In this bulletin:
1. FIJI — Taiwan highlights Fiji ties, commits US$3m to Pacific resilience
2. UN — COP31 host Country Agreement enters into force, strengthens inclusion and accommodation safeguards
3. PACIFIC— EU leads fight against fossil-fuel nations’ push to delay climate science reports
4. AUST — Cocos (Keeling) Islands left behind as Australian government raises Pacific
5. FIJI — Fiji MP Ketan Lal takes constitution dispute to court
6. SOL — Solomon Islands MP William Marau dies after prolonged illness
7. PACIFIC — Rising seas threaten Fiji’s health facilities, Health Minister warns
8. SOL — Solomon Islands film Our Culture Matters wins masterclass award after POP48 triumph
9. PACIFIC — Naoero calls for stronger Pacific partnerships to address water security
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Strong El Niño expected to disrupt Pacific tuna fisheries into 2027
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Aviation safety everyone’s responsibility: PNG Civil Aviation Safety Authority
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Local solar-sharers crowned at Australia design awards
13. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Taiwan and Fiji Celebrate 55 Years of Partnership at the ROC (Taiwan) National Day reception
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — Former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay awarded Nobel Peace Prize
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — Strengthening mental health resilience in the face of climate shocks across the Western Pacific
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — Jimmy’s Farm supports Education and Resilience
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 12 Oct 2026
Taiwan highlights Fiji ties, commits US$3m to Pacific resilience
SUVA, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—Taiwan has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Fiji and the wider Pacific, highlighting partnerships in agriculture, healthcare, technology and climate resilience as it marked its 115th National Day.
Representative of the Taipei Trade Office in Fiji, David Cheng-Wei Wu, made the statement at a reception in Suva on 8 October, attended by former Fiji Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and other guests.
Wu said Taiwan had maintained a presence in Fiji since 1971, with more than five decades of cooperation helping build lasting relationships between the two countries.
He said Taiwan’s contribution extended beyond government-to-government relations, with trust developed through long-term people-to-people exchanges.
During his first two months in Fiji, Wu visited Taiwan Technical Mission sites in Nausori, Sigatoka and Caboni, met a medical team from Mackay Memorial Hospital in Nadi, visited senior citizens in Lautoka and attended the Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu. He also travelled to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Wu highlighted Taiwan’s 30 years of democratic development since its first direct presidential election in 1996, saying the island had developed into an open democratic society despite security challenges.
He also highlighted Taiwan’s role in global semiconductor manufacturing and artificial intelligence server industries, saying its technological expertise could support development across the Pacific.
“We therefore want Taiwan to be recognised not only for being the epicentre of AI revolution, but as a trusted partner that contributes constructively to the international community,” Wu said.
He said Taiwan would continue to uphold democracy, strengthen its self-defence capabilities and work with like-minded partners to promote peace and regional stability.
Wu added that Taiwan was committed to supporting Fiji’s development through its experience in technology, healthcare, agriculture and digital transformation.
“Taiwan and Fiji were simply born to be good mates,” he said, noting that both countries celebrate their national days on 10 October.
Former prime minister Chaudhry highlighted Taiwan’s long-standing development assistance to Fiji, particularly in agriculture, aquaculture, healthcare and human resource development.
He said the value of the partnership lay not only in providing equipment and resources, but also in transferring technology, training local personnel and strengthening Fiji’s capacity for sustainable development.
Agriculture remains one of the longest-running areas of cooperation, with the Taiwan Technical Mission working with Fiji since 1978 through demonstration farms, technical assistance, farmer training and the introduction of improved crop varieties.
Chaudhry said cooperation on guava and dragon fruit production had resulted in the production of more than 15,000 guava seedlings and 16,000 dragon fruit seedlings through the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund and Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture.
He also highlighted initiatives supporting smart and climate-resilient agriculture, including the Centre of Agricultural Technology Transfer and the 2026 Resilient Cultivation Promotion Programme.
A memorandum of understanding signed between the Taipei Trade Office and Fiji National University this year is also providing opportunities for students to learn about tissue culture, smart greenhouse technologies and high-value crop production.
In aquaculture, Chaudhry highlighted a five-year Taiwan-Fiji White Shrimp Industry Development Project running from 2026 to 2030.
The project aims to establish a sustainable shrimp value chain by improving the supply of shrimp fry and feed, strengthening farmer training and encouraging private-sector investment.
He said the initiative was intended to build Fiji’s technical expertise, infrastructure and commercial capacity to support a sustainable industry.
Healthcare cooperation was another key area, with a medical team from Taiwan’s Mackay Memorial Hospital visiting Nadi Hospital in September to provide free medical services.
The visit marked the eighth time the hospital’s medical team had travelled to Fiji. An infectious disease specialist joined the team for the first time this year, sharing expertise with local health professionals on HIV prevention and treatment.
Chaudhry said scholarships, professional training, workshops and exchange programmes also helped Fijian students, officials and technical personnel gain skills and knowledge they could apply at home.
He welcomed Taiwan’s contribution to regional development through its partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum.
Taiwan provided US$2 million to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in 2026 and committed a further US$3 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), which aims to strengthen Pacific Island countries’ resilience to climate change and natural disasters.
The reception showcased Taiwan-Fiji agricultural cooperation, including a map of Taiwan arranged with fruits and vegetables grown with support from the Taiwan Technical Mission and an aquarium displaying the white shrimp aquaculture project.…. PACNEWS
UN – COP31: PACNEWS/UNFCC PACNEWS 2: Mon 12 Oct 2026
COP31 host Country Agreement enters into force, strengthens inclusion and accommodation safeguards
ANTALYA, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEW/UNFCC) —The host agreement for the UN climate conference COP31 in Türkiye has come into force, introducing stronger measures on inclusion, accommodation costs, conference management and participant protections.
The Host Country Agreement (HCA) between the Government of Türkiye and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides the legal basis for organising and hosting COP31 in Antalya in November.
The agreement, ratified by Türkiye’s Parliament on 31 July and published by UN Climate Change in September, consolidates previous improvements to host agreements and introduces new measures to improve efficiency and provide greater certainty for participants.
Under the agreement, accommodation costs for participants funded through the Trust Fund for Participation will be capped at 50 per cent of the daily subsistence allowance, helping countries with limited financial resources participate in the conference.
Protections for other participants have also been strengthened, with requirements for early engagement with the hospitality sector and clearer information on consumer rights under Turkish law.
The agreement establishes a consolidated approach to human rights and inclusion, covering gender, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and persons with disabilities.
It also strengthens oversight by requiring the host country to keep the COP Bureau informed of emerging issues and report after COP31 on organisational achievements and challenges in implementing the agreement.
The HCA extends to UN Climate Change meetings held in Türkiye before and after COP31, supporting more efficient arrangements and reducing costs for the host country and the UNFCCC secretariat.
Other provisions strengthen regulation of contracts for leasing delegation and pavilion space within the conference venue and require the host government to apply project management best practices across COP operations.
These include monitoring risks, timelines and milestones to improve planning, efficiency and cost management.
The agreement was co-signed by COP31 President-Designate and Türkiye’s Minister Murat Kurum and UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell during the SB64 climate meetings in Bonn in June.
UN Climate Change said Türkiye and the secretariat had worked over several months to develop an agreement providing greater clarity and predictability for participants while supporting the effective delivery of COP31.
The agreement forms part of ongoing efforts to improve the organisation of UN climate conferences and respond to calls from countries for greater efficiency and cost savings…… PACNEWS
PAC – FOSSIL FUEL/CLIMATE CHANGE: THE FINANCIAL TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 12 Oct 2026
EU leads fight against fossil-fuel nations’ push to delay climate science reports
NADI/BRUSSELS, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (THE FINANCIAL TIMES) —The European Union (EU) alongside ministers from more than 30 countries have joined forces in a co-ordinated effort to thwart a push by Saudi Arabia, China and other fossil fuel-reliant nations to delay key scientific reports on the warming of the planet.
The leading scientific authority on climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), made up of hundreds of international experts, is due to meet next week to resolve a three-year-long deadlock over the next set of reports.
Countries including Saudi Arabia, India and China have pushed for the postponement of some of the reports until 2029, meaning key information on climate change would not be available for the UN COP summit in 2028, when a critical assessment of each nation’s efforts to deal with climate change is due.
Ministers and officials led by EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, the UK’s Katie White, Canadian minister Julie Dabrusin, France’s Monique Barbut and Germany’s Carsten Schneider, on Friday released a statement arguing that “timely information” from the reports was “critically needed”.
Hoekstra was among about 30 ministers and officials gathered last week in the Pacific islands of Fiji and Tuvalu — where they visited land reclamation projects to combat sea-level rise — to prepare the agenda for this year’s UN COP summit in Turkey.
The IPCC reports form the backbone of UN climate negotiations and are key to tracking progress of the Paris accord, under which almost 200 countries agreed to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2C or ideally to 1.5C above the pre-industrial level.
The physical science portion of the last IPCC assessment was primarily based on data available up to 2021. Since then, the global temperature is estimated to have risen from about 1.1C above pre-industrial levels to about 1.4C.
“Access to the latest and best available science . . . enables a just, equitable, evidence-based approach to addressing the greatest challenge of our time, rather than one driven by those whose entrenched interests are at odds with reducing greenhouse gases,” the so-called High Ambition Coalition said.
The IPCC is due to publish three reports, including one on the level and causes of climate change, another on how countries can adapt, and a third on options to avoid it worsening. Scientists chairing groups preparing the reports have proposed a work plan that would see all three approved by September 2028.
The nations pushing for a delay in publication are led by the economies most dependent on fossil fuels, including Saudi Arabia, China, India and Russia, which argue that publication any sooner would compromise the quality of the reports and strain developing nations that lack the capacity to rapidly vet thousands of pages of text.
But Denmark’s climate minister Samira Nawa was among those accusing the countries blocking progress of serving their own political interests. “The IPCC process must be safeguarded from political interference,” she said…. PACNEWS
AUST – PRE COP31: ABC PACIFIC PACNEWS 2: Mon 12 Oct 2026
Cocos (Keeling) Islands left behind as Australian government raises Pacific
CANBERRA, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (ABC PACIFIC) —Residents of Australia’s remotest territory say they feel forgotten by the government’s global climate change efforts ahead of the major COP31 forum in Türkiye.
The federal government hosted pre-COP meetings in Tuvalu and Fiji last week in a bid to raise the voices of Pacific Island nations.
But on the far opposite side of Australia’s recognised territory, and 8,900km from this week’s Pacific meetings, residents of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) feel they have been left in the lurch.
Faced with coastal erosion, flooding and other climate-driven issues mirroring those of Pacific nations, the Cocos Islanders made a bid to be represented at COP31.
Their application was approved by the United Nations, but not selected for funding by the Australian government, with the delegation informed they had been unsuccessful just before this week’s talks.
Their panel proposal, submitted by the University of Western Australia’s Oceans Institute, would have featured the challenges faced by the Cocos (Keeling) Islands as a low-lying island community.
Home Island resident Luluk Sloan said COP31 presented an opportunity to bring global awareness to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
With a coastal hazard management plan suggesting retreat slammed by the islands’ residents, they had hoped attendance would have allowed them to learn how other island communities were dealing with climate-driven challenges.
“A council delegation was actually looking at visiting the Pacific Islands just to see what sort of mitigation they’ve got planned in terms of not retreating,” she said.
“I think it’s a disappointment that we don’t have that link; we can’t really tell our story globally.”
Sloan said it felt like the islands were being left behind.
West Island resident Rose Cummins also would have attended the conference.
“I certainly applaud the Pacific Islands. I think they’ve done an incredible job in raising the profile of climate change and how it’s directly impacting them,” Cummins said.
“I guess we would just like the same opportunity.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy and Water acknowledged the impact climate change was having on the Islands.
But the department rejected suggestions that the focus on the Pacific came at the expense of Australian communities.
“Engagement with Pacific partners complements, rather than replaces, our support for Australian communities facing climate risks,”” the spokesperson said.
The Oceans Institute said it remained committed to working with the islands’ community to help address the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.
Residents say there has been a lack of meaningful consultation on the plan to manage the islands’ ongoing coastal risks.
“I think a lot of people felt that it’s another consultation,’ Sloan said.
“What are they going to do about it? Possibly, probably, nothing.”
Cummins said expressions of interest for a community reference group, promised since the start of the year, were only issued last month.
“There’s no decision-making abilities; it won’t affect any policy or anything like that,” she said.
“That will still be done by experts who don’t live here.”
The Climate Change Department spokesperson said the Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) was a key step in supporting CKI to respond and adapt to climate change.
“The [plan] gives us a clear picture of the coastal hazards facing the islands and will help guide the work we do together to strengthen preparedness and improve community safety,” the spokesperson said.
But Sloan remained sceptical.
“I think people are slowly realising that … the delivery of services is on the decline
“And that’s probably because they’re thinking: ‘Oh yeah, 50 years from now, the islands are going to go under,” she said. …PACNEWS
FIJI – COURT: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Mon 12 Oct 2026
Fiji MP Ketan Lal takes constitution dispute to court
SUVA, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN) —Member of Fiji Parliament Ketan Lal has filed proceedings in the High Court of Fiji challenging the Speaker’s decision on the Constitution amendment Bill.
In a statement on Friday, Mr Lal said the legal action was aimed at ensuring any changes to the Constitution followed the procedures prescribed by the Constitution itself.
“This is not about personalities or party politics. It is about the rule of law, and about making sure that any change to our Constitution is made in the manner the Constitution itself prescribes,” he said.
Lal said he had filed the proceedings out of respect for Fiji’s institutions and confidence in the courts. He said the Constitution protected every Fijian and that the public deserved to have confidence in how it was handled.
“The 2013 Constitution is the supreme law of the country and we must respect its provisions, at the same time we must make sure all the voices of Fijians are heard.”
With the matter now before the court, Lal said he would not comment further on its merits.
“The matter is now before the Court, and I will respect that process and say no more on the merits outside it.”
He urged Fijians to take an interest in the outcome, saying the Constitution and the country’s future belonged to everyone. …. PACNEWS
SOL – OBITUARY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 12 Oct 2026
Solomon Islands MP William Marau dies after prolonged illness
HONIARA, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—Solomon Islands Member of Parliament William Bradford Marau has died after a prolonged illness, Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced.
Marau represented the Ulawa/Ugi constituency in Parliament and served in several ministerial portfolios, including Justice and Legal Affairs, Lands, Housing and Survey, and Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.
Wale said Marau’s death was a loss to his family, constituency and the country.
“His passing is a loss of a life dedicated to public service and the representation of his people,” Wale said in a condolence statement.
He said Marau had served the people of Ulawa/Ugi with dignity and commitment throughout his time in Parliament.
Wale said Marau’s contributions to national leadership and public service would be remembered, particularly his commitment to representing his constituents.
“At this difficult time, the Government joins the people of Ulawa/Ugi in mourning the loss of a great leader,” he said.
On behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, Wale extended condolences to Marau’s family, relatives, friends and the people of Ulawa/Ugi.
He said he hoped the family and others mourning his death would find strength and comfort through the support of their loved ones and communities.
“May the soul of the late William Bradford Marau rest in eternal peace,” Wale said…. PACNEWS
PAC – PRE COP31: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Mon 12 Oct 2026
Rising seas threaten Fiji’s health facilities, Health Minister warns
NADI, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN) —Rising sea levels and coastal erosion are threatening the integrity of Fiji’s health facilities, while climate-sensitive diseases are adding to the challenges facing the country’s healthcare system.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says climate change is increasing risks to health infrastructure, strengthening the case for climate-resilient health systems to become a priority ahead of COP31.
“For us in Fiji, we not only feel it in new trends of climate-sensitive diseases, but we also experience it with the rising sea level and coastal erosion that affect a good number of our facilities in terms of integrity,” he said.
“Then again, we have issues with the changing climate that affects our infrastructure.”
He was speaking at the Pre-COP31 Pacific Health in a Changing Climate: Country-led Innovation for Resilient Health Systems side event in Denarau, Nadi, last week.
Dr Lalabalavu said the Ministry of Health and Medical Services had developed a Health National Adaptation Plan in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Pacific Community (SPC) and other organisations to prepare health services for climate-related impacts.
“And what the plan does is to ensure that we plan accordingly in mitigating and ensuring that we have the infrastructure, retrofitted infrastructure, that is able to withstand the changes in climate.”
The regional discussion called for climate-resilient health systems to become a core adaptation priority, with investment in safer facilities, disease surveillance and healthcare workforce capacity.
Dr Lalabalavu welcomed the elevation of health and education as standing priorities in Pacific Islands Forum discussions.
“It’s very important, and for me as the Minister of Health, I’ll always be pushing to ensure that health is always at the top of the priority locally in government, regionally, and internationally in events such as this,” he said…. PACNEWS
SOL – FILM INDUSTRY: PMN PACNEWS 2: Mon 12 Oct 2026
Solomon Islands film Our Culture Matters wins masterclass award after POP48 triumph
HONIARA, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (PMN)—A film made in just 48 hours has won a place in a filmmaking masterclass in Hawai‘i for Solomon Islands team BigEye.
They won the inaugural Pacific of Pasifika 48-hour Film Challenge (POP48) with short film Our Culture Matters.
The win was announced on 5 October, 2026, securing the team a place in a four-day filmmaking masterclass from 21 to 24 October.
The masterclass will be led by the International Cultural Arts Network (ICAN) founders Brian Keaulana and Angie Laprete, who also produce Apple TV+ series Chief of War.
Nicole Rex Taofinu’u, Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) acting chief of content, says BigEye stood out for its strong storytelling and use of culture.
She described it as a “thought‑provoking and engaging film,” with the team weaving the challenge’s creative ingredients into their story.
“One of the standout elements is the beautiful soundscape, incorporating a chant from their ancestors in a way that feels both culturally grounded and creatively innovative,” she says.
Taofinu’u says Our Culture Matters also received the highest number of online votes from viewers across the Pacific and beyond.
“It is a wonderful celebration of the creativity and talent coming out of the Solomon Islands, and a very deserving win for Team Big Eye,” she says.
For the team, the next step is to build the technical skills needed to take their work further.
Wilfred Akwai, BigEye producer, editor, and cameraman, says the team wants to learn more about camera work, directing, lighting, storytelling, editing, colour grading, and post‑production.
“Because I think these are the most challenging things a Solomon Islander would like to learn about,” he says.
Akwai says the opportunity will be a valuable learning experience for the team and other emerging filmmakers in the Solomon Islands.
Team BigEye includes Akwai, Danzo Kakadi, Rodney Kwaita, Nigel Seseli, Martin Iro, Don Lebata, Kens Misilifoa, and Ben Teoga.
They wrote, filmed and edited their six‑minute entry in just 48 hours from 4 to 6 September during the regional challenge hosted in Honiara by Tavuli News.
Akwai also acknowledged Pasifika TV, Tavuli News, and the teams that took part from Solomon Islands, Fiji, Sāmoa, and the Cook Islands.
Team BigEye is already confirmed to represent Solomon Islands again next year, becoming the first team from the country to re-enter the competition.
Team Big Eye’s cast and crew celebrate Our Culture Matters, which won the inaugural Pacific of Pasifika 48-hour Film Challenge and secured the eight-member team a place in a filmmaking masterclass in Hawai‘i.
POP48 was created by PCBL through Pasifika on Air to give emerging Pacific filmmakers a platform to tell their own stories, develop their skills, and share Pasifika creativity with regional audiences.
The inaugural challenge brought together 20 teams from Fiji, Sāmoa, Solomon Islands, and the Cook Islands, supported by local broadcasters FBC TV (Fiji), TV1 Sāmoa, Tavuli News (Solomon Islands), and Pacific Standard Time (Cook Islands).
For Team BigEye, the Hawai‘i masterclass offers a chance to build on a story rooted in Solomon Islands culture and bring new filmmaking skills home, Akwai says……PACNEWS
PAC – WATER: PACNEWS/NAOERO GOVT PACNEWS 2: Mon 12 Oct 2026
Naoero calls for stronger Pacific partnerships to address water security
PAPE‘ETE, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS/PACNEWS/NAOERO GOVT) —Naoero has called for stronger regional partnerships, financing and technical support to address water security challenges facing small island states.
Minister for Climate Change and National Resilience Delvin Thoma made the call at the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting in Pape‘ete, French Polynesia, in September.
Thoma said the meeting’s theme, “Living Water – From Source to Reef, Water Shaping Life in the Pacific Islands”, reflected the importance of water to the health, livelihoods and resilience of Pacific communities.
“For small island states such as ours, water security is not an abstract policy issue. It is a daily concern for households, schools, health services and national development,” he said.
Thoma said Naoero’s geographic isolation, limited freshwater sources and heavy reliance on desalinated water posed direct challenges to its population.
He said infrastructure improvements, including the Asian Development Bank-supported water reticulation system, had helped strengthen water delivery, wastewater management and sanitation.
However, he stressed that infrastructure investment alone would not be enough to address the country’s water challenges.
Thoma called for continued partnerships, training and financing to ensure water infrastructure and services could be sustained and improved.
He also urged Pacific countries to strengthen regional cooperation and share knowledge, noting that island nations faced similar challenges in securing reliable and climate-resilient water supplies.
The meeting concluded on 01 September with ministers endorsing the Pape’ete Declaration, which sets out regional commitments and actions towards a water-secure and climate-resilient Pacific…PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – TUNA INDUSTRY: PACNEWS/FFA PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 12 Oct 2026
Strong El Niño expected to disrupt Pacific tuna fisheries into 2027
HONIARA,12 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS/FFA)—A strengthening El Niño is expected to affect tuna distribution and fishing activity across the Pacific through 2026 and into 2027, creating challenges for fisheries management and the economies of island nations.
The latest Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Trade and Industry News reports changing fishing patterns across the Western and Central Pacific as ocean temperatures rise and conditions shift.
The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has indicated that El Niño is present, with sea surface temperatures above average across the east-central and eastern equatorial Pacific.
There is more than a 90 percent chance of a very strong event developing during the Northern Hemisphere autumn and winter, with conditions likely to persist into February 2027.
The Pacific Community (SPC) has warned that the event could bring reduced rainfall to Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Niue, southern Cook Islands, Tonga and Palau, while Kiribati, Tokelau and parts of Tuvalu could face flooding and warmer seas.
The changing conditions are also expected to affect tuna fishing grounds and catch rates.
From mid-July into August, sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific were about 1.5 to 3 degrees Celsius above average, with the strongest warming in the eastern Pacific.
Fishing activity in Solomon Islands was low in July before increasing in August, while effort in central Papua New Guinea remained around normal levels. Activity further east was lower than in non-El Niño years.
Following the annual fish aggregating device (FAD) fishing ban, fishing effort shifted towards the high seas and the exclusive economic zones of Kiribati and Tuvalu.
The changes are significant for Pacific Island countries, where tuna fisheries underpin food security, employment, government revenue and economic development.
In the eastern Pacific, El Niño is expected to deepen the ocean thermocline, expanding tuna habitat and making it harder for fishing fleets to catch the fish efficiently.
Ecuador’s fishing industry is forecasting a decline of 90,000 tonnes in catches in 2026, while higher fuel and raw material costs are adding pressure on operators.
The effects are expected to extend beyond the Pacific.
El Niño could influence wind patterns over the Indian Ocean, contributing to a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, characterised by warmer sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean and cooler conditions in the east.
These changes can affect ocean nutrients and tuna behaviour, with scientists anticipating potential negative impacts on yellowfin tuna catches.
In the Atlantic, El Niño is expected to influence skipjack tuna distribution, with traditional fishing grounds in the Gulf of Guinea and equatorial regions potentially becoming less productive.
The developments highlight the need for Pacific countries to strengthen climate-informed fisheries management, forecasting and adaptive planning to maintain sustainable tuna stocks and protect the economic benefits fisheries provide across the region…. PACNEWS
PNG- CIVIL AVIATION: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 12 Oct 2026
Aviation safety everyone’s responsibility : PNG Civil Aviation Safety Authority
PORT MORESBY, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — Papua New Guinea Aviation regulators, operators and suppliers have agreed that the country and the skies will only be safe if everyone works together.
Officers from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Casa) PNG, Niusky Pacific Limited, National Airports Corporation (NAC), airlines, colleges and Australian partners attended in Port Moresby this week the PNG Aviation Safety and Security Conference.
Civil Aviation Minister Douglas Tomuriesa said for PNG, “aviation is far more than a mode of transport; it is a lifeline”.
“In our nation, characterised by rugged mountains, vast forest, scattered islands, and remote communities, from Telefomin in the Star Mountains, Highlands, to Kiriwina, to Losuia, to small, tiny islands, aviation connects our people, people to education, healthcare, employment, and markets,” he said.
Tomuriesa said safety remained a top priority for everyone.
A data-sharing agreement between Casa PNG, Niusky and NAC must be signed by 30 November a K20 million (US$4.56 million) aviation innovation fund to co-fund the automated dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) in rural areas, runway lights and a National Aviation Safety and Security Training Centre, and a Civil Aviation Amendment Bill in 2027.
Casa PNG chief executive officer Benedict Oraka said PNG’s International Civil Aviation Organisation safety score went up from 60.7 per cent to 80.5 per cent, above the Asia-Pacific average.
Casa Australia said safety is a collective responsibility and commended PNG’s matured safety culture, but warned that no one is immune to accidents and most accidents happen to good pilots because of financial pressures and safety culture.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said safety improvements must focus on training on new system designs and strongly advised reporting and fixing aircraft defects.
The 3rd PNG Aviation Career Expo was held alongside the conference, where students from Kopkop College, Paradise College and other schools visited booths set up by aviation colleges and the PNG-Australia transport sector support programme…. PACNEWS
AUST – AWARDS: AAP PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 12 Oct 2026
Local solar-sharers crowned at Australia design awards
MELBOUNRNE, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—An Australian solar-sharing invention has received top gong at the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards.
The annual competition celebrates leading designers from Australia and around the world.
Melbourne-based Allume Energy took out the Australian Good Design Award of the Year for a system allowing apartment residents to split and share energy caught by rooftop solar based on need.
Chair of Good Design Australia Brandon Gien told AAP the system was a “stand-out example of design excellence” at the awards.
“What was really profound… was the fact that they’ve solved a problem that no one has managed to solve to date, and they’ve done it through good, clever, intuitive design,” he said.
The system was designed to instantaneously divide power between units connected to a single solar array.
The company estimated Solshare is connected to more than 10,000 apartments with energy bill savings of around 30 to 40 per cent.
Dr Gien said Australia was home to truly world-class talent and giving talent the right support, investment and industry opportunities would be crucial to raising Australia’s international standing.
“If we can get those things right, there’s enormous potential to unlock more Australian innovation,” he said.
An easy-lifting beehive won Best in Discipline for Engineering Design.
The company behind the Flow Super Lifter designed a product to minimise the crushing of bees as components are moved for inspection.
Greenshoot Consulting, with Wurundjeri Elders, took top honours for the Built Environment discipline.
The group delivered a ceremonial gathering space for the heart of Melbourne’s City Square public area with inscribed pavers surrounding a central hand-crafted smoking ceremony dish.
Australian designers Frost*collective took out communication design honours for wayfinding and environmental graphics at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Australian firm ThirdStory was recognised for research involving domestic violence specialist support services.
International projects were also recognised at the awards.
Taiwanese designer Liu Chia-Yi won the concept design award for SoilRevive, an AI-powered system designed to treat farmland contaminated by heavy metals.
The award for digital design went to a firm behind work on NZ’s Wellington Central Library.
The Australian-designed Vanuatu National Warning System took out best in discipline for social impact.
Environmentally-conscious designs were also recognised, including an artificial seawall built with site-specific data and robot fabricators and a modular habitat for vulnerable natives……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
Taiwan and Fiji Celebrate 55 Years of Partnership at the ROC (Taiwan) National Day reception
SUVA, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (TAIPEI TRADE OFFICE) — Representative David Cheng-Wei Wu of the Taipei Trade Office in Fiji hosted a reception on the evening of 8 October 2026 to mark the 115th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan), highlighting Taiwan’s democratic development, technological capabilities and long-standing cooperation with Fiji.
In his remarks, Representative Wu said Taiwan has undergone 30 years of democratic development and has emerged as an important democracy in Asia and a key partner in global technology supply chains. Faced with an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, Taiwan will continue to uphold democracy and contribute to peace, while working with like-minded partners to build a more resilient Pacific region through its expertise in technology, healthcare, agriculture and digital transformation.
Representative David Cheng-Wei Wu speaks about Taiwan longterm contribution to the Pacific in remarks
Representative Wu noted that the reception came on his 60th day since arriving in Fiji. During his first two months, he had travelled to various parts of Viti Levu, including visiting the Taiwan Technical Mission’s sites in Nausori, Sigatoka and Caboni. He also met with the medical team from Mackay Memorial Hospital in Nadi, visited senior citizens in Lautoka, attended the Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, and travelled to Palau to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting.
Representative Wu also highlighted the depth of Taiwan-Fiji relations, noting that Taiwan has maintained a presence in Suva since 1971. Over the past 55 years, cooperation in agriculture, healthcare and human resource development has helped build strong and lasting connections between the two peoples. He said the foundation of the friendship between Taiwan and Fiji goes beyond government-to-government relations, with trust built through long-term people-to-people exchanges playing an equally important role.
30 Years of Taiwan’s Democratic Development
Speaking about Taiwan’s democratic development, Representative Wu noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election in 1996. At the time, Taiwan faced a highly tense security environment, including missile tests in waters surrounding Taiwan. Despite the tensions, Taiwanese people turned out in large numbers to vote, with a voter turnout of approximately 76 per cent. The election became a major milestone in Taiwan’s democratic transformation. Thirty years later, Taiwan has developed into a vibrant and open democratic society, ranking highly among Asian countries in international assessments of freedom, integrity and press freedom.
Representative Wu said Taiwan has also undergone a major economic and technological transformation. Advanced semiconductor manufacturing and artificial intelligence server industries now play critical roles in global supply chains.
As technology, economic development and national security become increasingly interconnected, he said, the importance of trust has become even more significant.
“We therefore want Taiwan to be recognised not only for being the epicentre of AI revolution, but as a trusted partner that contributes constructively to the international community” he said.
Investing in Peace and Regional Resilience
On security issues, Representative Wu said that investing in defence is also investing in peace. He noted that the international environment is facing multiple challenges, including geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate change and rapid technological development. Taiwan must therefore strengthen its democracy, safeguard peace and stability, and make use of its economic and technological capabilities to demonstrate its determination to protect its people and sovereignty. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defence capabilities while supporting Fiji’s development, upholding shared values and contributing to peace, prosperity and resilience across the Pacific.
Everlasting Friendship
Representative Wu also highlighted the unique connection between Taiwan and Fiji, noting that both celebrate their respective national days on 10 October — Taiwan’s Double Ten Day and Fiji Day. “Taiwan and Fiji were simply born to be good mates” he said. He invited guests to raise a glass in celebration of the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Fiji Day, and expressed his hope that friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and Fiji would continue to flourish in the years ahead.
Former Fiji Prime Minister Highlights Practical Cooperation
Former Fiji Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry was also invited to attend the reception and deliver remarks, where he praised Taiwan’s long-standing cooperation with Fiji in agriculture, aquaculture, healthcare and human resource development.
He emphasised that the core of Taiwan-Fiji cooperation is not simply the provision of equipment or resources, but the transfer of knowledge and technology, training of local personnel and strengthening of Fiji’s capacity for sustainable and independent development.
Chaudhry highlighted agriculture as one of the longest-standing pillars of Taiwan-Fiji cooperation. The Taiwan Technical Mission has worked with Fiji since 1978 through demonstration farms, technical assistance, quality seedlings, farmer training and technology transfer, helping strengthen Fiji’s agricultural production capacity. He particularly highlighted Taiwan-Fiji cooperation on guava and dragon fruit production. Through cooperation between the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) and Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture, more than 15,000 guava seedlings and more than 16,000 dragon fruit seedlings have been produced, contributing to improvements in fruit production and marketing capabilities.
Chaudhry also noted the establishment of an Centre of Agricultural Technology Transfer (CATT) by the Taiwan Technical Mission, as well as the 2026 Resilient Cultivation Promotion Programme, which are supporting the development of smart and climate-resilient agriculture in Fiji. This year, Taipei Trade Office in Fiji also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Fiji National University, providing students with opportunities to learn about tissue culture, smart greenhouse technologies and high-value crop production.
Developing a Sustainable Aquaculture Industry
In aquaculture, Chaudhry highlighted the launch this year of a Taiwan-Fiji White Shrimp Industry Development Project. The five-year project, running from 2026 to 2030, aims to establish a sustainable shrimp value chain by improving the supply of shrimp fry and feed, strengthening farmer training and encouraging private-sector investment. He stressed that the initiative is not simply about introducing a new species, but about helping Fiji develop its own knowledge, technical expertise, infrastructure and commercial capacity.
Strengthening Healthcare Cooperation
Healthcare cooperation was another area highlighted by Chaudhry. He noted that in September 2026, a medical team from Taiwan Mackay Memorial Hospital visited Nadi Hospital to provide free medical services. It marked the eighth time the hospital’s medical team had travelled to Fiji. This year, an infectious disease specialist was included in the team for the first time, helping Fiji respond to the country’s increasingly serious HIV situation while sharing experience with local healthcare professionals on prevention and treatment.
Chaudhry said an important value of Taiwan-Fiji cooperation lies in capacity building. Scholarships, professional training, workshops and exchange programmes enable Fijian students, professionals, government officials and technical personnel to gain new knowledge and practical experience, which they can subsequently bring back to Fiji.
Staunch Partnership between Taiwan and the Pacific
He also welcomed Taiwan’s role as a development partner of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). He noted that Taiwan provided US$2 million to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in 2026 and has committed a further US$3 million to support the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), helping Pacific Island countries strengthen their resilience to climate change and natural disasters.
This year’s National Day Reception hosted by the Taipei Trade Office in Fiji brought together a large gathering of guests in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
A highlight of the reception was a map of Taiwan creatively arranged with fruits and vegetables grown with the support of Taiwan Technical Mission. An interactive aquarium also showcased the achievements of the white shrimp aquaculture project, offering guests a glimpse into the successful outcomes of Taiwan–Fiji agricultural cooperation.
As guests departed, they were presented with commemorative National Day gift boxes featuring fresh produce and white shrimp, symbolising the fruitful cooperation and enduring friendship between Taiwan and Fiji……PACNEWS
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay awarded Nobel Peace Prize
NEW YORK, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —South African jurist and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay was on Friday announced as the winner of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
She was honoured “for her efforts to promote peace and international law”, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said in a statement.
The committee said the award was going “to a person who with exceptional courage and integrity has led the way towards a more comprehensive global legal order,” noting that she “has been instrumental in ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted.”
Fighting hate, defending civilians
Pillay served as the UN human rights chief from September 2008 through August 2014, but her career has spanned more than 50 years – from fighting apartheid in her homeland to defending civilians in conflict zones.
She is a former chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and was appointed a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, in addition to serving as an ad hoc judge with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s highest court.
“A common thread runs from her early work defending Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against apartheid to her service as a judge in some of the key international court cases of our time,” the Nobel Committee said.
An ‘independent voice of justice’: Guterres
In a statement congratulating the new Nobel laureate, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Pillay has shown “that the force of law must prevail over the law of force and that defending human rights is the surest safeguard against injustice.”
He hailed her as “a champion of international law and human rights, and a steadfast, independent voice of justice”, adding that “in its citation, the Nobel Committee reminded the world that peace must be built on lasting principles, not the will of the powerful.”
A lifelong champion of human rights
Navanethem “Navi” Pillay was born in South Africa in 1941 to a Tamil Indian family and was the first non-white woman to establish a legal practice in the country.
As a lawyer, she acted as a defence attorney for anti-apartheid activists, exposing torture, and helping to establish key rights for prisoners on notorious Robben Island.
In her role as chair of the Independent International Commission, which is appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, she oversaw its 2025 report that said Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip constituted genocide.
Human rights reaffirmed: Türk
On receiving the news of Ms. Pillay’s honour, the current UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, warmly congratulated the woman he described as a big sister.
“To say it is well deserved is a total understatement, and especially at a time when human rights are under attack on so many fronts, including from those who wield enormous power, this award is particularly poignant,” he said, speaking in Geneva.
“It is an award to all those who around the world dedicate their lives to the defence of human rights, often at great risk to their security.”
Moreover, it is “a recognition, a reaffirmation, that human rights, the rule of law and justice and accountability are fundamental to everything – to peace, to security and prosperity,” he added.
Belief in international solidarity
In an October 2025 interview with UN News in Geneva, Pillay reflected on her lifetime of fighting for human rights, justice and equality.
“I didn’t think apartheid would end in my lifetime,” she recalled. “So, what happened? We had the collective support of people all over the world, even children. If we can achieve that, we can have a better human rights protection system.”
Her experience in the anti-apartheid struggle shaped her belief in international solidarity, which she carried into her role as a judge and president of the ITCR, which prosecuted persons responsible for the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
During her eight years there, she helped establish groundbreaking legal precedents in the fight against genocide and gender-based violence.
As UN human rights chief, Pillay continued to champion the participation of civil society and victims’ voices in shaping global human rights standards.
“When the UN started, it was just a club for the States,” she told UN News. “Everything we have today for human rights protection didn’t happen just because the States woke up one day. It comes from the pressure of civil society. That’s why I value these institutions,” she said …PACNEWS
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Strengthening mental health resilience in the face of climate shocks across the Western Pacific
MANILA, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (WHO PACIFIC) —As climate change intensifies globally, its effects are becoming increasingly visible. Across the World Health Organisation (WHO) Western Pacific region, severe storms, floods, droughts, extreme temperatures and other climate-related hazards are affecting lives, livelihoods and communities.
Beyond the physical destruction and economic losses lies another important but often overlooked consequence: the impact on mental health and well-being.
Across the Region, communities are experiencing the psychological and social consequences of climate change and disasters.
Individuals face distress, anxiety, grief, uncertainty and disruptions to social support systems following emergencies, displacement or loss of livelihoods.
These impacts can be particularly significant for people already facing vulnerabilities, including women, children and adolescents, older persons, persons with disabilities, and communities repeatedly exposed to disasters.
The Western Pacific Region is home to more than 200 million people living with mental health conditions, and many countries continue to face challenges in ensuring equitable access to quality-assured mental health services and support.
As climate-related risks increase, countries and areas in the Region are recognizing the need to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support as part of broader efforts to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and environmental change.
While awareness of the links between climate change and mental health is growing, responses often remain fragmented. Mental health considerations are not always fully integrated into climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness strategies. At the same time, countries have identified the need for stronger evidence, practical tools, cross-sectoral collaboration and opportunities to learn from one another’s experiences.
To address these challenges, WHO is supporting efforts to strengthen mental health systems and make them more climate-resilient across the Region through the initiative, “Advancing Mental Health through Innovative and Inclusive Solutions Amid Climate Change and Disasters in the Western Pacific Region”.
Supported by The Nippon Foundation, this three-year initiative aims to promote innovative and inclusive approaches, strengthen country capacities and generate practical knowledge to support action at national and regional levels.
“Mental health is both a health and development priority in the context of climate change. As countries across the Western Pacific face increasingly complex climate-related challenges, it is essential that mental health and psychosocial support are integrated into preparedness, response and recovery efforts,” said Dr Huong Thi Giang Tran, Director of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific.
Learning together across the region
To further support country action, WHO convened the Technical Consultation to Promote Mental Health Amid Climate Change and
Disasters in the Western Pacific Region in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 15 to 17 September 2026.
The consultation brought together government representatives, experts and partners from Malaysia, Mongolia, Palau, the Philippines and Vanuatu – a range of countries representing diverse parts of the vast Western Pacific Region – to exchange experiences, discuss emerging evidence and identify practical actions to strengthen climate-resilient mental health systems.
“Climate change knows no borders. Likewise, no country can address alone its impacts on human health and mental well-being. We therefore need evidence-based policies, innovative and inclusive solutions, strong multisectoral coordination, mechanisms for mutual learning among countries, and sustainable regional cooperation,” said Dr Erdenebayar Namjil, State Secretary of the Ministry of Health of Mongolia.
Participants reflected on the growing mental health impacts of climate change and disasters, shared country experiences, and explored opportunities for integrating mental health into climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts. Discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening workforce capacity, generating context-specific evidence and fostering collaboration across sectors.
“Climate-resilient health systems must also be mental health-responsive. Strengthening the capacity of countries to address the psychological and social impacts of climate change will be critical for building healthier and more resilient communities,” said Dr Socorro Escalante, WHO Representative in Mongolia.
Looking ahead
As the climate crisis increasingly shapes the health landscape of the Western Pacific, countries are working to adapt to evolving environmental challenges, ensuring that mental health is an essential pillar to be incorporated into preparedness, response and recovery efforts.
The consultation reflected a shared commitment among countries and partners to better understand and address the mental health impacts of climate change and disasters. By fostering collaboration, strengthening capacities and promoting evidence-based action, countries across the Region are taking important steps towards building more resilient communities and healthier futures.
As climate risks continue to evolve, so too must efforts to protect and promote mental well-being. Investing in mental health today will help ensure that communities are better prepared, supported and empowered to face the challenges of tomorrow……PACNEWS
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Jimmy’s Farm supports Education and Resilience
HONIARA, 12 OCTOBER 2026 (SPREP)—Jimmy Joshua Tasitu’s farm in Rangorango helps provide education for children in his community while building resilience through agroforestry.
A farmer, father of nine, grandfather of seven and principal of Tasitu Christian School, Jimmy founded the school five years ago after seeing the challenges his own children faced travelling long distances to attend school.
“My children had to walk 14 kilometres one way every day to get to the nearest school and walk 14 kilometres back. I feel sorry for them; that’s why I started the school because of that challenge.”
What started as a school for his own children has grown into a registered private school serving around 60 students from kindergarten to Year 9. Today, income from Jimmy’s farm helps support the running of the school.
“I plant peanuts, sweet potato and cassava. We sell to earn money and support our school,” he explains. Jimmy’s farm is roughly 2 hectares, where he practices agroforestry and crop rotation, growing a mix of crops and trees including ginger, island cabbage, cassava, mahogany, kauri and natapoa. “I have planted around 1,000 trees around the farm, including pandanus and nut trees. These trees provide food and other resources and help protect my family’s homes from strong winds.”
Jimmy’s journey in agroforestry received early support through the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Resilience (PACRES) project, which assisted him with his first plantings. Building on this foundation, he was later selected as a lead farmer under the Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC+) project. Through PEBACC+, Jimmy received support to establish one of the three demonstration plots in Tagabe, helping showcase agroforestry practices and their potential benefits for local farmers.
The PEBACC+ project also supported Jimmy’s agroforestry activities by providing seedlings for his farm. Among the seedlings he received are natagura palms, which are now around one year old and approaching harvest.
Jimmy sells the leaves from the palms at the local market. He also gives some trees to communities for construction, as the strong palm material can be used to build homes that are better able to withstand cyclones.’
The seedlings provided through PEBACC+ have therefore become part of Jimmy’s wider farming system, which combines trees and crops to provide food, generate income and strengthen resilience.
For Jimmy, tree planting is closely connected to the resilience of his family and community. He is also Chairman of the Community Disaster and Climate Change Committee for Sector Three in his area and plans to build a permanent school building that can also serve as an evacuation centre during disasters.
His vision is already expanding. After recently purchasing land in Santo, Jimmy plans to extend his farming activities there, starting with kava and ginger.
William Bani, PEBACC+ Country Coordinator, said, “Jimmy’s story shows how support for sustainable land management can create benefits that extend beyond the farm. By providing seedlings and supporting agroforestry, PEBACC+ is helping farmers establish trees that can contribute to livelihoods, provide useful resources, and strengthen resilience to climate-related impacts. What is particularly inspiring about Jimmy’s work is how he is using the income from his farm to support education for children in his community.”
Jimmy’s successful participation in PEBACC+ has helped strengthen his relationships with the Vanuatu Department of Forests and the Department of Agriculture, both of which continue to support his farming activities. The Department of Forests assists him with tree crops, while the Department of Agriculture provides agricultural crop varieties according to his preferences. Jimmy is also a registered ginger farmer with the Department of Agriculture.
This ongoing technical support builds on the assistance he received through PACRES and PEBACC+, helping him develop his farm over time. As a lead farmer, Jimmy is also well placed to serve as a model and mentor for other farmers, demonstrating how sustained support for agroforestry can contribute to livelihoods, community development and resilience…. PACNEWS
