No alternative to Olympic surfing in Tahiti, says French minister
France’s Minister for Sport, Amelie Oudea-Castera, on Thursday ruled out the possibility of moving the Olympic surfing events away from Tahiti following the environmental damage caused during testing last week.
Fiji Business Briefs: ANZ survey, Drua sponsorship deal, Raine & Horne reopens
ANZ business survey: Turnover up, profitability down ANZ’s Fiji Business Survey for Q3 2023 has reported a positive upturn in turnover, with 42% of surveyed firms noting higher demand compared to the previous quarter.
U.S. signals plan for immediate-range missiles in the North Pacific
The U.S. military’s purported plan to station intermediate-range missiles in Guam is likely to heighten concerns among some Pacific Island countries of a new era of militarisation of their region, analysts said. The
Vanuatu political leaders in talks to form unity govt
Talks are underway in Vanuatu to try and establish a government of national unity. It comes after months of instability that has seen three governments in three months. Radio New Zealand reports that on Sunday, Prime
Opinion: Basic but essential: Vanuatu’s proposed political integrity legislation
Vanuatu has had three different prime ministers since 4 September, and weathered several court challenges as politicians and parties battled for parliamentary supremacy. Vanuatu’s citizens have expressed their
Pacific firm on 1.5-degree goal at COP28, calls for Just Transition and Youth inclusivity
As COP28 approaches its closing plenary next week, key stakeholders from the Pacific region weigh in on their priorities and expectations for the rest of the conference. Director General of SPREP, Sefanaia Nawadra said
Forum SG Puna support change of COP format for amplified youth voices
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Henry Puna has called for a full revamp of the format and structure of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP). Puna emphasised the urgent need to bring
Data gaps hamper displacement discussion
Pacific Island negotiators at COP28 face the challenge of quantifying the economic and non-economic costs human displacement due to a lack of systematic data collection. But Lorenzo Guadagno, the Project Coordinator for
Business Assistance Fiji: Empowering women and communities
“If you empower women, you empower communities”. That was the message by Dr Nur Bano, President of the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) at last week’s Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) graduation ceremony
ADB approves financing package to boost Solomon Islands’ education
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday said it has approved a financing package of US$45.7 million to boost senior secondary education and climate resilience in the Solomon Islands. “The Solomon Islands Senior
French foreign minister says she is open to South Pacific resettlement requests due to rising seas
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said on Monday she was open to any resettlement request from tiny South Pacific nations threatened by rising sea levels, similar to Australia’s agreement with Tuvalu. Colonna
Pacific Resilience Facility set to launch in 2025: Forum Chair Brown
Cook Islands Prime Minister and Pacific Islands Forum Chair, Mark Brown has announced at the COP28 side event in Dubai that the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) is scheduled to commence operations by 2025. Brown
Milestone COP28 side event calls for urgent global action on 1.5°C goal
Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark Brown has highlighted the nature of the 1.5°C target, emphasising the commitment required to uphold the 2015 Paris Agreement. The COP28 meeting in Dubai
U.S. gives K1.85 million for volcanic eruption victims in PNG
In response to the volcanic eruptions at Mount Ulawun in Papua New Guinea, the United States, through USAID, has allocated K1.85 million (US$500,000) to provide immediate emergency assistance. The aid aims to address
Samoa wanted Chinese tourists – it got a dreamer and grifters instead
When the first direct tourist flight from China to Samoa landed in the Pacific Island country in late May, it was the culmination of years of effort to tap into the potentially lucrative Chinese market. Top Samoan
Nations can look elsewhere: Micronesia ex-leader urges U.S. to keep funds pledge
Months after exiting office, the former president of the Federated States of Micronesia has urged American lawmakers to keep their promise of approving funds for the Compact of Free Association (Cofa) pact, warning that
Tuvalu official raises concerns and opportunities in Australia’s climate refuge offer
The Pacific Islands Forum Programme Adviser for Resilient Development Finance, has shared his thoughts on Australia’s offer to provide refuge to Tuvalu citizens in the face of climate change. In a PACNEWS interview,
Palau, Tonga, Fiji call for concrete actions at COP28 to combat climate crisis
Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. Friday delivered a powerful message emphasising the urgent need for global unity and concrete actions to combat the climate crisis. Addressing the distinguished audience,
The Pacific Games concluded with New Caledonia as the clear winner
The New Caledonia delegation finished the 18th edition of the Pacific Games at the top of the medal table. With 197 medals, including 82 golds, they solidified their position as the best, followed by the next
HSBC SVNS 2024: Australia claim fourth straight Dubai title
Teagan Levi touched down either side of half-time as Australia ended New Zealand’s 41-match winning streak to claim their fourth consecutive title in Dubai, as the HSBC SVNS 2024 got off to an electric start. Not to
Fiji Airways announces payload limitations
Fiji Airways says flights to three Pacific Island countries will operate with reduced seating capacities due to prevailing seasonal weather conditions in the region. The airline says some guests and checked bags may not
Opinion: Can the Commonwealth save paradise?
As Foreign Minister of Ghana, I do get around a fair bit. Often, I’m immersed in briefing papers on flights, with little to no time for looking out the window to take in the aerial sights on the approach to
Solomon Islands Taekwondo bags 14 medals
Solomon Islands World Taekwondo Union (SIWTU) has written ‘history in the stars’ for winning the first ever Pacific Games Gold medal for men in this code of combat sports. Following Isaac Myrie’s triumph,