Can Washington fund its Pacific pledges?
“We have not been sufficiently engaged at a critical time in the Pacific islands. Not only do the Pacific islands face existential threats like climate change and economic dislocation, but clearly they’re being
Probing political analysis needed for 2050 strategy
Work on the Pacific Islands Forum 2050 Strategy’s implementation and monitoring plan, and review of regional architecture, would have started after the Strategy was launched at the 51st Pacific Islands Forum Leaders
Countering China’s Pacific Ambitions
Like empires past, Xi Jinping’s China seeks three grand prizes in the Pacific: wealth, control and presence. Australia and other Pacific nations have recognised the nature and scope of this neocolonial ambition and
Briefs
American SamoaAmerican Samoa’s criminal justice planning agency has been awarded US$431,794 in federal funds for crisis intervention and drug control efforts. Earlier this month, Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs,
Movers and Shakers
The Oceania Customs Organisation has appointed Nancy Tati Oraka-Pomoso to be its Head of Secretariat, who becomes the first female Papua New Guinean to lead the organisation in its 24-year history. She replaces Richard
Palau organisation makes support go a long way
The people of Palau are still picking up the pieces that Super Typhoon Surigae left behind in 2021. Coupled with the impacts of climate change, including ocean acidification, flooding, and coastal erosion, the longer
Honouring the water: Vanuatu’s water drummers
In the land where there are hundreds of indigenous languages, one stands out, the unique language of women’s water drumming, or Ëtëtung. Sandy Sur, manager of the Leweton Culture Village & Magical Water
Pacific Islands Economic Outlook 2023
After two long years of COVID-19 and the tourniquet it applied to the lifeblood of Pacific economies— connectivity and tourism — what can our region expect in 2023? The United Nations predicts the global economy
We Say: A time of Reconciliation, Not Reckoning
With the advent of Fiji’s new government, has come much relief and joy. The announcement of a tripartite coalition after days of negotiation amidst national angst, brought an immediate groundswell of hope and support
Pacific literacy, not perverse incentives
A group of prominent Pacific Islanders and Australians has recommended that an independent advisory group be formed to shift Australia’s development assistance away from a commercial model “toward one of
The next sin: Drug trade on the rise
Between Mexico and Australia is 165 million square kilometers of ocean. In that vast expanse of sea, travelling west and far from the eyes of police, navy and other law enforcement agencies, a precious cargo finds its
Listening, hearing and acting on climate
On her first visit to Suva in May 2022, newly elected Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong pledged close cooperation with Pacific Island nations on climate policy. “We will listen,” she said. “We will hear
2050 tops Regionalism Agenda for 2023
Ask anyone what the trending topics are for the Pacific year ahead, and the answers will not surprise. The Climate Crisis. COVID. Food, family, economic security. Sustainable Development for all.
Kiribati back in the Forum
Kiribati will rejoin the Pacific Islands Forum after Forum Chair, Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s state visit to Tarawa this month. That visit started with a handshake between Rabuka and Kiribati President,
Communication, crafting and relationship building
Communication has always played a significant role in relationship building and maintenance. Indigenous societies understood the importance of crafting the right message for the right audience. In a world where messages
Whipps responds to concerns over Chinese interests
Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr has responded to an investigative report that has revealed activity in Palau by “organised criminals with links to the Chinese Communist Party”, by stating that there is
Whispers
USP boss ponders where to call home The University of the South Pacific is preparing to welcome Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia back to its Laucala campus in Suva, after he was deported in February
Rules-based order: Whose order?
Rules-based order and rules-based approaches are synonymous. The ‘Indo-Pacific Strategy of the US’ (IPSUS), specifically under ‘Our Indo-Pacific Strategy’, Objective No. 1: Advance a free and open Indo-Pacific,
Briefs
American SamoaAmerican Samoa’s Commerce Department has awarded Rescue Plan Act funds to support preparations for future public health emergencies. The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority was awarded US$2.8m
DMP puts Solomon Islands music on the map
Island Reggae, ragga and dancehall band DMP (Doorman’s Project) is preparing to tour the United States for the first time, after a year that has seen it release a new album and receive international recognition.
Movers and Shakers
Fijian national, jurist and lawyer Imrana Jalal is the first woman from the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands region to be awarded the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Medal of Honour by the World Jurists Association.
Fiji Votes For Change
On Christmas Eve, Fijians at home and abroad paused in their Christmas preparations to watch the country’s newly-minted parliamentarians vote for their new Prime Minister. It followed days of delicate negotiations
