economies.
It also reflects Australia’s broader commitment to supporting the Pacific Islands Forum to achieve a strong, resilient Pacific region. Reliable measurement systems help communities trade with confidence, support growth and build lasting regional partnerships…. PACNEWS
FIJI – INFLATION: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Year-end inflation forecast raised above 6 percent amid fuel, power price pressures: Fiji Reserve Bank
SUVA, 02 JULY 2206 (FIJI TIMES) — The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) expects inflation to climb above six percent by the end of this year, driven by higher fuel costs, electricity price increases and the fading impact of last year’s VAT reduction.
In its latest Economic Review, the RBF said annual headline inflation, as measured by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, rose to 3.9 percent in May from 1.8 percent in April, signalling the end of Fiji’s deflationary period.
The increase was largely driven by higher prices for alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics, transport costs due to rising diesel and petrol prices, and food and non-alcoholic beverages.
The central bank expects inflationary pressures to intensify over the coming months as both the direct and indirect effects of the electricity surcharge continue to filter through the economy, alongside ongoing fuel price adjustments.
It also noted that the reduction in the VAT rate introduced in August 2025 will drop out of the annual comparison base during the second half of the year, pushing the headline inflation rate even higher.
“As such, year-end inflation is now projected to exceed 6.0 percent, a notable increase from the 2.5 percent anticipated before the start of the conflict,” the RBF said.
The central bank added that future inflation will depend largely on global oil price movements, particularly developments surrounding the Iran-US peace negotiations, which remain a key factor influencing international energy markets…. PACNEWS
SOL – AIRLINE: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Solomon Airlines struggles highlight regional challenges, aviation expert warns
HONIARA, 02 JULY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — An aviation expert says smaller Pacific Island carriers need to be flexible in how they operate, as the instability of national airlines has become a regional issue across the Pacific.
Last week, the Solomon Islands prime minister and finance minister called out national carrier Solomon Airlines for being overly reliant on government funding.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale said the airline’s problems were no longer hidden in the balance sheet alone.
They are visible to passengers and businesses every day: too few aircraft on domestic routes, unreliable flight schedules, high fares, expensive freight, and services that falls short of public expectations.
“Domestic airfares are too high, freight costs are high, and flight schedules are inconsistent. These are issues that must be addressed,” Wale said.
“The airline cannot expect open-ended government funding unless it can show measurable progress.”
Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo said Solomon Airlines had been operating at a loss, especially on domestic routes, while international services also remained under pressure.
He urged the board and management to stop thinking in the narrow terms of crisis management and start building a sustainable business model.
“We need partners with deep financial capacity. I agree with the Prime Minister that you must think big and be strategic,” Lilo said.
In response, RNZ Pacific received a statement from Solomon Airlines’ CEO Matthew Findlay, accepting the criticism as a fair challenge.
Findlay said Wale and Lilo are right to expect more, as that’s what the Solomon Islands deserves from its national carrier.
He acknowledged the challenges raised, including domestic losses, international pressure, high airfares, freight costs, and reliability issues.
Findlay said reforming a national airline is complex, especially across a country of more than 1,000 islands, but it is both necessary and overdue.
He said Solomon Airlines accepts the challenge, with a strategic roadmap for its future expected in the coming weeks and months.
Massey University Aviation Lecturer Dr Louis Wu said he is not surprised by the Solomon Islands government’s reaction.
“The airline is operating in a very small scale. They only had a couple of aircrafts. I’m not surprised that the airline doesn’t make any commercial profits, or they do face a quite serious challenge. How to sustain their business model? How to sustain their airline operations?” said Dr Wu.
In the Pacific, most country-owned airlines provide essential air services, connecting communities separated by water, he says better subsidy transparency could help tame public scrutiny against government funding.
“Most south Pacific Island countries, they don’t have a kind of regular subsidy scheme. U.S, they have Essential Air Service programme. In the European countries, they have what they call the Public Service Obligation Services scheme. That’s why, when people talk about funding, subsiding those airlines, they might trigger a lot of people’s debates,” Dr Wu said.
He said airlines need to make smart business decisions that align with their market size and capabilities.
“The most important thing is, you need to demonstrate that your business model, your business decisions are reliable. In that sense, people are more likely to accept that, even though you face a lot of challenges, we accept that you know the government need to subsidize you in, because you also run the essential services.”
He said big regional airlines like Air New Zealand and Qantas can be flexible with the services they provide, whereas smaller island carriers could be flexible in other ways.
Dr Wu said airlines can earn significant revenue by carrying overseas visitors to South Pacific destinations for tourism.
He said smaller carriers should consider building strong partnerships with local tourism operators, helping them develop a distinct brand identity rather than simply functioning as transport providers…. PACNEWS
TUVALU – FISHERIES: PACNEWS/TUVALU FISHERIES AUTHORITY PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Tuvalu Fisheries Authority marks first anniversary
FUNAFUTI, 02 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS/TUVALU FISHERIES AUTHORITY) — -The Tuvalu Fisheries Authority (TFA) is celebrating its first anniversary, marking one year since its establishment and highlighting its work to strengthen fisheries management, support fishing communities and protect Tuvalu’s marine resources.
The Authority said the anniversary marks an important milestone for the organisation.
“Today, we proudly celebrate one year since the establishment of the Tuvalu Fisheries Authority (TFA)—a milestone that reflects our commitment to strengthening fisheries management, supporting our fishing communities, and safeguarding Tuvalu’s valuable marine resources,” TFA said in a statement.
The Authority said it has worked closely with communities, government and development partners over the past year.
“Over the past year, we have worked alongside our communities, government, regional and international partners to deliver sustainable fisheries development, improve services, build capacity, and create new opportunities for the people of Tuvalu.”
The TFA thanked its Board, management, staff, stakeholders and partners for their support.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our Board, management, staff, stakeholders, and partners. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the fishers and communities across Tuvalu for your continued trust and support.”
Looking ahead, the Authority said it will continue building on its achievements.
“As we celebrate this special occasion, we look forward to building on our achievements and continuing our mission of ensuring a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous fisheries sector for generations to come, said the Authority…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
New system to give Samoa a “living, real-time picture” of its schools
APIA, 02 JULY 2026 (SPC) — On 1 July, the Pacific Community (SPC), in collaboration with Samoa’s Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS) in Apia, Samoa.
The launch of the SEMIS represents a significant milestone in strengthening the foundations of education planning, management and decision-making, not only in Samoa but across the Pacific region.
The Minister of Samoa’s Ministry of Education and Culture, Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma launched the SEMIS and expressed the expectation that the system will support the ministry in fulfilling its responsibilities to the children of Samoa.
“Education is the most powerful investment a nation can make in its people. And good decisions in education, decisions that truly improve the lives of children, depend on good data. SEMIS is how we build that foundation.”
In his address, Senitiki Rokocakau, SPC Team Leader for Information Technology in Education, explained that the SEMIS is an integrated information system designed for the local context.
“The Samoa EMIS brings together the essential information needed to guide the education system. Its modules support students, staff and school management by providing timely data on learners, teachers and schools to inform planning and decision-making.
Complementing this are the SDG 4 reporting modules within the EMIS, which provide data to inform evidence-based policymaking, national reporting, and the monitoring of progress towards regional and global education commitments. Together, they provide a reliable platform to support education decision-making with the goal of improving education outcomes across the Pacific,” he said.
He further explained that the SEMIS came about as a result of the need, expressed by the Pacific Island countries, to strengthen education information systems as a key regional priority.
This need led to the inclusion of education management information system development and data analysis support within the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) implementation rolling plan. PacREF was established as a regional policy framework to increase the quality of schooling for all and improve student outcomes across the Pacific.
Through support from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) under the System Capacity Grant, a key objective is to establish improved approaches to education data management.
In his address, Aiono Ekeroma emphasised the need for a system that helps bridge the gap between vision and implementation in Samoa’s education sector.
“SEMIS means that, for the first time, the ministry will have a living, real-time picture of every school in this nation, the students, the teachers serving them, the infrastructure they learn and teach in, and the data needed to make decisions that actually improve outcomes.”
Aiono Ekeroma also highlighted the ministry’s commitment to establishing a fully integrated education data system in Samoa.
“Every child deserves to be seen, counted and supported. SEMIS helps us fulfil that responsibility.”
SPC remains committed to working alongside Samoa and all Pacific Island countries to strengthen education systems, build national capacity and advance the shared vision of quality education for every Pacific learner…. PACNEWS
Media Contacts: Tokasa Tilatila, Communications Assistant, Pacific Community (SPC), Educational Quality and Assessment Programme| tokasat@spc.int
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
‘The science is here’: UN chief welcomes first global AI assessment
NEW YORK, 02 JULY 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — Fresh scientific evidence and options for harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) were unveiled Wednesday following the launch of the first global, independent scientific assessment of opportunities, risks and impacts by a pioneering UN expert panel.
“The science is here,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the report launch. “We can no longer say we did not know. What we do with it is now up to all of us.”
The more AI advances without shared rules, the less say governments and people will have in the outcome, the UN chief said, adding “my message to governments is simple: do not wait.”
Aiming to build a shared understanding and evidence at this critical juncture, the Preliminary Report of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI: Evidence-based assessment of opportunities, risks and impacts of AI was penned by the first global, fully independent scientific body dedicated to assessing its real impacts across economies and societies.
Why it matters
Globally, over one billion people now use conversational AI weekly, while governments are making consequential decisions in the face of great uncertainty with rapidly changing, often conflicting sources of evidence and perspectives that do not necessarily reflect local realities.
“Used well, AI could be the most powerful engine for development, speeding the world’s progress on everything from health and hunger to learning and climate,” the UN chief said, “but the panel is just as clear-eyed about the harm artificial intelligence can cause.”
Indeed, as the capabilities of AI continue to grow, so do the stakes – the core challenge the panel aims to address.
Better world or catastrophic harm?
Composed of 40 leading scientists and experts from every region, the panel outlines AI trends and warns that current safeguards cannot keep pace, said its co-chair, Yoshua Bengio.
“AI capabilities are outpacing both scientific understanding and governments’ ability to adapt,” Mr. Bengio said. “With growing evidence of deceptive AI behaviour, science currently cannot guarantee that as capabilities continue to increase, AI will not cause catastrophic harm, either on its own or due to malicious users.”
To act effectively, he said, global policymakers must understand these systems, and the panel provides exactly that: a rigorous, shared scientific foundation “to guide our collective way forward”.
Key findings
Detecting breast cancer earlier, accelerating vaccine development and improving healthcare services are just a few ground-breaking AI accomplishments, but limitations and challenges remain, among them:
*AI adoption has accelerated broadly, but unevenly across countries and sectors
*Access and usage vary widely, with adoption across the global south lagging far behind the global north
*Significant differences in compute infrastructure and models exist between advanced economies, reflecting existing inequalities
Moreover, development is highly concentrated, with recent estimates finding that the United States accounts for 75 per cent of the computing power among the world’s top 500 AI supercomputers, with China accounting for 15 per cent, and that both countries’ companies develop almost all leading general-purpose models.
Understanding risks
Understanding and managing AI risks is essential, the report stated, with panel co-chair Maria Ressa adding that risks to societies, security and the human species are already “too high”.
“The technology is transformative, but if the world keeps moving along this trajectory, humanity will fail to realise the gains it promises,” she warned.
Here are some of the panel’s warnings:
*There are no scientific guarantees that AI agent systems will not violate instructions, and evidence is accumulating of cases where they already are
*AI agent systems will soon complete tasks that currently take human programmers’ days or weeks, but their deployment raises urgent questions for labour markets, cybersecurity and the controllability of future AI systems
*Sycophantic AI behaviour, where responses reinforce users’ existing beliefs regardless of accuracy, has been linked to several severe mental health incidents, including documented deaths
*Criminals and bad actors have been documented using AI systems to assist in cyberattacks
*Advanced technical abilities may allow novice private actors to use AI in malicious ways across a range of applications such as fraud and disinformation
*Reliable methods for retaining control over highly autonomous AI systems are lacking
Many of these harms fall disproportionately on already disadvantaged populations, the report stated.
Unlocking benefits, mitigating risks
Minimising AI risks and benefiting from this technological tool requires good governance.
Concrete next steps to close current gaps exist, but each requires sustained investment in Member State capacity to shape, evaluate and deploy AI.
Realising these opportunities safely requires dedicated investments and policies to incentivise equitable access and reward innovation while preventing the exploitation of the vulnerable.
‘AI will not close divides itself’
Dozens of distinct governance instruments that seek to embed ethics and human rights in AI systems are already in use across jurisdictions, but they are fragmented, concentrated among a few corporations and rarely measure real-world effectiveness, the report found.
Amandeep Gill, Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, said the new report delivers shared scientific language that decision makers can now use going forward.
“AI will not close divides by itself,” he said.
The benefits land where institutions, skills and data already exist, and where they do not, the same technology can displace workers, widen inequality and leave communities dependent on systems built without them in mind, he explained.
“Those realities are now on the record, independently verified, and impossible to set aside.”
The report’s findings will be presented to governments at the inaugural UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, convening in Geneva on 06 and 07 July…. PACNEWS
