In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Pacific Trade Ministers back new five-year Aid-for-Trade strategy
2. UN — Renewable power generation records its fastest growth ever
3. UN — Advancing clean energy shift ‘has never been more urgent’ as temperatures rise
4. SOL — Solomon Islands Opposition leader Sogavare may be questioned over 33 bauxite shipments
5. PNG — Elections are where the people decide, says PM Marape
6. TONGA — Tonga calls for community-led approach to tackling organised crime at UN policing summit
7. FIJI — NZ boosts FEO election readiness with digital equipment
8. PACNEWS BIZ — ‘Why are we still importing vegetables?’ Professor challenges Fiji on food security
9. PACNEWS BIZ — EFL embarks on $2B energy transformation
10. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG PM tells districts to use service funds for El Nino
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Finance is sole PNG government paymaster
12. PACNEWS BIZ — ‘Cycle of escalation must end’: UN condemns deadly Strait of Hormuz attacks
13. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Ocean of peace requires one standard for all
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — Oceania’s First Voices leaders unite in Canberra t o prepare for COP31
PAC – TRADE STRATEGY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Pacific Trade Ministers back new five-year Aid-for-Trade strategy
SUVA, 15 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS)—Pacific Islands Forum Trade Ministers have endorsed a new five-year Pacific Aid-for-Trade Strategy, reaffirming the region’s commitment to using trade to drive economic development and strengthen resilience.
In the foreword to the Pacific Aid-for-Trade Strategy (PAfTS) 2026–2030, Forum Secretary General, Baron Waqa said the strategy was endorsed by Trade Ministers on 18 July 2025, reflecting the continued importance of aid-for-trade across the Blue Pacific.
“The Ministers’ decision underscores the continued importance of aid-for-trade in advancing regional economic development and strengthening resilience across our Blue Pacific region,” he said.
Waqa said the region faces an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global trade and development environment, making coordinated efforts to address trade-related constraints critical.
“In an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global trade and development landscape, addressing trade-related constraints through coordinated efforts and targeted implementation of regional priorities remains critical to facilitating the integration of Forum Members into the global economy.”
He said the new strategy builds on the 2020–2025 framework and reaffirms Forum Members’ commitment to strengthening trade as a driver of sustainable and resilient economic development, while recognising the links between trade and the environment.
Waqa said the strategy supports implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent through the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED), with a focus on deepening and diversifying markets and increasing trade, export and investment flows between Pacific Island countries and international markets.
He said the strategy’s success will depend on coordinated action by Forum Members, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, development partners and implementing partners.
“As Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, I am honoured to introduce this next iteration of the Pacific Aid-for-Trade Strategy. While concise in form, it provides a strategic and practical framework to guide collective action over the period 2026–2030,” he said.
Waqa also acknowledged the contribution of stakeholders involved in developing the strategy.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for their continued partnership and commitment to the effective implementation of the PAfTS 2026–2030 in support of a resilient and prosperous Blue Pacific,” he said…. PACNEWS
UN – RENEWABLE ENERGY: IRENA/UNFCCC PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Renewable power generation records its fastest growth ever
ABU DHABI, 25 JULY 2026 (IRENA/UNFCCC) — The Renewable Energy Statistics 2026 released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Tuesday shows that renewable electricity generation grew by 9.8 percent in 2024 -significantly higher than the growth rate recorded in 2023.
Non-renewables continued to fall behind with an increase of 1.4 percent over the same period. Overall, renewables accounted for 31.7 percent of the electricity generation globally in 2024, totaling 9 836 terawatt hours (TWh).
Drawing on IRENA’s roadmap, the incoming COP31 Presidency of Türkiye has announced a global electrification target of 35 percent of final energy demand by 2035 as part of its Action Agenda.
The newly released power generation data clearly show that achieving this ambition would require renewables to increase their share in global electricity generation from 31.7 percent in 2024 to 78 percent by 2035 – around 2.5 times today’s level.
Commenting on the new dataset, IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said: “The world is rallying behind electrification as a cornerstone of the energy transition, with renewable electricity as its driving force. Growing support for global electrification reflects a shared recognition that clean electricity strengthens energy security, resilience and competitiveness. This will require renewable electricity generation to expand at an unprecedented pace over the next decade —around 2.5 times today’s level. Technologies are available, the economics are compelling. Now we must swiftly shift from fossil fuels to clean electricity across buildings, transport and industry.”
Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) added: “Every nation at COP30 agreed unanimously that the global transition is now ‘irreversible’ and this new data is powerful new evidence. With renewable power generation clocking its fastest growth ever, the shift to clean energy is charging ahead, because it’s now cheaper, safer and faster-to-market, in stark contrast to this year’s ongoing fossil fuel cost chaos – driving inflation painfully higher for every economy, millions of businesses and billions of households. But despite this vast progress, the shift to clean energy is still far from fast or inclusive enough, and many vulnerable nations need significant support, making full and timely delivery of all climate finance pledges essential.”
Today’s renewable generation data also confirms the dominance of solar and wind power. In absolute terms, Asia led the world in renewable electricity generation in 2024, producing 4 589 TWh (14.3% increase) driven by all technologies with growth being particularly strong across solar and wind.
Europe produced 1 758 TWh (up by 7.2 percent) and driven by increases in solar and hydropower. North America generated 1 535 TWh (5.8% increase), and South America generated 1 047 TWh (2.9 percent increase) reflecting increases across all technologies.
Eurasia produced 411 TWh (up by 11.9 percent). Africa generated 227 TWh (5.7 percent increase) across all sources except for geothermal energy. Oceania generated 138 TWh (3.4 percent increase). The Middle East followed with 76 TWh, representing the highest regional growth rate of 17.3 percent. Lastly, Central America and the Caribbean generated 55 TWh (5.8 percent increase).
IRENA’s latest statistics also include some minor revisions to the 2025 installed renewable capacities reported in March 2026.
Annual renewable capacity additions have increased notably over the past 25 years, reaching an unprecedented peak of 693 GW in 2025. The revised figures show that at the end of 2025, renewable capacity accounted for 5.2 TW, or 49.5 percent of the global total.
The share of renewables in total capacity expansion in 2025 was 85.7 percent, down from 92.7 percent in 2024. Despite a decrease in the share of renewables in total capacity expansion, the overall positive trend in installed capacity confirms that renewable deployment continues to outpace non-renewable growth…. PACNEWS
UN – RENEWABLE ENERGY: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Advancing clean energy shift ‘has never been more urgent’ as temperatures rise
NEW YORK, 15 JULY 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —The global shift to renewable energy “is now unstoppable – but it still needs to move much faster,” UN deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said on Tuesday in remarks to the High-Level Meeting on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.
She stressed that advancing this transition – at speed and scale – has never been more urgent or vital.
“The climate crisis is driving us deeper into planetary overshoot with rising temperatures pushing us closer to irreversible catastrophic tipping points,” she said.
“At the same time, a global energy crisis is exposing the folly of a world still hooked on hydrocarbons, with limited access to cleaner fuels for the poor, and accelerated destruction of our natural systems, pushing ecosystems to the brink,” she added.
Mohammed pointed out that these crises have one common cause—fossil fuels.
She underscored that they demand the same answer, namely “a fast, fair and inclusive transition to clean energy, along with shared benefits from decarbonisation, and a surge in adaptation finance, resilient infrastructure and climate justice for those already facing climate harm.” …PACNEWS
SOL – BAUXITE MINING: INDEPTH SOLOMONS PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Solomon Islands Opposition leader Sogavare may be questioned over 33 bauxite shipments
HONIARA, 15 JULY 2026 (INDEPTH SOLOMONS)—The Solomon Islands Government has defended the independence of its investigation into the controversial 33 bauxite shipments from Rennell Island, rejecting Opposition claims that the inquiry lacks transparency and credibility.
In a statement, the Government said the investigation remains active and is being conducted “professionally, impartially and within the ambits of the law”, despite growing calls from the Opposition for greater clarity on its progress.
The inquiry, announced on 10 June, is examining 33 shipments of bauxite exported from Rennell Island between 2017 and 2019 during the previous Democratic Coalition Government led by former Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela and later the Democratic Coalition for Advancement (DCA) Government under Manasseh Sogavare.
Government said officials from the relevant agencies held their first formal meeting on 6 July to assess documents already collected and identify additional records required for the investigation.
It said investigators have begun reviewing documents dating back to 2017, warning that the process is complex and cannot be rushed.
“The examination of records and documentation has commenced and is yet to be completed,” the statement said.
“The investigation goes back to 2017 and therefore requires diligent examination.”
The Government also indicated that former ministers and officials involved at the time—including current Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare—could be questioned as part of the inquiry.
“The investigation may require the Leader of the Opposition and others who were in government at the material time to answer for what they did or did not know about the 33 shipments,” the statement said.
However, the Government declined to say whether investigators have identified unpaid royalties, taxes or other financial obligations owed to the State, arguing that releasing such information could compromise the investigation.
It also refused to disclose the identities of officials and company representatives assisting investigators, saying the inquiry must proceed without political interference or public pressure.
The Government said no completion date has been set because the timeframe will depend on the volume of documents still to be examined.
“While setting a timeframe is important, the Government is cautious not to compromise the quality of the investigation simply to satisfy a random deadline,” it said.
The statement comes after the Opposition questioned the independence of the investigation and sought an update on its progress.
The 33 shipments have become one of Solomon Islands’ most politically sensitive mining controversies.
The exports were allegedly shipped from West Rennell between 2017 and 2019 without proper ministerial approval, raising questions over unpaid royalties, export duties and whether mining laws were breached.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s GREAT Coalition Government has made the investigation a key part of its broader pledge to reform the mining sector, strengthen accountability and address what it describes as years of poor governance in the country’s extractive industries.
The Government said the public would be informed of the findings once all relevant evidence had been collected and assessed.
“We remain committed to accountability, transparency and the rule of law while ensuring the investigation proceeds free from political interference and public pressure,” the statement said….PACNEWS
PNG – ELECTION/POLITICS: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Elections are where the people decide, says PM Marape
PORT MORESBY, 15 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—General Election 2027 (GE27) is the time for voters to exercise their democratic right without fear or favour to elect a government of their choice, says Papua New Guinea Prime Minster James Marape.
Marape, the Pangu Pati leader, said: “Your moment to decide on who leads the country will arrive in 2027.”
He said Section 50 of the Constitution related to the most important right every citizen had in regards to leadership.
“And every five years, they get to exercise that right, even if it is at the peril of the Pangu Pati,” he said.
Marape said that the Government would ensure that every voter was given every opportunity to participate in GE27.
Marape urged citizens to be wary of misinformation circulating on social media in the lead up to GE27.
“Social media is full of personal opinions and not facts,” he said.
“There was something that quoted the new electoral commissioner as saying that the Limited Preferential Voting (LPV) system would be replaced by the First-past-the-post system.
“There is no government policy in place where the LPV will be replaced,” he said.
Marape said public servants needed to do their part in conducting GE27.
The scheduled dates are:
*ISSUE of writs and nominations open – 29 April 2027;
*NOMINATIONS close – 06 May 2027;
*POLLING starts – 26 June 2027;
*POLLING ends – 09 July 2027; and,
*RETURN of writs – 30 July 2027…..PACNEWS
TONGA – ORGANISED CRIME: TALANOAOTONGA PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Tonga calls for community-led approach to tackling organised crime at UN policing summit
NEW YORK, 15 JULY 2026 (TALANOAOTONGA)—Tonga has urged the international community to place communities at the centre of efforts to combat transnational organised crime, with Police Commissioner Geoff Turner presenting the Kingdom’s approach at the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026) in New York.
Commissioner Turner spoke during a high-level panel on building community resilience to transnational organised crime, telling delegates that policing alone cannot address the complex social and economic drivers of crime.
Instead, he said lasting solutions must be grounded in local culture, strong families, churches, village leadership and community partnerships.
Representing Tonga, Commissioner Turner highlighted the country’s restorative justice programme, which seeks to address the causes of offending while restoring relationships between victims, offenders and communities.
He said legislative reforms and cooperation with New Zealand Police are supporting the programme’s nationwide implementation.
He also outlined Tonga’s broader strategy to combat illicit drugs and organised crime through coordinated action across law enforcement, health, education and social services.
Youth engagement, rehabilitation, vocational opportunities and faith-based initiatives were identified as key measures to reduce crime and strengthen community resilience.
The side event, co-hosted by Australia, Botswana, Canada, Fiji, Kiribati, Norway, Sweden and Tonga, examined drug trafficking, illegal fishing and community resilience.
Participants agreed organised crime should be viewed not only as a policing challenge but also as a development and governance issue requiring stronger international cooperation and local engagement.
UNCOPS 2026, held at United Nations Headquarters on 07-08 July, brought together ministers, police commissioners and senior UN officials to strengthen global policing partnerships and address emerging security threats.
Tonga reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional police services, INTERPOL, the United Nations Police and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to confront shared security challenges…..PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY/ELECTION: FBC NEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 15 Jul 2026
NZ boosts FEO election readiness with digital equipment
SUVA, 15 JULY 2026 (FBC NEWS)—The Fijian Elections Office has received digital equipment from the New Zealand Government to strengthen voter awareness, stakeholder engagement and public communication ahead of the next General Election.
Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa said the equipment will enhance the FEO’s ability to produce high-quality voter education content and deliver timely, accessible and trusted electoral services.
She said the donation reflects the strong partnership between Fiji and New Zealand and will help build public confidence in the electoral process.
New Zealand High Commission Chargé d’Affaires Sam Cox said the equipment will support the FEO’s engagement with stakeholders and voters, while recognising the important role FEO staff play in serving Fiji’s democracy.
The equipment will be used by the FEO’s Stakeholder Engagement and Awareness Department and Production Unit to strengthen voter awareness campaigns and multimedia production….PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – FOOD SECURITY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 15 Jul 2026
‘Why are we still importing vegetables?’ Professor challenges Fiji on food security
SUVA, 15 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Fiji should not be importing vegetables when it has some of the Pacific’s most fertile agricultural land, Fonterra scientist and Massey University Dean Pacific, Professor Palatasa Havea says.
Professor Havea made that statement while urging the Fiji National University (FNU) to lead research and innovation that will strengthen the country’s food security and reduce its reliance on imported food.
Speaking at the University Visitor Programme seminar, The Science of Food: From Milk Protein to Food Security in the Pacific, at FNU’s Nasinu Campus Tuesday, Professor Havea said food security was not merely an academic issue but one tied to Fiji’s survival, dignity and economic independence.
“We should be ashamed of that because this is the most fertile land for vegetables. Why do we have to import vegetables? Why do we have to import lettuce?” he said.
Professor Havea said Fiji was blessed with fertile land, knowledgeable people and abundant natural resources, yet continued to import large volumes of food while facing rising rates of diet-related diseases.
He said universities must play a central role in reversing this trend by generating practical research, driving innovation and producing graduates equipped to solve real-world challenges facing Fiji’s food system.
“Food security is not just an academic issue. It is about survival, dignity and sovereignty of the country,” Professor Havea said.
He warned that Fiji and many Pacific Island countries were already showing signs of deeper weaknesses in their food systems, likening them to cracks appearing in a building because of a weak foundation.
“Unless we fix the foundation, we can never fix the problem,” he said.
Professor Havea outlined the four pillars of food security — availability, accessibility, utilisation and stability — saying failure in any one area weakened the entire food system.
He said Fiji needed to plan not only for today’s population but also for future generations by ensuring there would be sufficient, nutritious and affordable food for decades to come.
Professor Havea challenged universities to become engines of national development by creating knowledge through research, preserving indigenous knowledge, developing a skilled workforce and delivering practical solutions to national problems.
He said education should move beyond producing graduates with qualifications and instead produce graduates with practical skills that could be applied in agriculture and food production.
Professor Havea also called on universities to redesign their curricula to better reflect Pacific realities by focusing on sustainable farming, fisheries, food production, climate resilience and local environmental management.
He said indigenous knowledge of farming, fishing and natural resource management should also be preserved and integrated into research and teaching.
Professor Havea encouraged stronger partnerships between universities, governments, businesses and communities so research could better address national priorities while giving students practical experience.
He also urged young people to see agriculture as a profession offering leadership, innovation and business opportunities rather than one to avoid.
“The future of Pacific food security will not be determined by what we lack. It will be determined by what we choose to do with what God has already given us,” he said.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said the university was already undertaking major reforms as it marked its 15th anniversary.
She said the University Visitor Programme marked a new phase in FNU’s development by bringing international academic leaders to help review programmes and guide future curriculum development.
Professor Nabobo-Baba said FNU was reassessing its curriculum to ensure graduates were equipped to meet the changing needs of Fiji and the wider Pacific.
“As a national university, we are very humbly suggesting that we are going to use the university to build our country and the Pacific,” she said.
She said FNU remained committed to strengthening partnerships and advancing education and research that would contribute to a resilient, sustainable and food-secure future for Fiji and the Pacific….PACNEWS
FIJI – RENEWABLE ENERGY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 15 Jul 2026
EFL embarks on $2B energy transformation
SUVA, 15 JULY 2026 (FIJI TIMES) —-Energy Fiji Limited has unveiled what it describes as the country’s largest electricity infrastructure investment programme, with Chief Executive officer Fatiaki Gibson saying the utility is building a modern, resilient and affordable energy system to meet Fiji’s future needs.
Gibson said EFL had made significant progress over the past 18 months in strengthening energy security, modernising the national grid and accelerating Fiji’s transition to renewable energy.
The programme aims to achieve approximately 60 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2029/2030 and 90 percent by 2035.
Gibson said the investments are about far more than constructing new power stations.
“We are building the electricity system that Fiji will depend on for decades to come. Every investment we make today is designed to improve reliability, strengthen energy security, support economic growth and progressively reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels,” he said in a statement.
EFL said the programme includes around $2 billion(US$1 billion) in renewable energy investments, with work progressing on major hydroelectric, solar and battery storage projects, alongside expansion of the national transmission network. The utility has also secured Government support, engaged international development partners and advanced financing arrangements for the ambitious programme.
The company is also pursuing a strategic joint venture with the Fiji National Provident Fund to invest in renewable generation assets while maintaining EFL as the majority shareholder and technical operator.
Among the major projects already underway are the 32-megawatt Namosi Hydroelectric Project, additional solar and battery storage developments, and the rollout of smart electricity meters across the country. EFL is also preparing the electricity network to support the future adoption of electric vehicles.
Gibson said Fiji’s growing economy and increasing electricity demand require long-term planning and sustained investment.
“The investments we are making today are about ensuring that as Fiji grows, our electricity infrastructure grows with it. Through strong partnerships with Government, development partners, FNPF, landowners and our communities, we are building an energy future that is cleaner, more resilient and capable of supporting national development for generations.”
EFL expects customer numbers to rise from about 230,000 by the end of 2026 to around 280,000 by 2030, while electricity demand is projected to increase significantly over the same period. The utility says its investment programme is designed to ensure Fiji has the generation capacity and network infrastructure needed to meet that growing demand while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels…..PACNEWS
PNG – WEATHER WATCH: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 15 Jul 2026
PNG PM tells districts to use service funds for El Nino
PORT MORESBY, 15 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says districts and provinces facing challenges with El Nino have been asked to use a portion of their Service Improvement Programme funds.
Marape spoke to The National on Friday when responding to a query on whether the Government has a budget for natural disasters, especially El Nino.
He said: “We have asked all districts and provinces to be prepared.
“We have channel all resources through the District Services Improvement Programme and Provincial Services Improvement Programme.
“Each district and province is asked to use a portion of their budgets,” he said….PACNEWS
PNG – FINANCE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Finance is sole PNG government paymaster
PORT MORESBY, 15 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Under proposed changes proposed Tuesday, the Department of Finance (DoF) will become the sole warranting and paying authority of the entire government.
Prime Minister James Marape said the Department of Treasury would relinquish to DoF its warranting functions and the Department of Planning to cease processing payments of public investment programme payments.
Under the proposed changes:
*The DoF will become the Government’s sole authority for processing payments, issuing cheques and managing warrants under the Public Finance Management Act. As the Section 32 authority, it will become the single gateway for government payments and cash management;
*The Department of Treasury will relinquish its warranting functions and instead concentrate on its core responsibilities of revenue policy, revenue modelling, tax strategy, macroeconomic management, fiscal sustainability and growing the national economy; and,
*The Department of National Planning will cease involvement in payment processing and instead be refocused on its primary mandate of national development planning, ensuring the Medium-Term Development Plan Four, annual budgets and sector plans remain aligned with Vision 2050 and the Government’s long-term development priorities.
Marape said: “Finance Department will be the only pay office as far as Government is concerned.
“We want a point of accountability in just one department so we can hold that department responsible.
“Planning will no longer be writing cheques as it has been a great area of concern for many years.
“For too long, Treasury, Finance and Planning have all been involved in processing payments and issuing warrants. Everyone has been printing cheques while nobody has been concentrating on the bigger picture of managing our economy.”
He said the realignment of responsibilities within the departments of Treasury, Finance and National Planning was to improve the central government machinery.
He said the current overlap between the three agencies had created unnecessary duplication, blurred accountability and diverted attention from their core responsibilities.
Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, Finance Minister Thomas Opa and National Planning Minister Sir Ano Pala maintain ministerial oversight over these respective departments.
“This restructure in Waigani is important,” Marape said.
“We have been running around (chasing) our tails in Waigani.
“Let’s clear the pond.
“We must clearly demarcate these responsibilities.
“Many times we get entangled up in writing cheques and we are not focused on the big picture.
“Let Finance do their role as finance.
Let Planning do their role as planners.
“Let Treasury do their role as economy managers,” PM Marape said….PACNEWS
UN – SHIPPING: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 15 Jul 2026
‘Cycle of escalation must end’: UN condemns deadly Strait of Hormuz attacks
LONDON, 15 JULY 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE)—The UN maritime agency, IMO, condemned overnight attacks on shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz that killed at least two seafarers as fresh strikes were reported early Tuesday in the escalating U.S-Iran war.
“We are gravely concerned by the latest attacks,” an IMO spokesperson said, adding that the agency is urgently working with authorities to confirm the circumstances.
“IMO wholly condemns these attacks. The cycle of escalation must end.”
The maritime agency has been working with parties in the region after Israel and the United States began an intense bombing campaign against Iran in late February drawing counterstrikes across the Gulf against U.S allies by Tehran.
Recent days have seen a major escalation in strikes, which has broken the fragile interim truce established under the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding signed in mid-June.
The IMO’s efforts to alleviate the closure of the strait since hostilities erupted include establishing evacuation routes for ships stuck in the critical commercial waterway through which 20 per cent of oil and natural gas exports used to pass.
All parties have a responsibility to show restraint, avoid further escalation and return to dialogue, IMO said.
The escalation which began last week has seen multiple strikes on ships trying to navigate the Strait of Hormuz.
“IMO urges all parties to choose the path that protect seafarers’ lives and the freedom of navigation, so that this dangerous situation does not spiral further out of control,” the IMO spokesperson said.
“Reports on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are very alarming for their impact on human rights far beyond the region,” said Volker Türk , UN human rights chief on Tuesday.
“It is a vital lifeline on which millions are reliant.”
Disruptions to the flow of food, medicines, and other necessary commodities have severe socioeconomic and humanitarian consequences, both regionally and globally, he continued, adding that diplomacy, restraint and de-escalation must be prioritised.”
Reported attacks by Iran and the U.S “must stop immediately”, Türk said, urging an immediate return to the ceasefire and its implementation consistent with international law.
Throughout the months-long war, the UN maritime agency has been closely monitoring developments to protect more than 20,000 seafarers in the region, including those stranded on vessels unable to exit the Strait of Hormuz.
In June, IMO managed to safely evacuate around 11,000 seafarers but paused the initiative on 25 June following a string of attacks.
IMO is also participating in a UN-led dedicated Task Force on the Strait of Hormuz, established in March 2026….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
Ocean of peace requires one standard for all
PORT MORESBY, 15 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL) —Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape’s call for the Pacific to remain “an Ocean of Peace” deserves widespread support.
Few regions have suffered the strategic consequences of great power rivalry more profoundly than the Blue Pacific.
The battlefields of World War Two, decades of nuclear testing and the return of geopolitical competition remind Pacific islanders that the costs of militarisation are often borne by those with least influence over it.
The recent test launch of a Chinese strategic ballistic missile into the Pacific waters has re-ignited debate across the region.
China maintains that the launch formed part of its routine annual military training in compliance with international law and customary international practice, through advance notification to relevant countries, including Papua New Guinea, and was not directed at any specific nation.
However, several Pacific governments expressed discomfort that strategic weapons testing had again occurred in a region, whose leaders have consistently advocated for peace, environmental stewardship and respect for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Beyond one missile launch, the issue is raising a more difficult question: Can the Pacific credibly oppose militarisation if it applies different standards to different powers? Let us reflect on this question carefully.
The United States has for decades conducted missile tests across the Pacific as part of its strategic deterrence and missile defence programmes.
Australia, the US are advancing the Aukus partnership, including the future deployment of conventionally armed, nuclear powered hypersonic submarines.
France maintains military forces across its Pacific overseas territories.
China has expanded its naval reach, strengthening its blue water capability at the same time, strengthening security partnerships with several Pacific Island countries.
Japan, India and other regional actors are also increasing their strategic engagement.
Collectively, these developments illustrate a simply reality that the Pacific has once again become central to global strategic competition.
It seems Pacific leaders are objecting only when China conducts military activities while remaining comparatively silent when similar actions are undertaken by others.
Such silences attracts accusations of inconsistency or double standards – difficult to dismiss therefore.
Equally, if major powers provoke international law to justify their own security activities while criticising those of their competitors, they should expect their actions to be scrutinised under the same legal and diplomatic standards.
Consistency is the foundation of credibility.
This observation is particularly relevant for PNG.
Successive governments have strengthened defence cooperation with Australia, the US and other partners.
Agreement on defence cooperation, maritime domain surveillance, logistics, infrastructure and capacity-building have enhanced PNG’s national capabilities and addressed genuine security challenges such as illegal fishing, transnational crime and disaster response.
While these partnerships are legitimate exercises of sovereign decision-making, they also create perception that PNG is becoming increasingly integrated into the strategic architecture of one side of an emerging geopolitical contest.
When the same government subsequently urges another major power to refrain from military activities in Pacific waters, the inevitably question follows: Is PNG opposing militarisation in principle, or opposing only certain manifestations of militarisation?
China obviously is asking that question.
Broadly, it highlights the strategic ambiguity confronting many Pacific Islands states as well.
The solution does not lie in choosing between Washington and Beijing, nor between traditional partner Canberra and other emerging ones.
Instead, PNG should consider articulating a doctrine of armed neutrality. The time is now.
Such a doctrine would affirm friendship with all nations while aligning militarily with none. It would recognise that national security begins with sovereign capability rather than strategic dependence. Defence cooperation would remain possible, but every agreement would be evaluated against one overriding question, that is – Does it strengthen PNG’s independent capacity to defend itself, or does it increase the risk of becoming entangled in great-power rivalry?
An armed neutrality doctrine would also require PNG to apply one consistent diplomatic standard to every external actor.
If strategic missile tests threaten the vision of an Ocean of Peace, than that principle would apply equally regardless of whether the missiles originate from China, the US, Australia or any other power, either terrestrially-based or from subsea launch platforms.
If foreign military transport infrastructure now raises concerns about regional stability, then those concerns should be expressed consistently, irrespective of the flag flying above such facilities.
If nuclear powered submarines generate anxiety, then the discussion should encompass every such deployment rather than focusing subjectively on one nation.
Such consistency would strengthen, not weaken, PNG’s international standing.
The Blue Pacific is too important to become another arena where global rivalries are merely transferred from one hemisphere to another.
Pacific nations possess the sovereign right to determine their own security futures, free from coercion, dependency or geopolitical pressure from any direction.
As PNG approaches its next chapter of its national journey, it has the opportunity to shape a defence doctrine equal to the realities of the twenty-first century – one that combines credible self-defence, principled diplomacy and genuine strategic independence.
The people of PNG expect this.
An Ocean of Peace cannot be sustained by selective outrage or selective silence.
It can only endure when the same principles are applied to every nation, every alliance and every military power without fear, favour or prejudice.
Only then will PNG speak not merely with diplomatic consistency, but with unambiguous and strategic authority, and moral clarity…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Oceania’s First Voices leaders unite in Canberra t o prepare for COP31
CANBERRA, 15 JULY 2026 (OFV/WWF AUSTRALIA) —Eight leaders from Aboriginal Australian, Fijian, Solomon Islands and Aotearoa communities have gathered in Canberra this week for Oceania First Voices (OFV), a four-day workshop aimed at strengthening Indigenous and community leadership ahead of COP31 and the Pacific-hosted Pre-COP.
Held from 13–16 July 2026, the leaders are developing shared priorities to take to COP31 and ensure the voices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities are reflected in both the negotiations and the broader climate action agenda.
The gathering comes at a critical time for global climate action. As Australia prepares to serve as President of the COP31 negotiations, participants discussed how COP31 can deliver the ambitious outcomes needed to keep the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C within reach, accelerate a just transition away from fossil fuels, strengthen support for climate adaptation and loss and damage, prioritise nature and elevate Indigenous leadership in climate solutions. These priorities reflect themes identified by stakeholders across the region for COP31.
Community leaders are meeting with Australian Government officials to present the priorities and lived experiences of their communities and are calling for an ambitious, fair and inclusive approach to COP31.
Participants are emphasising the urgency of delivering strong outcomes that support communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis while upholding Indigenous rights, human rights and meaningful civil society participation.
Anahera Nin, Technician for Pou Take `Ahuarangi of the National Iwi Chair Forum said: “Coming out of NAIDOC week in Australia and standing on Ngunnawal Country with community leaders from across the Pacific re-affirms our strong connections to one another, our lands and our shared Ocean. Back home in Aotearoa, we’ve been celebrating Matariki and bringing in te tau hou Māori (Māori New Year) which is all about coming together, remembering what has happened and planning for the future. This gathering has allowed us to do exactly that, to strategise, advocate and platform our communities back home to show we are the solution”.
Cliff Cobbo, First Nations Principal Advisor for WWF-Australia, said he is honoured and proud to support Pacific climate leaders as they discuss shared solutions to climate change.
Alfred Ralifo, Pacific Conservation Director at WWF-Pacific, said: “The Oceania First Voices Forum is an important opportunity to collaborate and strategise with community climate leaders and advocates ahead of COP31, ensuring they are meaningfully supported and their voices are heard”.
As governments prepare for COP31, participants in Oceania’s First Voices are sending a clear message: ambitious climate action cannot be achieved without the meaningful involvement of the communities most affected by climate change…..PACNEWS
Kesaia Vasutoga
WWF-Australia
Email: kvasutoga@wwf.org.au
Phone: +61 492 094 537
