In this bulletin:
1. COOKS — Cook Islands Party poised for fifth consecutive term as preliminary results come in
2. PACIFIC — Forum Foreign Ministers call for stronger regional unity as global competition intensifies
3. PACIFIC — Palau, Marshall Islands join global call for 24-hour notice for missile tests
4. FIJI — Patronage weakening Fiji’s democracy, says Catholic Archbishop
5. SAMOA — Former Samoa PM Tuilaepa arrested for breaching court orders
6. SOL — Solomon Islands, Indonesia explore deeper economic and skills cooperation
7. PNG — Threats won’t stop ICAC corruption crackdown, says PNG Acting commissioner
8. FIJI — Newly installed Tui Vuda puts education at the heart of his vision
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Marianas Trench fishing access could open new opportunities for Guam fleets
10. PACNEWS BIZ — ‘Australia jobs could leave Fiji’s sugar industry short of workers’
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — History for Wallis-et-Futuna as Chair of the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — Wallis-et-Futuna and SPREP sign Strategic Partnership Framework
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — Youth advocates gather in New York to launch new AI standards
COOKS – ELECTION: COOK ISLANDS NEWS/RNZ PACIFIC/PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Cook Islands Party poised for fifth consecutive term as preliminary results come in
RAROTONGA, 14 AUGUST 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS/RNZ PACIFIC/PACNEWS)—The Cook Islands Party (CIP) is on track for a fifth consecutive term in government, with preliminary results from the 2026 general election showing the governing party leading with 12 seats.
Caretaker Prime Minister and CIP leader Mark Brown said the early results indicated the party had a “strong mandate” to continue governing.
Brown retained his Takuvaine–Tutakimoa seat for a fifth consecutive term, securing 269 votes. Democratic Party candidate Davina Hina Te Raurea Joan Hosking-Ashford was second with 103 votes.
United Party leader Teariki Heather also secured a strong result, winning the Murienua constituency with 320 votes, more than twice the total recorded by the second-placed Cook Islands Party candidate, Nooroa Baker.
In an upset, Democratic Party leader and former Opposition Leader Tina Browne lost the Rakahanga seat to Cook Islands Party candidate Levi Hitarahera Teinaki by just three votes.
Teinaki secured 24 votes, compared with Browne’s 21.
The Cook Islands has 24 constituencies, with 10 on the main island of Rarotonga and 14 across the Pa Enua, or outer islands.
A party needs 13 seats to secure a majority and form government.
The 2026 election has 63 confirmed candidates, down from 71 candidates in the 2022 election. They include 49 men and 14 women.
Independents account for about 20 percent of the candidates, giving them the potential to determine who forms government if no party secures the 13 seats required for a majority.
The final outcome is still pending, with voting delayed in Nassau after bad weather prevented electoral officials from reaching the island.
Officials have postponed polling there until Thursday afternoon local time.
Key issues for voters in the election included the cost of living, water tariffs, seabed minerals and the Cook Islands’ foreign relationships.
The preliminary results will determine whether the Cook Islands Party can secure the numbers needed to return to government for a fifth consecutive term….PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Forum Foreign Ministers call for stronger regional unity as global competition intensifies
SUVA, 14 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS)— Forum Foreign Ministers are calling for stronger regional unity and deeper integration as global competition intensifies and Pacific countries face growing economic and development pressures.
Ministers said the Pacific must rely on its own collective strength to navigate an increasingly contested international environment, reaffirming the importance of the Pacific Way and Leaders’ vision under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The Ministers made the call at the 2026 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting last week in Suva, after reflecting on the evolving international environment and increasing competition and contestation globally.
They reaffirmed the value of regional solidarity, unity and recognition of the Pacific’s cultural diversity at a time of rapid change.
Ministers recalled the Forum Chair’s reflections in July 2026, who highlighted “that success in the region lies not in the hands of others but our own.”
They emphasised the importance of the Pacific Way and said Forum Leaders must continue trusting and listening to one another to strengthen regional unity.
Ministers committed to continuing efforts towards deeper regional integration, saying it is essential for managing economic volatility and complex development finance challenges.
They acknowledged that developments during the year had again exposed the Pacific’s vulnerabilities but also demonstrated the resilience of the region.
Ministers stressed the need for stronger coordination between sub-regional, regional and international initiatives as Pacific countries confront an increasingly complex range of challenges.
They also raised concern over declining levels of Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Ministers called for the Pacific to build on recent multilateral achievements, including operationalisation of the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), to strengthen access to finance.
They also called for reform of the global financial architecture to better address the needs and vulnerabilities of Pacific island countries.
Forum Foreign Ministers reaffirmed that the Forum’s greatest strength is regionalism, allowing Members to collectively determine priorities and advance shared interests.
They stressed the need to balance national perspectives with genuine collective action when responding to regional challenges.
Ministers welcomed progress on implementation of the 2050 Strategy and the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA), while emphasising that reforms must translate into sustainable results and stronger delivery for Members.
They also welcomed the proactive response by Forum Leaders to emerging transboundary challenges.
This included the Leaders Statement on the Appeal for Global Peace, grounded in the Ocean of Peace Declaration, the triggering of the Biketawa Declaration and the establishment of the Regional Response Mechanism.
Ministers said these actions demonstrated the agility and flexibility of the regional system in responding to transboundary challenges.
Ministers reaffirmed the importance of coherent and effective regional advocacy to advance shared interests and priorities.
They reviewed progress on operationalising the Leaders Policy on Partnerships and commended the work undertaken so far.
Ministers said the evidence-based process would inform the final decision by Forum Leaders, while reaffirming that the decision is ultimately political.
They also expressed appreciation to partners of the Forum Family that have participated in the process.
A final decision on the partnerships process will be made by Forum Leaders at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and Related Meetings in Palau….PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 1: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Palau, Marshall Islands join global call for 24-hour notice for missile tests
KOROR/MAJURO, 14 AUGUST 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) —Palau and the Marshall Islands have joined dozens of nations in seeking to regulate missile tests by demanding a 24-hour notice before the launch.
“Conducting nuclear-capable ballistic missile tests without sufficient advance notice and detail is dangerous and disrupts the peace and security of relevant nations in proximity to these tests,” reads a U.S-led joint statement issued by 39 countries.
The statement came on the heels of China’s test-launch into the South Pacific last month, drawing criticisms from several governments.
The testing activity in the Pacific area did not follow the standard practices adopted by most states to “notify and deconflict ICBM, SLBM and SLV launches,” according to the 39 countries that signed on to the statement.
China test-launched its missile at the height of the Rim of the Pacific exercise in Hawaii, drawing a combination of roaring protests from some island nations and deliberate silence from others.
The Marshall Islands government called on China “to explain its intentions in language as clear as the harm such tests can cause and to recognise that a region asking for peace is not a region inviting a demonstration of force.” Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr denounced China’s “very opaque or secretive launches.”
Such a display of aggression “raises anxiety, fear and causes great concern for all of us that live on these islands that want to live in peace and harmony,” Whipps said
Feleti Penitala Teo, Tuvalu’s prime minister, said China’s missile launch ran counter to the Pacific island countries’ bid for a nuclear-free Blue Pacific Continent, in line with the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone Treaty.
While individual leaders have criticized China’s missile test, the Pacific island region has not yet formed a collective position. As it prepares for the leadership meeting in Palau from 30 August0 to 04 September, the Pacific Islands Forum is confronted by peace advocates’ call to keep the superpowers at bay.
The Pacific island region is characterized by a diplomatic patchwork, ambiguous political statuses and complex foreign relations.
Tuvalu, Palau and the Marshall Islands are among Taiwan’s 12 remaining allies in the world. Palau and the Marshall Islands are freely associated with the United States, along with the Federated States of Micronesia, under separate Compacts of Free Association. While affiliated with Washington, the FSM is diplomatically allied with China.
Most island nations are dependent on foreign aid, making their common friends-to-all-enemies-to-none foreign policy a pragmatic strategy.
Regional treaties have repeatedly declared the region a peace zone, but island nations are compelled to navigate their unwitting role in the geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and China.
The U.S-led call for a 24-hour notice before a test launch was endorsed by Western and Asian countries.
They demand that notifications include information such as the generic class of the ballistic missile or SLV, the planned launch notification window, the launch area and the planned direction.
They clarified that the call for “regulariSed, transparent” notification is not intended to “constrain any nation’s military development or operational needs.”
The text of the statement was released by the governments of the United States, Albania, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Marshall Islands, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
“Instead, they reduce the risk of miscalculation, build confidence and reflect a shared commitment to security,” reads the statement.
The statement warns that an unannounced missile test “increases the risk of miscalculation, undermines global stability and security and is incompatible with the responsibilities that come with possessing long-range missile capabilities.”
“Countries should also provide clear notices for airmen and mariners consistent with international standards to reduce risk, including in expected impact or landing areas,” the statement said ….PACNEWS
FIJI – POLITICS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 1: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Patronage weakening Fiji’s democracy, says Catholic Archbishop
SUVA, 14 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Patron-client politics remains a major force shaping political power in Fiji and can contribute to corruption, dependency and weak democratic institutions, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong has warned.
Speaking at the 2nd Pasifika Philosophies Conference in Nasinu , the Head of the Catholic Church in Fiji said patronage had influenced leadership, resource distribution, ethnic mobilisation and political loyalty in Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.
Archbishop Chong described patron-client politics as an exchange in which people with political, social or economic resources provide assistance, protection, employment or development opportunities in return for political support.
“The patron possesses the greatest social and political economic resources,” he said.
Archbishop Chong said the system became problematic when people relied on personal connections to access resources rather than universal rights and accountable institutions.
While patronage could provide immediate assistance, he said it could also create long-term dependency and contribute to corruption because many arrangements were informal and outside public accountability.
He said patron-client politics in Fiji was linked to traditional authority, communal loyalties, religion, chiefly allegiance, provincial structures and political parties.
The system existed before colonial rule but was later institutionalised through British indirect rule, with the colonial government becoming a major patron and chiefs and officials serving as intermediaries.
Archbishop Chong said elements of patronage continued after independence, including during periods of political instability and military intervention.
He said the the past government administration weakened the traditional chiefly establishment but created a new form of patronage centred on military and centralised executive power.
“Personality changed, but the form of power was still the same,” he said….PACNEWS
SAMOA – FORMER PM: TALAMUA MEDIA PACNEWS 1: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Former Samoa PM Tuilaepa arrested for breaching court orders
APIA, 14 AUGUST 2026 (TALAMUA MEDIA) —Former Samoa Prime Minister and leader of the Opposition, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was arrested and charged for allegedly breaching court orders Thursday.
The Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga confirmed that Tuilaepa was brought into the police headquarters in Apia where he was charged and released this evening and will appear in court on 25 August 2026 to answer to the new charges.
The HRPP Leader is alleged to have breached the court order of 07 April 2026 in proceedings involving the complainants Hon. Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and Aiono Alec Ekeroma.
The court order states that the defendant is prohibited from making any adverse comments against the complainants.
The registrar of the courts however points out that Tuilaepa’s recent comments on social media concerning Laaulialemalietoa appear to be adverse in nature and raise serious concerns as to compliance with the Court’s order.
The hearing of the original defamation case between Tuilaepa and Police is pending in the District Court…..PACNEWS
SOL – DIPLOMACY: SOL GOVT PACNEWS 1: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Solomon Islands, Indonesia explore deeper economic and skills cooperation
HONIARA, 14 AUGUST 2026 (SOL GOVT)—Solomon Islands and Indonesia are looking to deepen economic cooperation, with agriculture, coconut processing and skills development identified as key areas for expanded partnership.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale discussed the opportunities with Indonesia’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Octo Dorimus Manik, during a courtesy visitin Honiara.
Wale welcomed Ambassador Manik and reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ strong appreciation for its relationship with Indonesia.
“Indonesia is an important regional partner and an important development partner,” he said.
The meeting focused on developing and rehabilitating Solomon Islands’ coconut industry.
Wale said the Government wants to move beyond exporting raw copra and increase value-added processing to create jobs, boost foreign exchange earnings and maximise the economic potential of the country’s coconut resources.
Ambassador Manik said Indonesia has significant expertise in coconut production, including hybrid varieties and processing, and offered to facilitate engagement between Solomon Islands and Indonesian coconut experts and businesses.
He said Indonesia is prepared to support Solomon Islands in developing the sector.
The discussions also covered opportunities in cocoa, seaweed and wider agricultural development, including processing and technology transfer.
Manik said Indonesian companies were already exploring opportunities in Solomon Islands and expressed interest in expanding those engagements.
Education and skills development were also key areas of discussion.
Manik highlighted Indonesia’s scholarship programme, saying 22 Solomon Islands students will study at Indonesian universities this year, compared with nine the previous year.
The two sides also discussed opportunities for vocational and technical training in agriculture, fisheries, automotive, electrical work, welding, plumbing and mechanics.
Wale said skills development was critical to the Government’s plans to move Solomon Islands from an extractive economy towards processing and manufacturing.
The meeting also covered regional and cultural cooperation, including possible high-level visits and participation in upcoming events in Indonesia.
Manik said Indonesia intends to establish a permanent embassy in Solomon Islands to strengthen diplomatic and economic engagement.
He said Indonesia would work with relevant ministries to advance practical cooperation, including pending agreements on education and visa arrangements…..PACNEWS
PNG – ANTI CORRUPTION: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 1: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Threats won’t stop ICAC corruption crackdown, says PNG Acting commissioner
PORT MORESBY, 14 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) officers will continue to investigate corruption allegations against public servants, politicians and others despite threats and intimidation against them, says acting commissioner Don Sawong.
“Icac will treat any threats, harassment and intimidation to its officials with utmost seriousness,” he said.
“I want to emphasise that anybody who does anything harmful to investigating officers will be arrested, charged and prosecuted so that it serves as a deterrent to other members of the public.”
Sawong, a retired judge, issued the warning after Icac prosecutors and investigators were attacked in Minj, Jiwaka, last month while dealing with the case of the provincial finance manager.
“Anyone from the public who threatens, intimidates or obstructs the work of Icac officials during their investigation duties will be arrested and charged,” he said.
Sawong said the threats and intimidation would not stop Icac officers from investigating, arresting and charging public servants, politicians and others on allegations of misconduct and misappropriation of public funds.
He said the attack on the Icac officials happened after the bail hearing of provincial financial manager Siwi Taka and provincial finance officer and examiner Kelly Kumasan in a District Court in Minj.
“Icac officers were confronted by an associate of Siwi and Kumasan who allegedly drove his vehicle aggressively towards them in an apparent attempt at intimidation, before verbally threatening the officers and demanding them to leave the province and cease their investigative activities,” Sawong said.
“Police officers on duty at the scene responded promptly and intervened.”
He said the man was charged with obstruction and threatening Icac officers from performing their duties.
In a related case, Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea (SCPNG) legal officer Tony Kawas was charged by Icac officers for allegedly obstructing them from performing their duties on June 30.
“He was charged under Section 158 of the Organic Law on Icac,” Sawong said.
“The matter is scheduled for trial in the Waigani District Court from 05-07 October.”
The Icac officers were trying to execute a search warrant inside the premises of the SCPNG.
Sawong advised lawyers to understand the roles and functions of Icac, and to assist where needed.
He said the search warrant was part of Icac’s ongoing investigations into the alleged misappropriation of public funds at the SCPNG.
Sawong warned lawyers that Icac would not be deterred by such resistance, whether from public officials, institutions, or legal practitioners acting on behalf of clients.
“Obstructing a commissioned officer in the course of a lawful investigation is a serious offence, and Icac will pursue all legal avenues to ensure that they carry out their statutory functions without interference,” he said.
Meanwhile, New Ireland acting administrator Richard Andia was charged by Icac on Tuesday in Kavieng over the alleged misappropriation of K85,000 of public funds.
Sawong said Andia was charged with one count each of abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds, and false pretence.
It was alleged that he facilitated and received a payment of K85,000(US$19,127) to himself for purportedly hiring out his vehicle to the provincial administration.
He appeared in a Committal Court in Kavieng .
He was released on a bail of K9,000(US$2,025)….PACNEWS
FIJI – CHIEF INSTALLATION: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 1: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Newly installed Tui Vuda puts education at the heart of his vision
VUDA, 14 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Newly installed Tui Vuda Ratu Josaia Tuivou Tavaiqia has made improving education his first priority, with intentions to pursue the construction of a new school for the Vuda District.
Speaking after his traditional installation through the Veivakagunuvi ceremony at Viseisei Village in Fiji’s Western diviion, Ratu Josaia said the condition of the current Vuda District School was a major concern.
He succeeds the late Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia, who was laid to rest Wednesday.
Ratu Josaia said children in the district deserved better learning facilities.
“I want to change the school in Vuda District. It concerns me when I see students having to go to the edge of the fence to attend classes in another classroom,” he said.
He said a suitable site would need to be identified in consultation with landowners before a new school could be built.
“I think we need to look for landowners and land to build a new school. I hope we will achieve that,” he said.
Ratu Josaia received his early education in the Vuda District before becoming a businessman. He owned a service station, later served as general manager of the National Bank of Fiji and eventually moved to the United States for medical treatment, where he now resides as a permanent resident.
Turaga na Taukei Nakelo of the Sauturaga, the kingmakers’ clan, Ratu Josaia Natakele, said the Vanua fully supported the new chief’s vision for education.
He said Ratu Josaia had consistently emphasised the importance of education and wanted children in Vuda to have access to improved learning facilities.
“The idea raised by the new chief is good because of the need to support better education and provide a better environment for our children,” Ratu Josaia Natakele said.
He said the new Tui Vuda had demonstrated the value of education through his own achievements and continued to encourage young people in Vuda to strive for success.
“For what he has described about education and better school facilities in Vuda, we are ready to support him,” he said.
Ratu Josaia Natakele also acknowledged the role of the Nakelo family in carrying out its traditional responsibilities following the passing of the late Tui Vuda and facilitating the appointment of his successor.
He said discussions on the new Tui Vuda began after the late chief’s body was laid at Vunisei on Tuesday evening.
“Three names were put forward and we thank God that His will prevailed.
“Therefore, Ratu Josaia Tuivou Tavaiqia was appointed as the new Tui Vuda,” he said.
He said the installation marked an important milestone for the Vanua o Vuda.
“The Vanua has been brought together again. The Vanua is happy that they came today to witness this significant traditional ceremony where another chief has risen,” he said……PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – FISHERIES: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 14 Aug 2026
Marianas Trench fishing access could open new opportunities for Guam fleets
HAGATNA/SAIPAN, 14 AUGUST 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) —The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC)is preparing to work with Northern Islands officials on possible regulatory changes following the federal government’s move to reopen parts of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument to commercial fishing.
At an 08 August meeting of the council’s Guam Advisory Panel, council staff said the next phase will focus on the monument’s Islands Unit, where commercial fishing prohibitions have applied around the northernmost islands of the CNMI.
“We will be working with the Northern Islands mayors to figure out what some of the potential regulatory changes are going to be put in place,” council fishery analyst Zach Yamada said.
Council staff hopes to meet with Northern Islands officials by the end of the year, Yamada said.
The discussion comes after the council took final action earlier this year to recommend lifting commercial fishing restrictions in the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument and several other federally protected Pacific areas.
The changes are part of a broader federal effort to expand access for U.S commercial fishing. Council members previously recommended reopening waters around the Marianas Trench Islands Unit while maintaining other monument protections.
During the Guam panel meeting, members questioned how reopening the waters could affect fishing activity and who would be eligible to operate there.
Yamada said access would remain limited to eligible U.S fishing operations.
“In terms of people who can access that area, it is still only U.S-flag or U.S fisheries,” Yamada said. “So, in terms of foreign fisheries, that’s not going to happen.”
Mark Mitsuyasu of the fishery council said foreign fishing interests could potentially seek access through a Pacific Insular Area Fishery Agreement, a process that would involve additional negotiations and federal requirements.
“There is an opportunity if a foreign entity wanted to fish within the EEZ, they could negotiate that with the governor and the State Department,” Mitsuyasu said. “Yeah, but that hasn’t happened.”
Mitsuyasu said domestic fishing operations from the CNMI previously traveled into the northern waters, including long-range bottomfishing vessels, but those operations are no longer active.
For Guam, opening additional waters could give future commercial fishing operations more room to operate, said Michael Duenas, chairman of the Guam advisory panel.
Dueñas recalled work on the Guam Fishermen’s Cooperative Association’s longline feasibility efforts and said fishing opportunities south of Guam are constrained by international boundaries and other closed areas.
“So, going up north and just having the north available, you know, if anyone in the future is looking at expanding and venturing into that, you know, that, I think, definitely will help make a decision, seeing that there are some more available real estate up there,” Dueñas said.
He also said Guam officials have received inquiries from outside interests about the possibility of establishing commercial longline operations on the island.
Dueñas said questions have come from interests in the United Arab Emirates about Guam’s regulations and infrastructure, including ice, cold storage and shipping capacity. He said he was not aware of any firm plans.
The panel also clarified that the federal action does not eliminate the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument itself.
“The monument still exists,” Mitsuyasu said during the discussion. The fishing changes primarily concern the Islands Unit surrounding the northernmost islands, panel members said. Areas farther south in the CNMI were not subject to the same commercial fishing prohibition.
Panel member Cecilio Raiukiulipiy noted that commercial fishing restrictions historically applied only to the monument waters surrounding the three northern islands, rather than to the broader waters farther south. His comments prompted additional discussion about how the monument’s different units are managed and where fishing restrictions apply.
The Guam panel also discussed whether reopening the waters would immediately attract more fishing vessels.
Yamada said there are currently only a small number of vessels that regularly travel into the Northern Islands area, suggesting that expanded access may create opportunities without necessarily producing an immediate increase in fishing activity.
The Guam panel’s discussion follows the council’s March decision to recommend reopening portions of several Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing under existing federal fishery regulations…..PACNEWS
FIJI – LABOUR GAP: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 14 Aug 2026
‘Australia jobs could leave Fiji’s sugar industry short of workers’
SUVA, 14 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Australia’s longer-term work opportunities are creating a potential labour shortage for Fiji’s sugar industry, which has historically depended on a large workforce, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Speaking during a sugar consultation in Labasa, last week, Rabuka said the industry was already feeling the impact as young Fijians took up employment opportunities in Australia.
He said both skilled and unskilled workers were being granted work permits and were able to remain in Australia for longer periods.
Rabuka said the trend posed a particular challenge for the sugar industry because of its longstanding reliance on labour.
He linked the industry’s current workforce challenges to its history, noting that Fiji’s sugar industry was established through indentured labour.
“The sugar industry was built on indentured labourers,” he said.
Rabuka said many farming families had been involved in sugarcane production for generations and had played an important role in sustaining the industry and supporting communities across Fiji.
He acknowledged the contribution of farmers and said Government remained focused on strengthening the industry and supporting farming communities.
Rabuka said the industry should not be distracted by issues such as privatisation or relocation, but should instead focus on improving its sustainability and supporting those who continued to work in the sector.
He said the Government’s approach was to strengthen the industry while working within the framework established by previous generations of farmers.
The Prime Minister also thanked sugar farmers for their contribution and recognised the industry’s longstanding role in Fiji’s economic and social development….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
History for Wallis-et-Futuna as Chair of the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting
APIA, 14 AUGUST 2026 (SPREP)—- For the first time in its history, Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the Fifth Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Executive Board Meeting (EBM).
Wallis-et-Futuna Member of the Environment, Infrastructure and Planning Committee, Jean Paul Mailagi, is at the helm of the 5th SPREP EBM, held in Apia from 12-13 August 2026.
“It is truly an honour and a great source of pride for Wallis-et-Futuna to lead the Troika at the level of SPREP,” Mailagi said.
“This is a very important body within the organisation, and we carry this responsibility with great pride.” He noted that they aim to bring to the institution the various environmental challenges faced by Wallis-et-Futuna, ensuring that the concerns of smaller territories are adequately represented.
The membership of the Fifth Executive Board comprises of the Troika – the United Kingdom, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna and Fiji as representative for Melanesia, Cook Islands for Polynesia, the Federated States of Micronesia for Micronesia, Australia for the Metropolitan Members, and France for the French-speaking members.
“This meeting allows each small island to address these challenges and explore how we can develop collective solutions,” Mailagi explained. “It’s truly a collaborative effort among the different islands of the Pacific.”
The meeting is an opportunity to review SPREP’s work over the past year, current and future strategic priorities, opportunities for new initiatives, funding, and partnerships, and agree on the organisation’s 2027 supplementary work programme and budget.
“The board is focused on assessing strategies and past years’ performance, and planning for 2027,” Mailagi added.
Mailagi’s leadership is the culmination of extensive preparation. His delegation visited the SPREP headquarters in May 2026 to familiarise themselves with the Secretariat’s core business and governance ahead of the meeting. Describing the appointment as a true honour, he noted the parallel values between Wallis-et-Futuna and SPREP, emphasising the shared priorities of people, land, sea and environment.
“We are truly, deeply happy to be here—especially because this marks the first time Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing this Council,” Mailagi said. “We see it not as a privilege, but as a duty—to our people, to our children, and to the entire Pacific family”.
SPREP Director General, Sefanaia Nawadra opened the proceedings, highlighting the growing threat of the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, noting that Pacific communities bear the brunt of these impacts despite contributing only 0.01 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
He acknowledged that SPREP’s role in supporting Pacific countries to adapt and survive has never been more important.
The fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting (5EBM) was held at the Pacific Climate Change Centre/SPREP from 12-13 August 2026.
SPREP’s Executive Board includes the Troika of past, present and future chairpersons of the SPREP Meeting, and representatives of Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, Metropolitan, and French speaking Member countries of SPREP.
The 21 Pacific Island Member countries and territories of SPREP are: American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna.
The five Metropolitan members of SPREP are Australia, France, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
In our efforts to fulfil our vision of ‘a resilient Pacific environment, sustaining our livelihoods and natural heritage in harmony with our cultures’, SPREP is extremely grateful to our valued Members, development partners, donors, our CROP family, and stakeholders. ….PACNEWS
For more information on fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting, please contact: sprep@sprep.org
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Wallis-et-Futuna and SPREP sign Strategic Partnership Framework
APIA, 14 AUGUST 2026 (SPREP)–– Wallis-et-Futuna and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) have taken a key step to build a more resilient environment for Pacific territory with the signing of a Strategic Partnership Framework (SPF).
SPREP Director General, Sefanaia Nawadra, signed the approved SPF during the fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting (5EBM), chaired by Wallis and Futuna.
Signing of the SPF by relevant authorities of the Territory will take place upon the delegation’s return in Wallis-et-Futuna.
“This is a very important partnership for Wallis and Futuna as we believe it is going to make a huge difference in our work to protect our environment and our communities,” said Jean Paul Mailagi, Member of the Environment, Infrastructure and Planning Committee of Wallis and Futuna and SPREP Troika Chair.
“On behalf of our islands and our communities, I would like to thank the Director General of SPREP and your staff. We are delighted to be here today and witness you signing this agreement, and we look forward to working with you to ensure its successful implementation.”
A SPF is a high-level agreement that identifies a member country’s environment and resilience priorities and confirms mutual commitments between the member and SPREP for addressing these priorities.
The Strategic Partnership Framework follows dialogue and consultation between SPREP and representatives of the Territorial Assembly of Wallis and Futuna, the Territorial Environment Department, and the Policy Coordination and Development Department (SCOPPD) of the Prefecture of Wallis and Futuna, with the aim of strengthening the collaboration.
SPREP Director General, Nawadra, congratulated Wallis and Futuna.
He noted that the SPF reflects a shared commitment to strengthen the integration of Wallis and Futuna into SPREP’s regional initiatives by promoting knowledge exchange, capacity building, and cooperation among Members in support of the Territory’s environmental priorities.
“One of the challenges we face as an organisation is to be able to provide services to territories, mainly because of funding arrangements we use. One of the main objectives of the SPFs is to better coordinate SPREP’s work in-country, and we feel this is a very important step.
“I want to acknowledge France and initiatives such as Kiwa that has allowed us to serve the territories to address the needs that they have.”
The 2nd SPREP Executive Board Meeting in 2020 endorsed the development of Country and Territory Strategic Partnership Frameworks (CTSPFs). CTSPFs are high-level agreements that guide SPREP’s engagement at a national level, increase country and territory leadership and ownership regarding SPREP’s activities, and achieve greater alignment between regional and national strategic priorities.
The SPF aims to provide strategic direction for all engagement between SPREP and the Territory of Wallis and Futuna; strengthen the engagement, leadership and ownership of the Wallis and Futuna in the development and implementation of SPREP projects and activities, support the environmental management of the territory and strengthen its resilience to climate change.
It also aims to enhance the coordination and delivery of SPREP services and technical support as well as increase the visibility of the outcomes and impacts achieved through the partnership.
The fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting (5EBM) was held at the Pacific Climate Change Centre/SPREP from 12-13 August 2026.
SPREP’s Executive Board includes the Troika of past, present and future chairpersons of the SPREP Meeting, and representatives of Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, Metropolitan, and French speaking Member countries of SPREP. …. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Youth advocates gather in New York to launch new AI standards
NEW YORK, 14 AUGUST 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms everything from how we learn, to the job market, children are adopting the technology more than three times faster than adults – exposing them to unique opportunities and risks.
The UN hosted more than 600 young people from around the world on Wednesday at New York Headquarters to discuss how AI can support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The summit took place on International Youth Day, which has taken place every 12 August since the year 2000 to celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.
Following various discussions and workshops organized by the International Organisation of Youth, delegates presented a Youth-led Declaration on AI Policy and Governance. It will inform future UN-led efforts to shape global AI governance, especially the Global Digital Compact.
The event builds on previous UN efforts to integrate youth voices into decision making processes on AI, including the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Board and the Science, Technology and Innovation Forum.
Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier said it was the generation represented in the room who will live longest with the consequences of AI, adding that Youth Day represents an opportunity to listen to young people from different backgrounds on how AI can better serve the future of humanity.
“Young people are sometimes included in these conversations, but they’re actually included only at a few moments,” Paullier said. “Meaningful youth participation is not about being consulted in a tokenistic way at the end of a process. It’s about involving them at the beginning.”
Underrepresented voices
Samara Allen, a 19-year-old student at the University of California-Los Angeles, moderated the opening session – reflecting the role of young people in leading discussions around AI.
Several ambassadors and UN officials highlighted the fact that because young people will live the longest with the impacts, they must play a role in shaping the future of AI standards across the globe.
“This is not simply a conversation about technology,” Ambassador of Dominica Philbert Aaron said. “It is a conversation about power, dignity, opportunity, culture and the future we choose to build together.”
But young people were not the only marginalised group that representatives at the summit seek to empower.
With ambassadors from the Bahamas and Dominica helping to organise the summit – and with participation from Pakistan and Tonga – delegates also discussed how to ensure that developing countries are not left behind in the AI transition.
“Technological progress will not automatically translate into human progress if developing countries lack access to the infrastructure, computing capacity, skills, finance and knowledge,” said Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, governor of the Balochistan region of Pakistan.
Paullier said it was “unfortunate” that AI development is controlled primarily by a few large companies based in higher-income countries, and stressed that AI governance must be inclusive.
“We want AI to help to reduce inequalities, not to deepen inequalities,” he said.
In a statement on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the international day celebrates “the creativity, dynamism and leadership of young people everywhere.”
He recognised that young people face myriad challenges including economic uncertainty, digital inclusion and climate change, and stressed that the UN stands with them as they seek a greater role in decision-making processes.
Young and jobless
Ahead of the day, the UN’s International Labour Organisation (ILO) published a report finding that worldwide youth unemployment is beginning to worsen again after a post-pandemic rebound, leaving millions unable to get their crucial first job.
The report further found that 6.1 percent of jobs currently held by young people aged 15 to 29 fall in the categories of those most exposed to AI, which could lead to millions more becoming unemployed within the next few years.
Speakers said the youth participants at the summit are some of the best positioned to ensure that AI empowers humanity and helps people learn new skills – rather than simply taking jobs.
“The future of AI should not simply happen to your generation. Your generation must actually help shape it,” Mandokhail said.
“My message to you is therefore simple: Learn, question, innovate and lead to build fairer societies, stronger communities and a more sustainable world.” …PACNEWS
