Heine elected as Marshall Islands President
Marshall Islands has elected its 10th President, Dr Hilda Heine. Dr Heine received 17 votes when the Marshall Islands Nitijela voted yesterday, just one more than outgoing President, David Kabua. It is Dr Heine’s
RBF ups Fiji economic growth projection
The Reserve Bank of Fiji has upwardly revised Fiji’s 2023 economic growth forecast to 8.2%. The RBF had earlier said Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would grow by 8%. RBF Governor and Chair of the
“The Spirit of Do Kamo”: church youth delegates meet in New Caledonia
As the bus traverses the Col des rousettes – a pass through New Caledonia’s central mountain chain – the guitars come out. Heading towards the east coast town of Waa wi Lûû (Houaïlou), the bus resonates to
Apia hosts signing of new EU-ACP Samoa Agreement
More than two decades ago, the European Union and a group of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states were due to meet in Suva, to sign a new partnership agreement. But the ceremony, scheduled for June 2000, never
Forum outcomes cover environment, security and gender
Meeting in Cook Islands, Pacific Islands Forum leaders confirmed former President of Nauru Baron Waqa as the next Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat, taking over from Henry Puna in 2024. A major focus of the
Forum leaders appointed Baron Waqa as next Forum Secretary General, endorse the 2050 Strategy
Pacific Islands Forum leaders have reaffirmed the decision taken under the Suva Agreement with the appointment of former president of Nauru Baron Waqa as the next Secretary General. This was announced by Forum Chairman
Moetai Brotherson at the Forum: “We all share this Moana Nui a Hiva”
For Moetai Brotherson, the newly elected President of French Polynesia, this week’s Pacific Islands Forum is a time to share ideas with the leaders of state from neighbouring island nations. “It’s necessary to
MSG meeting in Rarotonga appoints special envoy on West Papua
Meeting in Rarotonga in the lead up to the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has agreed to appoint a special envoy to engage in talks with Indonesia on the issue of West Papua. Following a
Melanesian delegations meet in Rarotonga
As this week’s program kicks off in Rarotonga, member states of the Pacific Island Forum have held sub-regional caucuses, to prepare for the week’s wide-ranging agenda. Leaders and delegates from Melanesia,
Preaching partnership in the Pacific islands
As the Pacific Islands Forum holds its 52nd meeting in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, leaders are eager for international delegations to focus on Pacific agendas and priorities, exemplified by the 2050 Strategy for a Blue
Forum wants action on climate finance and Loss and Damage
RAROTONGA/PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM 2023: As the region faces an El Nino summer and Vanuatu reels from the devastation of Cyclone Lola – the third Category 5 cyclone to hit the nation in seven months – it’s no
Challenging times for regionalism in Rarotonga
Pacific Islands Forum 2023: Every September, the opening of the United Nations General Assembly provides an opportunity for presidents, prime ministers and heads of states to highlight their views on global challenges.
Double earthquake hits Madang province
A double earthquake hit Madang last night, causing damage to lives and properties at a cost that would be confirmed this week. The epicentre was around the Bibi area near Saidor government station in Rai Coast district.
Biden declares state of emergency for Guam and CNMI
US President Joe Biden Monday has declared a state of emergency for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands and ordered federal assistance to supplement local responses to the potential impact of Tropical Storm Bolaven.
Forum to develop regional strategy on labour mobility
The annual meeting of Trade Ministers from the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji has agreed on the need to develop a regional strategy on labour mobility in the Pacific, citing the welfare of workers from Pacific Island
More asylum seekers sent to Nauru
A group of asylum seekers who attempted to arrive in Australia by boat has been sent to Nauru just months after the last people were removed from immigration detention on the Pacific nation. Guardian Australia
Japan begins releasing second batch of treated Fukushima water into the Pacific ocean
Japan began releasing a second batch of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant on Thursday, the plant’s operator said, as tensions with neighbouring countries over the move
Westpac to maintain Pacific presence, cancels sale of PNG, Fiji banks
Westpac has decided to maintain a presence in the South Pacific after the federal government indicated it wants to see Australian companies maintain a role in the region. The Australian Financial Review reports the bank
Fukushima nuclear waste water issue to be a standing agenda item at next PALM meeting
As Japan will begin releasing a second batch of wastewater from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant Thursday, the issue is expected to be a standing agenda item between the Pacific and Japan at the Pacific Islands
Tuvalu Parliament unanimously approves new amended Constitution
Tuvalu’s Parliament has unanimously approved the proposed Constitution of Tuvalu Bill 2023 – endorsing 26 amendments proposed by the Parliamentary Review Committee led by former foreign affairs minister, Simon
Polls vital to vote for leaders to fight for independence: says Bougainville AG
A total of 161,737 eligible voters in Bougainville are expected to participate in a by-election in October this year. The two electorates are North and South Bougainville. The poll in North Bougainville will be to elect
“Consensus Is the DNA of the Pacific Region”- Dr Prasad
On 18 – 19 September, former Fijian Ambassador to the UN and Carnegie nonresident senior fellow Satyendra Prasad will be joining the Indo-Pacific Islands Dialogue in New York. Dr Satyendra Prasad is a
Battling the stigma of mental health across the Pacific
Mental health remains a stigma in the Pacific, but there might be some good news out of the Cook Islands. About 600 doctors, nurses and health professionals have made the trip across the region to attend the Pasifika