Pacific fights for climate finance at COP28
In the final days of the global climate negotiations in Dubai, countries continue to argue over the “phase out” or “phase down” of fossil fuels. United Arab Emirates, the host nation of the 28th Conference of
Australia, PNG announce security deal
Australia clinched a security deal with Papua New Guinea on Thursday, bolstering ties to a key Pacific neighbour that has been courted persistently by China. Canberra pushed for a more substantive treaty earlier this
Urgent calls for proactive measures at WCPFC to safeguard future of Pacific fisheries
The 20th session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission currently meeting in Rarotonga, Cook Islands must put in measures that would ensure the sustainability of our fisheries, says WWF Western and
Pacific SIDS face uphill battle as negotiator warns of unresolved issues and financial challenges
Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) brace for an uphill battle as a key negotiator issues a warning about remaining unresolved issues and financial hurdles as COP28 negotiations pass midway. Exsley Taloiburi,
Climate change, overfishing: Pacific tuna faces ‘unprecedented challenges’
The annual regional fisheries meeting to discuss and address crucial matters concerning tuna fisheries and the marine ecosystems they inhabit began Wednesday with a traditional welcome and official opening ceremony at
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
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
