In this bulletin:
1. AUST — Australia, PNG move to implement landmark defence alliance
2. PACIFIC — Japan, Micronesia reaffirm Pacific unity ahead of PALM 11
3. PACIFIC — Expert: Micronesia ‘on the front line’ of Chinese activity in Pacific
4. PNG — PNG MPs take sides on Bouganville independence status
5. GUAM — U.S Army strengthens Guam shield against missile threats from China, North Korea
6. PACIFIC — El Niño tightens grip on Pacific as authorities warn of drought and extreme weather
7. FIJI — Religion and state must remain separate: Fiji Labour Party leader: Chaudhry
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Marshall Islands backs regional push for sustainable tourism
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Government websites assessed for cybersecurity risks
10. PACNEWS DIGEST — A new wave of Pacific Islands negotiators at the biodiversity table
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — 6th Pacific Human Rights Film Festival shines a light in the darkness
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — How Talanoa can guide inclusive global Health dialogues
AUST – SECURITY/DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Australia, PNG move to implement landmark defence alliance
PORT MORESBY, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — Australia says it is already implementing its security agreements with Papua New Guinea, including the Pukpuk Mutual Defence Treaty, as the two countries strengthen their defence and regional security partnership.
Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy said the agreements were being translated into practical action, including police training, support for the justice system and the recruitment of Papua New Guinean citizens into the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Speaking in a radio interview with ABC after attending the PNG-Australia Ministerial Forum, Conroy said the relationship had reached an unprecedented level following the signing of the two countries’ alliance last year.
“I completely agree,” Conroy said when asked about PNG’s assessment that bilateral relations were at their highest level.
“The best evidence of that is that last year we signed PNG’s first alliance ever, and that was with Australia. And Australia’s first alliance in 70 years,” Conroy said
He said the alliance was significant because the two countries were close neighbours with shared security and economic interests.
Conroy acknowledged that implementing government agreements was challenging but said progress was already being made under the bilateral security agreement and the mutual defence treaty.
Australia had helped establish a police training centre at Bomana in PNG, which trains Papua New Guinean police officers and police personnel from 11 Pacific countries.
It was also supporting additional judges and village mediation officials to address violence in the Highlands, as well as efforts to combat gender-based violence.
Conroy said the initial steps under the mutual defence treaty were also under way, including plans for a trial intake of 100 Papua New Guinean nationals into the ADF.
He said Australia’s security and prosperity depended on a stable and secure Papua New Guinea.
“Australia’s prosperity and security depend upon a stable, prosperous and secure Papua New Guinea,” he said.
The two countries are separated by about four kilometres at their closest point, reinforcing the importance of cooperation on regional security, Conroy said.
Asked who the two countries were protecting themselves against, following Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles’ comment that the nations now “have each other’s back”, Conroy pointed to increasing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.
He said the region was experiencing its biggest arms race since 1945, with multiple countries seeking to expand their influence.
“We’re in a permanent state of contest for influence in the region,” Conroy said, referring to comments also made by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
The PNG-Australia partnership has expanded through a series of security agreements, including the bilateral security agreement and the Pukpuk Mutual Defence Treaty.
Conroy said the focus now was on ensuring those commitments delivered practical outcomes for both countries and contributed to regional stability…. PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Japan, Micronesia reaffirm Pacific unity ahead of PALM 11
TOKYO, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — Japan and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pacific regional unity and cooperation ahead of next year’s Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 11).
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and FSM President Wesley Simina made the commitment during a summit meeting in Tokyo on Friday, where they discussed bilateral relations, regional affairs and cooperation in international forums.
Takaichi congratulated Micronesia on the 40th anniversary of its independence this year and welcomed Simina’s second visit to Japan in 2026.
She said Japan wanted to strengthen cooperation under its updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) policy so both countries could “become more resilient and prosperous together”.
Takaichi also reaffirmed Japan’s support for Micronesia’s resilience and ability to make its own decisions, including through a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) survey on the possible provision of a cargo-passenger ship.
Simina thanked the Japanese Government and people for their support across a range of sectors and expressed his commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations.
He also welcomed Japan’s updated FOIP policy and its initiatives.
The two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining and strengthening the unity and integrity of the Pacific Islands region, as they exchanged views on regional developments and international cooperation.
They also agreed to work closely towards the success of PALM 11, scheduled to be held in Yokohama next summer, which will mark the 30th anniversary of the leaders’ meeting.
The summit, held during Simina’s official working visit to Japan…. PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: GUAM PACIFIC DAILY NEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Expert: Micronesia ‘on the front line’ of Chinese activity in Pacific
HAGATNA, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (GUAM PACIFIC DAILY NEWS) — Surrounded by hundreds of maritime assets, Micronesia is “on the front line” of China’s activity and growth in the Pacific, according to Benjamin Blandin, research fellow with the Institute for National Defence and Security Research.
Blandin was a presenter at Friday’s Developments in Micronesian Security webinar, hosted by the Pacific Centre for Island Sustainability, explaining the rapid growth of China’s activities in regions including French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Guam.
He is a French scholar specialising in geopolitics with a focus on China’s asymmetric warfare along the first island chain. According to PCIS, Blandin’s research examines the integration and deployment of unmanned and unconventional maritime systems, as well as the role of civilian and paramilitary auxiliaries.
“That is to illustrate that there will not be the construction or land reclamation of China in this area anytime soon. But clearly Micronesia is on the front line of those activities,” Blandin said.
However, with so many established buildings, ports, airports and other infrastructure throughout the Pacific, Blandin said there is no risk of China using them as military bases.
“I wouldn’t be afraid of those. They are fairly small infrastructure, to be honest … China did it more to gain influence in those countries than for any other type of activities,” Blandin said.
He said China has been quietly building an additional capacity of 500 missile silos over the past decade, now possessing a total capacity of 800 missile silos, dispersed across the country.
Extending to the waters, Blandin said China has hundreds of naval assets deployed in the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and the South China Sea, including buoys, drones and decommissioned oil rigs.
With 23 offshore platforms in the East China Sea alone and eight Type 055 Cruisers, three aircraft carriers, 33 Destroyers, 46 Frigates and more throughout the region, Blandin said the Chinese Navy is stretched to near its absolute operation limit.
“Because of that, the Chinese Navy needed to be reinforced with auxiliaries, which leads to the militarisation of the Chinese Coast Guard. It has been demonstrated that they were conducting either influence projection, intelligence gathering or sabotage of subsea cable,” Blandin said.
The danger of these assets, Blandin added, is they rarely, if ever, announce they’re coming and going, never declare their location, never cooperate with local authorities and never share the findings of the research.
“I hope those illustrated the risk that we have for Micronesia and the South Pacific island nations because the presence of China in this area,” Blandin said.
During a Q&A portion of the webinar, Blandin was asked how effective the United Nations is as a tool for Pacific Islands to engage against geopolitical threats.
“China is manipulating international maritime law. China has nominated a judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and in the meantime, it’s refusing to recognise the validity of the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in 2016,” Blandin said.
When China does port calls, when it gives medical care, when it builds a road or stadium or these kinds of things, the presence of China piles up in a country. Blandin said this often leads to the behaviour of that country changing.
He said it leads to manipulation of the proper functioning of the UN, because countries start voting for China at the UN, or against texts that are against Chinese interests at the UN.
Blandin also said China’s activity, despite rapid growth, is uncorrelated to any recent U.S movement. He said the U.S military has undergone an overall reduction by comparison in the past 30 years within the Pacific region.
“If you listen to a spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Defence or Foreign Affairs, they always present their action as self-defence against the U.S, but the U.S has reduced its troops in Japan by 80 percent, in South Korea by two-thirds, and within American territory, 8 out of 11 Navy shipyards have been closed,” Blandin said.
Blandin said China is rather exercising a net investment in its capacities than reacting to any American capacities.
“What we can say, nonetheless, is it’s true that the U.S has conducted hypersonic missile tests in the Pacific, but it’s really just once in a while. There’s no buildup of any hypersonic missile capacity. There’s not a single more soldier, ship, or plane of the United States Armed Forces in the region than there was 10 or 20 years ago,” Blandin said…. PACNEWS
PNG – INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 2: Mon 26 Oct 2026
PNG MPs take sides on Bouganville independence status
PORT MORESBY, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — Papua New Guinea Parliament is staring at a constitutional bar that needs 82 MPs to ratify Bougainville’s independence in the current 111-member House.
To ratify the 2019 Bougainville referendum, the House needs an absolute three-quarter majority. The vote is expected to be taken next month.
The House has 118 seats, but seven are vacant because of deaths and election-petition cases pending in court.
Two MPs – Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill and Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom – have already indicated that they would abstain from voting.
East New Britain Governor Michael Marum said a province-wide survey indicated a “yes” vote.
Governor Allan Bird said the East Sepik provincial assembly had endorsed a “no” vote on the political future of Bougainville.
In the last two days, MPs had been expressing their views on the Bougainville referendum – where 97.7per cent of Bougainvilleans opted for independence instead of greater autonomy in 2019.
Some MPs had already consulted their people, some have not, while other chose to air their personal convictions.
Bougainville Regional MP Peter Tsiamalili Jr, North Bougainville MP Francesca Semoso, Central Bougainville MP Jimmy Miringtoro and South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu have all stood in solidarity in their vote for independence.
Abau MP Sir Puka Temu said he supported Bougainville’s push for independence, citing family ties among other reasons.
Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt confirmed a vote in the affirmative.
Kokopo MP Ereman ToBaining Jr has echoed the East New Britain governor’s statement in support of Bougainville’s independence.
On the other side, Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah had been vocal about his stance against Bougainville’s independence.
On 02 June, he told Parliament to reject the ratification of the 2019 referendum results due to its non-compliance with certain provisions in the Constitution.
On 27 August, he questioned the result, arguing that it was not a true representation of the vote for independence by all Bougainvilleans.
Last Wednesday, he argued that Parliament did not have the constitutional power to ratify the results.
Other MPs remain undecided, instead wanting more time and deconsultation.
Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Muguwa Dilu wanted to see decentralisation from the Government to bring decision-making, resources and economic power closer to the people.
Talasea MP Freddie Kumai said PNG and Bougainville could still stay together as one nation by adopting a federal system of government, similar to that of Aus-tralia.
Usino-Bundi MP Vincent Kumura asked the Government to consider a balanced pathway when deciding Bougainville’s independence by the enhancement of its economy, and not separation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape said he had to grapple with how to deliver a win-win solution for the future of PNG and Bougainville.
He told Parliament last Wednesday that he would reserve his contribution until all MPs had expressed their views.
“We have no choice but to deal with this issue,” Marape said.
“The matter must not be rushed, given its profound implications for Bougainville, PNG and future generations,” he said… PACNEWS
GUAM – DEFENCE: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 26 Oct 2026
U.S Army strengthens Guam shield against missile threats from China, North Korea
HAGATNA, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The U.S Army has activated a permanent air defence battalion on Guam, replacing a rotational force that protected the island for more than a decade and marking a significant step in the military’s effort to counter growing missile threats from China and North Korea.
The 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defence Artillery Regiment, formally stood up on 16 October and assumed responsibility for Guam’s air and missile defence mission, previously carried out by Task Force Talon, according to an Army announcement.
Task Force Talon was established in 2013 to address concerns over North Korea’s ballistic missile capabilities. But the mission has since expanded as U.S defence planners increasingly focus on China’s growing arsenal of long-range missiles and the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force’s ability to strike targets throughout the Western Pacific.
The battalion’s activation comes as Guam occupies an increasingly central role in U.S military strategy across the Indo-Pacific. Home to Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam, the island serves as a key logistics hub and staging area for joint military operations throughout the region.
In a statement announcing the activation, the Army described Guam as a critical location for supporting U.S forces, noting that air and missile defence is essential to protecting the military infrastructure and personnel needed to sustain operations across the Pacific.
The new battalion will become the Army’s primary contributor to the developing Guam Defence System, a Pentagon initiative launched in 2023 to create an integrated defence network capable of defeating ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missile attacks.
Military planners envision the system as a layered shield combining multiple sensors, command-and-control systems and interceptors designed to detect and destroy incoming threats from a variety of directions and ranges.
The unit will operate several air defence platforms, including the Patriot missile system and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, commonly known as THAAD.
It is also expected to field the Army’s newer Intermediate Fires Protection Capability system, which is designed to counter aircraft, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems.
Together, the systems are intended to provide overlapping defensive coverage against a range of threats that could emerge during a conflict in the Western Pacific.
Army officials say the battalion’s creation reflects years of planning and operational experience gained under Task Force Talon, which relied on rotational deployments of soldiers assigned to Guam.
Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Urness, commander of the new battalion, said the transition represents the next phase of the Army’s contribution to Guam’s evolving defence architecture. He credited soldiers assigned to the mission with developing the operational procedures and integration needed to connect sensors, launchers and command networks into a unified defensive system.
The establishment of a permanent battalion also signals the military’s intent to maintain a sustained air and missile defence presence on the island as regional security concerns continue to grow.
China has expanded its inventory of precision-guided ballistic and cruise missiles capable of reaching U.S bases throughout the Pacific, while North Korea continues to advance its missile programs.
Those developments have led U.S military leaders to place greater emphasis on defending Guam, widely viewed as one of the nation’s most important strategic outposts in the region.
For Guam, the activation of the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defence Artillery Regiment underscores the island’s increasing importance to U.S national defence planning and the broader effort to strengthen deterrence across the Indo-Pacific…. PACNEWS
PAC – WEATHER WATCH/ELNINO: PMN PACNEWS 2: Mon 26 Oct 2026
El Niño tightens grip on Pacific as authorities warn of drought and extreme weather
APIA, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (PMN) — Climate scientists indicate El Niño conditions are strengthening across the central Pacific, raising concerns about below-normal rainfall, higher temperatures and increased drought risk in many island nations.
El Niño is a natural climate pattern that occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer than average, affecting wider weather patterns.
In Sāmoa, the Meteorology Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is urging government agencies, businesses, communities and households to prepare for prolonged dry conditions.
Recommended measures include conserving water, protecting crops and livestock, avoiding unnecessary burning during dry conditions and safeguarding vulnerable people from heat-related illnesses.
The Meteorological Division says the conditions could place pressure on water supplies, agriculture, public health, energy production and the natural environment.
“El Niño also influences tropical cyclone activity across the Southwest Pacific, and Sāmoa faces an elevated risk of tropical cyclone impacts during the 2026-2027 cyclone season.”
The Division says rainfall has steadily declined.
“Most meteorological observation stations in July recorded normal to below-normal rainfall, followed by well-below-normal rainfall in August, making it one of the driest months on record in Sāmoa. September rainfall ranged from normal to below normal,” the statement said.
As Sāmoa approaches the 2026-2027 tropical cyclone season, communities are being urged to remain prepared for severe weather and tropical cyclones regardless of prevailing El Niño conditions.
In Palau, Island Times has reported the country has officially entered drought conditions and is under Stage One of its National Drought Action Plan.
Maria Ngemaes, from Palau’s National Weather Service, says there has also been little to no rainfall recently, and the conditions could continue through early next year.
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service this week issued its first nationwide Meteorological Drought Warning, with prolonged dry conditions affecting all provinces.
According to an Island Sun report Billy Veo, Premier of the Western Province, says the provincial government has requested additional support, including ten 3,000-litre water tanks to support water distribution across Gizo.
“Currently, we have only one water truck that is functioning. The other one requires repairs, so we are requesting two additional water trucks from the national government.
“The plan is for the water trucks to refill the tanks at scheduled times so that people can access water.”
In a statement, climate expert Exsley Taloiburi says early planning is crucial to minimise humanitarian, economic, water and food security impacts.
“The business-as-usual reactive responses are insufficient.”
He says the latest El Niño system demands proactive, decisive political action that updates lessons from previous weather events for a hotter climate, tighter aid environment and a larger population.
Government, meteorological services and disaster authorities in the Pacific are monitoring conditions and preparing response measures to reduce the impacts of the prolonged climate event…. PACNEWS
FIJI – CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM/CHURCH: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Religion and state must remain separate: Fiji Labour Party leader: Chaudhry
SUVA, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader Mahendra Chaudhry has pointed to his own interfaith marriage as an example of why Fiji should remain a secular state rather than be declared a Christian nation.
The former prime minister, who is Hindu, said he and his Christian wife had maintained a harmonious marriage despite following different religions.
Speaking during public consultations on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 in Labasa on Saturday, Chaudhry said religious differences had never been a problem in their relationship.
“I am a Hindu and my wife is a Christian, we have no problems, she practises her religion and I do mine,” Chaudhry said.
The 84-year-old politician shared his personal experience while addressing members of the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights.
He argued that Fiji’s multicultural society was better served by a secular Constitution that protected the freedom of every citizen to practise their religion.
Chaudhry opposed the proposal to declare Fiji a Christian nation, warning that giving one religion a dominant constitutional position could create divisions among communities.
Chaudhry said his opposition to the proposal did not mean he rejected Christian values.
Having spent about 50 years in politics and public service, he said he had never had problems with Christianity or its teachings.
“I think Christian values are good values, but I believe religion and running of a State must be kept apart,” he clarified.
He maintained that religious freedom should remain protected under the Constitution, without one faith being placed above another.
Chaudhry warned that declaring Fiji a Christian nation could create religious controversy and undermine harmony among the country’s multicultural communities.
Reflecting on his years in public life, he reaffirmed his commitment to Fiji despite the challenges he had experienced.
“I have lived through good and bad times, and I have stayed back and I am still around because I love my nation despite all past struggles”.
Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum also expressed support for Fiji’s secular status.
He argued that people of different religious backgrounds should be free to practise their faith without the state favouring one religion.
Sayed-Khaiyum referred to the biblical commandment against adultery to illustrate the distinction between religious teachings and laws enforced by the state.
He said legal enforcement was carried out through institutions such as the police and courts under legislation including the Crimes Act.
‘Everyone in Fiji should have the liberty to practise their own faith,” he added.
Both speakers argued for preserving religious freedom and the separation of religion from the functions of the state as Fiji considers constitutional changes.
Meanwhile, Tui Labasa Ratu Jone Qomate has opposed the proposal to reserve parliamentary seats for women, arguing that all candidates should compete equally in general elections.
Ratu Jone made the submission during public consultations on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 in Labasa on Saturday.
He said women seeking to become Members of Parliament should win their seats through elections rather than through a reserved allocation.
“I don’t agree with the rational that a certain percentage of seats to be reserved for women in Parliament,” he highlighted.
Ratu Jone said that while women sought equal opportunities in the workforce, equal pay and equal rights, parliamentary representation should be determined through electoral competition.
He argued that women candidates should campaign and compete for seats on the same basis as other candidates.
“It is an election and everyone is open to contest; it is a battle of ideas”.
He said women made up about half of Fiji’s population and should be able to secure parliamentary representation through effective campaigning.
“Winning seats should be based on merit and grassroots’ campaign success,” he emphasised.
Ratu Jone also expressed support for the ongoing public consultations on the proposed constitutional changes.
He rejected suggestions that the process was being rushed, saying it had followed the necessary requirements.
“This is not a rushed process, it has followed all requirements,” he said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
MARSH – TOURISM INDUSTRY: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Marshall Islands backs regional push for sustainable tourism
MAJURO/HONIARA, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Marshall Islands is strengthening regional cooperation on sustainable tourism, with a focus on climate resilience, environmental protection and preserving Marshallese culture and heritage.
The country was represented by Kimber Rilometo, Tourism Manager at the Office of Commerce, Investment and Tourism (OCIT), at Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) meetings in Solomon Islands from 19 to 22 October.
Rilometo attended as a proxy representative at the SPTO Board of Directors meeting and the Council of Tourism Ministers meeting, which brought together regional tourism representatives to discuss cooperation and development priorities.
The programme included a climate action workshop for board members on 19 October, followed by the Board of Directors meeting on 20 October and the Council of Tourism Ministers meeting on 21 October.
Participants concluded the programme with an excursion to Tulagi on 22 October to experience Solomon Islands’ cultural and natural heritage.
The Marshall Islands said regional cooperation was important to developing a sustainable tourism sector as the low-lying island nation faces significant climate challenges.
Its participation supports the implementation of the RMI High-Level Sustainable Tourism Policy and Development Strategy 2025–2030, which sets out priorities for tourism development, cultural preservation, environmental protection and opportunities for local businesses and communities.
OCIT said it remained committed to working with the SPTO and other Pacific partners to build a resilient and inclusive tourism industry that benefits Marshallese communities while protecting the country’s natural and cultural heritage…. PACNEWS
FIJI – CYBER SECURITY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 26 Oct 2026
Fiji Government websites assessed for cybersecurity risks
SUVA, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Fiji Government websites and web applications are being assessed for potential cybersecurity risks following the recent disclosure of vulnerabilities affecting PHP, a technology widely used to operate websites and online applications.
The Ministry of Policing and Communications says the Government Information Technology and Computing Services (ITC) team has assessed potential risks to government websites and taken steps to address identified vulnerabilities.
Relevant ministries and departments have been notified and are working closely with their IT teams, website developers and service providers to implement necessary security updates, fixes and upgrades.
The ministry said the Fiji Computer Emergency Response Team (Fiji CERT) and Government ITC were actively responding to the recently disclosed vulnerabilities.
“Fiji CERT is closely monitoring developments and has issued cybersecurity advisories with technical guidance through its official website.”
The ministry said efforts were continuing to strengthen Fiji CERT’s capacity to identify, manage and respond effectively to cybersecurity threats and incidents.
This includes ongoing cooperation with the Australian Government under the Fiji-Australia Cybersecurity Memorandum of Understanding.
The ministry also urged public and private organisations operating websites and web applications to consult their technical teams and service providers to assess potential risks and apply relevant security updates promptly.
Members of the public and businesses have been advised to remain vigilant and refer to the official Fiji CERT website, cyber.gov.fj, for cybersecurity advisories and recommendations.
The ministry reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening Fiji’s cyber resilience and safeguarding the security and reliability of the country’s digital ecosystem…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
A new wave of Pacific Islands negotiators at the biodiversity table
YEREVAN, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (SPREP) — A new generation of Pacific Islands negotiators are engaging in the world’s biodiversity negotiations this month in Yerevan, Armenia. Attending for the first time, the young Pacific Islanders are being mentored by their fellow negotiators that have represented their island nations across several Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The wave of new Pacific Islands negotiators supporting the delegations at the Seventeenth Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity are building their capacity, understanding how discussions at the global level translates to action on the ground through their work.
“It’s quite overwhelming but its good, we are trying our best to understand where and how we can insert our positions in the discussions,” said Mr Jason Peo Department of Environmental Management and Agriculture and the Environment Division of Nauru.
This is his second COP that he is attending on the Nauru delegation with a colleague who is new to the negotiations.
“We’ve been attending contact groups and the working groups to help ensure our positions are raised. We are building our capacity, gathering as much information as we can to keep growing our ability to engage for Nauru. We know that for the next COP we will be much better.”
Now at the end of week one of the CBD COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia from 19 to 30 October, the Pacific Islands delegations have worked to amplify a one Pacific voice in the negotiations.
This COP is the first since the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was established, making it the first assessment of global progress to bring about a way forward to ensure the 2030 targets are achieved.
For Gretta Murare, she has flown all the way from Mitiaro, one of the 15 islands of the Cook Islands to attend her first CBD COP on the Cook Islands delegation. Ms Murare is supporting the lead negotiators for the Cook Islands.
“This is very new to me, but I’ll say that I came with a good team and I’m learning from all of them. I am taking everything in slowly, and while its quite new to me I’m loving it,” she said.
“I am picking up everything from my team picking their brains as we go, but the experience for me is great. I am enjoying it. I try to engage in as much as I can to know what everything is like and prepare for the next day.”
Aaron
Also new to the negotiations is Aaron Puafitu Faaalo, working for the Department of Environment in Tuvalu. He has been following the biodiversity and climate change issue, learning how the discussions will help keep the environment safe in Tuvalu.
“I’m managing to keep track of the discussions, its good I am able to see what a COP is like, what happens and how it happens – it’s very interesting, even more so to see how what is talked about here will affect us in Tuvalu,” he said.
For Kaaroti Henry, a biodiversity conservation officer from Kiribati this is her first COP – an experience she has found both exciting, and terrifying.
“Everything is very new for me and I want to learn from my sisters and brothers from other Pacific Islands who have attended these before,” said Henry. She is one of two members on the Kiribati delegation who are new to the CBD COP both of whom are navigating their way around the negotiations, and all that happens on the sidelines.
“For me the biggest challenge has been the language and the terms that are used in the negotiations. I have had to learn these and understand what they mean and how it works in the text.”
Having completed their very first week of the negotiations, we asked them for their advice they’d like to share with other Pacific Islanders who may be experiencing the CBD COP negotiations for the first time.
“I think its best if you prepare yourselves, learn and know your national priorities, understand the biodiversity challenges in your country and that will help you address your issues and be able to deliver for your country,” said Henry.
“I would say to enjoy everything, unite and mix with others to build your networks and be able to tell your biodiversity story and experiences to people here so they can learn about your island home and what you need to help with your work back home,” advised Faaalo.
“My advice is grab this opportunity while you can if you are asked to attend a CBD COP. Even though you may be new, you never know where this opportunity will take you. You can learn before, and as you go. There are many people to help you,” shared Murare.
We wish all our new Pacific Island negotiators the best and we look forward to seeing them grow in their roles in the CBD COP’s ahead.
The Seventeenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) is held in Yerevan, Armenia from 19 to 30 October 2026…. PACNEWS
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
6th Pacific Human Rights Film Festival shines a light in the darkness
SUVA, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (SPC)— Over 2,500 people across the Pacific have engaged with topics that are often misunderstood, through film and talanoa, as a part of the 6th Pacific Human Rights Film Festival.
Recent years have witnessed a global backsliding in human rights and global norms. When multilateralism is under strain and global ambition on international cooperation is being eroded, conversations on human rights, gender equality and environmental stewardship are more important than ever. The Pacific is not immune from these trends, and Pacific Island communities face human rights challenges every day.
This annual festival brings these issues to the big screen, providing space for Pacific people to engage with these stories and deepen their understanding of human rights issues in our region and the world beyond. Knowing one’s rights is the first step towards acting positively to protect human rights and foster equality.
This year, the theme ‘Light in the Darkness’ covered wide-ranging themes and post-colonial approaches, with a strong emphasis on women-led and directed films, motherhood and empowering younger generations in the Pacific.
This year’s Festival, which started in early September and runs until the end of the month, provided free and exclusive film screenings in Suva, Nadi, Lautoka and Labasa in Fiji, as well as around the Pacific region, in Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Hawai’i, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Saipan, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
In Fiji, the Festival ran a series of pre-events in September on the topic of artistic intellectual property rights. This was followed by the official programme for Suva from 3 – 24 October with film screenings and Talanoas held at Damodar City Cinema and University of the South Pacific. The Fiji public screenings alone were attended by over 1,500 members of the public.
The festival provided Pacific and Fijian exclusives and premieres for films – both documentary and narrative – that have swept awards and plaudits from festivals around the world, from the Emmys to European film festivals like LUX, Cannes, Gaudi, and Berlin. The Pacific-made movies showcased at the festival have dominated FIFO Tahiti, Hawai’i International Film Festival, and Doc Edge NZ. The Pacific Human Rights Film Festival screenings provided many Pacific Island countries their first opportunity to see these incredible cinematic stories for free. The festival also featured new talent with the Fijian public premiere of An Unofficial Colonial History of the Feejee Islands AKA VITI.
The post-screening discussions provided a safe space for audiences to discuss these important issues with experts, people in the region directly affected by some of the topics highlighted, and those involved at every level of the filmmaking process from the film directors to the film subjects.
This year, the Pacific Human Rights Film Festival aimed to make most events as inclusive and accessible as possible. For persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, most films screened in Fiji had subtitles available, and many discussions and other events include sign language interpretation.
Miles Young, Director of the Human Rights and Social Development division, SPC, said: “The Festival continues to grow and attract people from all walks of life, including from outside the human rights and film making spaces. Over the years, we’ve seen the conversations that take place after the films gain in nuance and depth. Over time, people who come to the festival are more comfortable discussing difficult issues in that space and have broadened our understanding of what human rights mean for us in the Pacific. And this is really the goal of the festival – to raise awareness of human rights issues and create safe spaces for discussions”.
Milla Vaha, Senior Lecturer of Politics and International Affairs, USP, said “The festival has moved human rights learning outside of the classroom, expanding academic knowledge by building compassion to the victims of human wrongs, and acknowledging the work of human rights defenders. I have been particularly happy that we have been able to bring the festival to different USP campuses in the region and that the number of participating campuses has grown year after year. I wish to express my gratitude to my colleagues and students on those campuses for helping to make these regional screenings happen.”
Heike Alefsen, Regional Representative, OHCHR Pacific Regional Office said: “This Festival has always sought to highlight stories that link human rights to lived realities in the Pacific and beyond, and this year is no exception. It would be easy to feel that the darkness is winning, but this shines a ‘light in the darkness’ for us and this could not come at a better moment to reaffirm the enduring values of human rights.”
H.E. Barbara Plinkert, Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, said: “Cinema serves as a significant platform for highlighting complex social realities and fostering community dialogue. We are proud to stand alongside our Pacific partners for this sixth edition of the festival. The European Union supports these spaces because we firmly believe that a society’s progress is measured by how safely, and how openly, its people can tell their own stories.”
This year, the Pacific Community (SPC) partnered with the University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Pacific UN Human Rights Office (UNOHCHR), with support from the Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific, together with Ambassade de France a Fidji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga et Tuvalu (the French Embassy in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu), the British High Commission in Fiji, Embassy of Spain in Fiji, Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies and Centre for Sustainable Futures…. ACNEWS
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
How Talanoa can guide inclusive global health dialogues
By Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, Tamás Landesz
MANILA., 26 OCTOBER 2026 (THINK GLOBAL HEALTH.COM) — Debates on reforming the global health architecture tend to focus on which parties should make decisions about global health programming and who should fund it. A Pacific practice—talanoa—can help address another question that matters just as much: how organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) can allow a diverse set of members to participate equally in the dialogues that shape decision-making.
At a 2024 meeting at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila, a sobering signal emerged. A colleague hesitatingly told the room how hard it was to speak up about workplace harassment—for fear of retaliation, and of what it could do to a career. No compliance report or management dashboard would have told us that. There was no agenda: we sat in a large circle, facing each other, and actively listened. Nobody was there to judge. That conversation was our first talanoa, a traditional Pacific concept and practice of inclusive, participatory, transparent dialogue.
Since 2024, following a painful period of unprecedented workplace challenge, and after the arrival of one of the authors—Saia Ma’u Piukala, the first WHO regional director from the Pacific—the Western Pacific Regional Office has made talanoa part of how it operates.
Talanoa is a markedly different way to bring colleagues together regularly at all levels. Within this space, the office acknowledges colleagues’ concerns, appreciates their views, and encourages them to cocreate solutions.
After the initial talanoa sessions, some people asked for smaller groups, a less formal setting, and discussions without senior staff present. This feedback has informed the design of future sessions. Together, the members of the regional office have been building a respectful workplace where staff feel safe and heard.
A Pacific Gift to the World
For generations, Pacific communities have come together, sitting in circles on mats dedicated by the community to talanoa. Stemming from this, Pacific health leaders have been drawing on talanoa to confront emerging challenges such as climate change and noncommunicable diseases.
For instance, Piukala, who grew up in Tonga, regularly meets senior counterparts for informal talanoa on the margins of the UN General Assembly and other high-level international forums. Interpersonal relationships are highly valued in a region connected by massive oceans and shared vulnerabilities.
Global health confronts similar challenges today. Implementing the WHO Pandemic Agreement, governing artificial intelligence in health, and responding to increasingly complex health threats in an inextricably connected world requires more than technical expertise. It requires trust and the capacity to listen across differences. Talanoa can build that trust.
In Tonga, Piukala learned that talanoa is far more than just talking. In a talanoa, personal stories matter more than titles. People listen attentively—trying to control their reflexes to respond with immediate counterarguments—focusing on understanding each other, strengthening their relationships, and finding a way forward together. Piukala has carried that lesson through his career in medicine, public service, and global health.
During a visit to the Solomon Islands, Piukala reserved an afternoon for talanoa with the WHO country team instead of conducting a formal briefing. Colleagues raised challenges in small groups, appreciating the undivided attention of the regional director. Some solutions emerged immediately, such as connecting a colleague directly with the right regional focal point to unblock a long-pending administrative request, while more complex issues, like career progression in a small office, remained unresolved. Piukala was honest about which concerns could and couldn’t be easily addressed. Colleagues shared their reflections after the session, visibly appreciating the candor of the conversation, and knowing that their voices could influence decisions. That demonstrated the immense value of listening first and acting on what was heard.
From Pacific Wisdom to Organisational Practice
At WHO, talanoa does not replace formal governance or established decision-making processes but complements them. It creates a safe space for colleagues at all levels to speak up, raise concerns early—no matter how small—and share their perspectives that otherwise might not be heard.
As a result, hidden issues surface sooner, difficult conversations get easier, relationships are strengthened, and colleagues raise concerns before problems turn into crises. Researchers call this psychological safety. Harvard’s Amy Edmondson, for instance, has shown that teams tend to perform better when people feel safe asking questions and voicing their concerns without fear. Talanoa builds that culture in practice without policy prescription.
Talanoa requires time to be embedded into an organisation’s culture. It is not a substitute for formal grievance channels. When serious concerns arise, they need to be taken to official channels and followed through on.
WHO’s organisational culture team is interested in learning from our talanoa experience in the Western Pacific, feeding into WHO’s global culture-change implementation framework.
Why Global Health Needs Talanoa Now
Fiji’s Talanoa Dialogue, under its presidency of the Bonn climate summit (COP23) in 2017, is a practical example of how trust-based conversations can help navigate complex climate negotiations. Initially established under the Paris Agreement as a “facilitative dialogue,” Fiji renamed and structured it as a talanoa dialogue. The approach changed climate talks by moving them away from rigid negotiations and toward more open, inclusive, trustful conversations. Its influence can still be seen at later climate summits to this very day.
But trust is not a given; it needs time to be earned. If people speak up and nothing changes, trust might erode further. Like a muscle, trust needs constant attention to remain strong and evolve. In difficult times, institutions tend to focus on structures and policies. These remain important. But outcomes are often shaped in informal conversations, before formal decisions are made.
Talanoa shows that when people come together, share their stories, and listen to each other, better decisions emerge. Any team can try it by allocating 90 minutes with no agenda, placing chairs in a circle, letting the most junior person speak first, and the most senior last.
As global health explores new ways to address increasingly complex challenges, a piece of wisdom from the Pacific passed down through generations deserves consideration beyond the region.
Progress begins by listening better, not by speaking louder…. PACNEWS
