In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — SPC official calls for Pacific Education systems ready for Climate, AI and labour mobility
2. PACIFIC — Australian media report questions $4.2 million cost of Fiji Climate talks
3. A/SAMOA — Amata reaffirms Opposition to Seabed mining in American Samoa waters
4. PACIFIC — Guam, CNMI nix bill seeking to end birthright citizenship in U.S territories
5. GUAM — Navy officials highlight Guam’s undersea power amid China’s renewed threat
6. COOKS — Courtesy meeting strengthens Cook Islands-Fiji relationship
7. NAURU — Nauru community detainees say Australian funds not enough to buy food with
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Fijians lose more than $1.3 million to scams since 2017
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Taiwan Government to reevaluate natural gas purchases from PNG: Foreign Minister
10. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — The Pacific pays the price of the U.S–Iran war
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Wallis and Futuna strengthens capacity to understand Marine Litter
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — The crimes we don’t see: Building a clearer picture of crime in the Pacific
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — Strengthening Future-Ready Governance through Foresight Policy Training
PAC – EDUCATION: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 21 Jul 2026
SPC official calls for Pacific Education systems ready for Climate, AI and labour mobility
SUVA, 21 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Pacific must build education systems that are resilient, evidence-informed, culturally grounded and future-ready to respond to climate change, labour mobility and rapid technological change, SPC deputy Director-General – Science and Capability Dr Andrew Jones said.
Addressing the opening of the 11th Pacific Board for Educational Quality (PBEQ) Meeting, Dr Jones said education must become the region’s priority as Pacific countries confront increasingly interconnected challenges.
“Climate change is reshaping our communities and challenging the resilience of our education systems.
“Labour mobility is creating new opportunities while also requiring us to rethink the skills, qualifications, and pathways needed by our people.
“Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation are changing how knowledge is created, accessed, and applied. At the same time, our communities continue to remind us that education must remain grounded in our Pacific values, languages, cultures, and identities.
“These are not separate challenges. They are complex, interconnected, and transformative. For our children to face such challenges over their lifetime our priority must be education. We must set them up so that they can find the solutions to these problems that have been created for them,” he said.
Dr Jones said the responsibility facing Pacific governments was not simply to respond to change but to prepare education systems to lead through it.
“The responsibility before us is, therefore, not simply to respond to change, but to prepare our education systems to lead through change.
Education must prepare learners not only for employment and economic participation, but also for responsible citizenship, community leadership, and stewardship of our unique Pacific environment,” he said.
Dr Jones said the Board’s work reflected the region’s ambition to strengthen education systems through regional cooperation, evidence and shared expertise.
“The work before this Board reflects a critical regional ambition which is to build education systems that are resilient, evidence-informed, culturally grounded, inclusive, and future-ready.”
Dr Jones said initiatives such as regional assessments, education data systems and strengthened information platforms were helping countries use evidence to improve policy and practice, while qualifications frameworks and quality assurance systems would remain essential as labour mobility expanded across the region.
The Board will consider progress under the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF), education resilience, data systems, qualifications, assessment and the future direction of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP).
He urged members to focus on the long-term future of Pacific education.
“The question before us is: What kind of education systems do we need for the Pacific of tomorrow?”
“Equally important is: How do we ensure that these systems remain firmly anchored in our Pacific identity while embracing the opportunities ahead?”
Dr Jones told board members they were helping shape the future of Pacific children and encouraged them to “engage openly, challenge constructively, and think boldly about the future we want to create for our learners, our communities, and our region…. PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE CHANGE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Australian media report questions $4.2 million cost of Fiji Climate talks
CANBERRA, 21 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS) — Australia’s Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is facing scrutiny over plans to spend more than AUD$4.2 million (US$2.94 million) on accommodation and meeting facilities for foreign delegates attending climate talks in Fiji ahead of COP31.
According to Australian media reports, AusTender documents show AUD$4.2 million (US$2.94 million) has been allocated to secure accommodation and venues for the meetings, which will be held from 05 – 8 October.
The largest allocation, about AUD$2.1 million (US$1.47 million), is for hotel accommodation, lodging and meeting facilities at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort.
A further AUD$2 million (US$1.40 million) has been allocated to secure rooms at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, while AUD$19,800 (US$13,861) has been set aside for accommodation at the Radisson Blu Resort Fiji.
The meetings form part of Australia’s role in leading negotiations ahead of the United Nations climate summit, with Bowen serving as President of the COP31 negotiations.
Australian media reported that while foreign delegations are expected to reimburse accommodation costs, Australia will cover expenses for some participating countries.
Australia’s Department of Climate Change defended the expenditure, saying costs to the Commonwealth would be minimised and recovered.
The department also said the selected venues were the only suitable locations capable of hosting an event of that scale.
The spending has drawn criticism in Australian media, with the expenditure described as a costly exercise for taxpayers…. PACNEWS
A/SAMOA – DEEP SEA MINING: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Amata reaffirms Opposition to Seabed mining in American Samoa waters
WASHINGTON/PAGOPAGO ,21 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS) — American Samoa Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has reaffirmed her opposition to seabed mining in the waters surrounding the territory, saying her position has remained consistent despite claims by others to speak on her behalf.
“My opposition to seabed mining in waters surrounding American Samoa has not changed,” Amata said in a statement, stressing that “no one else speaks for her,” despite characterisations and assumptions made by Republicans or Democrats.
“”This is my seventh public statement on this issue, because of its importance, and because various posts, comments, or statements sometimes say they describe my position – they do not. I was clear from the beginning, first that I stand with the people and then with further statements of opposition as we learned more.
“I submitted opposition comments to the Interior Department, and in the congressional record speaking out at congressional committee hearings. I remain opposed and consistent,” said Congresswoman Amata.
She said her position reflects the views of majority of the people of American Samoa.
“In this position, I am confident that I represent most of our people on this, which is the job of the House representative. In fact, the founders of the United States purposely designed the House of Representatives through the Constitution to be the people’s house and most directly represent the will of the people, more so than any other aspect of the federal government,”” Amata concluded.
“I take that responsibility seriously. I represent our people, and most of them are opposed to it,” said Amata…. PACNEWS
PAC – CITIZENSHIP: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Guam, CNMI nix bill seeking to end birthright citizenship in U.S territories
WASHINGTON/HAGATNA/SAIPAN) — A U.S lawmaker has proposed abolishing automatic birthright citizenship in U.S territories, igniting a chorus of protests from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
H.R. 9724, introduced by Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA 9), would amend federal laws so that people born on or after 01 January 2027, in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands would not be automatically recognised as U.S citizens.
Griffith’s bill comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Trump v. Barbara upholding the constitutional principle of birthright citizenship.
CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said that H.R. 9724, or the End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act, mistakenly punishes the CNMI and other U.S territories instead of addressing the abuse of U.S immigration laws.
“If people are coming to the CNMI only to exploit our immigration laws, then we should stop that. They are not coming here to be part of our community. The answer is to stop the abuse, not to punish the CNMI or the territories,” she said.
King-Hinds also pointed out that the Covenant, which governs the relationship between the United States and the CNMI, requires the consent of both parties for any changes to the terms of that relationship.
Under the proposed bill, U.S citizenship would be granted only to a child of a U.S citizen or a green card holder.
“We ask that our two parties stand together in publicly opposing the recently introduced federal legislation that would end birthright citizenship in Guam and the other United States territories,” Anthony P. Chargualaf Jr., chair of the Democratic Party of Guam, said in a letter to his Republican counterpart, Senator Shawn Gumataotao.
Chargualaf said the two parties disagree on many things, but not on this issue: “No child born under the American flag in Guam should ever be treated as less American than a child born in any state.”
“We respectfully ask the Republican Party of Guam to join us in a bipartisan declaration that the citizenship of Americans born in Guam must never become a political experiment or a constitutional afterthought. Let us send a message to Congress that transcends party labels,” Chargualaf said.
This proposed legislation is about far more than immigration policy, he said. It asks Congress to create one rule of citizenship for Americans born in the 50 states and another for Americans born in U.S territories.
“It relies upon the unequal constitutional status of the territories to justify treating our people differently,” he added.
Chargualaf pointed out that Guam and other U.S territories have unquestionably served and accepted the same risks as every other American during times of war.
“Their citizenship was never conditional. Neither should that of their children or grandchildren be,” Chargualaf said.
At a time when Guam will celebrate Liberation Day to mark the end of Japanese occupation during World War II, Congress should be reaffirming the equal dignity of territorial Americans,” said the party, and “not proposing legislation that places an asterisk beside the citizenship of future generations born here,” Chargualaf said.
There has been no response from the Republican Party of Guam or from Gumataotao.
Advocacy group Right to Democracy, which champions self-determination and decolonization for U.S. territories, also sees disturbing gaps in the bill’s language.
Although the bill would not affect the citizenship of a child of a U.S citizen or an alien who is legally admitted to the United States, the actual text of the amendments in the legislation includes no such exceptions, said Neil Weare, co-director of Right to Democracy.
“The proposed amendments to federal statute are sweeping and could mean that anyone born in a U.S. territory starting in 2027 would no longer be recognised as a U.S. citizen, indeed, may not be a citizen of anywhere,” said Weare.
“While Rep. Griffith says his legislative intent is to focus on addressing so-called ‘birth tourism,’ the actual text of the legislative amendments does not contain any limiting language and could deny citizenship to anyone born in a territory moving forward.”
Weare said this bill, which he described as both “dangerous” and “unconstitutional,” highlights the problem with the idea that Congress has the power to simply turn constitutional rights on and off at will in U.S territories.
The Democratic Party of Guam is also troubled by the growing sentiment at the national level that birthright citizenship is merely a “loophole.”
“For the people of Guam, citizenship is not a loophole. It is the legal recognition of generations of unquestioned loyalty, sacrifice, and service to our nation,” it added.
The party said the most disturbing aspect of the legislation is that it raises questions about how secure one’s citizenship is.
“If Congress may redefine who is born an American in Guam through ordinary legislation today, it inevitably raises a deeper question for every family on our island: How secure is a citizenship that depends upon the will of one Congress after another? Whether or not such authority ultimately exists as a constitutional matter, no American should ever have to ask that question,” it added.
The proposed legislation says, “Congress has the power to legislate with respect to the United States territories, including citizenship status,” and that “Congress has the inherent authority to change statutes relating to citizenship of persons born in the territories.”
In a statement, Griffith claimed “the Barbara case leaves the door open for congressional action on citizenship in the American territories.
“Just like Congress possesses the power to grant the territories constitutional rights in statute, we have the power to take them away in statute,” he said.
Former Guam senator Mary Camacho Torres, who is seeking the Republican nomination for Congress, said Griffith’s bill is exactly why she joined the amicus brief on Trump v. Barbara earlier this year.
“For Guam, the stakes are clear. Our citizenship was granted by Congress through statute. If they can redefine citizenship for one group, a future Congress can try to narrow or take away what it once granted to us,” she said.
Torres said birthright citizenship should be a bright-line constitutional rule, not something that changes with congressional majorities, administrations or political preferences.
“Critics dismissed this concern by saying no one was coming for Guam’s citizenship. This bill proves that the vulnerability we identified is real and already being tested,” she added.
Senator William A. Parkinson said the bill sets a double standard, suggesting Guam “is American enough to host bases, American enough to send our children to war, and American enough to stand on the front line of national defence, but somehow not American enough for birth on our soil to carry the same dignity as birth in the states.”
“The idea that Congress may turn our rights on and off like a light switch is a chilling reminder of the peril of our political status and the imperative to vote to change that,” he said.
“Whether we seek statehood or independence, it is better than the powerlessness we have now to the whims of petty politicians trying to score political points with their base at our expense,” Parkinson added…. PACNEWS
GUAM – DEFENCE: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Navy officials highlight Guam’s undersea power amid China’s renewed threat
HAGATNA, 21 JULY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Home to five fast-attack submarines that form the backbone of the Navy’s undersea force, Guam remains a strategic hub for homeland defence, officials said, underscoring the island’s strong deterrent capability amid China’s latest display of aggression.
“Guam is not only where America’s day begins; it is where America’s undersea dominance begins, where warfighting readiness is generated and where victory at sea begins,” said Rear Admiral Lincoln Reifsteck, commander of Submarine Group 7.
Reifsteck presided over the change-of-command ceremony for the Submarine Squadron 15 held July 10 at Naval Base Guam, during which Captain Neil Steinhagen relinquished command to Captain Christopher Carter.
“Submarine Squadron 15 creates readiness for the submarines stationed here and restores readiness to those operating throughout the Western Pacific,” Reifsteck said.
The Navy considers Guam’s fast-attack submarines as “apex predators of the sea” that enhance deterrence.
“Submarine Squadron 15 occupies a uniquely important place in our nation’s defence,” Carter said as he took the command.
Navy officials pointed up the submarine force’s forward-deployed presence in Guam following China’s launch of a long-range ballistic missile with a dummy warhead on 06 July.
The missile was reportedly test-fired from a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine, sending a “mock warhead” into the Pacific Ocean.
“The Pacific remains our nation’s primary theater of strategic focus and credible deterrence depends upon forward-deployed combat power,” said Carter, a Washington, D.C, native and 2002 graduate of the U.S Naval Academy.
“From Guam, we provide forward-deployed, combat-ready submarines that deliver persistent presence, unmatched stealth and decisive undersea capability throughout the region,” he added.
A mix of Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines are homeported in Guam.
Coinciding with the change of command ceremony on 10 July, Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) arrived at Naval Base Guam as part of the U.S Navy’s strategic laydown of forces in the Pacific.
According to the Navy’s press release, Tucson is the newest submarine assigned to Guam following the 2024 arrival of USS Minnesota (SSN 783), the first Virginia-class fast-attack submarine forward-deployed to Guam.
The homeport shift follows the recent departure of USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), which transitioned to Pearl Harbour, Hawaii.
“Tucson brings an exceptional crew of sailors who represent the very best of our submarine force,” said Commodore Vince Bove, commanding officer of USS Tucson.
“We are proud to join the forward-deployed team, strengthen warfighting readiness and support U.S. strategic objectives across the region. We also look forward to becoming part of the Guam community that plays such a vital role in enabling our mission,” he added.
At the change-of-command ceremony, the Navy noted that under Steinhagen’s leadership, the Submarine Squadron 15 managed 43 voyage repair periods, 15 continuous maintenance availabilities and four homeport changes, including the arrival of its first Virginia-class submarine.
The squadron’s staff supported 20 visiting commands and 38 port calls involving deployed U.S, allied, guided-missile and ballistic-missile submarines.
“Those efforts strengthened the readiness of U.S. 7th Fleet’s undersea force, enhanced interoperability with regional allies and partners and ensured combat-ready submarines remained forward-deployed in the Pacific,” the Navy said.
Steinhagen, a 1999 graduate of North Carolina State University, will move to Yokosuka, Japan, where he will serve as chief of staff for Commander, Submarine Group 7…. PACNEWS
COOKS – DIPLOMACY: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Courtesy meeting strengthens Cook Islands-Fiji relationship
AUCKLAND, 21 JULY 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS) — Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, Kairangi Samuela, was pleased to facilitate a courtesy meeting in Auckland last week between Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Fiji’s High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, and the Cook Islands High Commissioner-designate to Fiji, Michael Henry.
As diplomatic relations between the Cook Islands and Fiji are currently managed through the Fiji High Commission in Wellington, the meeting provided an opportunity for Henry to meet with Ratu Inoke before taking up his residence in Suva, Fiji.
Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, including opportunities to increase business and trade between the two countries, as well as exploring ways to enhance aviation connectivity and people to people links.
The Cook Islands High Commission in New Zealand extended its best wishes to Henry and his wife, Kuraono, as they travelled to Fiji last weekend to take up this diplomatic posting.
Henry, an Aitutaki-based resort operator, succeeds Jim Armistead, who concluded his tenure as the Cook Islands’ first resident high commissioner to Fiji after leading the establishment of the High Commission and strengthening the close partnership between the Cook Islands and Fiji.
Speaking to Cook Islands News earlier this month, Henry said, “I feel honoured and privileged to be given the responsibility for this role. I see it as both a great challenge but a very interesting opportunity for the Cook Islands.”
He said Fiji, in so many areas, is the hub and the key for the Pacific.
From a business point of view, Henry said, “The Cook Islands have only really scratched the surface of what Fiji can provide our country in an affordable way…. PACNEWS
NAURU – ASYLUM SEEKERS: SBS PACNEWS 3: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Nauru community detainees say Australian funds not enough to buy food with
YAREN, 21 JULY 2026 (SBS) — Asylum seekers detained in Nauru are struggling to buy enough food and are being forced to choose between eating and paying for other necessities.
The difficulties are driven by a mix of high living costs and low-income support, according to a new report by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
Of 78 people interviewed for the report, 99 percent said they couldn’t afford to buy enough food with their current allowance.
On top of that, 68 percent said they rarely or never had access to fresh fruit, vegetables and meat, and 82 percent said they didn’t have easy access to free, clean drinking water.
Community detainees live on $260 (US$182) a fortnight to cover all of their basic needs outside accommodation.
The group have been sent to the tiny island nation under Australia’s long-standing policy of offshore processing for asylum-seekers who arrive by boat.
Speaking anonymously, detainees consistently told the centre the allowance wasn’t enough to sustain them, forcing them to decide between buying food and other necessities like clothing and internet access.
Many were running out of money before their next payment and were forced to reduce meals or go without food altogether.
“With food we have to compromise, if you buy vegetables, you can’t afford rice. If you buy meat, you can’t afford fruit,” one said.
“The money is not enough because everything is expensive here — rice, fish, we cannot buy any fruit here, internet for $100 (US$70) per month, how is it possible to survive?” said another.
Nauru struggles with food insecurity due to its remote location and limited local agriculture, with perishable food flown in weekly and often selling out quickly or being prohibitively expensive.
With no rivers or freshwater lakes, the island also relies primarily on rainwater harvesting and desalination, meaning water shortages are common during times of low rainfall, forcing those who live there to turn to bottled water.
Asylum seekers in the community often struggle due to their lack of orientation or local knowledge as to how food systems work, as well as infrequent transportation to and from markets, the resource centre said.
As of 31 May, there were 101 people seeking asylum in Nauru, 91 of whom were in community accommodation.
The majority of those in detention in Nauru were young to middle-aged men from south and east Asia.
The group of asylum seekers are separate from a group of hundreds of former immigration detainees, known as the NZYQ cohort, sent to Nauru from Australia after the High Court in 2024 ruled indefinite detention to be unlawful…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – SCAMS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Fijians lose more than $1.3 million to scams since 2017
SUVA, 21 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Fijians have lost more than $1.3 million (US$650,000) in 1672 scam cases reported to Police since 2017, prompting Fiji and Australia to strengthen efforts against increasingly sophisticated scam groups exploiting technology and artificial intelligence.
As Fiji launched scams awareness week, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said 338 scam cases had reached the prosecution stage, while 1334 remained under active investigation.
The Western Division recorded the highest number of reports, with pending investigations involving more than $500,000 (US$250,000).
Over the past seven years, 11 cases resulted in convictions, with offenders receiving prison sentences, fines or being ordered to compensate victims. Two cases ended in acquittals after victims failed to appear in court.
Tudravu said organised criminal networks were becoming more sophisticated by exploiting technology and human behaviour.
“The scammers are not just attacking our financial systems; they are exploiting human trust and vulnerability,” he said.
Tudravu said fraudsters were creating fake social media pages impersonating banks and offering low-interest loans.
He added plans were underway to establish a national scam response centre to strengthen investigations, intelligence sharing and prevention efforts through the National Anti-Scams Taskforce.
Australian Deputy High Commissioner John Cavanagh said scam syndicates were using artificial intelligence (AI), deep fake videos and other emerging technologies to deceive victims.
“No country can tackle this challenge alone,” he said.
He said Australians lost more than FJD$3.5 billion (US$1.75 million) to scammers last year, with older people among the most vulnerable.
Consumer Council of Fiji chief executive Seema Shandil said the fight against scams had become a national priority.
She said following a comprehensive review of Fiji’s legislation last year, efforts are now focused on modernising laws to strengthen consumer protection.
Shandil said stronger co-operation between the council, financial institutions, telecommunications providers and the police scams department was improving the country’s response to digital fraud.
Cavanagh said Australia was supporting Fiji through legislative reviews.
He urged Governments and organisations to stop blaming scam victims, saying sophisticated psychological manipulation meant anyone could fall victim.
Tudravu called on young people to become “digital guardians” by helping educate parents and grandparents about online scams.
Tudravu, Cavanagh and Shandil launched the third National Scams Awareness Week and The Fijian Book of Scams under the theme “Building a National Defence Against Scams” at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva…. PACNEWS
TAIWAN – LNG: RTI PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Taiwan Government to reevaluate natural gas purchases from PNG: Foreign Minister
TAIPEI, 21 JULY 2026 (RTI) — Taiwan has reviewed the state of its economic and trade relations with Papua New Guinea, which include natural gas purchases, and may introduce response measures after the country recently announced its decision to close Taiwan’s representative office.
That came from Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung speaking to the press on Saturday.
Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko announced on 17 July that Taiwan’s representative office in the country would be closed.
The move drew praise from Beijing and condemnation from Taiwan. Like most countries, Papua New Guinea maintains diplomatic relations only with China and does not have formal ties with Taiwan.
Lin said that differing opinions still exist within the Papua New Guinea government regarding the decision, particularly since the country has not yet completed the review of its Taiwan policy.
He noted that the claim made by some Papuan officials that there are no economic exchanges between the two sides is not true.
Lin said Taiwan purchases 1.2 million metric tons of natural gas from Papua New Guinea each year, which accounts for nearly one-third of the country’s natural gas exports and is an important source of revenue.
He added that the government will conduct a review of the purchases and take necessary response measures.
Lin said that political pressure and economic coercion by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are behind the matter, and that Taiwan will work with partners to jointly confront this new form of threat.
He noted that on 17 July, the U.S State Department publicly expressed concern about the matter and said that this action undermines the regional situation and represents yet another example of the CCP’s intimidation of Taiwan and its global partners…. 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
The Pacific pays the price of the U.S–Iran war
By Saber Salem
SUVA, 21 JULY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The war between the United States and Iran, which began on 28 February and continues with no end in sight, has inflicted disproportionate economic and strategic consequences on the small island nations of the Pacific. Although geographically distant from the conflict, these states have been among the hardest hit due to their structural economic vulnerabilities.
The war has disrupted global supply chains, destabilized international energy markets, threatened critical maritime shipping routes and generated widespread uncertainty across an already fragile global economy.
The Pacific Island countries are particularly vulnerable to these external shocks because of their geographic remoteness, isolation from major international markets, narrow economic base and heavy dependence on imported goods, fuel and essential commodities. These structural constraints have magnified the spillover effects of the Gulf conflict, exposing the region to rising inflation, higher transportation and energy costs, supply shortages and slower economic growth. As a result, a conflict thousands of kilometers away has had severe, far-reaching consequences for the Pacific, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to geopolitical crises beyond its control.
Furthermore, net oil and gas imports account for approximately 15 percent of gross domestic product in many Pacific economies, which underscores their heavy reliance on imported energy.
Among the lower-income countries in the region, only Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste are net energy exporters, while all other Pacific island states depend heavily on imported petroleum products to meet their domestic energy needs. The region’s vulnerability to external energy shocks is further compounded by the absence of significant domestic oil production and its limited fuel storage capacity.
In addition, the small island nations meet approximately 80 percent of their energy needs through imported petroleum products, leaving them highly exposed to volatility in international energy markets. Higher fuel prices inevitably increase the costs of transportation, electricity generation, and food, fueling inflation and placing additional financial pressure on governments, businesses, and households already facing significant economic challenges.
Fiji’s economic growth forecast for 2026 has been revised downward from 3 percent to 1.5 percent, reflecting the impact of soaring fuel prices and heightened economic uncertainty stemming from the war. Rising oil and natural gas prices place additional strain on already fragile economies by increasing the cost of doing business, reducing household purchasing power and placing greater pressure on government budgets.
As operating costs rise, many businesses may be forced to reduce production, postpone investment, or lay off workers, contributing to higher unemployment, poverty, and social insecurity.
Low-income households are particularly affected, as a larger share of their income is spent on basic necessities. Consequently, many families are compelled to reduce expenditure on food, healthcare and education, thereby worsening poverty, deepening social inequality and undermining long-term human development across the region.
Thus, the current war will severely impact the following sectors in the Pacific region:
1. The Middle East conflict will place significant pressure on healthcare systems across the Pacific region, which rely heavily on imported medicines, medical equipment and pharmaceutical supplies. Rising oil and natural gas prices have triggered a sharp increase in transportation and shipping costs, which will make imported medical goods more expensive and less accessible.
Many Pacific Island countries also depend on imported fuel to power hospitals, health centres, ambulances and medical supply chains. As fuel prices rise, the operational costs of healthcare facilities increase, making it more expensive to transport essential medicines, vaccines, medical equipment, and healthcare personnel to remote islands. These additional costs are often passed on to consumers, placing vital healthcare services beyond the reach of many low-income households.
2. The economic consequences of the war are likely to place considerable pressure on government finances across the Pacific region. As governments allocate increasing resources to mitigate the rising cost of living, stabilise domestic economies and respond to the broader socio-economic consequences of the conflict, fewer funds will be available for healthcare, education, infrastructure development, disease prevention and workforce training. This re-allocation of scarce public resources will weaken essential public services, slow progress toward national and regional development objectives and reduce governments’ capacity to invest in long-term economic resilience.
Consequently, sustained fiscal pressure could undermine economic growth, social welfare and sustainable development across the Pacific region.
3. The war will have a negative impact on the tourism industry, which is one of the largest economic sectors in the Pacific and a vital source of income, employment and foreign exchange earnings for many island economies. A prolonged conflict is likely to heighten global economic uncertainty and raise aviation fuel prices, making international travel more expensive and reducing consumer spending on overseas holidays. As a result, the small island nations of the Pacific region could experience a decline in tourist arrivals, leading to lower tourism revenues, job losses across the hospitality and tourism sectors, and reduced foreign exchange earnings. Given the region’s heavy reliance on tourism, a sustained downturn in global travel demand would constrain economic growth, reduce government revenues and slow progress towards broader national development goals.
4. Many Pacific Island countries rely heavily on foreign aid and concessional loans to support climate adaptation initiatives, infrastructure development and essential health, education and social development programs. The current Gulf war, coupled with the substantial financial commitments required to sustain military operations, is likely to divert both political attention and financial resources toward defence and security priorities. Should traditional donors re-allocate their foreign aid to support the conflict, Pacific island nations could face significant funding shortfalls. Such reductions in external assistance would delay or curtail critical development projects, weaken public service delivery and slow progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which would undermine long-term economic growth and sustainable development across the region.
In addition, lower levels of investment in poverty reduction and climate adaptation could further exacerbate food insecurity, unemployment and inequality. A prolonged economic hardship could encourage increased outward migration in search of employment and better living conditions. Such migration flows could, in turn, place additional pressure on labor markets, public services and social cohesion in destination countries, particularly where governments already face limited fiscal and institutional capacity.
5. Another significant consequence of the distant conflict will be the likely decline in foreign direct investment, which could further weaken economic growth and increase financial vulnerability across the Pacific region.
Periods of geopolitical instability and global economic uncertainty typically make investors more risk-averse, prompting them to postpone, scale down, or cancel investment projects. The conflict has already heightened concerns about rising inflation, slower global economic growth, and the possibility of recession in many Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development member countries.
For Pacific Island countries, these developments are likely to result in reduced FDI inflows, delays in infrastructure and development projects, slower private sector expansion and increased reliance on external borrowing to finance essential public expenditure. Over time, rising debt levels and weaker investment could undermine fiscal sustainability, hinder economic diversification and delay the implementation of critical infrastructure, humanitarian and social development programs throughout the region.
The U.S-Iran war demonstrates how conflicts in distant regions can generate far-reaching consequences for even the most remote parts of the world, including the Pacific region. In today’s highly globalized and interconnected international system, wars rarely remain confined to the battlefield. Instead, their economic, political and security repercussions are felt across continents, regardless of geographical distance. The experience of the Pacific region underscores the reality that in an interdependent world, the flames of war can directly and indirectly affect all nations, highlighting the importance of peace, diplomacy and international cooperation in safeguarding global stability and development.
Economically, rising fossil fuel prices, steady inflation, supply chain disruptions, declining tourist arrivals and direct foreign investment and growing geopolitical tensions pose significant socio-economic and political challenges for the Pacific region. Given the region’s heavy dependence on imported energy and international trade networks, the small island nations remain exceptionally vulnerable to external shocks.
Thus, Pacific governments must work to boost renewable energy, diversify economic activities, and enhance regional cooperation to build resilience against future global crises and economic shocks…. PACNEWS
Dr Saber Salem is an associate professor of International Relations and Diplomacy at the University of Fiji. Prior to joining academia, he served with the United Nations in various roles and capacities and worked as a Policy Analyst with the Canadian International Development Agency. Dr Salem holds a Master of Science in International Development Administration from Andrews University, U.S. and a Doctorate in Politics and International Relations from O.P. Jindal Global University, India.
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Wallis and Futuna strengthens capacity to understand Marine Litter
MATA’UTU, 21 JULY 2026 (SPREP) — Marine litter knows no borders. Every year, Ocean currents transport thousands of tonnes of waste across the Pacific, sometimes over thousands of kilometres, before it washes ashore on the coastlines of the Blue Pacific islands.
The communities living in Wallis and Futuna are amongst the worst impacted. Wallis and Futuna is comprised of three main islands, Wallis, Futuna and Alofi, and a number of tiny islets.
To address the impacts,the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), through the Sustainable Waste Actions in the Pacific – Phase 2 (SWAP2) project funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) with EUR 4.3 million, organised a Marine Litter Training Workshop in Wallis and Futuna on 24–25 June 2026, in partnership with the Territorial Environment Service and VERNEO Wallis-et-Futuna.
The objective of the training was to strengthen local capacity in marine litter data collection using a standardised methodology applied across several Pacific Island countries and territories. The data collected will help improve understanding of the sources, composition, and trends of marine litter found along coastlines, supporting future prevention, awareness-raising, and management efforts.
The first day brought together 27 participants, including representatives from the Territorial Environment Service, members of the Territorial Assembly, the Prefect of Wallis and Futuna, customary authorities, and village chiefs.
A practical field session conducted at Kulu’ui Beach in the District of Mua resulted in the audit of 991 litter items weighing a total of 8.66 kg. Plastic accounted for 72 percent of all items recorded, including more than 400 unidentified hard plastic fragments.
The second day took place on Nukutapu Islet in the District of Hihifo and involved 14 representatives from local associations. Participants recorded 257 litter items weighing a total of 12.18 kg. Once again, plastic was the dominant material, representing 77 percent of all items collected.
One of the key findings from these audits was the presence of beverage bottles originating from countries whose products are not sold in Wallis and Futuna. A Fish Aggregating Device (FAD), whose origin remains unknown, was also identified on one of the surveyed beaches. These discoveries clearly illustrate the role of ocean currents in transporting waste across the Pacific Ocean and serve as a reminder that marine pollution is a shared challenge requiring a collective regional response.
For an isolated island territory such as Wallis and Futuna, these observations demonstrate that litter found on local beaches does not originate solely from local activities but may also have travelled long distances via ocean currents.
This reality highlights the importance of strengthened regional cooperation among Pacific countries and territories to prevent waste at its source and protect the ocean upon which island communities depend.
“I think this is very useful because this issue does not concern Wallis and Futuna alone, but the entire world. If we do not try to find solutions, future generations will have to live in an environment overwhelmed by plastic waste,” said Suliano Takatai, representative of the VAKALA Association.
For Falakika Ugatai, Biodiversity Technical Officer with the Territorial Environment Service, these activities are essential for the future of the territory.
“Here in Wallis, many families rely on fishing for their livelihoods. If lagoon fish are affected by plastic pollution, the consequences would be very damaging for our island,” she said.
Beyond data collection, the training strengthened the autonomy of local stakeholders in conducting field surveys and monitoring marine litter across the territory. Participants were trained in survey techniques, litter sorting and characterisation, as well as the use of data to guide awareness-raising and management actions.
The results obtained will contribute to expanding regional knowledge on marine litter in the Pacific and support ongoing efforts in Wallis and Futuna to improve waste management. They also confirm the importance of continuing awareness-raising activities and regional cooperation to reduce waste at its source and protect the marine ecosystems upon which Pacific communities depend.
The SWAP2 Project will continue supporting marine litter monitoring activities in Wallis and Futuna through to 2028, including the implementation of additional surveys and waste audits across the territory, including in Futuna, to strengthen the available evidence base and support informed decision-making on marine litter management.
SWAP2 contributes to the goals of the Cleaner Pacific Strategy by improving waste infrastructure, building capacity and fostering regional collaboration.
The nine SWAP Pacific islands are Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna….PACNEWS
For further information please visit: https://swap.sprep.org /or contact. Julie Pillet, SWAP Project Manager, at juliep@sprep.org
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
The crimes we don’t see: Building a clearer picture of crime in the Pacific
SUVA, 21 JULY 2026 (SPC) — In the Pacific, measuring crime remains a challenge, where underreporting and data gaps can obscure the true picture. With concerns growing about drugs, domestic violence and other emerging threats, Pacific Island countries and territories are taking steps to strengthen the statistics needed to understand crime, monitor trends and inform policy.
The Pacific Statistics Methods Board has endorsed the adoption of the International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes and the establishment of a Regional Working Group on Crime and Drug Statistics at its 18th meeting in Canberra, Australia, on 27 May. As the region’s principal statistical methodology body, the Board’s decision will strengthen the production and reporting of crime and criminal justice statistics across Pacific Island countries and territories.
The decision forms part of a broader partnership between the Pacific Community (SPC), national statistical offices and United Nations agencies to support crime measurement and statistical capacity across the region and comes amid concern about crime patterns across the Pacific.
“The crime threat environment in the Pacific is evolving faster than at any previous point in history,” said Jisu Kim, Statistical Officer with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)–KOSTAT Centre of Excellence for Statistics on Crime and Criminal Justice in Asia and the Pacific.
“Pacific countries are increasingly targeted not only as transit routes but as destination markets for illicit commodities.”
According to figures presented to the Methods Board in May 2026, more than 17 tonnes of illicit drugs had been seized across the Pacific since January that year—already far exceeding the approximately 4.6 tonnes seized during the whole of 2025.
The impact is also evident in national crime statistics. In Fiji, recorded drug-related crime increased from 479 cases in 2015 to 2,035 in 2024, while total recorded criminal offences rose by around 27 percent between 2023 and 2024.
In Tonga, almost 40 percent of prison inmates are serving sentences for drug offences, with the prison population increasing from around 250 to 300 inmates within three years.
Yet experts warn that these figures capture only part of the picture, as many crimes go unreported or are not captured through existing statistical systems.
Around the world, large proportions of crime never come to the attention of authorities. In New Caledonia, for example, a 2021 crime victimisation survey found that roughly 70 percent of victimisation incidents went unreported.
Administrative records can otherwise provide an inconsistent view of crime, victimisation and community safety.
“A common classification is a practical foundation for better crime statistics,” said Claudia Pontoglio of UNODC/KOSTAT CoE.
“It helps countries organise information from police, courts, prosecution services and correctional institutions in a more consistent way, while supporting comparability both within and across countries.”
From standards to implementation
“The Pacific and its development partners already invest heavily in economic, demographic and social statistics,” comments Amandine Sourd, Statistics Analyst in Development Indicators with SPC’s Statistics for Development Division.
“Strengthening crime statistics is an important next step that will help governments better understand crime risks and responses, and direct efforts where they are most needed,” she said.
Recognising the differing capacities and priorities of Pacific Island countries and territories, the Methods Board recommended a phased approach to implementation, drawing on the steps outlined in the International Classification of Crime for Statistics Purposes’ Implementation Manual while allowing for adaptation to national contexts.
The board also endorsed the establishment of a Regional Working Group on Crime and Drug Statistics, jointly convened by SPC and UNODC. The group will bring together national statistical offices and justice-sector stakeholders to guide future work on crime measurement, improve regional cooperation and support statistical capacity-building.
“The Pacific has recognised the importance and urgency of strengthening crime statistics to provide evidence to inform policy on this high priority,” said Andy Calo, newly elected chair of the Pacific Statistics Methods Board, and Vanuatu’s chief statistician.
“We endorse the establishment of a Regional Working Group on Crime and Drug Statistics, convened by SPC and UNODC, and invite all Pacific Island countries and territories to nominate relevant representatives,” he said.
Ultimately, the goal is for better data to support evidence-based decisions, says SPC’s Amandine Sourd.
“By improving the quality and comparability of crime data, countries and territories will be better equipped to respond to emerging threats, track progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions, and support the ambitions of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent,” said Sourd…. PACNEWS
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Strengthening Future-Ready Governance through Foresight Policy Training
APIA, 21 JULY 2026 (UNDP) — Government officials and key stakeholders gathered in Apia last week for a two-day Foresight for Governance for Resilient Policy Training, aimed at equipping public, private and civil society sector leaders with practical tools to anticipate future challenges, strengthen policymaking, and build more resilient governance systems.
Jointly organised by the Samoa Public Service Commission (PSC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the training catered for representatives from government ministries, the private sector and civil society in Samoa and the Cook Islands, to explore how strategic foresight can help governments navigate uncertainty and make better long-term decisions.
Public Service Commission Secretary, Aootumua Kolone Tikeri, highlighted the importance of preparing Samoa’s public service to respond proactively to emerging challenges.
“This programme builds capability in anticipating different possibilities, which is closely aligned with our aspirations under the Public Administration Sector Plan and the Public Service Commission’s three pillars: Leadership Development, Performance and Ethics, and Good Governance.”
Deputy Resident Representative, Paolo Dalla Stella, reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting governments across the Pacific in strengthening governance systems that are adaptive, inclusive, and resilient.
Group of people on stage at a conference ceremony, framed by potted plants.
“As the Pacific faces increasingly complex challenges—from climate change and economic uncertainty to rapid technological change—governments need new approaches to policymaking. Strategic foresight helps leaders look beyond immediate challenges, identify emerging trends, and design policies that are more responsive, resilient, and future-focused. Through our partnership with the Public Service Commission, UNDP is proud to support Samoa, and other islands under our Multi-Country Office, in strengthening these capabilities, especially across the public service.”
The interactive training was led by UNDP’s Strategic Foresight Advisor, James Mudge, supported by Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, Pauli Prince Suhren, and Co-Trainer, Tapusoa Senele Tualaulelei from PSC. Participants engaged in practical exercises that introduced foresight methodologies, including horizon scanning, sensemaking, futures storytelling, visioning, and policy design.
Participants explored how to identify emerging trends, understand the forces shaping the future, develop alternative future scenarios, and apply foresight techniques to real-world policy and decision-making challenges. The training concluded with sessions focused on translating foresight into practical governance and policy applications.
The training forms part of broader efforts by the Government of Samoa and UNDP to strengthen governance systems that are anticipatory, evidence-based, and resilient, ensuring Samoa is well-positioned to respond to an increasingly complex and uncertain future…. PACNEWS
For media queries, please contact: Laufālē’ainā Lesā, Communications Analyst, UNDP Multi Country Office, Samoa | Tel. +685 23670 | E: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org | www.ws.undp.org
