In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Pacific leaders set new ocean agenda, demand strong action on climate, fisheries and finance
2. PACIFIC — 2000-plus delegates expected for Pre-COP31
3. NZ — Two-year overstayer window welcomed but advocate says trust remains bigger hurdle
4. CNMI — CNMI voters to decide on constitutional convention in November
5. PNG — EU reaffirms PNG partnership on 51st Independence
6. FIJI — Parliamentary seat to remain vacant until election: Fiji Electoral Commission
7. USA — Alaska drops cases against American Samoans who checked ‘U.S citizen’ on voter form
8. FIJI — AFP boosts Fiji Police cybercrime, transnational crime capabilities
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Bougainville President Toroama assures investors after Panguna camp violence
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Panguna legacy drives Matbob call for stronger corporate accountability
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Kiribati Fisheries Minister visits Cook Islands to study seabed minerals governance
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — PIMS 2017-2026: progress, lessons and the evidence gap
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — Highly persistent toxic waste threatens ‘many, if not all, human rights’
PACIFIC – OCEANS: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Pacific leaders set new ocean agenda, demand strong action on climate, fisheries and finance
By Pita Ligaiula
SUVA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS)— Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have adopted a new Ocean Statement calling for stronger political leadership, urgent climate action, tighter fisheries management and Pacific-led financing to protect the Blue Pacific.
The 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Ocean Statement places the ocean at the centre of Pacific security, food security, economies, culture and livelihoods, while warning that climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, overfishing and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing are putting the region’s ocean under growing pressure.
Leaders committed to “responsible stewardship of the Blue Pacific ocean” for current and future generations and agreed to strengthen political leadership by convening a Pacific Ocean Ministerial Meeting ahead of the fourth United Nations Ocean Conference.
The regional preparatory process will be led by the Pacific Ocean Commissioner with support from CROP agencies and the Pacific Ocean Alliance, working with the hosts of the UN Ocean Conference.
The leaders also called for greater integration of ocean, climate and biodiversity priorities across global and regional processes.
They urged countries to take “bold and decisive action” to close the ambition gap under the Paris Agreement and stressed the importance of keeping the 1.5°C temperature goal within reach.
The statement calls for the UNFCCC Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue to become more action-oriented and more directly linked to UNFCCC decisions.
Leaders also highlighted the growing threat posed by sea-level rise and called on states to support Pacific declarations protecting maritime zones and the continuity of statehood as climate change reshapes coastlines and threatens communities.
They urged timely ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, while stressing that implementation must recognise the special circumstances and capacity constraints of Pacific Small Island Developing States(PSIDS).
The leaders committed to implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and ensuring that at least 30 percent of terrestrial, inland water, marine and coastal areas of the Blue Pacific are effectively conserved and managed by 2030.
On fisheries, leaders committed to strengthening sustainable management and resilience through the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035.
They called for the elimination of harmful fisheries subsidies, stronger action against IUU fishing and continued investment in fisheries science and management.
“Fisheries are a cornerstone of food security, livelihoods, economic development, public revenue and cultural identity across the Blue Pacific Continent,” the statement says.
Leaders also adopted a strong maritime transport focus, committing to implement the Pacific One-Maritime Framework 2026–2050.
The framework is intended to improve maritime safety and security, resilient infrastructure, clean and green shipping, digital transformation, capacity development and connectivity across the region.
On marine pollution, Forum leaders called for an ambitious and legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution covering the full life cycle of plastics and existing marine pollution.
They also highlighted the need for international support to address marine debris, abandoned or lost fish aggregating devices, unexploded ordnance, shipwrecks and other remnants of war, as well as the Runit Dome in the Marshall Islands.
The leaders reaffirmed their position that maritime zones established under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea must continue to apply despite climate change-related sea-level rise.
They committed to urgently completing outstanding maritime boundary and extended continental shelf work across the Blue Pacific.
On deep-sea minerals, leaders agreed to pursue member-led regional approaches to improve understanding of the deep sea and strengthen regional dialogue while respecting national sovereignty and UNCLOS.
They also called for greater investment in ocean and climate science, technology, traditional knowledge and capacity building, including through programmes such as Weather Ready Pacific.
A major focus of the statement is access to finance.
Leaders called for ocean finance to be “Pacific-led, additional, predictable, long term, flexible, accessible, fit for purpose” and responsive to the special circumstances of Pacific SIDS.
They called for direct access, simplified procedures and financing approaches that protect national sovereignty and deliver benefits to communities.
International partners were urged to meet development finance commitments and support Pacific-led mechanisms, including the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity initiative and the East New Britain Initiative’s Regional Fisheries Development Fund.
Leaders also agreed to pilot ocean conservation and ecosystem service financing instruments that recognise the economic and social value of healthy marine ecosystems.
The statement says such financing must ensure Pacific countries and communities are clear beneficiaries and must support, rather than undermine, national development aspirations and sovereign rights.
Leaders further called for investment in sustainable blue economy activities, including fisheries, ocean renewable energy, maritime connectivity, aquaculture and tourism.
They said these sectors can help reduce emissions, accelerate the clean energy transition, provide alternative livelihoods and strengthen economic development.
The statement also commits the Forum to improving coordination through the 2050 Strategy Ocean and Environment Thematic Advisory Group and the Pacific Ocean Finance Group to strengthen national ocean finance capacity and track investment against the 2050 Strategy.
The Ocean Statement will guide Pacific advocacy and implementation ahead of key international meetings, including the UN General Assembly, Pacific Pre-COP and COP31, CBD COP17, the first Conference of Parties to the BBNJ Agreement and the fourth UN Ocean Conference.
The leaders also reaffirmed the importance of Indigenous and traditional knowledge in guiding Pacific relationships with the ocean and called for inclusive ocean action that gives women and girls, persons with disabilities, youth, Indigenous Peoples and local communities meaningful participation and leadership.
The statement reinforces the Forum’s position that protecting the ocean is not only an environmental priority but central to Pacific sovereignty, security, economic development and the future of its people……PACNEWS
PAC – PRE COP31: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Tue 15 Sep 2026
2000-plus delegates expected for Pre-COP31
NUKU’’ALOFA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Over 2000 delegates are expected to converge in Fiji for Pre-COP31 next month, as the country prepares to host a major climate gathering across three venues in Nadi.
Fiji’s Director Climate Change, Senivasa Waqairamasi, revealed the scale of preparations while addressing the 8th Pacific Meteorological Council meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
Hosted and funded by Australia in partnership with Fiji, Tuvalu and Pacific partners, the program will provide a platform to amplify Pacific voices and advance regional climate priorities ahead of COP31.
Events involving Pacific Champions are planned for 05 – 06 October, with the main Pre-COP programme scheduled for 07 – 08 October.
The Fiji programme will be spread across the Sheraton, Sofitel and Crowne Plaza in Nadi.
“The Pre-COP 31 will be held from the 5th to the 8th of October will spread across three venues in Fiji.
“We also have the Sofitel, which will host some of the side events, and the Green Zone, which is labelled as vale ni vanua.
“As well as the Crowne Plaza, for which the main exhibitions, which will be have the side events that will be hosted within the Crowne Plaza.”
The leaders’ programme will also extend to Tuvalu.
“And for the leaders’ component, the head of states, they have a convening in Tuvalu on the 5th and the 6th.”
Waqairamasi said 05 October would be a travel day for leaders choosing to stay overnight in Tuvalu, with the main leaders’ event scheduled for 06 Octobe.
“The 5th specifically is the travelling date for the leaders that choose to go ahead and stay in Tuvalu for a night.
There’s a programme that’s organised for them. But the main event for the leaders will happen on the 6th of October, after which they return back to Nadi, and there will be a welcome and traditional ceremony, as well as a plenary and a main official event hosted by the Fijian government.”
While leaders meet in Tuvalu, programmes will be held simultaneously in Fiji for the thousands of delegates expected to attend.
“While the leaders are convening their component in Tuvalu on the 5th and 6th, con-currently there’s an event and programme also planned for the 2,000-plus delegates that are planned to convene in Fiji for pre-cop31.”
She also appealed directly to Pacific meteorological directors and council members to fully participate in the 05-08 October gathering.
“But just before I end, I would like to just use this opportunity to appeal to the PMC, the need, the very importance that our directors for meteorologists, our PMC members, are fully participating with us in this very important convening, the Pre-COP convening.”
Waqairamasi said Pre-COP31 would be hosted by Fiji and Tuvalu from 05 – 08 October.
“Just to add to what Professor general has mentioned, with regards to the Australia-Pacific Pre-COP 31 that we hosted in Fiji and Tuvalu from the 5th and 8th of October 2026.
“Fiji has much pleasure to update the PMC forum today on the status of the preparation to date.”
Waqairamasi said organisers had received an overwhelming response from groups wanting to host side events.
“We have had an overwhelming response of a total of 360 interested parties from various partners that have registered their interest to host a side event, out of which 126 or so have been selected for Pre-COP31 and this will be hosted at the Green Zone, the vale ni vanua, at the Sofitel, as well as the Crowne Plaza in Nadi, for which 32 exhibitions will be showcased.”
Expressions of interest for side events closed on 14 August.
Registration for Pre-COP31 is now open through Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change website.
“Registration portal has been opened for Pre-COP31. It’s live on Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change website with invitations sent widely.”
Waqairamasi said the registration process was similar to COP registration and would generate acknowledgement and visa support letters for international participants.
“And also the registration portal is similar to what you would have at COP, where you register your details and it will generate an acknowledgement letter as well as a visa support letter for those that are travelling internationally.”
Delegates will use those documents for Pre-COP registration at the Crowne Plaza on 05 October, where their accreditation badges will be generated…..PACNEWS
NZ – IMMIGRATION: PMN PACNEWS 2: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Two-year overstayer window welcomed but advocate says trust remains bigger hurdle
WELLINGTON, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PMN)—Pacific families caught in long-running immigration cases could be given two years to sort out their status under a New Zealand First policy aimed at giving overstayers a fresh start.
Those who leave New Zealand within the proposed window would be able to return home with a clean slate and reapply for a visa to come back.
But Pacific community leader Anae Arthur Anae says the policy must go further than changing the rules around overstaying.
Speaking on Pacific Mornings, Anae said Pacific communities had heard the issue raised repeatedly, while many of the cases being counted as overstaying were historical.
“This is part of just the thing we’ve talked about in the past, that first of all we are continuously hammered with overstaying, overstaying and overstaying. And some of these are historical numbers for a start.”
Anae says the bigger problem is trust.
“The biggest problem we always face is there is no trust from Pacific people to anything that New Zealand Immigration says”
That concern comes as Pacific voters head towards the general election with a wider trust gap around the major parties.
The PMN News-Horizon Research Pacific Issues Election Survey found 72 percent of Pacific respondents said National did not understand Pacific communities well, compared with 74 percent for ACT and 59 percent for New Zealand First.
Anae pointed to the case of a young woman who applied for a visa to attend her dying brother’s funeral, providing a death certificate as evidence.
Her visa was approved a month after the funeral had already taken place. “That’s how we’re treated,” Anae told PMN, “and that’s why we have to stop.”
The NZ First proposal comes as immigration becomes a key election issue, with other parties also putting forward changes.
ACT wants permanent residents to spend at least 730 days in New Zealand within any rolling five-year period to keep their travel facility.
ACT immigration spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar said in their latest Immigration policy release, the change would not be retrospective and would include exemptions for people such as those working overseas for New Zealand employers, military personnel and people with compelling humanitarian reasons.
“The strangest immigration policy we have is that permanent residents don’t have to be permanently resident,” she said in a statement.
Labour has proposed migrant workers to move between accredited employers after three months, rather than being tied to one job.
In a Labour Party media release last week, immigration spokesperson Phil Twyford has also proposed extending the standard wait for permanent residence from two years to four, saying the change would encourage migrants to put down roots saying,
“If you choose to build your life here, work here and raise your family here, a Labour government will back you to get ahead.”
Anae says Pacific families need an immigration system that starts from trust than treating them as a compliance risk.
He points to 2025 figures showing 99.8 percent of Sāmoans who travelled to New Zealand on visitor visas stayed within the rules and returned home.
“Don’t talk about that,” he said. “”But that’s the fact.”
Anae also expects a report on the Visa Free petition presented to the Government earlier this year, which calls for of Pacific Islands Forum countries to have the same entry rights as nationals of visa-waiver countries eligible to apply for an NZeTA.
He expects the report from Parliament’s Petitions Committee before the House rises on 24 September.
If the petition moves to a select committee process next year, Anae says hearing directly from Pacific families could shift the debate.
“Once those around Parliament hear from the stories of the Pacific people and have them entreated, they will look at things differently.”
His message to Pacific communities is simple. “All I can say to our people is we have done everything we can. We await the powers.”
New Zealanders head to the polls on 7 November…..PACNEWS
CNMI – CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Tue 15 Sep 2026
CNMI voters to decide on constitutional convention in November
SAIPAN, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) —Seeking a path to revisit the commonwealth’s charter, Northern Marianas Governor David Apatang is submitting a question to the CNMI voters: “Shall there be a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the Constitution?”
Apatang issued an executive order Monday, placing the question on the November ballot, “in order to achieve effective and efficient government administration so as to better serve the interests of the commonwealth and its people.”
Ethan Kwon, spokesperson for the governor’s office, said the directive was not driven by any specific proposed changes to the Constitution. “Rather, the governor seeks to provide the public with an opportunity to voice their views on the matter,” he said.
“The governor is exercising his authority pursuant to the CNMI Constitution to place the question on the ballot, as required under CNMI law every 10 years,” Kwon added.
The proposed initiative requires two-thirds threshold of votes to sanction a constitutional convention.
According to the Commonwealth Elections Commission’s website, the CNMI had 18,022 registered voters in 13 precincts as of 12 August.
The CNMI Constitution, which delineates government powers and guarantees rights for citizens, was signed on 06 March 1977 and became effective on 09 January, 1978.
The last time the question was placed on the ballot through a legislative initiative was in 2014. House Bill 18-5, however, failed to reach the vote threshold required to facilitate the constitutional amendment process.
“The question of whether to hold a constitutional convention has not been placed on the ballot since the 2014 general election, and the legislature has not acted… to place the question on the ballot for the 2026 general election,” reads the governor’s executive order.
In 2024, Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero filed Senate Legislative Initiative 23-3, proposing to present the question to the voters. However, no action was taken on the proposed initiative.
The Commonwealth Constitution was drafted by 39 elected delegates meeting in a constitutional convention on Saipan in 1976. Many of its provisions are mandated by the Covenant, including the bill of rights and the form of government, which upholds the separation of powers of executive, legislative and judicial branches.
The last time the CNMI had a constitutional convention was in 1995, generating 19 proposed amendments, none of which, however, was ratified by the voters.
In 1985, voters ratified 44 amendments proposed by a second constitutional convention that convened that year……PACNEWS
PNG – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Tue 15 Sep 2026
EU reaffirms PNG partnership on 51st Independence
PORT MORESBY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS) —- The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening political, economic and environmental ties with Papua New Guinea as the country celebrates its 51st Independence Anniversary.
EU Ambassador Erika Hasznos said the partnership was built on shared values, including democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and had expanded significantly over almost five decades.
“On behalf of the European Union, I offer our warmest congratulations to the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea as you celebrate the 51st anniversary of your independence,” Hasznos said.
The EU has maintained a presence in Papua New Guinea for 49 years, growing from nine member states to its current 27-member bloc.
Hasznos said the EU and PNG shared a commitment to multilateralism, international institutions and a rules-based international system as the region and world faced growing security and economic challenges.
She also acknowledged PNG’s solidarity with Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
“The EU deeply values our shared interests and mutual trust as we navigate many global challenges together,” she said.
Hasznos arrived in PNG in September 2025 and said she had been privileged to witness the country’s 50th Independence Jubilee celebrations.
She said her first year in PNG had strengthened her optimism about the future of EU-PNG relations.
The EU is supporting sustainable livelihoods in PNG, including through the agriculture sector, with cocoa identified as a key example of efforts to develop sustainable value chains from production in East and West Sepik to processing in Port Moresby.
The EU is also investing K216 million(US$48.59 million) through its Forestry, Climate Change and Biodiversity programme to support forest protection, biodiversity conservation and climate action.
As part of the programme, 40 PNG science students are receiving scholarships to undertake master’s studies in the country.
Hasznos said trade remained a major pillar of the partnership, with PNG receiving duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market since 2009.
She said the EU was now PNG’s fourth-largest export destination.
The fifth EU-PNG Business Forum, held in Port Moresby in June, brought together more than 350 representatives from the private sector, PNG Government, EU member states and international financial institutions.
Hasznos said the forum demonstrated strong interest in expanding trade and investment between PNG and Europe.
The EU is also financing infrastructure projects under its Global Gateway investment strategy, including the redevelopment of Rabaul Port as what is planned to be the Pacific’s first Green Port.
Other projects include renewable energy generation in Wewak and Kavieng and water infrastructure for communities in Port Moresby and district towns.
The EU is also working with PNG to strengthen human rights institutions and policies, including efforts to protect people affected by gender-based violence and sorcery-related accusations and to promote public accountability.
“On this historic day, we reaffirm our commitment to deepening our political, environmental, and economic ties,” Hasznos said.
She wished the people of PNG a peaceful, prosperous and joyous Independence Day…..PACNEWS
FIJI – POLITICS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Parliamentary seat to remain vacant until election: Fiji Electoral Commission
SUVA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The parliamentary seat left vacant following the death of Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh will not be filled and will remain vacant until Fiji’s next General Election.
The Electoral Commission confirmed this following Singh’s death in Brisbane on 12 September, saying the constitutional period allowing the vacant seat to be awarded to another candidate had expired.
Under section 64(1) of the Constitution, the Commission would ordinarily award a vacant seat held by a political party member to the highest-ranked available candidate from the same party at the most recent General Election.
However, the Commission said section 64(3) provides that a seat must remain vacant if it becomes vacant more than three years and six months after the first meeting of Parliament following the most recent General Election.
“The constitutional period specified under section 64(3) has now elapsed as of 24 June, 2026.”
As a result, no process will be undertaken to replace Singh in Parliament.
“Accordingly, the parliamentary seat left vacant following the passing of Agni Deo Singh will not be filled and will remain vacant until the next General Election.”
“The Electoral Commission will therefore not undertake any process to award the vacant seat to another candidate.”
The Commission issued the clarification to ensure the constitutional process governing parliamentary vacancies was clearly understood.
It also extended its condolences to Singh’s family, colleagues and loved ones.
“The Electoral Commission acknowledges the late Singh’s contribution to Fiji through his service in Parliament, Government and his longstanding advocacy for workers.”
USA – COURTS: THE GUARDIAN PACNEWS 2: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Alaska drops cases against American Samoans who checked ‘U.S citizen’ on voter form
ANCHORAGE, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (THE GUARDIAN)—Alaska prosecutors are dropping voter misconduct cases against a group of residents born in American Samoa after a state appeals court threw out felony charges against a woman who wrongly checked a box saying she was a U.S citizen.
The state’s department of law announced the decision on Friday, after a three-judge court of appeals panel ruled a week earlier that state law requires proof that defendants who erroneously filled out voter registration forms had a “consciousness of wrongdoing” and intended to break the law.
The panel found flaws with a state trooper’s questioning of Tupe Smith, the woman involved in the case that was thrown out, as well as with the grand jury process that led to her indictment. It overturned a lower court’s decision that had kept the charges against her alive.
Cori Mills, Alaska’s acting attorney general, said in a statement that after reviewing the decision and applying the facts, prosecutors concluded that they could not prove cases against Smith and the others beyond a reasonable doubt. Her husband, Michael Pese, had also been charged.
“We respect the role of the courts in interpreting Alaska law and will faithfully execute our duty to apply the law and carefully evaluate our prosecutorial decisions,” Mills said.
Smith’s lawyer Whitney Brown heralded the court of appeals decision, saying in a statement last week it “establishes an important safeguard against imposing felony liability for an honest mistake”.
Neil Weare, part of the legal team representing Smith and Pese, said on Saturday that the decision to drop charges “raises questions about why this prosecution was even brought to begin with”.
“It’s clear that all along, they really had no evidence of any consciousness of wrongdoing on the part of Michael, Tupe or the other defendants,” said Weare, a co-director of the Right to Democracy non-profit.
In all, 11 people from the small community of Whittier, about 60 miles (100km) south-east of Anchorage, were charged with falsely claiming U.S citizenship either when registering or trying to vote. Messages seeking comment were left for their lawyers.
American Samoa is the only U.S territory where residents are not automatically granted citizenship by being born on American soil and instead are considered U.S nationals. Paths to citizenship exist, such as naturalisation, though that process can be expensive and cumbersome.
American Samoans can serve in the military, obtain U.S passports and vote in elections in American Samoa, but they cannot hold public office in the U.S nor participate in most U.S elections.
Smith was arrested after winning election to a regional school board in 2023. She has said she relied on erroneous information from election officials in Whittier when she identified herself as a US citizen on voter registration forms.
Smith said she marks herself as a US national on paperwork. But when there was no such option on voter registration forms, she was told by city representatives that it was appropriate to mark herself as a citizen, according to court papers.
Prosecutors contended that Smith falsely and deliberately claimed citizenship, pointing to warnings on voter registration forms she filled out in 2020 and 2022 that non-citizens “are not eligible to vote”…..PACNEWS
FIJI – POLICE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Tue 15 Sep 2026
AFP boosts Fiji Police cybercrime, transnational crime capabilities
SUVA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has strengthened its operational support to the Fiji Police Force with the handover of equipment to boost capabilities in cybercrime, transnational crime, traffic and mobile operations.
The handover took place at the Fiji Police Academy in Nasova during a visit by AFP Global Strategy Command Assistant Commissioner (AC) David McLean.
The support includes operational and investigative equipment for the Police Mobile Force, Cybercrime Unit, Traffic Unit and Transnational Crime Unit (TCU), as well as uniforms and boots.
Musical instruments were also handed over to the Fiji Police Band.
Earlier, AC McLean paid a courtesy call on Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu at Police Headquarters, where he was briefed on progress under the AFP-supported Uplift programme.
The programme focuses on leadership, human resources, operational capabilities and enablers, ethics and integrity, and communications, with the aim of driving organisational change and reforms to strengthen operational effectiveness and restore public trust and confidence in Police.
AC McLean was also briefed on plans to reform the TCU into a Transnational Serious Organised Crime (TSOC) unit.
“Today’s handing over is merely an expression of the partnership between the Fiji Police Force and Australian Federal Police, preceded by generations and will continue for many more generations,” he said.
He reaffirmed the AFP’s commitment to supporting law enforcement in Fiji and the region, saying responses needed to be coherent and co-ordinated across multilateral spaces.
Commissioner Tudravu acknowledged AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett and expressed FPF’s gratitude for AFP’s longstanding support through various police-to-police cooperation programmes.
He said the partnership had gained further momentum under the Vuvale partnership and was further elevated in 2026 with the signing of the Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance.
Tudravu said stronger collaboration and practical responses between the two organisations and regional law enforcement agencies were important given their shared responsibility for the safety and security of Fiji and the wider region……PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
B/VILLE – MINING ARSON ATTACK: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Bougainville President Toroama assures investors after Panguna camp violence
BUKA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS)— Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has assured companies, investors and development partners operating in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville that their personnel, operations and assets will be protected following an attack at the Lloyds Metals camp in Panguna.
Toroama described the incident as an isolated act of violence by individuals seeking to undermine the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s efforts to advance the redevelopment of the Panguna Mine and the region’s broader economic development agenda.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that the actions of a few individuals do not represent the government and people of Bougainville,” Toroama said in a statement.
He said the majority of Bougainvilleans wanted responsible investment, economic growth and development that creates opportunities and strengthens the region’s future.
“To all companies currently working in Bougainville, I give you the government’s utmost assurance that you are welcome here, and that your personnel, operations and assets will be protected,” he said.
Toroama said the management of Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited had assured the government it remained committed to working in Bougainville.
He confirmed that work at the Panguna site would continue without delay.
“My Government, through the Bougainville Police Service and relevant government agencies, will take all necessary measures to maintain law and order and ensure a safe operating environment for legitimate businesses and development partners,” Toroama said.
The President said the government would not allow isolated acts of violence to undermine investor confidence in Bougainville.
“We will not allow isolated acts of violence to undermine the confidence of companies and investors who have committed their resources, expertise and confidence to Bougainville’s development,” he said.
Toroama said economic development depended on confidence, stability and security, and the government remained committed to creating conditions where companies could operate safely and communities could participate meaningfully.
He called on companies operating in Bougainville to remain committed to the region and not allow the actions of a small number of individuals to affect their confidence in the government or the people of Bougainville.
“Do not allow the actions of a small number of individuals to diminish your confidence in our people or in our government,” Toroama said…..PACNEWS
B/VILLE – PAGUNA MINING: NBC BOUGAINVILLE PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Panguna legacy drives Matbob call for stronger corporate accountability
BUKA/BANGKOK, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (NBC BOUGAINVILLE) —Bougainville’s human rights advocate and former ABG Member for Ioro, Theonilla Roka Matbob, has called for stronger corporate accountability and responsible business practices to protect communities, land and the environment.
Matbob represented Bougainville and Papua New Guinea as the keynote speaker at the 10th United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum for the Asia-Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand.
It is the first time Papua New Guinea is represented at the regional United Nations forum, with Roka Matbob using Bougainville’s experience to highlight the human rights and environmental consequences of irresponsible business practices.
She used the legacy of the Panguna mine to warn that irresponsible business activities can leave communities with long-term environmental damage, social division and conflict.
Roka Matbob said more than three decades after the Panguna mine was abandoned, more than 25-thousand people in mine-impacted communities continue to live with its environmental and human rights impacts.
She said Rio Tinto’s acceptance in 2024 of the findings of an independent environmental and human rights impact assessment was an important step, but affected communities are still waiting for effective remedy.
Roka Matbob said corporate accountability requires Rio Tinto to walk alongside affected communities to address the mine’s toxic legacy and support healing.
She also raised concern over moves to reopen the Panguna mine, warning that mining must not create another layer of conflict and environmental and human rights harm.
However, s Matbob strongly condemned the recent deliberate burning and destruction of machinery belonging to Lloyds Panguna Metals and Energy Limited and its machinery operator, Thrivenny Earthmovers and Infra Limited.
She said while she remains opposed to the mining agenda, violence and destruction are unacceptable and damage Bougainville’s reputation as a post-conflict society.
Roka Matbob said responsible businesses must recognise that land and the environment are not simply economic assets, but are central to the survival and identity of local communities.
She challenged governments across the Asia-Pacific to strengthen justice systems so remote communities, women, Indigenous peoples and customary landowners can directly demand accountability.
Roka Matbob said communities must have a seat at the table and greater power to speak up against irresponsible business practices.
She called for a shift away from extractive business models towards inclusive and responsible investment that protects people, land and the environment.
She said governments, businesses and communities must work together to ensure economic development does not come at the cost of human rights and future generations…..PACNEWS
COOKS – DIPLOMACY: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 15 Sep 2026
Kiribati Fisheries Minister visits Cook Islands to study seabed minerals governance
RAROTONGA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026(COOK ISLANDS NEWS) —Cook Islands Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Chere Arthur, met with Ribanataake Tiwau, Kiribati’s Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, during his visit to Rarotonga this month.
Minister Tiwau and his delegation visited the Cook Islands to learn about the country’s experience in establishing governance arrangements for seabed minerals.
Discussions covered institutional and regulatory processes, scientific research and environmental protection. The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange information on approaches to managing ocean resources and to consider areas for possible future cooperation, including knowledge sharing and institutional capacity-building.
Minister Tiwau acknowledged the Cook Islands’ experience in developing its seabed minerals governance arrangements. Both sides also recognised the value of Pacific countries sharing knowledge and experience on ocean issues affecting the region.
The visit builds on previous engagements between Cook Islands and Kiribati representatives at regional and international meetings and contributes to the broader bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Arthur was supported by Tatryanna Utanga, foreign service officer within the Ministry’s Treaties, Multilateral and Oceans Division….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
PIMS 2017-2026: progress, lessons and the evidence gap
By Viliame Tawanakoro in Nuku’alofa, Tonga
NUKU’ALOFA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) —The Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy 2017-2026 established a valuable regional reference point and mobilised a substantial portfolio of technical cooperation and investments.
Progress was most visible in multi-hazard early warning, climate and ocean services, observation and data infrastructure, capacity development and regional technical cooperation.
The regional progress account identifies eight areas of most significant change: regional governance, coordination and visibility; the national enabling environment; NMHS capacity and national funding; access to external funding; observing infrastructure and the regional radar network; disaster-risk partnership and public communication; climate services and data management; and regional collaboration, shared systems and inclusion.
National legislation and planning
Dedicated meteorological legislation rose from seven to at least 11 countries, strategic plans rose from five to at least 12, and two new standalone departments were established.
Most services now conduct their own forecasting with at least one qualified meteorologist, funded overwhelmingly from national budgets. Nine countries have accessed multilateral climate finance since 2017, reversing an earlier concentration in a single country.
Operational radars increased from one to three. A first regional radar strategy was developed, and a Sustainable Maintenance Facility is in prospect.
NMHSs transformed from paper-based data agencies into modern climate-service providers, supported by PICOF and the Pacific RCC-Network. The RTC and RIC are progressing to operations from 2027, with shared communities of practice and strengthened MERL and GEDSI practice.
There was a shift toward shared responsibility with NDMOs and communities, impact-based forecasting, anticipatory action and new dissemination channels.
What the evidence can and cannot show
Because PIMS 2017-2026 operated without a defined MEL Framework, documented evidence of progress was found to be severely limited. Where practical, proxy indicators filled evidence gaps, including counts of enacted legislation, qualified staff, and operational infrastructure standing in for outcome measures that were never systematically tracked.
Three strands of evidence were combined: an expert documentary account, structured expert consultations informed by the Most Significant Change technique, and Panel and country-report evidence. These proxies indicate the foundations of progress rather than its full effect, a limitation acknowledged throughout the Brief.
The review identified three persistent and mutually reinforcing constraints. Institutional sustainability remains a major challenge, with limited core budgets, project dependence, workforce shortages and turnover, weak maintenance capacity, gaps in enabling legal and institutional arrangements, and ageing or incompatible equipment affecting continuity of services.
Service capability and last-mile effectiveness also remain uneven, including underdeveloped hydrological services and persistent challenges in ensuring that information and warnings effectively reach and support decision-making by remote and vulnerable communities. Data, reporting, and institutional memory remain weak in many contexts, with incomplete baselines, inconsistent metrics, and staff turnover limiting continuity, regional analysis, learning, and evidence-based planning.
Lesson for the next strategy
Its principal lesson is that lasting progress comes from turning successful activities into stronger, integrated systems. These lessons underpin the shift in PIMS 2027-2036 from a predominantly project- and activity-based model to Pacific-led system transformation, linking sustainable institutions, people-centred services, resilient infrastructure, regional cooperation, and long-term investment.
The PIMS Theory of Change is based on a simple proposition: trusted and actionable information enables better decisions; better decisions enable earlier action; earlier action strengthens resilience….PACNEWS
This is the second in a three-part editorial series on the Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC), the Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy (PIMS) and Weather Ready Pacific (WRP). All information used is sourced from the PCM-8 Agenda.
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Highly persistent toxic waste threatens ‘many, if not all, human rights’
GENEVA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —Poor management of toxic chemicals and hazardous waste threatens “many, if not all, human rights,” the newly appointed independent human rights independent expert on the rising threat told the Human Rights Council on Monday.
Bethanie Carney Almroth – an environmental scientist and researcher in the field who took up her post in August – expressed particular concern over so-called “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS) which are found in everyday consumer products.
Once released, these synthetic chemicals can remain in the environment for centuries, and there is currently no way of removing them from contaminated ecosystems, according to a recent UN report.
Exposure occurs throughout the chemicals’ lifecycle – from production sites to contaminated water, food and consumer products – raising risks to hormone systems, liver function and immune function.
PFAS can even cross the placenta and have been detected in umbilical cord blood and breast milk, exposing people at particularly sensitive stages of development, the report stressed.
Carney Almroth noted that PFAS impair the right to life, health, a healthy environment, a safe and healthy working environment along with access to information, “justice and remedy”.
Global justice issue
The consequences of toxic pollution are not distributed equally, making it “an issue of global environmental justice,” she stressed.
PFAS are mostly manufactured in industrialised States and spread globally through emissions, trade, and transboundary movements of PFAS-contaminated waste.
Yet communities already facing poverty, discrimination and marginalisation – notably workers, women, children, Indigenous Peoples, and people of African descent – are “exposed first and worst”, Ms Carney Almroth underscored.
“A human-rights based approach requires us to ask not simply how much pollution exists, but who is poisoned, and who benefits? Who bears the costs, and who makes the rules?” she explained, laying out her vision for her new mandate.
Act now
As a former professor of ecotoxicology – how all living organisms are impacted by toxic pollutants – Carney Almroth stressed that she wants her new position to be dedicated to “[moving] upstream.”
This means not only addressing how to clean up toxic pollution once it has occurred but also preventing unnecessary or dangerous contamination in the first place.
She recalled the UN report’s conclusion calling for an urgent ban on all non-essential uses of PFAS, citing that when pollution is potentially irreversible, waiting for complete certainty about its longevity and the dangers it may cause can itself create lasting harm.
Carney Almroth also wants to make sure States, courts, and other partners have access to reliable information on toxic pollution to enable more effective policymaking, highlighting the need to “protect independent science from conflicts of interest, disinformation and manufactured doubt.”
She also wants to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
“Science can help us identify harm. Human rights tell us why that harm matters, whose rights must be protected, and where responsibilities lie. The knowledge and experience of affected people help us understand what meaningful solutions require,” she said. ….PACNEWS
