In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — SPC must stay accountable to members as it approaches 80th anniversary
2. PACIFIC — Tonga urges SPC members to ensure decisions deliver for Pacific people
3. FIJI — Fiji Coalition partner SODELPA rejects Bill 32, demands full repeal of 2013 constitution
4. PACIFIC — ‘Strengthening ties’ or ‘Shameful’? Why Israel’s new Pacific status is splitting the region
5. AUST — Australia expand defend ties with PNG, Timor Leste
6. PACIFIC — Second island chain becoming increasingly important, Iran War shows U.S. military’s mileage: Analyst
7. AUST — First AUKUS nuclear sub to come to Australia revealed
8. SAMOA — Human Rights Protection Party deputy leader Lauofo suspended for 24 hours
9. SAMOA — Samoa Observer faces continued restrictions as press freedom concerns grow
10. SOL — Solomon Islands tests readiness to detect and report disease outbreaks
11. B/VILLE — Three return to Bougainville after 69 days at sea and end up in Kiribati
12. PACNEWS BIZ — FFA urges Pacific unity on Tuna management ahead of WCPFC meeting
13. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG private security arms up as regulator struggles to keep pace
14. PACNEWS BIZ — Tonga Trade deficit widens to $206 million as imports rise 28 percent
15. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — UN Biodiversity Conference gets finance boost for action on nature with $500 million in additional pledges to the GEF and GBFF
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — Papua New Guinea moves towards a National Risk Registry to strengthen Disaster preparedness
17. PACNEWS DIGEST — Tonga celebrates living heritage and intergenerational knowledge on International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage
18. PACNEWS DIGEST — Women and girls’ share of civilian war deaths doubles since 2021
PAC – CRGA/DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 27 Oct 2026
SPC must stay accountable to members as it approaches 80th anniversary
NOUMEA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Pacific Community (SPC) must remain responsive to its members’ priorities and accountable for its work as it approaches its 80th anniversary, Director-General Dr Paula Vivili says.
Opening the 56th Session of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA56) in Noumea, Dr Vivili said the organisation faced growing regional pressures, including climate risks, economic strains and increasing demands on essential services, alongside tighter funding.
“These exchanges reinforced the understanding that SPC is your organisation, and that our work must remain grounded in your needs and the realities facing your communities,” Dr Vivili said.
He said member guidance would be particularly important as SPC reviewed its priorities, resources and operations in a constrained funding environment.
CRGA56 provides members with an opportunity to assess the organisation’s progress and consider decisions needed to sustain effective delivery, he said.
“As we prepare to mark 80 years of SPC, we have an opportunity to honour the trust placed in this organisation and ensure it remains responsive, capable and accountable to its membership,” Dr Vivili said.
He said visits to most SPC members during his first year as Director-General had provided opportunities to hear directly from leaders about their priorities and discuss how the organisation could better support them.
Dr Vivili also welcomed the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) back to CRGA after many years.
CNMI joined SPC in 1983, the same year the organisation’s Conference was last held in the North Pacific. Dr Vivili said SPC welcomed its renewed engagement.
He acknowledged Tuvalu’s outgoing role as CRGA chair and Tonga’s hosting of last year’s CRGA and Conference meetings. Tonga has taken over the CRGA chair, with the United Kingdom serving as vice-chair.
Dr Vivili said SPC had made meeting papers available in English and French three weeks before the session, in line with its governance requirements. He thanked Secretariat staff for meeting the deadline.
The organisation was also continuing efforts to improve language access for its 27 member countries and territories.
Dr Vivili said SPC’s Tok Pasifika service now provided access to language services in more than 40 Pacific languages, with the Académie des langues kanak recently joining its provider network.
He said the initiative recognised that the region’s linguistic heritage extended well beyond SPC’s two official languages.
CRGA56 brings representatives together to review SPC’s work and provide guidance on its priorities as the organisation prepares for its 80th anniversary…. PACNEWS
PAC – CRGA/DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Tonga urges SPC members to ensure decisions deliver for Pacific people
NOUMEA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific Community (SPC) members must make clear decisions on priorities and resources to ensure the organisation continues delivering services for Pacific people, CRGA56 Chair Jeanett Vea says.
Opening the 56th Meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA56) in Noumea, Vea said growing demands on SPC’s services and pressure on available resources required clear guidance from member countries and territories.
“Our shared responsibility is to provide clear guidance, consider the choices before us with care, and ensure that our decisions support effective delivery for Pacific people,” said Vea, Deputy Secretary of Tonga’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She urged representatives to use the two-day meeting for open and constructive discussions, with a focus on clear decisions and practical outcomes.
Vea said she would seek to ensure all members had an opportunity to contribute and called on delegates to keep their interventions focused and concise.
“Over the next two days, I encourage open and constructive dialogue, grounded in mutual respect and our shared commitment to this organisation and our region,” she said.
Tonga has assumed the CRGA chairmanship from Tuvalu, with the United Kingdom serving as vice-chair and leading the Drafting Committee.
Vea thanked Tuvalu for its leadership and acknowledged the SPC Director-General and Secretariat for preparing the meeting, as well as the Government and people of New Caledonia for hosting delegates at SPC headquarters in Noumea.
She also welcomed the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) back to the meeting, saying SPC members looked forward to its continued engagement
“It is wonderful to have you back around the table, and we look forward to your continued engagement in the SPC family,” she said.
CRGA brings together representatives of SPC’s member governments and administrations to review the organisation’s work and provide guidance on its priorities.
Vea declared the 56th meeting officially open, saying she looked forward to working with members towards decisions that deliver practical outcomes for the region…. PACNEWS
FIJI – CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Fiji Coalition partner SODELPA rejects Bill 32, demands full repeal of 2013 constitution
SUVA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — Fiji’s Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has rejected the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill 2026, known as Bill 32, saying it retains key provisions of the 2013 Constitution that the party promised voters it would remove.
SODELPA President Aseri Radrodro said in a statement that the bill amends rather than replaces the Constitution introduced under the former FijiFirst government and fails to address the party’s concerns over immunity provisions and accountability for past abuses of power.
The party said Bill 32 retains Chapter 14 on immunity and extends its application to the first sitting of Parliament under the amended constitutional framework.
It argued that the provisions could protect people from civil, criminal and other legal liability for actions taken during the period covered by the immunity clauses.
SODELPA specifically objected to Clause 206, which sets out the scope of immunity, and Clause 207, which entrenches the provisions and restricts court challenges.
The party said the immunity provisions continued to prevent prosecutions relating to the 2006 coup, which removed the elected government of former prime minister Laisenia Qarase.
It also questioned why immunity should extend to government actions and those of other institutions until the first sitting of Parliament under the amended Constitution.
“SODELPA wants the 2013 removed entirely and urges the rule of law to be respected,” Radrodro said in the statement.
The party argued that retaining any part of the 2013 Constitution would perpetuate injustice against Qarase, public servants, workers and members of the public who it said were victimised during the 16 years of FijiFirst rule.
SODELPA also said Bill 32 retained other provisions of the 2013 Constitution that it considered unacceptable, although it did not detail all of them in the statement.
Radrodro disputed claims that SODELPA opposed constitutional change, saying the party’s objection was to amend the existing Constitution rather than removing it entirely.
The party warned government officials and members of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (BLV) against allegedly telling communities that SODELPA did not want the 2013 Constitution changed.
It said it would consider filing formal complaints against individuals and institutions it accused of spreading misinformation.
“If the architects of Bill 32 are protecting anyone in their political parties from criminal liabilities, then that’s on them and not us,” Radrodro said.
SODELPA said its special general meeting had directed the party’s parliamentarians to vote against Bill 32 for the reasons outlined in its position.
The party said it opposed further coups and political instability and would act within the law while protecting the interests of the public…. PACNEWS
PACIFIC – DIPLOMACY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 3: Tue 27 Oct 2026
‘Strengthening ties’ or ‘Shameful’? Why Israel’s new Pacific status is splitting the region
SUVA/AUCKLAND, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Israel’s inclusion into the Pacific region’s main political body has drawn sharply contrasting reactions across the region.
While the official diplomatic tone from Pacific leaders, including New Zealand, has been welcoming and focused on consensus, civil society groups have described the move as wrong and demanded a review.
Others, such as New Zealand media academic Professor David Robie, have called it “shameful”, while veteran Solomon Islands diplomat Collin Beck said it puts into question the “credibility” of the Pacific Islands Forum’s (PIF) partnership mechanism.
Israel announced its acceptance into the Forum via a news release last Wednesday, which swiftly attracted a range of reactions – both for and against the move.
The announcement coincided with Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV) head Eynat Shlein’s visit to the region.
Fijian Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka offered a biblical justification for Israel’s inclusion, speaking for the “entire Pacific Islands”, while the Pacific Conference of Churches demanded the PIF review its decision.
The 18-member PIF has just over two dozen dialogue and development partners, which include countries such as the United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, Japan and Indonesia, that support the development priorities of the region.
Israel has been added to the list as a sectoral partner and will offer support in the areas of water management, desalination, agriculture and climate change adaptation.
“Strengthening ties with the Pacific Island nations is one of my objectives. Earlier this year, I opened Israel’s Embassy in Fiji, which also serves nine other Pacific Island nations, all friendly to Israel,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said.
“Under the current government, three of these countries, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Nauru, have opened embassies in Jerusalem.”
The PIF Secretariat, which is headed by former Nauru President Baron Waqa, has not publicly confirmed Israel’s status yet. However, the New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the decision by PIF leaders should be respected and described criticism of Israel’s inclusion as an “insult” to Pacific Island nations.
“Pacific support a rules-based international system, respect for international law,” said Colin Beck, who is a Solomon Islands career diplomat, said in a comment on a Facebook post on RNZ.
“We must engage with all peaceful countries,” he wrote.
However, he added that the PIF’s “mechanism on partnership now lacks credibility”.
He said the review of how the PIF works with its partners “must come with criteria that [have] humanity at its centre, international law, respect for lives will surely place the Pacific on the right side of history”.
Beck also noted that there should be respect for the Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration adopted by Pacific leaders in September 2025.
Professor Robie, who has decades of experience researching and writing on the region, said the move undermines the Forum’s founding commitment in 1971 to regional decolonisation.
“In what is probably one of its most shameful acts ever, the Pacific Islands Forum has betrayed one of its founding principles in admitting Israel – already a global rogue pariah state – as a development partner in the middle of the genocide of an Indigenous people, the Palestinians,” he wrote for the Asia Pacific Media Network.
“As decisions of this nature are made by consensus, it means that all 18 member states of the region’s main political body – including Australia and New Zealand – have given their blessing.”
He pointed out that Israel, alongside the United States, had also voted against decolonisation at the UN Decolonisation Committee (C-24) meeting earlier this month.
“Six Pacific countries and territories – American Samoa, French Polynesia (Mā’ohi Nui), Guam (Guåhan), New Caledonia (Kanaky), Pitcairn and Tokelau – are still on the UN Decolonisation list,” he wrote.
He said that a “perception of arrogance and deceit” about Israel’s PIF partnership process had also angered many in the Pacific…. PACNEWS
AUST – DEFENCE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Australia expand defend ties with PNG, Timor Leste
CANBERRA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — Australia is expanding its defence partnerships with Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, with plans to recruit Papua New Guineans into the Australian Defence Force and increase military exercises and personnel exchanges with Dili.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the initiatives were part of a broader strategy to strengthen security ties with neighbouring countries and improve collective security across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
Papua New Guineans will be able to apply to join the Australian Defence Force from 16 November, following the 32nd Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum, the first since their mutual defence alliance took effect in July.
Marles said the recruitment programme would begin with 50 Papua New Guineans undertaking a 16-week training course in PNG next year. They are expected to enter the Australian Defence Force later in 2027, with a further 50 recruits planned for the following year.
The programme could expand to thousands of recruits over the next decade if the initial phase succeeds.
“Those who do serve will become Australian citizens, but they’ll maintain their PNG citizenship,” Marles said in an interview with ABC.
He said the recruits would represent both countries through their service, describing them as “the embodiment of the alliance”.
Marles rejected suggestions the programme was driven by difficulties recruiting Australians, saying interest in joining the Australian Defence Force was at a 20-year high and separation rates were below the long-term average.
He said increased pay, retention bonuses and efforts to shorten recruitment processing times had helped improve domestic recruitment.
The PNG initiative would instead provide opportunities for young Papua New Guineans while allowing Australia to expand its defence force and strengthen military links with an ally.
Marles also said a new security framework with Timor-Leste would increase defence cooperation, including military exercises, personnel exchanges and support for developing Timor-Leste’s defence capabilities.
The agreement, signed with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in Dili, is part of Australia’s effort to strengthen security relationships with countries surrounding the continent.
Marles said Timor-Leste was a strategically important neighbour and the latest link in Australia’s network of security arrangements across the region.
The partnership is expected to create more opportunities for Australian personnel to conduct exercises in Timor-Leste and for Timor-Leste Defence Force personnel to train and serve in Australia.
Marles said Darwin would have an important role in the relationship because of its proximity to Timor-Leste.
He also pointed to Timor-Leste’s planned chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2029, which is expected to bring major regional meetings to Dili.
Darwin could help support those engagements, including through closer defence links and personnel exchanges, he said.
Marles said Australia wanted to be a preferred security partner for countries across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
He said the arrangements were intended not only to strengthen Australia’s own defence, but also to support regional peace and stability.
“The defence of Australia really doesn’t mean that much unless you’re talking about a peaceful and stable Pacific, a peaceful and stable Southeast Asia,” he told ABC.
The two initiatives reflect Australia’s wider push to deepen defence cooperation with neighbouring countries through formal agreements, joint exercises and closer military engagement…. PACNEWS
PACIFIC – DEFENCE/SECURITY: GUAM PACIFIC DAILY NEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Second island chain becoming increasingly important, Iran War shows U.S. military’s mileage: Analyst
HAGATNA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (GUAM PACIFIC DAILY NEWS) — A senior military analyst says the Iran War reveals much about how the U.S conducts warfare today, especially how a future conflict in the Pacific would play out.
Jennifer Kavanagh, a senior fellow and director of military analysis at Washington, D.C-based foreign policy think tank Defence Priorities, said U.S foreign policy today is “in a period of rapid change and flux” and that dynamic has implications on global security.
One of the biggest developments in U.S foreign policy is its war with Iran.
Kavanagh said the country’s performance over the past eight months has exposed the limits of U.S military power and the armed forces’ vulnerabilities.
“It certainly remains the most powerful military in the world, but we’ve seen that the U.S military lacks endurance,” she said.
Over the course of the Iran conflict so far, the military is running low or has run out of key munitions. These include most of its hypersonic and interceptor missiles, Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Air Defence munitions, and Tomahawk and other precision weapons. Kavanagh added this is against the backdrop of a conflict against a “pretty weak” adversary.
Generally, the way U.S wages wars depends on its network of bases that allows it to project power globally, she said. Those bases aren’t survivable.
In the Iran war, U.S bases in the Middle East were struck to the point where they no longer became assets to U.S military power, Kavanagh Said. Instead, they were liabilities, something that has implications to the first island chain.
The first island chain is a Cold War-era line drawn up by American war planners to contain China. It includes the major Pacific islands from Malaysia to Japan.
“Realistically, we have to look at those bases now as probably not usable in a conflict,” Kavanagh said.
“The argument that you would use these bases to disperse forces, to me, is a fantasy in the current reality. How can you disperse forces on bases that you can’t defend?”
This means the second island chain is becoming increasingly important in the U.S military strategy in the region.
Kavanaugh has previously argued pulling back U.S forces from the first island chain to the second.
The second island chain cuts through Micronesia and includes Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Bases here, though not invincible to Chinese missiles, are “certainly more defensible,” according to Kavanagh.
The Pentagon’s investment into defence infrastructure in the second island chain is already apparent. That investment, she said, could result in more local jobs, but also increased stress on the local population and damage to the environment.
And if a conflict were to start, she said the U.S has a recent track record of not being a reliable partner.
“The United States will of course, always defend its bases. That doesn’t mean that it will also defend civilian infrastructure,” Kavanagh said.
“Having more U.S military presence, having greater focus on the second island chain, is a mixed picture for the countries in this region.”
Kavanagh said the growing U.S-China relationship, at least at the political level, has been characterized by both nations’ efforts towards de-escalation.
However, the military and operational competition between the two nations continues and this includes increasing military pressure “at quite a furious pace.”
This is seen in the increase of U.S missile platforms in the first island chain, increasing logistical cooperation and alliances between Japan and Taiwan, the A.I race, and export controls with China, according to Kavanagh.
“While we have this political détente at one level, at the operational level, the security competition between the two sides continues even if no one wants to talk about it,” she said.
For the second island chain in Micronesia, Kavanagh said the situation is “quite precarious”
“On the one hand de-escalation is certainly welcome, certainly a less tense regional environment is good, but it has to be seen as something that’s possibly temporary,” she said.
There is a high risk for it to reverse once the Trump administration ends, resulting in a return to a more intense competition if the easing of political tensions fails.
Kavanagh said the U.S national debt is about US$40 trillion, that is 100 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
Interest on that debt is over US$1 trillion annually.
“This is completely unsustainable fiscally for the United States,” she said. “It’s a huge economic risk and it will have longer-term implication on U.S spending.”
For the U.S’s to keep “printing money” to fund defence projects and military activities, is misguided in her opinion. On top of that, there’s no political appetite for the legislation required to address the national debt like tax increases or cuts to entitlement benefits.
“We’re kind of stuck in this place where we’re not actually addressing what is a huge risk for U.S national security,” she said. More money is the problem the Department of Defence is facing.
The national debt will eventually strain U.S military activity, making it harder to keep up its global presence, meaning that the U.S. will have to “retrench” in ways that it doesn’t like.
That equates to giving up commitments because they aren’t fiscally sustainable or cutting funding for things like social services or non-military infrastructure investment.
“I think this is a real risk factor, and the risks are not just military for countries along the second island chain,” Kavanagh said…. PACNEWS
AUST – AKUS: AAP PACNEWS 3: Tue 27 Oct 2026
First AUKUS nuclear sub to come to Australia revealed
WASHINGTON/CANBERRA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP) — Washington has revealed the first nuclear submarine that will deploy to Australia under the AUKUS agreement, five years after the $386 billion (US$270 billion) defence pact was signed.
The USS Colorado, a 10-year-old Virginia-class submarine, will make its new home at Western Australia’s HMAS Stirling from late 2027, Defence Minister Richard Marles revealed in a joint statement with his U.S and British counterparts on Tuesday.
It’s the first of up to four American submarines, and one from the UK, set to rotate through the base while Australian Defence Force personnel get to grips with owning and operating nuclear submarines.
But Colorado’s arrival in Australia will be controversial because of outrage sparked in June over revelations the U.S would deliver lesser equipment than first promised.
Original AUKUS plans had Canberra receiving two used vessels and a brand-new Virginia-class submarine before building one of its own in Adelaide.
The fact Washington would now be sending second-hand vessels was described as “trash” by Tasmanian independent senator and army veteran Jacqui Lambie, but ministers and top military brass at the time insisted used subs were the best option.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the time assured the public AUKUS was going “full steam ahead” despite tweaks being made to the mega-money deal, which U.S Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reiterated on Tuesday along with Mr Marles and UK Secretary of State Wes Streeting.
Colorado is a “fast-attack” submarine, reaching more than 46km/h, compared with Australia Collins-class subs’ underwater top speed of 37km/h.
While second-hand, the Virginia class is Washington’s most advanced line of attack submersibles.
The higher-speed, longer-range vessels are needed to help Australia defend its sea trade, Marles has said.
“The selection of USS Colorado … is a decisive step in strengthening collective deterrence in the Pacific,” the joint statement read.
Australia’s own nuclear subs will be conventionally armed, but the U.S has maintained a policy of ambiguity about whether or not assets rotating through the country are carrying nuclear weapons.
Being nuclear-powered means its range is effectively limited only by its crew’s need for food and water.
Tuesday’s statement says the AUKUS rotation arrangement will abide with all relevant non-proliferation treaties…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – POLITICS: SAMOA OBSERVER PACNEWS 3: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Human Rights Protection Party deputy leader Lauofo suspended for 24 hours
APIA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (SAMOA OBSERVER) — The deputy leader of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) and MP for Anoamaa No. 2, Lauofo Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, was suspended from Parliament for 24 hours on Tuesday after the House voted to suspend him over comments he made online about the Government.
The majority vote followed an order from Speaker Mulipola Aloitatua Mulipola over comments the deputy leader made about the Government during an online broadcast programme.
Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Faleata No. 3 MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi are also expected to face similar suspensions when they next attend Parliament…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – MEDIA: PACNEWS/ABC PACIFIC PACNEWS 3: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Samoa Observer faces continued restrictions as press freedom concerns grow
APIA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS/ABC) — Samoa’s only daily newspaper, the Samoa Observer, continues to face restrictions on access to government events and press briefings, raising concerns about press freedom and accountability under Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt’s government.
The dispute has drawn international attention following the newspaper’s reporting on the Prime Minister, including recently published footage from a 2007 family reunion showing him making a Nazi-style salute and saying, “Hail Hitler”. The footage prompted an apology from the Prime Minister and coverage by international media.
The latest controversy follows the government’s decision in November 2025 to exclude the Samoa Observer from official press briefings, a restriction that has continued for almost a year, according to reports cited in the material.
The dispute escalated after the newspaper reported the Prime Minister’s unexplained absence aboard a private jet and later questioned the authenticity of an official photograph released by the Samoan Government. The newspaper said the image had been digitally altered to remove the Prime Minister’s wheelchair, while photographs published by the New Zealand Government showed him in the wheelchair.
The newspaper’s reporting also raised questions about whether the Prime Minister had acted against the advice of senior diplomatic officials.
In October 2026, former Samoa Observer editor Shalveen Chand described an alleged physical confrontation when he and other reporters attempted to speak to the Prime Minister at his home after an eight-week absence.
Chand told Cook Islands News that a relative of the Prime Minister pushed a car door towards him, while another person allegedly grabbed him by the collar and slapped him. He also alleged that a police officer punched him in the abdomen in the presence of other officers.
Three days after the incident, the Prime Minister announced the newspaper’s formal exclusion from government briefings, according to the reports.
Concerns over the treatment of journalists have continued, with allegations that authorities have seized cameras, threatened the newspaper’s licence and deleted journalists’ photographs.
During a joint press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in February 2026, the Samoan Prime Minister also criticised a journalist, saying police were being treated rudely and disrespectfully.
Australia has faced questions about its response to the restrictions, given its support for democratic governance and independent media in the Pacific.
Australia has allocated funding to Samoa through its foreign assistance programmes, including initiatives aimed at improving the environment for professional and independent media.
Samoa Observer editor Jarrett Malifa said the situation was extraordinary for a democratic country and questioned whether Australia was doing enough to support democratic principles.
Asked to call for the restrictions on the newspaper to be lifted, Wong did not make such a public call in the response provided.
A spokesperson for the Australian Foreign Minister said Australia continued to support independent, resilient and professional media in the Pacific, including Samoa.
“Freedom of the press is a fundamental part of a vibrant democracy and a culture of transparency and accountability,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said Australia supported Pacific media through the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) and the Regional Media Support Fund, which provide capacity-building support to local media organisations and media associations.
The Samoan Government did not respond to questions about the newspaper’s exclusion, according to the account provided.
The continuing dispute has placed a spotlight on the relationship between government accountability, media independence and Australia’s regional commitment to democratic principles…. PACNEWS
SOL – HEALTH: WHO PACNEWS 3: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Solomon Islands tests readiness to detect and report disease outbreaks
HONIARA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (WHO) — In a simulated disease outbreak scenario exercise, Solomon Islands health authorities and partner agencies came together to test how quickly the country can detect, assess and report a potential public health threat.
The exercise, known as Exercise Crystal 2026, took place on 24 September as part of a regional simulation coordinated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to strengthen countries’ readiness to respond to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies before they escalate.
During the exercise, participants worked through a fictional outbreak scenario that required rapid information sharing, risk assessment and coordination between government agencies and partners. The exercise also tested the country’s ability to notify WHO and communicate effectively if a health event could pose a wider regional or international risk.
The simulation brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), WHO, and other key government sectors involved in emergency preparedness and response.
For communities and families, quickly identifying and reporting a health threat can make a critical difference. Early detection allows authorities to act sooner, helping contain outbreaks, protect lives and reduce the impact on health services and communities.
“An outbreak anywhere can quickly become a concern for everyone if it is not identified and addressed early,” said Dr Gregory Jilini, Acting Permanent Secretary, MHMS.
“Exercises like this help ensure that the right information reaches the right people at the right time, enabling a faster and more coordinated response to protect our communities.”
Exercise Crystal is designed to help countries apply the International Health Regulations (2005), with a focus on the rules that help countries share information and work together when health threats could cross borders.
In addition to testing existing procedures, the exercise provided an opportunity to identify areas where collaboration, communication, and information sharing can be further strengthened.
“Preparedness is not only about responding to emergencies when they happen. It is about regularly testing systems, learning from experience and continuously improving how we work together,” said Georgios Theocharopoulos, WHO Solomon Islands Technical Officer for Health Emergencies.
“Exercises like Crystal demonstrate strong information sharing across agencies while identifying areas for improvement. This helps ensure that countries are ready to act quickly and effectively when a real health threat emerges.”
The lessons learned from Exercise Crystal 2026 will inform future training and preparedness activities, improve collaboration across agencies, and help Solomon Islands remain ready to prevent, detect, and respond to future public health threats…. PACNEWS
B/VILLE – RESCUE MISSION: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 3: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Three return to Bougainville after 69 days at sea and end up in Kiribati
BUKA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — Tears, emotion and relief took centre stage when three Bougainvilleans flew back Monday to Port Moresby after spending 69 days at sea and ending up in Kiribati.
Darrell Tokiapron, brother Mitchell and Horen Kapiatu were travelling from Nissan Island to Buka about 94km away on 21 July when they ran out of fuel.
Darrell said they tried to use the wind to reach Tuvalu or Hawaii but failed.
“We survived on dried coconut, fish, turtle, shark, birds and dried cocoa beans that we were supposed to sell. We drank salt water to survive,” he said.
He said they survived long cold nights, rough seas and strong currents and tides swelling up to about two meters.
They arrived on Kirimati (Christmas Island) on 26 September and were looked after by officials.
North Bougainville MP Francesca Semoso welcomed the three back home to reunite with their families.
“These are Nissan people.
“They know how to survive, what to eat and what to drink, where the winds are coming from, the sun and rain,” she said.
“Sixty-nine days is a long day for any human being to be alive.
“It’s a matter of life and death,” she said.
Semoso thanked the people of Kiribati, the Government and the Bougainville Disaster Directorate for ensuring their safe return.
“It is a challenge at this time when there’s El Nino and it had to be a decision that we had to make to bring the three back.
“Bougainville is going through a special time and we thank Papua New Guinea for always being a friend.
“This is God at work,” she said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PACIFIC – FISHERIES: PACNEWS/FFA PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 27 Oct 2026
FFA urges Pacific unity on Tuna management ahead of WCPFC meeting
HONIARA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific fisheries leaders are being urged to unite on tuna management positions ahead of next month’s Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting, while ensuring the region secures greater economic and social benefits from its fisheries.
Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director-General Noan David Pakop made the call while opening the 22nd Management Options Consultation (MOC22) at FFA headquarters in Honiara.
Pakop said Pacific countries shared a responsibility to protect tuna stocks for future generations while improving the benefits fisheries deliver to their people today.
“Our collective responsibility is not only to safeguard resources for future generations, but also to secure greater economic and social benefits for our members today. This is the balance we must continue to pursue,” he said.
He stressed the importance of regional unity in developing common positions for the 23rd Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC23), scheduled to be held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, next month.
The MOC22 brings FFA members together to discuss fisheries management options and coordinate regional positions ahead of the commission meeting, which addresses the management and conservation of tuna and other fisheries resources in the western and central Pacific.
The consultation provides an opportunity for members to work towards a common approach to protecting the region’s tuna resources while strengthening the economic returns and social benefits Pacific communities derive from fisheries…. PACNEWS
PNG – PRIVATE SECURITY: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 27 Oct 2026
PNG private security arms up as regulator struggles to keep pace
PORT MORESBY/SYDNEY, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — Papua New Guinea’s private security industry is becoming more heavily armed and concentrated among a handful of large companies, while the regulator lacks the funding and independence to effectively oversee the sector, a new Lowy Institute analysis says.
The report, Capitalising on (in)security: Regulating Papua New Guinea’s security industry, examines a decade of company registration data from PNG’s Security Industries Authority (SIA).
It found security company registrations increased by 37 percent between 2015 and 2024, while the licensed guard workforce grew by only 10 percent, below population growth.
The report said the industry’s most significant change was the shift towards firms licensed to provide armed security, cash-in-transit protection and electronic security systems.
The number of Class A licence holders, which are authorised to provide those services, has quadrupled since 2015.
At the same time, the number of medium-sized Class B security firms fell from 24 to nine, while the number of guards employed by those firms roughly halved.
The industry is also becoming more concentrated, with six companies employing one-third of all registered security guards, compared with one-quarter in 2017.
Dare said the workforce was increasingly affected by contract gains and losses among four or five major companies.
The report attributed growing demand for private security to weak state infrastructure, unequal economic development and tribal and political violence.
However, it warned that the regulator was struggling to keep pace with the industry’s changing structure and growing responsibilities.
The SIA is responsible for licensing, training standards and compliance oversight, but operates with 14 staff, including only one inspector per region, according to the analysis.
Its annual budget is less than AUD$760,000 (US$533,000) and is funded entirely by the industry it regulates, with no direct appropriation from the national budget.
Dare said the regulator’s reliance on industry funding raised concerns about its ability to independently assess the companies under its oversight.
The report also highlighted the concentration of training and accreditation in the hands of three major security firms, which operate the country’s only approved guard-training facilities.
This arrangement means companies competing for government and international contracts also have significant influence over the training standards that determine access to those contracts.
“The SIA is responsible for licensing, training standards, and compliance oversight, yet has only a handful of staff and a small budget funded entirely by the industry it regulates,” Dare wrote.
He said the regulator needed independent funding to strengthen its oversight capacity and make decisions without relying on the industry.
“The remedy is unglamorous,” Dare wrote. “An appropriation from the national budget, giving PNG a regulator able to form its own view. That is a decision for Port Moresby.”
The analysis argues that stronger regulatory independence and adequate public funding are needed to address the risks posed by an increasingly armed and concentrated private security sector…. PACNEWS
TONGA – TRADE DEFICIT: TALANOAOTONGA PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Tonga Trade deficit widens to $206 million as imports rise 28 percent
NUKU’ALOFA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (TALANOAOTONGA) — Tonga’s merchandise trade deficit widened to $206.7 million pa’anga (US$86.55 million) in April–June 2026 as imports rose to $216.3 million pa’anga(US$90.42 million), while total exports reached $9.6 million pa’anga (US$4.01 million), according to the Tonga Statistics Department’s latest quarterly report.
The deficit increased by $22.2 million (US$9.28 million), or 12 percent, compared with the first quarter of 2026. Compared with the same quarter in 2025, it widened by $44.9 million (US$18.78 million), or 27.7 percent.
Imports increased by $25.5 million (US$10.65 million), or 13.4 percent, from the previous quarter and by $47.4 million (US$19.81 million), or 28 percent, year-on-year.
Re-exports made up most export earnings
The report distinguishes between goods exported from Tonga and goods imported and subsequently re-exported overseas.
Of the $9.6 million (US$4 million) in total exports, domestic exports accounted for $3.3 million (US$1.37 million), while re-exports contributed $6.3 million (US$2.3 million). Re-exports represented 65.4 percent of total exports during the quarter.
Total exports increased by $3.3 million (US$1.37 million), or 53.5 percent, compared with the previous quarter and by $2.5 million (us$1.04 million), or 34.5 percent, compared with the second quarter of 2025.
Fuel, food and other imports dominate spending
Mineral products were the largest import category, valued at $63.2 million (US$26.45 million), equivalent to 29.2 percent of imports.
Live animals and animal products accounted for $30.2 million (US$12.64 million), while prepared foodstuffs, beverages, spirits and tobacco totalled $29.5 million (US$12.35 million). Machinery and electrical equipment accounted for $17.4 million (US$7.28 million), and vehicles and associated transport equipment for $17.3 million (US$7.24 million).
The report’s end-use classification recorded $58.5 million (US$24.48 million) in processed motor spirit imports.
Singapore was Tonga’s largest import source, supplying $60.1 million (US$25.14 million) worth of goods. New Zealand followed with $52.3 million (US$21.87 million), China with $22.8 million (US$9.54 million), Australia with $21.1 million (US$9.12 million) and the United States with $15.5 million (US$6.48 million).
Asia accounted for 49.7 percent of imports, while Oceania contributed 40.8 percent.
Root crops and kava lead domestic exports
Vegetable products, particularly root crops, dominated domestic exports, with a reported value of $2.9 million (US$1.21 million).
Root crops including cassava, taro and yams generated $1.5 million (US$620,000), followed by kava at $1.1 million (US$450,000) and fish at $0.3 million (US$100,000). Together, these three commodities accounted for 88.6 percent of domestic exports.
New Zealand was the leading destination for total exports, including re-exports, at $3.1 million (US$1.29 million). Fiji received $2.3 million (US$960,000) and Australia $1.7 million (US$710,000). The five leading destinations — New Zealand, Fiji, Australia, the United States and China — accounted for 90.1 percent of total exports.
The trade deficit measures the difference between the value of imported and exported merchandise. The report focuses on goods and does not measure Tonga’s overall economic performance across all international transactions…. 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
UN Biodiversity Conference gets finance boost for action on nature with $500 million in additional pledges to the GEF and GBFF
YEREVAN, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (GEF) — National and sub-national governments pledged US$60 million to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) on finance day during the Convention on Biological Diversity’s seventeenth Conference of the Parties (COP17) in Yerevan. The resources will provide new targeted support to countries and communities working to conserve, restore, and ensure the long-term health and sustainability of wild species and ecosystems.
Spain and Uzbekistan announced a contribution of EUR 50 million and US$4.5 million, respectively, to the ninth replenishment of the Global Environment Facility Trust Fund (GEF-9). While the United Kingdom reaffirmed a contribution of £330 million, bringing the GEF-9 replenishment close to US$4.4 billion in pledges.
Representatives of Armenia, which holds the COP17 presidency, joined Germany, Iceland, Monaco, the province of Québec, and the city of Berlin in announcing new contributions during a pledging session at COP17. The session also brought together representatives of developing countries receiving support from the fund, Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs), implementing agency partners, philanthropy, and the private sector.
“Today’s pledges send a powerful signal: our partnership is ready to move from ambition to action for nature,” said Diego Mesa Puyo, GEF CEO and Chairperson. “This vote of confidence in the GEF will enable us to integrate environmental action with development priorities, catalyze larger pools of capital and private investment, and deliver results faster and at scale.”
“The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund is an important vehicle for mobilizing resources and turning the ambitions of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework into action,” said Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
“These new pledges, including multiannual commitments and the fund’s first contribution from a city, are encouraging signs of growing support for biodiversity finance. They show that taking action for nature is gaining momentum and that every contribution counts.”
“COP17 is demonstrating what multilateral cooperation can achieve. I welcome the financial pledges made by governments to the GEF in support of the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. As the COP17 presidency, we have initiated preliminary internal discussions on a possible contribution to join these efforts with the view of transforming commitments towards practical implementation,” said Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia and President of COP17.
From its launch in August 2023, the GBFF has received US$446 million in commitments from 14 sovereign and two subnational governments. Within a three-year period, a total of US$362.1 million has been programmed to 82 projects across 87 countries, including 47 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
The GBFF supports countries to strengthen national-level biodiversity management, policy, governance, and resource mobilisation, including blended finance to leverage private sector financing. It has surpassed three targets with the programming of 32 percent of its resources to support actions by IPLCs, 39 percent to support SIDS and LDCs, and 30 percent through international financial institutions (IFIs).
The fund was established at the request of parties to the CBD and is designed to accelerate delivery of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It has streamlined procedures and expanded governance arrangements to provide efficient support for developing countries and can receive contributions from all sources, including public, private, and philanthropic sources.
New pledges to GEF-9
The United Kingdom’s £330 million (US$440 million) pledge, alongside Spain’s contribution of €50 million and Uzbekistan’s US$4.5 million to GEF-9, raise total commitments close to US$4.4 billion for the July 2026 – June 2030 period. Seventy percent of these resources will contribute to CBD objectives. Across its family of funds, the GEF approved US$4.64 billion of funding for 649 projects supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 144 countries in the GEF-8 period (July 2022 – June 2026).
“The GBFF plays a vital role in accelerating the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Characterised by streamlined procedures, low administrative costs, and ambitious portfolio targets tailored to the most vulnerable nations, the fund also ensures the robust participation of the scientific community and Indigenous Peoples. Merely a few years after its inception, the evidence is clear: the GBFF is fully operational and delivering results. To further accelerate the implementation of our global goals, Germany will contribute another EUR 50 million (US$55.86 million) to the fund before the end of 2026. Germany reaffirms its stance as a reliable partner in multilateral cooperation dedicated to nature conservation. Furthermore, Germany calls upon all nations in a position to do so, alongside the private sector, non-profit organisations, and other institutions, to join these vital efforts,” said Carsten Schneider, Germany’s Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.
“Iceland believes in burden sharing, and the GBFF plays an important role by providing support to help developing countries achieve the KMGBF goals and targets nationally,” said Freydís Vigfúsdóttir, Head of Division, Department of Nature and Cultural Heritage, Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate, and Head of Delegation to CBD COP17, Iceland
“Through this financial contribution, Monaco intends to play its full part in the international effort. This commitment reflects our determination to provide sustainable support to the most vulnerable countries, giving them the means to protect their ecosystems, on which their populations’ resources and living conditions depend. The commitments we have made together must be translated into concrete and sustainable action on the ground,” said Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development, Monaco.
“Cities already invest in nature every day, at home and, through the Berlin Urban Nature Pact, together with cities around the world. By contributing to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, Berlin gives a second time: to biodiversity worldwide. Our contribution is modest, but every contribution counts. We invite cities and regions everywhere to join Berlin,” said Sandra Naumann, Chief Biodiversity Officer, Berlin Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and Environment.
“It is a pleasure to take part in this session and to highlight the key role of the Global Environment Facility as a mechanism for achieving our biodiversity conservation and restoration goals. In this context, Spain is pleased to announce a new contribution of EUR 50 million (US$55.86 million) to the ninth replenishment of the GEF (GEF-9), a 60 percent increase over its GEF-8 contribution. With this pledge, Spain reaffirms its strong commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework and to multilateral action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss,” said Maria J. Rodriguez de Sancho, General Director for Biodiversity, Forest and Desertification, Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Spain.
“Uzbekistan is proud to become a GEF donor country. Building on our longstanding partnership, we look forward to helping protect nature and create opportunities for people. Together, we can turn shared ambition into lasting results for a healthier, more resilient planet,” said Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Uzbekistan…. PACNEWS
Media Contacts: David Ainsworth (in Yerevan for COP17), Senior External Relations Officer – dainsworth@thegef.org
Alexandre Pinheiro Rego, Senior External Relations Officer – arego@thegef.org
PACNEWS DIGEST
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Papua New Guinea moves towards a National Risk Registry to strengthen Disaster preparedness
PORT MORESBY, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (UNDP) — The National Disaster Centre (NDC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial support from the Government of Australia, is supporting the establishment of a National Risk Registry (NRR), a critical step towards strengthening disaster risk management, preparedness and resilience across the country.
The initiative aims to establish a government-owned, centralised platform that consolidates information on natural hazards, exposure, vulnerabilities and disaster risks. By improving access to reliable and actionable risk information, the registry will support evidence-based decision-making, risk-informed development planning, early warning and more effective disaster preparedness and response at national and provincial levels.
As part of this effort, a technical consultation was conducted with technical officers from the National Statistical Office, the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority, the National Weather Service, Geohazards Management, the Climate Change and Development Authority, the National Maritime Safety Authority, and the University of PNG to discuss the institutional, technical, and operational requirements for establishing the registry.
“The National Risk Registry represents an important step towards transforming how Papua New Guinea understands, manages and responds to disaster risks. It will provide a critical foundation for operationalising the National Emergency Operations Centre, while strengthening connections with multi-hazard early warning systems, weather forecasting and disaster preparedness”, said Andrew Oaego, Assistant Director General of the National Disaster Centre.
UNOSAT specialist Khaled Mashfiq highlighted the potential of satellite technology, geospatial analysis and integrated risk information to strengthen national disaster risk management capabilities. The proposed registry will bring together relevant information from multiple sources, supporting a more coordinated and systematic approach to risk assessment, preparedness and emergency response.
Discussions emphasised the importance of strong institutional coordination, clear data governance arrangements and interoperability with existing government information systems. Participants also highlighted the need to build on available national datasets and technical capacities, avoiding duplication while ensuring that disaster risk information is accessible, reliable and regularly updated.
The consultation further recognised the important role of universities, research institutions and technical partners in strengthening the scientific basis of disaster risk assessments, including understanding natural hazards, climate-related risks and emerging vulnerabilities across Papua New Guinea.
The development of the National Risk Registry also complements ongoing national efforts to strengthen disaster risk governance, including the proposed National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) legislation and the operationalisation of the National Emergency Operations Centre. Together, these initiatives are expected to contribute to a more integrated, proactive and risk-informed disaster management system.
The initiative builds on the longstanding partnership between UNDP and the National Disaster Centre, supported by the Government Australia through DFAT, to strengthen disaster risk governance, institutional capacity and preparedness in Papua New Guinea.
Through continued technical assistance, partnerships and knowledge-sharing, UNDP remains committed to supporting government-led efforts to strengthen national and provincial disaster risk management systems, enhance resilience and protect communities from the increasing impacts of disasters and climate-related hazards.
At the end, all technical officers from different government agencies agreed to continue working on the structure of the National Risk Registry and provision of data which will be incorporated into the platform and presented to stakeholders before the end of 2026…. PACNEWS
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Tonga celebrates living heritage and intergenerational knowledge on International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage
VA’VAU, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (UNESCO) — In observance of the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the celebration highlighted the richness of Tonga’s living heritage and the vital role of communities in safeguarding cultural traditions and transmitting knowledge from one generation to the next.
Proclaimed by UNESCO’s General Conference in November 2023, the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage raises awareness of the diversity of living heritage and the importance of safeguarding the practices, knowledge and skills that communities recognise as part of their cultural identity.
Celebrating the traditions that define Tonga
The event brought together cultural groups, young people, community members and distinguished guests to celebrate Tongan cultural identity through music, dance and collective expression.
In his address, Semisi Tongia, Director of the Culture and Heritage Division, Ministry of Tourism, emphasised that intangible cultural heritage lives through the everyday actions, knowledge and shared values of the Tongan people, embodied in Angafaka-Tonga — the Tongan way of life.
“The community holds the heartbeat of our culture,” he said, recognising the contributions of villages, families, elders and young people in keeping traditions alive amid a changing world.
He also highlighted the importance of cultural transmission, through which elders share their knowledge and skills with younger generations, enabling children to carry forward the wisdom and pride of those who came before them.
The evening featured a singing competition themed around the historical sites of participating villages, alongside a Lakalaka competition showcasing original village compositions and traditional performances. Communities from across Vavaʻu participated, including youth and church groups from Leimatuʻa, Neiafu, Taʻanea, Longomapu, ʻUtui, Haʻalaufuli and Makave.
Lakalaka – a living expression of Tongan identity
A central highlight was Lakalaka: dances and sung speeches of Tonga, inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.
Often regarded as Tonga’s national dance, Lakalaka combines choreography, oratory, poetry, choral singing and instrumental music. Performances can involve hundreds of people arranged in rows, with energetic movements, graceful gestures and coordinated singing bringing the community together.
Lakalaka compositions explore themes drawn from Tongan history, legends, values and social structures. The tradition also recognises the creative role of the punake — a poet, composer, choreographer and performance director who develops and renews the repertoire.
More than a performing art, Lakalaka provides a way for communities to express their collective identity, communicate knowledge and reaffirm social relationships. Its continued practice depends on the skills and commitment of cultural practitioners and the active participation of younger generations.
By featuring Lakalaka alongside village songs, the Vavaʻu celebration offered a platform for communities to showcase their heritage, recognise cultural practitioners and encourage young people to appreciate and continue these traditions.
Safeguarding living heritage for future generations
The celebration reflected the broader objectives of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which emphasises the importance of safeguarding living heritage through community participation, awareness-raising and transmission.
For Tonga, safeguarding intangible cultural heritage means supporting the people who practise and transmit traditional knowledge, skills, performing arts, oral traditions, craftsmanship, ceremonies and customary practices. It also means creating opportunities for young people to learn from elders and participate in cultural life.
Events such as the Vavaʻu celebration help strengthen these connections while fostering cooperation among government institutions, schools, cultural organisations and local communities. They also highlight the contribution of living heritage to community wellbeing, cultural continuity and sustainable tourism.
As the celebration concluded, its message extended beyond the performances themselves: safeguarding heritage is a shared responsibility that begins within families and communities and continues through the choices made by each generation.
Through the voices of singers, the movements of Lakalaka performers and the knowledge shared between elders and youth, Tonga’s living heritage continues to connect the past with the present — and to shape the cultural legacy of generations to come…. PACNEWS
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Women and girls’ share of civilian war deaths doubles since 2021
NEW YORK, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — War is growing deadlier for women and girls, who accounted for one in four of the more than 37,000 civilians killed in armed conflict last year – double their share in 2021 – according to major UN report released Monday.
At least 25 women and girls are killed every day in conflict settings, the UN Secretary-General’s annual report on Women, Peace and Security finds – and as civilian deaths mount, sexual violence is surging and women continue to be largely shut out of peace talks.
Some 750 million women and girls now live within 50 kilometres of an active conflict, 40 million more than in 2024 and more than at any time since 1990.
“War is getting deadlier for women and girls, and the world is allowing it to happen,” UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda briefed journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, presenting the report.
“For them, war is not something they can scroll past. War is outside their door.”
Beyond bombs
For women and girls caught up in war, the threat goes far beyond the battlefield.
In 2025, the UN verified 9,788 cases of conflict related sexual violence, more than twice as many as the year before, and almost four times as many as in 2022.
In Haiti, reported cases of sexual violence rose by 163 percent.
A woman giving birth in a conflict-affected country is five times more likely to die from maternal causes than one in a stable country, Gumbonzvanda said.
In Gaza, the destruction of hospitals and maternity facilities and the collapse of access to essential supplies have contributed to a 41 percent decrease in live births and a 300 per cent increase in miscarriages.
War also drives women deeper into poverty. Around 170 million women and girls live in both conflict zones and extreme poverty, surviving on less than US$3 a day, while in conflict-affected countries they spend five times as many hours on unpaid care work as men and boys.
The increasing use of drones and long-range weapons in populated areas – including attacks on schools, markets and hospitals – raises further safety concerns, the report warns.
Shut out of peace
Yet women remain largely excluded from efforts to end the fighting. In 2025, they made up just five per cent of negotiators across 57 peace processes, down seven per cent the year before, and not one of 13 ceasefire agreements explicitly prohibited conflict-related sexual violence.
At the same time, global military spending hit a record US$2.9 trillion last year, while 40 per cent of women’s organisations in crisis-affected settings expect to close temporarily or permanently within the next year due to severe funding shortfalls.
“More women and girls are trapped in wars than at any point in decades. Yet military spending keeps rising and development assistance keeps falling,” said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous.
UN Women is calling for the protection of women and girls, their meaningful participation in peace and security, sustained investment in women-led peacebuilding, and an end to impunity.
“War is a human choice. So is peace,” Gumbonzvanda said. …. PACNEWS
