In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Forum SG Waqa urges regional media to put Pacific voices at the centre
2. PACIFIC — Pacific Leaders face longer agenda as geopolitical pressures mount
3. PACIFIC — Pacific leaders concerned over missile testing in the region
4. PACIFIC — Most Pacific leaders to attend Fiji pre-COP, Forum Waqa says
5. PACIFIC — West Papua progress expected at Pacific Leaders’ Meeting
6. PACIFIC — Cook Islands PM: Pacific needs action, not more promises
7. SOL — Solomon Islands PM Wale departs for PIF Leaders meeting in Palau
8. FIJI — Fiji must represent itself with dignity at overseas meets – Minister Ditoka
9. SOL — OCCRP denounces police search of Solomon Islands reporter
10. SOL — More than 120k malaria cases confirmed in Solomon Islands
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific maritime centre questions Japan’s shipping emissions proposal
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji businesses eye expansion opportunities in Vanuatu
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Solomon Islands PM Wale welcomes Gold Ridge landowners’ call for more consultation
14. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — With many Taiwanese embassies closed, China shifts target to representative offices
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — Fiji concludes first national consultation on Product Stewardship Bill and Container Deposit Regulations
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — Pacific calls for land degradation neutrality reporting that fits island realities
17. PACNEWS DIGEST — SPREP showcases Traditional Knowledge initiatives at regional gathering for Indigenous Peoples
PACIFIC – MEDIA WORKSHOP: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Forum SG Waqa urges regional media to put Pacific voices at the centre
By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
KOROR, 28 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific media must ensure the region’s stories are told by Pacific voices and from a Pacific perspective, Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa said as he opened the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Regional Media Training Workshop in Palau Friday.
The workshop brings together Pacific journalists ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, which will be held in Palau next week.
Waqa acknowledged the support of Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, the Palau government and people in preparations for the Forum Leaders’ Meeting.
“It is indeed my great honour and pleasure to join you today to welcome you to this important annual media training ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.”
“Let me first acknowledge the gracious support and assistance provided by His Excellency President WHipps, as well as the government and people of the Republic of Palau, on the arrangements of the Forum Leaders’ Meeting next week, as well as the hospitality and warmth of welcome extended to us all.
“Let me just say thank you all for being here today,” Waqa said.
Waqa said the presence of journalists at the training reflected the important role of the media in the Pacific.
“Your presence is a strong testament to the important role of the media in our region to ensure that Pacific stories are told by Pacific voices, from a Pacific perspective.”
He said journalists would play an important role in informing Pacific communities about the decisions and priorities of Forum Leaders.
“As we prepare for the Leaders’ Meeting, your work alongside ours is vital in informing our people, strengthening public understanding, and bringing the priorities and decisions of the Forum closer to our very Pacific communities.”
“Your reporting not only helps to shape the views of our people, but it also informs how the global communities see and understand the Blue Pacific,” SG Waqa said.
Waqa urged journalists to use the training to strengthen their reporting and better understand the strategic issues that will be considered by Forum Leaders.
“This year’s Forum theme, Palau, Bringing Economies, Life, Action, Unity (BELAU), reflects the collective journey of our Blue Pacific.”
“It speaks to the imperative of building resilient economies, improving the lives of Pacific people, translating commitments into tangible actions, and strengthening regional unity and solidarity.”
“I therefore encourage you to use this training not only as an opportunity to strengthen your professional capabilities, but also to deepen your understanding of the strategic issues that shape the Forum Leaders’ deliberations,” Waqa said.
He said a stronger understanding of regional priorities would help journalists report accurately on the outcomes of the Leaders’ Meeting.
“A strong appreciation of our region’s priorities will help inform your reporting preparations, deepen your understanding of the Leaders’ decisions, and help advance the outcomes that Forum Leaders seek to achieve for our Blue Pacific region.”
Waqa also called on journalists to report with accuracy and integrity while reflecting the region’s cultures, traditions and shared aspirations.
“I encourage you to tell the stories of our Blue Pacific with accuracy and integrity, grounded in the rich memory of our Blue Pacific people, our peoples of our vibrant and diverse culture and traditions, and shared aspirations.”
“By doing so, you contribute to the strengthening understanding of our region, amplifying Pacific voices on issues that matter most, and reinforcing the collective identity and solidarity that define us as one Blue Pacific continent,” Waqa said…. PACNEWS
PACIFIC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Pacific Leaders face longer agenda as geopolitical pressures mount
By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
KOROR, 28 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific Islands Forum leaders will meet next week against a more challenging regional backdrop, with geopolitics, transnational crime, economic pressures, resilience and regional integration among the key issues demanding collective action.
Forum Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi told a regional media training workshop in Palau that the Pacific had faced a particularly demanding year, with the list of issues before leaders longer than usual.
“Geopolitics and the shifting political landscape in the region are one that we cannot turn a blind eye to,” Nayasi said.
He said crises were further intensifying challenges faced by Pacific countries, communities and vulnerable people.
“There are issues that our countries are facing. The crisis has accelerated these challenges even further, not only at the regional level, but the communities and the people who are vulnerable,” he said.
Nayasi said economic issues, political leadership, resilience and transnational crime would feature prominently in discussions at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
“There are a lot going on in our communities, and transnational crime is key to that. Some of our countries are fighting the battle of drugs, illicit drugs. And also, HIV-related issues,” he said.
He said the scale of the agenda reflected both the challenges facing the region and the importance of regionalism.
“It speaks to where we are as a region. It speaks to priorities that our members identify that are important for the region to push through collectively, rather than as individual countries,” Nayasi said.
Nayasi said the 28 agenda also demonstrated the need for Pacific countries to work together rather than attempt to address regional challenges individually.
“There is an appreciation of, as I’ve said, the value of regionalism. There is acknowledgement that we all need regionalism to work.
“We can’t implement or we can’t do things on our own as individual countries. It is important that there are issues that we need to work together, to deliver together as one collective voice, as one unit,” he said.
He said geopolitics would also shape the environment in which leaders meet, with more development partners expected to be present in Palau compared with last year’s meeting in Honiara.
“You will note that last year partners were not active in Honiara. This year you will see a lot of them around,” Nayasi said.
He said partnership arrangements and how Pacific countries engage with partners would be an important part of the leaders’ discussions.
“The key issues that will be before the leaders also speaks to partnership mechanism and how they would want to engage with partners moving forward. So, partnership is key to that discussion,” he said.
Nayasi also highlighted transnational crime as a growing concern, noting that Forum leaders had acknowledged the issue last year and called for a regional approach.
He said the agenda would cover a wide range of priorities under the Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
“If you look at the different thematic areas of 2050 strategy, you will see in the agenda for our leaders that there is a myriad of issues that will be discussed based on the priorities that they have set,” Nayasi said.
Regional integration will also remain a key issue, following its prominence at last year’s Forum Leaders Meeting in Solomon Islands.
“It was a key thematic area for the meeting in Solomon Islands, which we are now taking through the review of the regional architecture process,” he said.
Nayasi said the regional media has an important role in ensuring Pacific people understood the decisions made by their leaders.
“I believe the important issue for us is communicating what we do, outcomes of the latest meeting here, to our people so that they are able to connect to regional policies and decisions that our leaders make,” he said.
He said the Forum Secretariat valued the role of Pacific journalists in communicating regional priorities and outcomes.
“Like Secretary General has said, we acknowledge the value that you bring to our work.
“We are really appreciative of your being supportive of us. And I know for the last few months you’ve always been there when we call on you with the important issues that we wish to convey to those that we serve, people of the Pacific,” Nayasi said.
Nayasi said the leaders’ meeting would be an important opportunity for Forum members to address the region’s current challenges collectively.
“It will be a very exciting week for us.
“We are really looking forward to a successful meeting, one that will speak to the key issues that are highlighted and some of the key challenges that our region is currently facing, and one of which is regional integration,” he said…. PACNEWS
PACIFIC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Pacific leaders concerned over missile testing in the region
By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
KOROR, 28 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa says missile testing in the Pacific is a concern for regional leaders, but any response must take into account the sovereign positions of individual Forum members.
Speaking to journalists in Palau during the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Regional Media Training Workshop, Waqa was asked whether China’s ballistic missile testing would again be on the agenda at next week’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, following extensive discussions on the issue at the Foreign Ministers Meeting.
“Well, I think anything to do with missile testing in our region is of concern to our leaders,” Waqa said.
He said the Forum’s response would depend on the positions taken by individual member governments.
“How we approach this and where we place ourselves in making a statement all depends on sovereign positions,” he said.
Waqa was also asked whether concerns about China’s missile testing could lead to calls for similar scrutiny of other powers, including the United States, which also conducts missile testing in the region.
He said Pacific leaders wanted a strong and broad position on missile testing.
“We all want to make a strong statement to everyone, not just China,” Waqa said.
He said the final position would be determined by Forum leaders during their discussions.
“But this meeting is for leaders, and they will determine that,” he said.
“Their conversation will bring something that I – bring something out that everyone is comfortable with,” said Waqa.
The theme of this year’s meeting is B.E.L.A.U. – Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity., reflecting the collective ambition and priorities of our Forum Leaders as we come together to advance regional cooperation and shared progress.
The Forum Leaders Meeting will take place from 31 August to 4 September 2026…. PACNEWS
PACIFIC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Most Pacific leaders to attend Fiji pre-COP, Forum SG says
By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
KOROR, 28 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS) — Most Pacific Islands Forum leaders are expected to attend the pre-COP31 meeting in Fiji despite competing international commitments, Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa says.
Waqa told Pacific journalists in Palau that Pacific leaders were working to support arrangements for the Australia-Pacific COP process involving Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu.
“Yes, I think our leaders are very much on board on the arrangements with Australia and with Fiji and Tuvalu. They’re wanting to help.”
“The set-up of this COP is a bit different, as you know. Australia has taken it on themselves to arrange an Australia-Pacific COP arrangement, which is a bit different to the normal ones that we’ve been having. So, there is still preparation going on.”
Waqa said Pacific leaders were also engaging international partners to participate in the pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu.
“But the good thing you need to know is that all our leaders in the region are working extremely hard to keep engaging their partners and all others to come and participate in our pre-COP meetings in Fiji as well as Tuvalu.”
Asked about participation from leaders outside the Pacific, Waqa said discussions were continuing to secure high-level attendance.
“Yes. We know that it is a very busy period for everyone, our leaders especially with UNGA coming up. And there are other meetings as well that they’re engaged in or committed to participate in, and one of it is the pre-COP.”
“So, at this moment, there’s discussions going on and making sure that others from outside are invited.”
Waqa said some leaders from outside the region had already indicated they would attend.
“And there are others who have – from outside the region who will be coming. We would love to see participants’ participation at the highest level. But of course, as I said, it’s a very busy period for all our leaders.”
He said there would nevertheless be active participation at the pre-COP…. PACNEWS
PACIFIC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Fri 28 Aug 2026
West Papua progress expected at Pacific Leaders’ Meeting
By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
KOROR, 28 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific Islands Forum Leaders are expected to receive an update on efforts to facilitate a visit by the UN Human Rights Commissioner to West Papua when they meet in Palau next week.
Forum Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi said the Forum Secretariat had been discussing the way forward with the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), following a decision by Leaders last year to facilitate the UN human rights visit in consultation with the MSG.
“We’ve not made the decision, but the leaders have. We will need to work with the Melanesian Spearhead Group on this,” Nayasi told Pacific journalists in Palau.
He said discussions had already been held this week with the newly appointed MSG Director General, Dr Anna Naupa, on how to advance the issue.
“We’ve had discussions earlier this week with the Director General of MSG in terms of the approach going forward,” he said.
Forum leaders have also appointed two special envoys to assist with regional engagement with Indonesia on West Papua.
The special envoys are Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.
Nayasi said the appointment of the special envoys was part of efforts to advance the issue and provide a regional channel for engagement with Indonesia.
He said leaders could receive an update next week on progress made since their decision last year.
The 2025 Forum Leaders’ Communique called for efforts to facilitate a visit to West Papua by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2026, through the appointed special envoys and in consultation with the MSG.
Nayasi said the work remained ongoing.
“The communique actually said to facilitate the visit in 2026 by those envoys whenever they’d like to go. So that’s the ongoing discussion that we have now,” he said.
He said the arrival of the new MSG Director General provided an opportunity for the Forum and MSG to strengthen coordination on the issue.
“And now with the Director General having commenced work, we’re really looking forward to seeing how we can take that forward,” Nayasi said.
The issue of West Papua has remained on the Forum’s regional agenda, with members continuing to discuss human rights concerns and engagement with Indonesia.
Nayasi said the Forum Secretariat would continue working with the MSG and the two special envoys as leaders consider the issue in Palau next week…. PACNEWS
PAC – POLITICS/DIPLOMACY: PMN PACNEWS 3: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Cook Islands PM: Pacific needs action, not more promises
AUCKLAND, 28 AUGUST 2026 (PMN) — The Pacific needs to move from making plans to delivering results, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says, as the leaders of the Realm meet in Auckland to discuss the region’s changing security, climate and economic challenges.
Brown used the first meeting of the four Realm leaders to call for a shift away from more strategies and towards action on issues facing Pacific countries.
“For us, I think the refocusing on deliverables rather than rehashing strategy, as a region, you know it’s time for us to really get down to the nuts and bolts in delivering on what is a concern to Pacific Island countries,” he told journalists.
“So rather than pledges and promises, we actually need to start seeing some commitment and action.”
The meeting brought together Brown, Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi, Ulu-o-Tokelau Petelo Alapati Tavite and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for the first Realm leaders’ meeting in this format.
For Brown, that action includes climate resilience, regional cooperation and making sure Pacific countries have more say over decisions affecting them.
He says the Cook Islands sees security through a wider lens than some larger countries, with economic resilience and climate change central to its national security.
“For us, economic security, economic resilience is vital and important to deliver the services that our people want. Climate security is another area of great concern for us increasingly so, where we’re seeing the formation of a super El Nino, which will impact directly countries like us.”
Brown says Pacific countries also need to make their own decisions about their resources, including the Cook Islands’ seabed minerals.
“Decisions made on our seabed and on our resources are made by the Cook Islands for the interests of Cook Islanders only.”
He says the Cook Islands remains in the exploration and research phase and wants to better understand its seabed resources before deciding whether to move towards extraction.
Niue’s Tagelagi, who pushed for the Realm meeting, says the relationships between the four countries remain grounded in their people, despite their different constitutional arrangements.
“Across Niue, New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Tokelau, families, communities and generations remain closely linked and those ties continue to be one of the greatest strengths of the round.”
He says the relationships need to keep evolving as the needs of Pacific people change.
“We maintain our stance and respect for the constitutional arrangement that we have. We respect that.”
Tagelagi also pointed to the need for Pacific countries to work together rather than relying solely on New Zealand or other partners.
“I think the Pacific also needs ourselves to reach out further and try and help ourselves and other donor partners.”
Climate change is expected to be a major issue when Pacific leaders meet at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau next week.
Brown says the region’s priorities should be backed by funding and practical support, while Tagelagi says world leaders need to come to the Pacific and see the impacts of climate change for themselves.
New Zealand’s Luxon says the Realm countries have a shared interest in strengthening cooperation, including on security, economic opportunities and critical infrastructure.
He says New Zealand is also preparing for the possible impacts of El Niño and has increased its emergency supplies and response capacity across the region.
The leaders’ meeting comes as the Cook Islands prepares for the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with New Zealand due to host the regional meeting in 2027.
For Brown, the message going into the Forum is clear. “I think the time for us to strategise is now over. It’s now time for us to operationalise.”
The Realm leaders will now take those discussions into next week’s Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Palau, where climate resilience, regional security and economic development are expected to remain key issues for Pacific countries.
The 55th Forum leaders’ summit will be held from 30 August to 4 September…. PACNEWS
SOL – PIFLM55: SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVT PACNEWS 3: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Solomon Islands PM Wale departs for PIF Leaders meeting in Palau
HONIARA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVT) — Prime Minister Matthew Wale will depart today for Palau to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for 31 August to 4 September.
In Palau, Prime Minister Wale will formally hand over the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum to the President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr.
Prime Minister Wale is expected to address the Leaders Summit, where he will acknowledge Solomon Islands’ tenure as Forum Chair also acknowledging the leadership of his predecessor former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
Forum Leaders will also engage in strategic discussions on the future governance of the Pacific regional system, with a focus on identifying key regional priorities and strengthening regional cooperation.
The Prime Minister will also participate in a series of regional and bilateral meetings on the margins of the Leaders Meeting…. PACNEWS
FIJI – POLITICS/DIPLOMACY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 3: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Fiji must represent itself with dignity at overseas meets – Minister Ditoka
SUVA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Fiji’s Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Sakiasi Ditoka says Fiji must strike a balance between responsible spending and ensuring its leaders are adequately supported when representing the country overseas.
Ditoka made the comments in response to reports the President is representing Fiji at the United Nations General Assembly.
He said the President, as Fiji’s Head of State and holder of the country’s highest office, should receive arrangements that reflected the dignity and standing of the office.
“When the President represents Fiji internationally, the arrangements made should properly reflect the dignity and standing of that Office and of the Republic itself,” Ditoka said.
He said the same principle should apply proportionately to other government representatives travelling overseas, including the Prime Minister, ministers and ambassadors.
“This is not an argument for extravagance,” Ditoka said.
“Public funds must always be used responsibly, and official travel must be reasonable, necessary and within the means available to Government.”
However, he said responsible expenditure should not result in Fiji inadequately supporting officials tasked with representing the country internationally.
“There must be a sensible balance,” he said.
Ditoka acknowledged Fiji was a small developing country and that taxpayers ultimately carried the cost of official overseas travel.
“At the same time, Fiji is a sovereign nation. When our representatives engage other governments and international institutions, they carry the name and interests of our country with them,” he said.
Ditoka said the level of protocol, security, logistical and official support provided should reflect the position held and the nature of the international engagement.
“Our approach should therefore be straightforward: no extravagance and no unnecessary expenditure, but neither should we diminish the dignity of our national institutions or compromise the ability of our representatives to do their work effectively,” he said.
“We should represent Fiji well, within reason and within our means,” he said…. PACNEWS
SOL – MEDIA: OCCRP PACNEWS 3: Fri 28 Aug 2026
OCCRP denounces police search of Solomon Islands reporter
HONIARA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (OCCRP) — OCCRP has strongly condemned the Solomon Island police for questioning one of the network’s member center journalists and searching her office in an effort to identify her government whistleblower.
Officers questioned the reporter and searched her office for a confidential document used in an investigation last year. The story revealed that auditors had raised concerns over a $10 billion (US$1.25 billion) tax discrepancy involving the Solomon Islands Tobacco Company, a subsidiary of British American Tobacco.
Gina Maka’a, an investigative reporter for In-depth Solomons, told OCCRP that she initially spoke by phone on Tuesday morning with an officer of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), who told her that she needed to hand over a document they believed was in her possession. Then the officer showed up at her workplace in the capital, Honiara.
She was asked to hand over the original paper copy of the document used in the report. Maka’a told the officer the document was no longer in her possession. When asked to name the person who gave it to her, she refused.
She was then shown a search warrant bearing the name of another person, the former head of the local press association, Georgina Kekea.
Maka’a pointed out the wrong name, organisation and address on the search warrant but officers searched her office anyway and did not find the paper. She had to go with them to the police headquarters to give a statement but she refused a subsequent attempt by police to take her phone and laptop.
The incident comes roughly two months after reporting by In-depth Solomons (IDS) helped trigger the suspension of Police Chief Ian Vaevaso.
Maka’a covered Vaevaso’s suspension as well as conflict of interest concerns that led to the withdrawal of a member of a tribunal appointed to investigate the suspended police chief.
“Questioning a journalist over her reporting, asking her to reveal her source, and attempting to take documents and electronic devices, is an unacceptable assault on press freedom and independent media in Solomon Islands,” Miranda Patručić, the editor in chief of OCCRP, said in a statement. “The fact that it was done despite officers admitting that their warrant was in someone else’s name makes this incident even more appalling.”
The editor of In-depth Solomons Ofani Eremae, told OCCRP that “demanding that journalists disclose their sources amounts to an attack on press freedom and risks suppressing legitimate investigative journalism.”
“We acknowledge that police have a responsibility to investigate alleged offences,” he said. “However, that responsibility must be exercised with respect for the constitutional protections afforded to the media and the legitimate role of journalists in a democratic society.”
Maka’a said she felt “scared” and “confused” at first speaking to police, but she never considered naming the whistleblower.
“I made a promise to the source that I will never reveal their identity, so that’s what made me stand my ground that I will never reveal the person, even if I go to court,” she said.
Police did not respond to a list of questions.
Desmond Rave, an RSIPF spokesman, said that a search warrant had been conducted “as part of an ongoing investigation, while the case file is now with the director of public prosecution for legal advice.” …. PACNEWS
SOL – HEALTH: SOLOMON STAR PACNEWS 3: Fri 28 Aug 2026
More than 120k malaria cases confirmed in Solomon Islands
HONIARA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (SOLOMON STAR) — Solomon Islands recorded 120,604 confirmed malaria cases in 2025, more than six times the 18,404 cases recorded in 2014.
Health and Medical Services Minister Morris Toiraena highlighted the alarming increase during the launch of the Solomon Islands Roadmap for Malaria Elimination at the Honiara Hotel on Thursday, 20 August 2026.
Minister Toiraena said malaria remains one of the most significant public health and development challenges facing the country.
He stressed the need for stronger accountability, sustained financing and active participation from every government ministry, development partner and community.
The Minister said achieving a malaria-free Solomon Islands by 2040 is possible through the collective determination of the Government, development partners and the people of Solomon Islands.
The new roadmap provides a renewed national commitment to strengthening efforts to prevent, control and ultimately eliminate malaria across the country…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – MARITIME: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Pacific maritime centre questions Japan’s shipping emissions proposal
MAJURO, 28 AUGUST 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — A Pacific maritime research and policy centre is raising concerns about a Japanese government proposal to the United Nations agency responsible for regulating international shipping.
The Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport (MCST) in Majuro, the Marshall Islands, released a statement on Japan’s revised proposal submitted to the International Maritime Orgainsation (IMO) regarding the decarbonisaiton of the global shipping industry.
The centre said that Japan’s submission ahead of the 85th session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC85) meeting in November proposes “unambitious greenhouse-gas fuel-intensity reduction targets”.
It said the proposal also “moves away from a central global carbon fund towards more flexible offsetting, which would also see profit-oriented shipping companies decide which projects globally to invest in”.
The MCST said that decision should be made by IMO member states.
The international shipping industry accounts for about 2 to 3 percent of global carbon emissions, with an estimated 911 million tonnes of greenhouse gases emitted in 2023.
Pacific Island countries are among the most shipping-dependent in the world, relying on maritime transport for the vast majority of their food, fuel and essential supplies.
But Pacific economies also face some of the highest shipping costs and most severe impacts of climate change, the centre said.
Its co-director Maria Sahib said the proposed changes would weaken the ambition of the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework (NZF) and create significant challenges for Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Sahib said the centre was also concerned that moving away from a centrally managed fund and mandatory contribution system for emissions could make support for vulnerable states less predictable.
She said finance was fundamental for the Pacific to achieve a just and equitable maritime transition.
“We need predictable and accessible resources to ensure our countries can decarbonise their maritime sectors while strengthening resilience,” she said.
Japan is one of the world’s largest ship-owning nations by tonnage. Japanese officials noted in their submission that the revised draft amendments “do not represent the preferences of Japan”, according to the maritime platform ENGINE.
The officials said the amendments were intended only as a basis for discussion aimed at reaching a compromise acceptable to all IMO member states.
Sahib said, as the MEPC85 approaches, the Pacific would continue working collectively, through the 6PAC+ group, to ensure that the voices and priorities of SIDS remained central to the IMO’s climate negotiations.
The 6PAC+ alliance has maintained this position through successive IMO negotiations, including MEPC82 and MEPC83, where Pacific leaders and delegations pressed for a strong global emissions-pricing mechanism and a transition consistent with the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature goal.
“The 6PAC+ has demonstrated what Pacific unity can achieve at the IMO,” she said.
“We will continue to work together for a framework that delivers ambition, integrity and equity.
“The Pacific cannot support a transition that shifts the costs to those least responsible and least able to absorb them.”
Sahib added the Pacific was not new to these negotiations and the Pacific countries have continued to consistently advocate for an ambitious phase-out of fossil fuels from international shipping, strong emissions-reduction measures and a transition which contributes ultimately to a just and equitable transition…. PACNEWS
VAN – BUSINESS: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Fiji businesses eye expansion opportunities in Vanuatu
PORT VILA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — Fiji-linked businesses already operating in Vanuatu are looking at opportunities to expand and reinvest, as the two countries seek to deepen investment, trade and business ties.
The development follows an Investment Fiji scoping mission hosted by the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA) from 27 to 29 July 2026.
Information provided to the Vanuatu Daily Post by VFIPA said the three-day mission brought together Investment Fiji, Vanuatu Government agencies, Fiji-linked businesses, the Fiji community, private sector operators and regional stakeholders to identify opportunities for investment, trade and business cooperation.
The Investment Fiji delegation was led by Head of Investment and Trade Esther Salem and Investment Aftercare Advisor Sepe Nicalcal.
An important part of the mission was engagement with existing Fiji-owned and Fiji-linked businesses operating in Vanuatu, with discussions focusing on their experiences, challenges and potential for future expansion and reinvestment.
The delegation met with established businesses, including Punjas Vanuatu, as well as companies involved in retail, wholesale, manufacturing, food and beverage, agricultural processing and other productive sectors.
VFIPA said discussions covered market conditions, supply chains, workforce requirements, regulatory processes and opportunities for expansion.
VFIPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Raymond Vuti said the mission built on cooperation between the two agencies following an investment promotion and capacity-building engagement he led in Fiji in 2025.
“This visit allows us to build on those discussions and move towards more practical outcomes, particularly in investment facilitation, business linkages, investor referrals and new investment opportunities,” Vuti said.
“Vanuatu and Fiji have strong economic and people-to-people connections, and we want to see these relationships translate into tangible investment, business expansion, employment and increased economic activity.”
Manufacturing and value-added industries were among the areas examined during the mission.
The delegation engaged with businesses including Tanna Coffee, 83 Island Distillery, Aelan Chocolate and Gaston Chocolat makers, gaining insight into Vanuatu’s manufacturing and value-added industries.
VFIPA said potential investment opportunities were identified in cocoa, kava, coconut, coffee, agriculture, agro-processing, poultry, beef, timber and food and beverage manufacturing.
It said Fiji-based companies could potentially contribute capital, technical expertise, technology, market access and regional supply-chain connections to these sectors.
Agriculture was another area identified for stronger cooperation, particularly commercial farming, horticulture, poultry, beef, cocoa, coconut and kava.
VFIPA said discussions highlighted the importance of stronger connections between farmers, processors, manufacturers and markets to support commercially viable production.
Tourism was also explored, with potential opportunities identified in accommodation, resorts, tourism infrastructure, supporting services and tourism supply chains.
VFIPA said stronger links between tourism operators and local producers could increase the use of locally produced food, agricultural products, manufactured goods and services within the tourism sector.
Improved connectivity to key tourism destinations, including Santo, was also recognised as important for supporting tourism investment and wider economic activity.
Energy was identified as another enabling sector, with reliable and affordable energy described as important for manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, ICT and other productive industries.
The mission also examined the existing trade relationship between Vanuatu and Fiji, including opportunities to increase the movement of goods and services between the two markets.
Stakeholders discussed market demand, supply gaps and opportunities for local production and value addition.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group framework was also recognised as a platform for strengthening regional trade, investment and labour mobility.
Government discussions covered issues affecting the investment environment, including business classification, licensing, customs and trade facilitation, investment incentives, duty exemptions and regulatory processes.
VFIPA said stakeholders recognised the importance of a clear, transparent and coordinated investment environment to attract new investors while supporting businesses already operating in Vanuatu.
The two investment agencies also discussed strengthening investor referrals, information sharing, investment pipelines and investor aftercare.
A key message from the mission was the need to move beyond investment enquiries and leads towards actual investment, reinvestment, business expansion, employment, production and exports.
VFIPA said this approach is consistent with Vanuatu’s Foreign Investment Promotion Strategy 2026–2030, which focuses on proactive investment promotion, priority sectors, investment facilitation, investor aftercare and stronger regional and international partnerships.
VFIPA and Investment Fiji will continue discussions on opportunities identified during the mission and explore ways to progress potential investments, business partnerships, investor referrals and capacity-building initiatives.
The agency said the two sides will continue working with government ministries, existing investors, Fiji-linked businesses, the private sector and regional organisations to help turn identified opportunities into investment projects, business expansion, employment, increased production and exports…. PACNEWS
SOL – BILL: SOLOMON STAR PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Solomon Islands PM Wale welcomes Gold Ridge landowners’ call for more consultation
HONIARA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (SOLOMON STAR) — Prime Minister Matthew Wale Thursday welcomed a petition from the Gold Ridge landowners seeking more time for consultation on proposed additional clauses to the Mineral Resources Bill 2025.
The petition was presented to the Prime Minister by Chief Walton Naezon at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Receiving the petition, Prime Minister Wale thanked the Gold Ridge landowners for bringing their concerns directly to the Government and welcomed the opportunity for continued dialogue.
Chief Naezon said the landowners were seeking more time to understand the proposed amendments, particularly how they would affect the rights and benefits of landowners.
“This will give us more time to understand how the Bill will be administered, especially on the rights and benefits of the landowners,” he said.
Chief Naezon also raised questions surrounding the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund, saying the landowners wanted to see greater clarity and understanding on the issue.
He said the petition was a respectful request and expressed the landowners’ willingness to continue working together with the GREAT Coalition.
Prime Minister Wale said he appreciated the constructive approach taken by the landowners and assured them that their concerns would be conveyed to Government Caucus.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to clarify that the current Mineral Resources Bill does not contain provisions for a Sovereign Wealth Fund.
“The Sovereign Wealth Fund will be dealt with under separate legislation. The amendments proposed now have nothing to do with the Sovereign Wealth Fund,” he said.
Prime Minister Wale explained that the proposed amendments were based on recommendations arising from consultations undertaken by the previous Bills and Legislation Committee.
He said the Government’s intention with the current Bill is to ensure that landowners and provinces receive a fairer and more reasonable share of the benefits from the country’s mineral resources.
“We respect the rights of our landowners. The GREAT Coalition’s policy is that landowners must become wealthy.
“When companies make profits from our resources, our landowners and province must also receive a fair share,” Prime Minister Wale said.
He reassured the landowners that the Government remains committed to protecting and strengthening their interests as Solomon Islands develops its mineral resources.
“When Cabinet considers the amendments to the Bill, we will provide you with copies and continue the consultation process so you can provide your feedback.
“There is nothing to hide. We need to work together and clear up any misunderstandings,” the Prime Minister said.
“My door is always open. We can continue to talk, listen to each other and find the best way forward for our landowners and our country,” he added…. 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
With many Taiwanese embassies closed, China shifts target to representative offices
By Thomas Yun-Zhe He
TAIPEI, 28 AUGUST 2026 (THE STRATEGIST) — After enjoying great success in eliminating Taiwan’s formal diplomatic ties, it has turned its attention to the island’s quasi-embassies, called representative offices. One reason is that persuading Taiwan’s last 12 diplomatic partners to switch recognition to Beijing is increasingly difficult.
Where China succeeds in closing representative offices, it significantly constrains Taiwan’s ability to communicate directly with governments that do not formally recognise it. This is particularly significant in regions such as the South Pacific where China wields considerable influence.
Under the influence of the People’s Republic of China, the number of countries that formally recognise the Republic of China (Taiwan) has fallen sharply from 22 in 2016 to 12 today. Although Beijing has continued to make diplomatic gains over the past decade, Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic partners are more difficult to sway through economic incentives alone. This is because of their long-standing government-to-government ties with Taiwan, institutionalised development cooperation and broader social connections. This has made efforts to undermine Taiwan’s formal diplomatic relationships increasingly difficult and has contributed to a shift in Beijing’s targets of pressure.
The shift in China’s diplomatic pressure began during the Taiwanese administration of President Lai Ching-te. In 2024, South Africa demanded that Taiwan relocate its representative office from Pretoria, and in July 2026, Papua New Guinea unilaterally announced the closure of Taiwan’s representative office. Compared with Taiwan’s previous administration, led by Tsai Ing-wen, these cases show a clear shift in the China’s diplomatic pressure.
China’s targeting of Taiwanese representative offices is hardly new. As early as 2017, Beijing pressured countries including Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Ecuador and Jordan to rename or relocate Taiwan’s representative offices. This has had much less success than the campaign to persuade Taiwan’s diplomatic partners to switch recognition to Beijing. Still, as Taiwan has concentrated its resources on maintaining ties with its remaining diplomatic partners – those with which it exchanges formal embassies – Beijing has had greater reason to weaken Taiwan’s the informal ones, the representative offices.
The shift in China’s diplomatic pressure has already begun to threaten Taiwan’s diplomatic position in the South Pacific. Apart from Australia and New Zealand, Taiwan has only two representative offices in the region, in PNG and Fiji. Its diplomatic and trade engagement with Pacific Island countries has long relied heavily on these two offices, particularly the one in Fiji. In addition to handling diplomatic affairs with eight Pacific island countries that do not formally recognise Taiwan, the Fiji office also manages Taiwan’s engagement with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, underscoring its importance to Taiwan’s regional diplomacy.
Taiwan continues to urge PNG to allow its representative office to remain open. However, if Taiwan is ultimately forced to close the office, China is sure to put greater efforts into achieving closure of the multi-role Fijian office and thereby greatly undermine Taiwan’s diplomatic influence throughout the South Pacific. For communicating with South Pacific governments, Taiwan would have to rely on its Australian and New Zealand representative offices and its embassies elsewhere in the Pacific.
The main reason for the shift in China’s diplomatic pressure is the growing difficulty of persuading Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic partners to switch recognition. Beijing has therefore increasingly turned to targeting Taiwan’s representative offices to enforce it’s One China principle. For Taiwan, this will constrain international engagement, particularly in the South Pacific, where individual offices with regional responsibilities are likely to face growing pressure…. PACNEWS
Thomas Yun-Zhe He is an assistant research fellow at the Association of Strategic Foresight in Taipei. He holds a master’s degree from Tamkang University’s Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies.
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Fiji concludes first national consultation on Product Stewardship Bill and Container Deposit Regulations
SUVA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (SPREP) — Fiji has taken an important step towards strengthening sustainable waste management and resource recovery through the initiation of national consultations on the Draft Product Stewardship Bill and Container Deposit Regulations.
The draft Product Stewardship Bill seeks to establish a stronger framework for producers, importers, retailers, consumers and other stakeholders to take greater responsibility for the environmental impacts of products placed on the market.
With technical and financial assistance from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under the GEF ISLANDS Pacific Project, consultations were held in Labasa for northern division stakeholders on 17 August 2026, Suva for the central division on 19 August, and Lautoka for the Western Division 21 August 2026.
The national consultation facilitated by MECC and SPREP brought together government agencies, private-sector stakeholders, waste operators, industry representatives, civil society, communities, and other key stakeholders to review and provide input into the proposed legislative framework.
Senimili Baleicakau, Director of Environment, Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the importance of the Product Stewardship Bill and Container Deposit Regulations.
“The introduction of the Product Stewardship Scheme by the ministry contributes to Fiji’s broader efforts to advance sustainable consumption and production, strengthen national waste management systems and support the nation’s transition towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy,” she said.
SPREP, through the GEF ISLANDS Project Management Unit, has been supporting Fiji to strengthen its policy, legislative and institutional arrangements for sustainable waste management and resource efficiency.
The initiative represents a significant milestone for Fiji and demonstrates the value of regional partnerships in addressing common waste management challenges across the Pacific.
SPREP Director of Waste Management and Pollution Control, Anthony Talouli, applauded the leadership by the government of Fiji and the MECC.
He said: “SPREP is pleased to provide this support through the GEF Islands Pacific UNEP project. Sustainable financing through a product stewardship programme such as this whereby the cost of managing the end of life of products is shared amongst manufacturers, producers, importers, retailers, and customers is essential for Fiji and other Pacific small island developing states that rely on imported products.”
Alongside the Product Stewardship Bill, a draft Container Deposit Regulations was drafted to establish a system that encourages consumers to return eligible beverage containers for recycling or appropriate recovery.
Such a scheme has the potential to increase collection and recycling rates, raise awareness and reduce litter, and improve the recovery of valuable materials while creating opportunities for local employment and private-sector participation in the circular economy.
The outcomes of the national consultations will inform the further refinement and finalisation of the Draft Product Stewardship Bill and Container Deposit Regulations, supporting their progression through the appropriate national processes.
Once established, the framework is expected to provide a stronger basis for improving waste recovery, reducing litter, raising awareness and promoting greater responsibility across the product supply chain…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Pacific calls for land degradation neutrality reporting that fits island realities
SUVA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (SPC) — A damaged stretch of coastline, a changing food garden or a patch of recovering forest can disappear inside a single pixel on a global satellite map. For Pacific Island countries, that can mean changes visible on the ground are missing from the data used to assess land degradation.
At a joint plenary session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC) and the Committee on Science and Technology (CST) on Support Hubs for Reporting and Technical Advisors, held during the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the Pacific Community (SPC) highlighted the need for reporting systems that reflect the scale, geography and capacity of Small Island Developing States.
Drawing on SPC’s work as a Support Hub for Reporting with 14 Pacific countries, the presentation highlighted the need for data that accurately represents small islands, earlier technical and financial support, realistic reporting timelines and a stronger focus on implementation between reporting cycles to achieve land restoration and resilience.
During the CRIC/CST Joint Plenary Session, the Cook Islands welcomed SPC’s contribution as a Support Hub for Reporting, noting that the shared perspectives reflected the realities faced by Pacific Small Island Developing States.
Sandee Cook, National Environment Service, Cook Islands, said access to higher-resolution data and sustained capacity development were critical for meaningful reporting.
“SPC has captured the realities of the Pacific well. For the Cook Islands, access to higher-resolution data is essential if reporting is to reflect what is happening on the ground, particularly in small island contexts where global datasets do not always tell the full story. Equally important is capacity building that continues beyond the reporting cycle, so countries can strengthen national expertise, ownership and long-term reporting capacity.”
For the 2026 UNCCD reporting process, SPC is supporting 14 Pacific countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Naoero, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Satellite images are made up of pixels, with each pixel representing an area on the ground. Global datasets provide a consistent way to assess land across countries, but their resolution may not capture changes occurring across small islands or narrow land features.
Satellite observations can also indicate that a landscape is changing without explaining why. A change detected from space may be linked to agriculture, clearing, fire, drought, a cyclone or vegetation recovery. The integration of satellite observation, field verification, national scientific and local community knowledge is critical for understanding how and why our lands are changing.
Through Digital Earth Pacific, SPC hosts shared Earth observation infrastructure for the region, bringing together satellite data, field observations, regional knowledge and country priorities to support products countries can use.
Andiswa Mlisa, Digital Earth Pacific Programme Manager from SPC, said countries need to be able to examine global data within their own national context.
“Global satellite-based data gives countries a consistent starting point, but it does not always capture the scale and complexity of Pacific islands. The data needs to be examined alongside national datasets, field observations and what people know about the land. Bringing these sources together allows countries to identify where change is occurring, verify the evidence and produce an assessment that reflects their national context.”
Support includes bilateral country consultations, a regional capacity-building workshop in Rarotonga, a Support Hub helpdesk, recurring peer-learning webinars, and guidance on PRAIS4, the UNCCD’s online national reporting platform, QGIS, Trends.Earth and land degradation neutrality indicators. In Solomon Islands, SPC delivered a five-day virtual training programme focused on the geospatial reporting tools and land degradation neutrality indicators.
Speaking during the COP17 Joint Plenary, Mlisa highlighted the importance of providing countries with funding and technical support earlier in the reporting cycle.
Pacific government teams are often small and manage several environmental commitments. When resources arrive too close to the deadline, countries are forced to rush work that should be careful, consultative and nationally owned. Earlier support gives countries time to analyse data, consult stakeholders and verify results across dispersed islands — essential for credible national assessments.
Linking reporting with practical land cover, land restoration and land degradation neutrality implementation projects also creates evidence countries can use beyond submission. “Better implementation creates better data, and better data creates better reporting.” said Mlisa
The message presented at UNCCD COP17 has wider relevance across international environmental and climate reporting: systems work best when their science, resources and timelines reflect island realities.
SPC will continue advancing Pacific-owned science and evidence through the Pre-COP31 Stakeholder Programme in Nadi, Fiji, from 5 to 8 October 2026, the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia, from 19 to 30 October 2026, and COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
SPREP showcases Traditional Knowledge initiatives at regional gathering for Indigenous Peoples
NADI, 28 AUGUST 2026 (SPREP) — Pacific and First Nations indigenous peoples, local communities, and regional partners gathered in Nadi, Fiji to advance dialogue on climate action, traditional knowledge, community resilience, and sustainable development ahead of the 31st Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP31) in Türkiye later this year.
The Pacific gathering, held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort from 18 to 21 August 2026, was the second convening of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP) in the Pacific, bringing together highly respected experts and practitioners from across the region to share their expertise in indigenous knowledge systems, community-based adaptation, environmental governance, and regional climate polity to help shape Pacific priorities and recommendations ahead of COP31.
SPREP was given the opportunity to showcase key SPREP-led initiatives during the regional gathering, including the continued support provided by the Secretariat to integrate indigenous and local knowledge into climate action through programmes such as the Climate and Oceans Support Programme in the Pacific (COSPPac).
Siosinamele Lui, COSPPac Traditional Knowledge Adviser, provided an overview of SPREP-led programmes, initiatives, and regional networks that create practical opportunities to connect Indigenous and local knowledge systems with broader regional and global climate action.
“Initiatives such as COSPPac’s traditional knowledge programme provides support to ensure the ethical and equitable integration of Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ knowledge, experiences, and solutions into national, regional, and UNFCCC processes,” Lui said.
Lui also highlighted SPREP’s efforts to strengthen climate services and early warning systems in the region through the integration of traditional knowledge into climate and weather observation under the COSPPac programme, as well as community-based early warning systems supported through the Green Climate Fund-funded Vanuatu Climate Information Services for Resilient Development (Van-KIRAP) project.
The LCIPP has three key functions that support Indigenous Peoples and local communities strengthen their representation in the UNFCCC Agenda: knowledge, capacity for engagement, and the integration of traditional knowledge and Indigenous perspectives into climate change policies and actions. These functions align closely with the core functions of SPREP’s Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC), particularly in knowledge brokerage, capacity building, innovation, and applied research.
Pacific communities continue to face challenges in engaging effectively at the international level due to their geographical isolation, political and institutional environments and limited access to the knowledge, skills, resources and networks needed to confidently navigate international climate processes.
SPREP plays an important role in strengthening these pathways by supporting Pacific Island governments through establishing and facilitating national and regional focal points and networks.
Key initiatives such as Pacific Climate Innovation Lounge, the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment (PIFCE), the Pacific Climate Change Centre’s E-Learning Platform, and capacity-building support made available to Pacific Island countries through the PCCC were highlighted during the regional meeting.
Tuileva Tuileva, PCCC Senior Project Officer, said, “The LCIPP provided a wider audience to present the work of the PCCC in the traditional knowledge space, particularly Pacific-owned and led climate solutions showcased in the Innovation Forum.
“It also allowed us to highlight the PCCC’s coordination role to improve Pacific authors’ engagement in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change process, especially those who are undertaking research capturing traditional knowledge in the Pacific,” he added.
The LCIPP Regional Gathering concluded with a clear way forward for indigenous Pacific peoples on priorities and recommendations they want to put forth at COP31 in November for the betterment of Pacific communities…. PACNEWS
