In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Forum Leaders back reform, Climate action and stronger Pacific unity: Palau President Whipps
2. PACIFIC — Forum Leaders demand warning after China missile test over Pacific, Nauru dissents
3. PACIFIC — Pacific Leaders back ‘urgent action’ to keep 1.5°C alive
4. PACIFIC — GCF Chief urges Pacific to push Climate action at COP31
5. SOL — Solomon Islands new Ministers back GREAT vision to deliver change for Solomon Islands
6. FIJI — Fiji calls for stronger regional action against transnational crime
7. FIJI — Fiji, SPC renew Host Country Agreement
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Biometric checks for Fiji borders
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Trade Ministry supports Ambae kava supply chain amid volcanic ashfall
10. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Security, climate and regional architecture top PIFLM agenda, but economic development must stay in focus
11. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Resource-related education investment in PNG: lessons from Porgera and Lihir
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — Pacific ACP Leaders underscore the value of partnerships and commit to swift implementation of the Samoa Agreement
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — PNG launches milestone Resilient School Infrastructure Policy to ensure schools withstand disasters and climate change
PAC – FORUM LEADERS MEET: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 04 Sep 2026
Forum Leaders back reform, Climate action and stronger Pacific unity: Palau President Whipps
By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
KOROR, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific Islands Forum leaders have agreed to push ahead with major regional reforms, strengthen collective security, step up climate action and mobilise more funding for the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), Palau President and Forum Chair Surangel Whipps Jr announced following the conclusion of the 55th Forum Leaders’ Meeting.
Presenting the key decisions from the week-long meeting, Whipps said leaders had faced up to growing geopolitical competition, climate threats, transnational crime and economic challenges, but had agreed that Pacific unity remained their strongest response.
“One thing was clear. We need to seize the opportunities before us and carefully navigate the challenges ahead.
“To do this, our unity, our solidarity as a region, is essential,” Whipps said.
The Forum Chair said the leaders had reaffirmed the importance of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent as the region’s long-term guide while making decisions to move the Review of the Regional Architecture into its implementation phase.
“We have made clear decisions to take this review forward to the implementation phase to ensure that we have an architecture that best supports the implementation of the 2050 Strategy,” Whipps said.
Whipps said regional reform and integration had been at the centre of discussions throughout the week.
Leaders agreed to advance reforms to strengthen the regional architecture and also recast the Forum’s partnership mechanism to provide a more targeted approach to engagement and advocacy on Pacific priorities.
“Political leadership will always be the core of the efforts of regionalism,” Whipps said.
He said leaders had also considered political developments in West Papua and New Caledonia and would continue engaging regional stakeholders to protect peace and stability.
“We will continue to work with all regional stakeholders to ensure that peace in our region is maintained and protected in line with our commitments on the Ocean of Peace Declaration,” he said.
On peace and security, Whipps said leaders had endorsed the Regional Peace and Security Action Plan and discussed the need to strengthen regional governance and coordination.
He said transnational crime had emerged as a major concern because of its growing impact on Pacific societies.
“We have heard issues about transnational crime and its impact on our societies, and we have begun the work of resolving this collectively,” Whipps said.
He highlightedthe Waqa Moana initiative as part of the regional response.
Leaders also endorsed the Pacific Humanitarian Response Coordination Mechanism operating guidelines to strengthen the regional response during humanitarian emergencies.
“We recognise that disasters continue to beset our region,” Whipps said, adding that the new arrangements would provide “a more structured regional response in times of humanitarian crisis.”
Whipps also announced strong support for the Pacific Resilience Facility, saying leaders had secured an additional US$20.5 million in pledges during the Forum meeting.
“I’m very proud to announce very strong support for the PRF at this meeting.
“In total, we have secured an additional US$20.5 million in pledges this week,” he said.
Leaders also agreed to continue fundraising efforts, to be led by the Forum Troika together with Tonga and Papua New Guinea.
On regional economic development, Whipps said leaders remained committed to regional integration and had adopted the Kava Declaration to elevate kava as a unique Pacific agricultural product and create greater value and market opportunities.
The leaders also focused on people-centred development, including disability, health, gender and inclusion.
Whipps said leaders had endorsed a refreshed regional framework for people with disabilities.
They also discussed non-communicable diseases, which he said account for 75 percent of deaths across the Pacific region.
“These are not new issues, but remain critical to the livelihoods of our people,” he said.
“As always, we also recognise the importance of gender and inclusivity in our societies.”
Climate change remained a central issue at the Forum, with leaders renewing their commitment to keeping the 1.5°C target within reach.
Whipps confirmed the adoption of the Palau Declaration for urgent and Inclusive Climate Action to Keep 1.5 within reach, together with the Pacific Pact on Gender and Climate Action.
“I am very pleased to confirm the leaders’ renewed commitment to climate change advocacy.
“We have also endorsed the Pacific Gender Climate Pact today, which represents our holistic commitment to gender-responsive climate action.”
“Taken together, these two documents present a powerful statement of our commitment to climate action,” he said.
The Forum also discussed preparations for COP31 and the Pacific Pre-COP meetings to be held in the region in the coming months.
On ocean and environmental issues, leaders endorsed a Leaders’ Statement on Oceans to guide regional advocacy and collective action.
Whipps said Forum leaders had also moved to strengthen regional fisheries management.
“With the support of our fisheries ministers, we now have in place the Waka Manu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy for 2026 to 2035,” he said.
Leaders also turned their attention to the rapid development of digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Whipps said discussions focused on both the opportunities and challenges posed by fast-moving digital technologies.
The Forum endorsed the Pacific Digital and Artificial Intelligence Technology Principles, which will guide the development of the region’s first artificial intelligence governance framework.
The decisions taken in Palau place regional reform, security, climate action, economic development and new technology at the centre of the Forum’s agenda as Pacific leaders prepare to implement the commitments made during the 55th Leaders’ Meeting.
For Whipps, however, the central message from the week was regional unity.
“In these uncertain times,” he said, “our unity, our solidarity as a region, is essential,” he said…. PACNEWS
PACIFIC – FORUM LEADERS COMMUNIQUE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 04 Sep 2026
Forum Leaders demand warning after China missile test over Pacific, Nauru dissents
By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
KOROR, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific Islands Forum leaders have demanded at least 24 hours’ advance warning of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests after raising concerns over China’s recent missile test, which overflew several Pacific countries without adequate notice.
However, Palau President and Forum Chair Surangel Whipps Jr said the Republic of Nauru dissented from the leaders’ position.
“I might note that the Republic of Nauru has dissented,” President Whipps said when announcing the outcome of the leaders’ discussions.
While the Forum Leaders’ Communiqué did not name China, the call followed concerns over China’s recent ballistic missile test that crossed the Pacific region.
Leaders said states undertaking ICBM tests must provide advance notification and ensure transparency and reassurance in accordance with international practice.
“Leaders called on all States undertaking ICBM testing to ensure transparency and reassurance including through the provision of advance notification of at least 24 hours,” the communiqué said.
President Whipps said the leaders had agreed to register their concern over the missile test, while making clear that Nauru did not support the agreed language.
The communiqué said leaders had “registered concern” over the recent ICBM test, which overflew a number of Forum members without adequate notice.
“Leaders emphasised the importance of all States conducting ICBM tests to do so consistently with the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, Treaty of Rarotonga and in respect of the sovereignty of Forum Members,” the communiqué said.
The missile concerns came as Forum leaders reaffirmed the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration as the region’s main frameworks for peace and security.
The leaders said the region faces growing traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including geopolitical tensions, transnational organised crime, climate change, economic disruption and emerging strategic risks.
Leaders again declared that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of Pacific people and communities.
They endorsed the Regional Peace and Security Action Plan 2026-2030, calling for implementation led by member countries and backed by adequate resources.
Forum leaders also agreed in principle to the Waqa Moana Concept, a proposed regional mechanism aimed at strengthening cooperation against transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking.
The mechanism would strengthen intelligence sharing, coordination and maritime security cooperation, although leaders said further national consultations were required.
The communiqué also called for an integrated response to the social impacts of illicit drugs and wider transnational crime.
Leaders said prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and stronger community resilience must form part of the regional response.
They also endorsed the Pacific Humanitarian Response Coordination Mechanism Policy and Operating Guidelines to strengthen regional preparedness and humanitarian responses.
In another significant security decision, leaders agreed in principle to include the Pacific Police Ministers Meeting within the Forum architecture.
They also agreed to recognise the Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHOPS) meeting within the regional peace and security architecture.
Further consultations will be held on governance, institutional arrangements and membership.
Leaders said any final arrangement must strengthen regional coordination, take account of the capacity and resource implications for member countries, complement existing mechanisms and avoid unnecessary duplication.
Leaders also considered proposals to strengthen the region’s response to crises and security threats.
They noted ongoing discussions on a proposed Integrated Regional Response Mechanism and Regional Operations Deployment Framework, with further consultations still required.
The leaders also acknowledged a proposal by the Solomon Islands Government to establish a Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Regional Security Treaty.
They encouraged members to give the proposal further consideration but said additional consultations were needed before any decision is taken.
The dissent by Nauru highlighted that, despite the Forum’s collective concern over the missile test and the call for advance notification, there was not unanimous agreement among all members on the final position…. PACNEWS
PAC – FORUM LEADERS COMMUNIQUE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 04 Sep 2026
Pacific Leaders back ‘urgent action’ to keep 1.5°C alive
By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
KOROR, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS)— Pacific Islands Forum leaders have endorsed a new declaration calling for urgent and inclusive climate action to keep the 1.5°C temperature goal within reach, warning that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the security, livelihoods and wellbeing of Pacific peoples.
The leaders used their 55th Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Palau to step up pressure for stronger global climate action ahead of COP31, while also calling for faster access to climate finance, a transition away from fossil fuels and increased investment in renewable energy.
Leaders endorsed the BELAU Declaration for urgent and Inclusive Climate Action to Keep 1.5°C within reach, reaffirming their collective commitment to the Paris Agreement temperature goal.
The declaration calls for urgent climate action, greater recognition of the ocean-climate nexus, accelerated action to transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy and improved access to climate finance for Pacific Island countries.
Leaders stressed the need to prioritise climate mitigation and said the Pacific’s ocean and forests were essential global carbon sinks.
The Forum also noted that Tuvalu will host the second International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in April 2027.
Leaders reaffirmed their support for the continued implementation of the COP31 Pacific Partnership and the work of Pacific COP31 Envoys.
The regional climate push will focus on four key priorities: keeping 1.5°C within reach, improving access to climate finance, elevating the ocean-climate nexus and strengthening Pacific voices and leadership.
Leaders said a focused, high-level declaration from the Pacific Pre-COP31 Leaders Meeting would be important in building political momentum towards COP31.
They also recognised the opportunity presented by Fiji, Tuvalu and Australia hosting the Pacific Pre-COP31 meetings to advance recognition of the special circumstances of Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
Forum leaders also endorsed the *Pacific Pact on Gender and Climate Action*, recognising the leadership of Pacific women in driving climate action.
The pact is the region’s political commitment to support and accelerate implementation of the Belém Gender Action Plan in the Pacific.
Leaders said the agreement would support gender-responsive climate action, financing and implementation across the region.
The leaders again identified access to climate finance as a major regional priority.
They continued to recognise the Green Climate Fund as a key climate partner and called for an adequate and timely third replenishment.
Leaders also called for improved access to climate finance for Small Island Developing States and stronger engagement with regional financing mechanisms, including the Pacific Resilience Facility, to meet the region’s climate needs.
The Forum leaders also called for increased investment in renewable energy across the Blue Pacific as countries seek to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.
They approved the Terms of Reference for a new Renewable Energy Commissioner and supported placing the position within the Pacific Community, with dual reporting arrangements to the Pacific Community and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
The arrangement reflects the regional mandate of the new role and is aimed at strengthening regional coordination and practical investment partnerships.
Leaders commended Vanuatu for its leadership in securing the adoption of the historic United Nations General Assembly resolution welcoming the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change.
They reaffirmed the importance of continued Pacific advocacy to protect the rights, interests, sovereignty and future of Pacific peoples facing climate change and sea-level rise.
Leaders also noted the increased likelihood of a strong El Niño event and called for stronger regional preparedness, particularly for water security, drought and other extreme weather impacts.
They recognised the role of Pacific-owned initiatives, including the Pacific Resilience Facility and Weather Ready Pacific, in strengthening forecasting, early warning systems and anticipatory action.
Leaders also called for a comprehensive multi-hazard approach to resilience and disaster risk management, noting that earthquakes, volcanic activity and tsunamis continue to pose major risks across the region.
They said geohazards should be more strongly integrated into regional early warning systems, preparedness frameworks and resilience financing arrangements.
The communiqué also noted the deployment of the Pacific Climate Mobility Initiative to support Forum members in implementing the Pacific Regional Framework for Climate Mobility.
The initiative is intended to provide knowledge and data to inform national policies and planning, translate regional commitments into practical national action and strengthen readiness to access international climate finance to address climate mobility.
The decisions from Palau send a clear message ahead of COP31: Pacific leaders are demanding stronger global action to keep 1.5°C alive while pressing for more accessible climate finance and faster investment in the region’s transition to renewable energy…. PACNEWS
PAC – FORUM LEADERS MEET/CLIMATE CHANGE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 04 Sep 2026
GCF Chief urges Pacific to push Climate action at COP31
By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
KOROR, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Pacific must take its political leadership on climate change from the region to the global stage at pre-COP31 and COP31, with the focus shifting from promises to delivery, accountability and results, Green Climate Fund (GCF) Executive Director Mafalda Duarte says.
In a PACNEWS exclusive interview this week on the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Koror, Duarte said the science was becoming increasingly alarming and the opportunity to keep global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius was narrowing.
“We really need to be aggressive in terms of action,” Duarte said.
Her comments come as Pacific leaders prepare for pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of the COP31 climate conference in Türkiye.
Duarte said the Pacific was well placed to deliver a strong political message because Pacific countries had consistently been among the strongest defenders of the 1.5-degree target.
“Pacific countries have been the champions of this 1.5 and maintaining this 1.5 alive.
“That’s exactly what they will do,” she told PACNEWS.
Duarte said a new report expected from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on the overshoot of the 1.5-degree target was another warning from science that the world was running out of time.
“It’s not that we don’t have the clarity of the science.
“Every time we have new reports, they are just telling us it’s even more serious than we thought, and the window of opportunity is narrowing.” she said.
She said the pre-COP in the Pacific would give international leaders a direct view of what climate change and the 1.5-degree target mean for vulnerable island countries.
“The fact that it comes here to the region will really show to the world,” Duarte said.
Pacific leaders and other heads of state are expected to visit Tuvalu, where they will see the impacts of climate change and projects designed to strengthen the country’s resilience.
Duarte said the political leadership shown by the Pacific must carry through to COP31.
“What is necessary at this point is for political leaders to reassure everyone that this is very much alive in the agenda, in the political agenda, despite all of the crises that we are facing,” she said.
Duarte said governments could not allow conflicts, energy security concerns and other global crises to push climate action down the political agenda.
“We have to tackle the conflicts we have in the world. We have to tackle the energy crisis, but they cannot come at the cost of not doing action on climate.
“Because we will pay in multiples further down the line,” she told PACNEWS.
She said the consequences would be felt even more severely by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
“Maintaining this agenda very alive in the political agenda and giving that reassurance, I think, is really important,” Duarte said.
She said the next phase of global climate action must be measured by implementation rather than another round of announcements and commitments.
“I think we’ve had enough of promises.
“Multiple COPs, multiple promises, new announcements, new organisations,” she said.
Duarte said the international climate system had produced an increasing number of initiatives and funding announcements, but accountability for delivering those commitments remained weak.
“One million here, US$10 million there, US$50 million there — and then where’s the accountability?.
“I think the frustration of the people, the common citizens, is where is the accountability to all of these promises?” she asked.
She said governments and international institutions must return to the commitments already made and assess whether they are being delivered.
“We have to anchor back these processes in delivery, action, accountability.
“It’s enough of promises,” Duarte told PACNEWS.
She said questions must now focus on whether commitments to reduce deforestation, protect ecosystems and finance climate action were being met.
“Where are we? Where is the funding?” she said.
Duarte said transparency, accountability and implementation should remain central to the climate agenda as countries move toward COP31.
She said the visit to Tuvalu would also provide an opportunity to demonstrate what climate finance can achieve when commitments are translated into projects.
The heads of state visiting Tuvalu will see a Green Climate Fund-supported project known as TCAP, involving land reclamation.
“The project that they are going to see in Tuvalu is our project.
“It’s a highly successful project,” Duarte said.
She said the project would demonstrate that climate finance could produce tangible results when countries and financing institutions had sufficient ambition.
“What this shows is that when there is ambition, there can be delivery,” Duarte said.
The GCF, she said, has a range of instruments that can support countries from institution building and capacity development through to project preparation and financing.
“We can provide support to the countries with building the institutions, building their capacity, looking at their policies, but we can also help them do project preparation,” she said.
The Fund can also provide different types of financial instruments, with grants accounting for 84 percent of GCF support in the Pacific, according to Duarte.
However, she said the Fund was also exploring other financing structures for the region, including an equity fund and debt instruments.
“We have all of that flexibility,” Duarte said.
Duarte acknowledged that delivering large climate finance portfolios remained particularly difficult in the Pacific because of severe capacity constraints within small governments.
“We know that capacity is constrained,” she said.
Pacific governments often have small numbers of public servants required to carry out the same range of responsibilities handled by much larger administrations elsewhere.
“They have to do what in other administrations there are multiple more people doing, and they have to do the same thing with much lower numbers,” she said.
Duarte, who previously worked as a civil servant in a developing country, said her engagement with Small Island Developing States had given her a deeper understanding of the scale of the challenge facing Pacific governments.
“But I think also it’s important in these processes to demonstrate results, to give confidence and hope that we can accomplish this and demonstrate solutions that can be scaled up,” she told PACNEWS.
The GCF has several projects in the Pacific that it hopes can be replicated across the region once they demonstrate results.
“We actually have a number of projects that we hope, once they are successful, they can be replicated across the Pacific,” Duarte said.
The Pacific’s political voice remains critical, but the next test for the global climate process will be whether years of promises are finally matched by finance, implementation and measurable results…. PACNEWS
SOL – POLITICS: SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVT PACNEWS 1: Fri 04 Sep 2026
Solomon Islands new Ministers back GREAT vision to deliver change for Solomon Islands
HONIARA, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (SOLOMON GOVT) — Three new Ministers appointed by Prime Minister Mathew Wale Thursday pledged their full support to the GREAT Coalition, saying they are ready to deliver stability, reform and progress for the people of Solomon Islands.
In a swearing-in ceremony at Government House this morning, Acting Governor-General Patterson Oti administered the oaths of office and allegiance for Rexon Ramofafia, MP for Fataleka, as Minister of Finance and Treasury, replacing Gordon Darcy Lilo; Alfred Tuasulia, MP for West Kwara’ae, as Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, replacing Clezy Rore and Nestor Ghiro, MP for Central Makira, as Minister of Home Affairs, replacing Reverend Manasseh Maelanga.
Speaking after the ceremony, the three Ministers said they accepted the challenge to serve during a critical time for the nation.
“I am ready to take on the Finance portfolio — one of the most important ministries in driving the GREAT Coalition’s economic vision for our country,” said Ramofafia.
“Justice and Legal Affairs is central to good governance and the rule of law. I am honoured to serve in this Ministry under the GREAT Coalition to serve our people,” said Tuasulia.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs is leading key reforms for our communities. I am committed to ensuring these reforms are delivered during my term,” said Ghiro.
Prime Minister Wale congratulated the new Ministers and thanked them for stepping up.
“Your choice to serve the people of our beloved Solomon Islands at this time is a choice for stability, reform and a better future. The GREAT Coalition remains focused on delivering real change for every Solomon Islander,” PM Wale said.
Another Minister is expected to be sworn in later this evening, further strengthening the numerical support for the GREAT Coalition amid the current political climate…. PACNEWS
FIJI – TRANSNATIONAL CRIME: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 1: Fri 04 Sep 2026
Fiji calls for stronger regional action against transnational crime
SUVA, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI GOVT) — Fiji is calling for urgent regional action to address the growing threat of transnational crime and illicit drugs, warning that the Pacific is increasingly being used not only as a transit route but also as a destination for narcotics.
Speaking during Fiji’s intervention at the Leaders’ Plenary of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Koror, Palau, this week, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka said the evolving security landscape calls for stronger regional cooperation to protect Pacific communities and maintain a peaceful, stable and resilient region.
In line with this, Ditoka supported the institutionalisation of the Pacific Police Ministers Meeting within the Forum architecture, saying political-level guidance and oversight will strengthen the region’s collective response to security challenges.
Alongside security, Minister Ditoka also highlighted the importance of strengthening the region’s economic resilience and workforce. He expressed Fiji’s support for the establishment of the Pacific Labour Ministers Meeting, recognising that the people of the Pacific are the region’s greatest resource.
“The strength, resilience and productive capacity of our workforce directly influence our economic security, our ability to deliver essential services, the resilience of our communities, and ultimately the prosperity and wellbeing of Pacific peoples.
“A dedicated Labour Ministers Meeting will ensure these priorities receive appropriate political oversight, complementing the work of our Economic and Trade Ministers.”
Fiji also endorsed the Kava Declaration, recognising kava’s cultural heritage and economic potential, and called for greater support for the capitalisation of the Pacific Resilience Facility to strengthen Pacific-led resilience initiatives…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 1: Fri 04 Sep 2026
Fiji, SPC renew Host Country Agreement
SUVA, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI GOVT) — Fiji has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Pacific Community (SPC), with Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka and the Pacific Community (SPC) Director-General, Dr Paula Vivili signing the Host Country Agreement this week.
The agreement formalises Fiji’s arrangements for hosting the SPC’s largest sub-regional office, which has been operating in the country since the 1960s.
Fiji formally joined the SPC in 1971 after independence and has been an active member of the SPC. While the SPC headquarters are based in Noumea, New Caledonia, the SPC has a number of sub-regional offices, of which, Fiji is the largest.
The SPC’s Fiji operations currently employ up to 500 staff, with around 75 percent being Fiji nationals, providing employment opportunities while supporting regional programmes in areas including fisheries, agriculture, health, disaster risk management, youth and culture.
Fiji’s continued hosting of the SPC strengthens the country’s role as a Hub of the Pacific and ensures greater access to SPC programmes and services for Fiji and the wider region…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – BORDER SECURITY: FBC NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 04 Sep 2026
Biometric checks for Fiji borders
SUVA, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FBC NEWS) — Fiji could introduce biometric technology at its borders as the country moves to strengthen border security and digital screening systems.
While making his submission to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance treaties, Permanent Secretary for Policing and Communications Bernardo Daveta outlined ongoing efforts to improve Fiji’s border security.
Daveta says Australia is working with the Immigration Department to improve border screening and digitalise entry and control processes at international airports.
Fiji is also working to improve digital border systems at ports, with Police, Customs, Immigration and other agencies strengthening coordination.
“Transnational serious organised crime efforts that we are undertaking in Fiji now include the establishment of the Joint Enforcement Centre, which Cabinet has approved. It will bring together intelligence from Police, the military, Customs, all law enforcement agencies, and also from the community. At the moment, it is being set up, and the Commissioner of Police is the chair of the committee overseeing the Joint Enforcement Centre.”
Standing Committee member Penioni Ravunawa has questioned the integration of border management databases, saying stronger systems are needed to improve border security.
“Will the Ministry be required to deploy a biometric scanning and border monitoring database system, or visa tracking software, integrated directly with the Australian border control system? And what would be the implications for Fiji’s data sovereignty and its people?”
In response, the PS says the integrated approach will improve information sharing and strengthen Fiji’s fight against security threats and transnational crime.
Daveta says Fiji is also working with international partners on further border security improvements…. PACNEWS
VAN – KAVA INDUSTRY: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 04 Sep 2026
Trade Ministry supports Ambae kava supply chain amid volcanic ashfall
PORT VILA, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — The Government, through the Ministry of Trade and Commerce (MOTC), is supporting efforts to maintain Ambae’s kava supply chain amid ashfall from Manaro Volcano, with the Department of Industry (DOI) providing polycarbonate roofing materials to a major green kava buyer on the island.
The DOI, under the MOTC, provided the materials to Dambulu Enterprise in response to an assessment by the PENAMA Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC).
Under the PEOC response arrangements, the MOTC leads the Business Continuity and Resilience Cluster. Damage to kava farms across Ambae has been identified as a major concern in the PEOC assessment.
Dambulu Enterprise has experienced difficulties drying kava because of reduced sunlight caused by ashfall from Manaro Volcano. Its existing drying facility uses transparent plastic tarpaulin, limiting its drying capacity under the current conditions.
The polycarbonate roofing will allow Dambulu Enterprise to improve its facility, increase drying space and maintain its purchasing capacity.
The support is intended to help the company continue purchasing green kava from farmers across Ambae before further ashfall affects the kava farms.
Dambulu Enterprise will process and dry the kava before supplying the dried product to buyers in Luganville and Port Vila.
Maintaining the supply chain is important for protecting farmer income and supporting business continuity during the emergency.
The MOTC, through its PENAMA Provincial Office, continues to monitor the situation and work closely with PEOC and relevant stakeholders.
Current priorities include maintaining market access for kava farmers, supporting business continuity, monitoring tourism facilities, and ensuring cooperative and producer supply chains remain operational during the Manaro Volcano emergency.
The DOI will continue to assess the needs of businesses and producers and coordinate appropriate support as the situation develops…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Security, climate and regional architecture top PIFLM agenda, but economic development must stay in focus
By Joel Nilon and Viliame Bovoro
KOROR, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACIFIC SECURITY COLLEGE) — The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting takes place in Palau this week, at a time when the region has been hampered by a fuel crisis, increased transnational crime, ongoing climate change impacts, a developing El Niño system, and a Chinese missile test that has once again put pressure on regional unity.
It also appears the Leaders of Kiribati, Fiji, Samoa, New Caledonia and Vanuatu will not attend this year’s gathering, while Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale arrived in Palau earlier in the week, but promptly returned home to deal with a looming motion of no confidence.
These absences have inevitably generated speculation about geopolitical influence, particularly amid heightened China-Taiwan tensions, although the governments concerned have provided explanations as to their leaders’ absences.
Against this backdrop, Leaders will preside over a packed agenda, with the regional architecture, security and climate change likely to command much of the focus.
Yet while there will be significant political and media attention on these issues this week, there is a need for leaders to ensure that their own focus and energy extend to other no less important but perhaps less prominent issues – particularly economic development.
With that said, what is in store for the week ahead?
Regional architecture
As per the past four Forum meetings, Leaders appear set to consider the ongoing and protracted Review of Regional Architecture, which at its essence is designed to ensure the Pacific’s regional agencies, systems and processes deliver on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
These architecture discussions will include a focus on a ‘partnership mechanism’ that will place dialogue partners such as China, the United States, United Kingdom, France and Japan into tiers. The proposed mechanism would differentiate dialogue partners according to the breadth and nature of their alignment with the Forum’s strategic interests.
This will no doubt be of great interest to the many countries with formal relationships with the Forum, who can look forward to being ‘tiered’.
Regional security
There are also several regional security matters on the table this year.
A Peace and Security Action Plan – consolidating existing security commitments such as the Boe Declaration and the Ocean of Peace Declaration and translating their intent into a concrete set of actions – is expected to be discussed by Leaders.
Leaders are also expected to consider an approach to a more coordinated regional response to transnational crime, known as Waqa Moana. Discussed by Pacific Police Ministers earlier in the year, Leaders will likely consider the concept before it is developed further in the year ahead.
Proposals to strengthen the governance of the regional security architecture, including bringing regional gatherings such as the recently convened Pacific Police Ministers meeting under closer Forum oversight, will also be up for discussion. This is to bring greater cohesion to the regional security landscape, especially given the numerous structures and meetings that operate outside of Forum oversight.
And there will, of course, be ongoing discussions on a proposed Forum statement in response to the Chinese missile test conducted on 6 July. Whether Leaders can reach consensus on its wording remains to be seen, particularly as some members reportedly favour broadening the statement to address all missile testing in the region. Either way, the process is likely to serve as another geopolitical stress test of regional solidarity and unity.
Climate change
Climate-related initiatives remain a priority for the region, including progress on the capitalisation and setup of the Pacific Resilience Facility, which has so far attracted pledges of US$173 million, as well as COP31, including preparations for the Pacific Pre-COP meetings scheduled for early October.
In addition, Leaders will consider a statement on climate change, urging renewed commitment to addressing the causes of climate change, especially considering reporting that indicates the world will almost certainly exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature target.
Economic development
In addition to a leader-level engagement with the Asian Development Bank on economic development, there is a concept for a regional energy commissioner and issues surrounding climate finance access to be tabled this year. It should also be assumed that a degree of reporting on regional economic frameworks, such as the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development and the East New Britain Initiative, will also occur.
Yet, despite this extensive economic agenda, which aligns with the meeting’s theme of ‘Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity’, much political and media attention will be on geopolitical, security and climate related issues.
But a focus on economic development remains critical.
As the 2026 Pacific Security Outlook Report highlights, the region remains exposed to climate change, supply chain shocks, and a wide array of demographic trends – including outward migration and brain drain.
As a result, many Pacific Island countries have limited fiscal space, deep public debt, and slowing economic and private sector activity.
This in turn leads to a deepening reliance on partners for budget and development support for many Forum members.
Economic development, driven nationally and regionally, is critical to addressing these cascading and interrelated challenges.
While issues arising from geopolitical competition, including the statement on the Chinese missile test, are likely to feature prominently in discussions this week, Leaders should remain focused on issues that are most consequential to the Pacific’s long-term future. Alongside climate change, economic development should be at the top of the regional agenda this week.
Building a resilient, secure region
This 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting represents the organisation’s emerald anniversary – a milestone that gives cause for reflection on the past, present and future.
As Leaders preside over another packed agenda this week, it is vital that appropriate weight be given to all critical issues. Geopolitical competition, regional security and climate change may command significant political and media attention, but economic development is no less important to the Pacific’s long-term peace, security and prosperity.
Ensuring that it receives sustained political attention alongside these seemingly more prominent issues this week will be critical to building resilient economies and a more self-reliant and secure region…..PACNEWS
Joel Nilon is Senior Pacific Fellow at the Pacific Security College at the Australian National University.
Viliame Bovoro is Director of the Pacific Fusion Centre.
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Resource-related education investment in PNG: lessons from Porgera and Lihir
By Andrew Anton Mako and Dorothy Kaupa
PORT MORESBY, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (DEVPOLICY.ORG) — The mining and extractive industries generate large economic rents which, if managed and invested prudently, can deliver long-term socio-economic prosperity for mining communities and the country beyond the life of resource projects. Many communities associated with minerals projects in Papua New Guinea (PNG) understand the importance of education in securing long-term economic prosperity and have invested part of the proceeds from resource extraction in it.
In this article, we analyse education investments by Special Mining Lease (SML) landowners of Porgera (in Enga province) and Lihir (in New Ireland province), associated with the Porgera and Lihir goldmines. Both areas have roughly the same number of SML beneficiaries: six to seven SML clans and populations of between 14,000 and 16,000. We focus on the effectiveness of the investment models and governance arrangements used to manage these investments, and draw lessons for current and future resource-related education investment in PNG.
Porgera SML landowners established the Children Trust Fund (CTF) in 1992 for the benefit of their children. The CTF is funded by 10 percent of the total mine royalties paid to SML landowners. Between December 2023 and mid-2026, this would be more than K20 million. The CTF is overseen by a board of six trustees: three representing SML landowners, one the mining company, one the national department of Finance and one the Porgera Development Authority. It fully sponsors SML children from pre-school to college or university. Students were originally able to choose to attend either Porgera International School (established in the mid-1990s and funded by the CTF to educate SML children) or any school outside Porgera, including overseas. Students must have at least one SML parent to be eligible for a CTF scholarship. Beyond that, there are no stringent eligibility criteria, such as a minimum academic performance requirement, to give students an incentive to apply themselves at school.
While the fund started well, it lacked a strong governance and management framework, including a proper beneficiary verification system, database and reporting requirements. It soon ran into difficulties with the payment and accountability of scholarship funds. These problems came to the fore in the last decade, after custody of the CTF was transferred from the mining company to landowner trustees. Its operation was significantly disrupted, causing lengthy delays in the disbursement of school fees, forcing many students to miss classes and some to drop out. The mining company has recently taken over management of the CTF again to address some of these issues, but concerns about its long-term sustainability remain.
The once-thriving Porgera International School closed in 2020 and remains shut today, amid poor governance of the CTF, the temporary closure of the mine in 2020 (which halted mining royalties) and tribal warfare in surrounding communities.
Combined with limited parental guidance and community support, these issues have produced underwhelming education outcomes for Porgera SML children. According to the Porgera District Education board, 95 percent of SML students drop out of high school, despite the large sums invested by the CTF since the early 1990s.
Lihir SML landowners established Mineral Resources Lihir (MRL) in 1995 as a subsidiary of Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC). MRL was appointed trustee of the Lihir Equity Trust (LET) in 1997 to manage the Lihir landowners’ 6 percent stake in the goldmine. After parting ways with MRDC, MRL was re-established as MRL Capital Limited in 2009 using the proceeds from the sale of the 6 percent equity. It is a thriving trustee company managed by a reputable board and management, which has grown the company’s total assets from K80 million to over K700 million by the end of 2024. The company allocates 25 percent of its profits to Community Services Obligation (CSO) projects, distributes 25 percent in cash to SML landowners and retains 50 percent to grow the LET.
The Lihir Cadetship Programme, a scholarship scheme for tertiary students (to study in PNG and Australia) and secondary students (to study in Australia), was established in 2010 and is fully funded and managed by MRL Capital Limited as part of its portfolio of CSO projects.
From the outset, the scheme has clearly set out its application and assessment processes, code of ethics for successful applicants, eligible institutions and the benefits that scholarship holders receive. It is merit-based, and eligible tertiary students must meet stringent criteria, including a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0.
Transparency and accountability are integral to the scheme. Information about recipients, including their degree programmes and academic progress, is collected and published by MRL Capital Limited on its website in its annual reports.
MRL Capital Limited also funds infrastructure projects at public primary and secondary schools on Lihir, rather than establishing and running private schools, which would not be sustainable in the long run. These investments, along with other CSO programmes such as health and small grants projects, contribute to building a non-mining economy on the islands, in line with the long-term Lihir Destiny vision.
There is a stark contrast between Porgera and Lihir in the models used to invest and govern the education funds. One is operated through a trust fund under lax management and is highly likely to cease when the mine shuts down and royalties stop; the other functions through a well-managed trustee company with strong management and stringent accountability requirements, and is most likely to continue funding scholarships beyond the life of the goldmine.
Clearly, choices about how to manage resource revenues are not made in a vacuum. Lihir’s contained island geography, cohesive landowner group, continuous mine operations since 1997 and one-off equity endowment made disciplined institution-building easier. Porgera, by contrast, has contended with Enga’s clan-based politics, chronic law-and-order problems, a mine shutdown from April 2020 to late 2023, successive changes of operator and a weaker baseline in public services. So, to some extent, the Porgera-Lihir gap reflects these deeper structural conditions.
That said, what lessons can the rest of the country, and other SML landowners in particular, draw from education investments in Porgera and Lihir?
First, unity among SML landowners and good governance are fundamental prerequisites for children’s education and for broader development outcomes in resource-project communities. Unity is itself shaped by geography and social structure, but SML landowners must nonetheless work towards an overarching vision and plan for life beyond the resource project, and prudently invest some of the proceeds to realise that vision.
Second, strong management and accountability in scholarship schemes are crucial. This includes effective verification and traceability of recipients, and stringent transparency and accountability requirements.
Third, scholarships to SML students should be awarded only on merit, with a minimum academic requirement to encourage students to apply themselves at school.
Fourth, scholarship funds should not be used to establish or run private schools, which are expensive and complex to operate. Investment in public schools in the locality should be encouraged instead, as this also supports the broader community and is more sustainable.
Fifth, a long-term revenue strategy should be established, either through a trustee company like MRL Capital Limited or a standalone long-term fund such as the PNG Sustainable Development Programme, using proceeds from resource extraction to fund community development, including scholarships, beyond the life of the resource project.
Finally, SML trust companies and long-term funds must have strong governance structures, be run by a reputable and independent board and management, and be properly ring-fenced to prevent looting by unscrupulous individuals, including SML landowners and politicians…. PACNEWS
Andrew Anton Mako is a visiting lecturer and project coordinator for the ANU-UPNG Partnership. He has worked as a research officer at the Development Policy Centre and as a research fellow at the PNG National Research Institute.
Dorothy Kaupa is an economics tutor at the University of Papua New Guinea.
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Pacific ACP Leaders underscore the value of partnerships and commit to swift implementation of the Samoa Agreement
KOROR, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PIFS) — Leaders of Pacific ACP (PACP) States met on Monday, 31 August in Koror, Republic of Palau as part of several high-level meetings at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Divavesi Waqa, welcomed Pacific ACP Leaders and their delegations and paid tribute to the leadership of the government of Solomon Islands as the outgoing Pacific ACP Chair. He also acknowledged the European Union’s (EU) assistance and support to the Pacific region, which has been integral to realising the development aspirations of the region.
Addressing the Pacific ACP Leaders as the Chair of their meeting, H.E President Surangel Whipps Jr. underscored the significance of their annual meetings for Leaders to review progress on shared regional priorities, strengthen collective action, and reaffirm the value of strategic partnerships. He highlighted the enduring benefits of cooperation frameworks, such as the Samoa Agreement, which provides an important foundation for the Pacific’s partnership with the EU.
PACP Leaders considered the economic performance and projected outlook of PACP Members within the context of an evolving and increasingly complex regional and global strategic environment. They acknowledged the region’s collective efforts to strengthen economic resilience and maximise opportunities through strategic partnerships, including with the EU. PACP Leaders reaffirmed the importance of coordinated regional action to advance shared development priorities. They also expressed strong support for the Pacific Climate Champions, recognising their continued leadership in elevating Pacific perspectives on climate change and advocating for the region’s priorities in the lead up to COP31.
Leaders considered an update on the implementation of the Samoa Agreement and encouraged PACP States’ early ratification of the Agreement to enable the region to fully realise the opportunities and benefits it provides. Members emphasised that the establishment of Pacific ACP coordination and governance arrangements to implement the Samoa Agreement and Pacific Regional Protocol are aligned to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the outcomes of the Review of the Regional Architecture to ensure a coherent, Pacific-led approach.
The EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific, Maria Castillo Fernandez, addressed the PACP Leaders and emphasised the importance of the EU’s longstanding partnership and relations with the Pacific. She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the advancement of Pacific priorities through enhanced engagement within the joint institutional arrangements established under the Samoa Agreement, including the EU-Pacific (Interim) Economic Partnership Agreement.
Pacific ACP States include Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Naoero, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
PNG launches milestone Resilient School Infrastructure Policy to ensure schools withstand disasters and climate change
PORT MORESBY, 04 SEPTEMBER 2026 (SPC) — On 20 August, Papua New Guinea’s Department of Education launched the Resilient School Infrastructure Policy and manual, a new national framework designed to ensure schools across the country are safe, inclusive and able to withstand natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones and landslides.
The policy and manual were officially launched at a ceremony in Port Moresby, attended by senior government officials, and representatives of the European Union (EU) and the Pacific Community (SPC), which supported its development through the EU-funded Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific (BSRP) Phase II project.
The documents will now be distributed to national and sub-national education stakeholders to guide the planning, design, construction, maintenance and management of school infrastructure nationwide.
Delivering a speech at the launch, on behalf of the Minister for Education, Francis Kikin Siune, MP, the Deputy Secretary for the Schools Directorate, Walipe Wingi, said resilient infrastructure was central to the Government’s ‘Leave no child behind’ agenda and to ensuring that free education translated into real access for every child.
“Free education and access to education are not the same,” Wingi said, noting that a child can still be shut out of school if classrooms are overcrowded, unsafe, without water and sanitation, or destroyed by a flood or cyclone. “Infrastructure is how we ensure ‘Leave no child behind’ truly leaves no community behind.”
The Deputy Secretary linked the policy to the Government’s K11 billion (US$2.48 billion) education intervention announced in February 2026 and to the ongoing rollout of the 1-6-6 education reform, which restructures schooling into one year of preparatory education, six years of primary and six years of secondary education. He said the reform could not succeed without enough classrooms, teachers’ housing, laboratories and other facilities to keep children in school through to Grade 12.
In comments to mark the policy’s launch, the Secretary for Education, Dr Uke Kombra, PhD, OBE, wrote: “The development of this policy is an important step towards ensuring that education infrastructure across Papua New Guinea is safe, inclusive, climate-resilient, accessible, sustainable and fit for purpose.”
The Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Papua New Guinea, Dr Hans Lambrecht, congratulated the Department of Education on the milestone and said the policy would shape education investment for years to come.
“The resilient school policy and manual will guide PNG’s education sector investments in the coming years and elevate education infrastructure standards across the country,” Dr Lambrecht said.
He said the policy’s endorsement was also significant for the wider Pacific region, as lessons from its development could be shared with other Pacific Island countries pursuing similar reforms. Dr Lambrecht said the EU would remain a steadfast partner to Papua New Guinea, and that the new policy would guide the establishment of quality, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, in line with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.
The acting Director of the National Disaster Centre, Laso Mana, said the current El Niño situation provided “an unfortunate reminder of our existing vulnerabilities.” He added despite this, the situation also presented a unique opportunity to test PNG’s preparedness initiatives and response mechanisms.
“As such, the entire national government’s machinery has been activated to ensure that affected communities are assisted in a timely manner,” Mana said.
Herman Timmermans, Project Manager for the Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific (BSRP) Phase II project, which is implemented by SPC with EU funding, said the policy came at a critical time given the rising frequency of climate-related hazards in the region.
“The Resilient School Infrastructure Policy is of course a timely piece of work in the context of increasing climate change-related hazards and other natural disasters,” Timmermans said, noting that damage to schools has flow-on effects for the wider social and economic wellbeing of communities.
He said the policy stood out for its practicality, coming with tailor-made architectural designs, checklists, minimum standards and assessment tools to support implementation, in addition to policy guidance. Timmermans paid tribute to the PNG-led development process, which began in 2024 and involved nationwide consultations, field visits and workshops led by the Department of Education’s WASH and School Self Reliance programme. He said the policy was already attracting interest from other Pacific Island countries considering similar reforms.
Accompanying the policy is a technical implementation manual that translates the policy into practical, minimum standards, designs, engineering requirements and monitoring tools for the construction and maintenance of schools in Papua New Guinea…. PACNEWS
