Commonwealth Finance Ministers meet in Marrakesh to tackle overlapping global crises
Commonwealth Finance Ministers met this week in Marrakesh, Morocco to discuss the reform of the global financial architecture, with particular attention to two pivotal areas, scaling up development finance and
World Bank targets dirty subsidies to fund climate action
The World Bank is seeking to persuade governments to take money away from subsidies for fossil fuels and invest it in good causes like climate change. Governments around the world currently spend over half a trillion
Fijian fishermen lost at sea for nine days ‘found’
Three Fijian fishermen have been found by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, nine days after they were reported missing aboard their boat. The fishermen, aboard the Lewa, left Lautoka planning to go fishing at Nanuya
Will Smith sails into PNG’s Rabaul Harbour
Many anticipated the arrival of Hollywood actor Will Smith to Kokopo would be via a private plane, however, with all eyes peeled towards Tokua, the Fresh Prince of Belair opted to cruise into Rabaul Harbour on Tuesday
PNG eyes China for more ‘cheaper’ loans
Cheaper loans will be a key agenda for PNG officials when Prime Minister James Marape leads a delegation of government and business leaders to China for bilateral talks next week. The Post Courier said Treasurer Ian
Why the Voice vote matters in the Pacific
Australia’s Indigenous Voice referendum could also be seen as a referendum on how the nation will be perceived by its Pacific neighbours. Pacific nations have put Australia on notice as it prepares to vote in the
Pacific Small Island States ramp up efforts for COP28
Less than two months ahead of the upcoming COP28 meeting in Dubai, leaders and officials from Pacific Small Islands States (PSIDS) are meeting in Samoa to consolidate their positions ahead of the annual, global climate
Typhoon Bolaven passes Northern Marianas without major damage
Typhoon Bolaven missed directly hitting any of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) travelling between Rota and Tinian. Typhoon Bolaven was upgraded to a Category 1 typhoon before passing through the CNMI, bringing
Vanuatu Opposition labelled Salwai Government as unconstitutional, MP Gracia Shadrack suspended
Vanuatu Opposition bloc of former Prime Minister, Sato Kilman, has raised concerns over the election of Charlot Salwai, Member of Parliament of Pentecost and President of the Reunification Movement of Change (RMC), as
Indonesia cancels West Papua rights meeting with Melanesian nations, delegate says
Indonesia cancelled a regional meeting this week on the human rights situation in its Papuan provinces on the grounds that the leaders of Melanesian nations weren’t attending it, a member of Papua New Guinea’s
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.
Patriot missile plan stirs debate in Palau
Stationing a U.S. missile system in Palau would be for security not aggression as the Pacific island country’s close relationship with the United States means it is already a target of possible attack, President
Tonga bow out with World Cup win over Romania
Solomone Kata scored two tries as Tonga gave retiring coach Toutai Kefu a winning send-off with a seven-try 45-24 victory over Romania as the two canon-fodder teams of the Group of Death served up a cracker after
Quarterfinals for RWC 2023 confirmed, Portugal secure historic win over Fiji
The fixtures for the quarterfinals of Rugby World Cup 2023 have been confirmed with Fiji just squeaking through to meet England. Host nation France will play reigning and three-time champions South Africa and the
Charlot Salwai elected prime minister of Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s prime minister Sato Kilman has been voted out through a motion-of-no-confidence in the country’s parliament Friday in Port Vila. Radio New Zealand reports that the motion was carried by a show of
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
SPBD businesswomen lauded at annual awards
The Vodafone Arena in Suva last week was full-packed with radiant businesswomen celebrating their efforts at the 12th annual South Pacific Business Development awards. SPBD Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Greg
COVID19 a wake-up call for Pacific countries to strengthen social security systems
The COVID19 crisis was a wake-up call for many Pacific Island Countries to enhance their social security systems. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), its 14 Pacific Developing Member Countries (PMDCs) were
