In this bulletin:
1. SOL — China’s policing plans should be sidelined, says top Solomons minister
2. PACIFIC — Forum DSG Solofa calls for deeper regional integration as economic pressures mount
3. NEW|CALE — 3.2 million leaflets for New Caledonian voters
4. PNG — PNG PM directs nationwide preparedness as EL Nino threatens prolonged dry season
5. PAC — Pacific democracy needs youth voice, Gavoka says
6. B/VILLE — Bougainville Leaders reaffirm unity and commitment to Independence
7. FIJI — Bill to restrict social media access for under-16s expected in Fiji Parliament this year
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Marshall Islands Chair opens Economic officials meeting, urges strong input for Ministers
9. PACNEWS BIZ — CBR Project Steering committee meets in Majuro to advance regional financial connectivity
10. PACNEWS BIZ — High interest rates and fees in our banking systems is morally wrong: PM Wale
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Government launches survey to gauge impact of rising fuel costs on businesses
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Hawaiian Airlines unveils first “Moana” plane in three-aircraft Disney tie-in
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Teachers Union says fuel crisis no excuse to deny civil servant pay rises
14. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Why Capacity Building Matters: Supporting Pacific SIDS in understanding Deep-Seabed Governance
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — Three Young Pacific Voices, One Shared Future
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — Amplifying our Pacific Islands at Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion at COP31
SOL – DIPLOMACY: SMH PACNEWS 1: Tue 23 Jun 2026
China’s policing plans should be sidelined, says top Solomons minister
HONIARA, 23 JUNE 2026 (SMH)—One of Solomon Islands’ most senior ministers has called for security and policing co-operation with China to be sidelined in a boost for Australia’s efforts to counter Beijing’s influence in the Pacific.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will conduct a Pacific diplomacy blitz in July, including a visit to the Solomons to drive forward negotiations on a new comprehensive treaty while finalising pacts with Fiji and Vanuatu.
Recently elected Solomons Prime Minister Matthew Wale vowed to review a controversial security agreement struck with China during a visit to Canberra this month and promised a “reset” in the relationship with Australia after years of tension and distrust.
Peter Kenilorea Junior, the Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination, said the new government was seeking a “a rebalancing of relations” with its development partners after the nation moved closer to China under previous governments.
Asked if he wanted to see a winding back of China’s role in policing and security in the Solomons, Kenilorea told this masthead that “we would like to focus more on economic development”.
He continued: “The security space, in my own personal opinion, is a little bit too crowded for a small country like the Solomons. So I would definitely emphasise the development aspect of China’s involvement.”
Chinese police have been fingerprinting Solomon Islanders and getting them to fill out household registration cards under a community policing model based on a Mao Zedong-era system requiring citizens to keep tabs on each other.
Kenilorea said last year he was concerned about the practice, describing it as an invasion of privacy.
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Chinese police have also been offering martial arts and self-defence training to Solomon Islanders.
A report released in May by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime found the Solomons had “emerged as China’s most prominent policing partner in the Pacific”.
“The relationship includes training, equipment, advisory presence and high-level political signalling,” the report found.
The Albanese government has insisted that Pacific nations’ security and policing co-operation should be limited to other island nations including Australia.
The 2022 security pact between China and the Solomons caused alarm in Canberra, reviving fears Beijing could seek to establish a military base in the Pacific near Australia’s coastline.
Australian officials have said that Australia is facing a “diplomatic knife fight” with China in the Pacific, including fending off alleged efforts by Beijing to pay bribes to corrupt politicians.
Kenilorea said he believed the Australia-Solomons relationship would be “very positive” under the new government as he urged the nations to strike a new treaty “sooner rather than later”.
“The reset or the rebalancing that we set out during prime minister Wale’s initial visit to Australia has been well received here in country,” he said.
“I think the next step that we’re looking forward to is announcing the comprehensive treaty…The end of the year would be good timing. The next six months are a good deadline for us to put pen to paper.”
Kenilorea, the son of the Solomon Islands’ first independent prime minister, said he expected the treaty to contain a deepening of security ties as well as expanded access for Solomon Islanders to live and work in Australia.
A new Australia-Solomons treaty would follow pacts Labor has struck with Tuvalu, Nauru and Papua New Guinea since returning to office in 2022.
Wale initially promised to release the 2022 security treaty with China, but said earlier this month he would not be able to make it public because of a non-disclosure clause in the pact.
“We have different partners that have different ways of doing things that perhaps not as transparent as other partners,” Kenilorea said.
Often described as a possible future prime minister, Kenilorea has been an outspoken critic of China, previously calling for the security pact to be torn up and blasting Beijing’s attempts to influence Solomon politicians.
Albanese is planning to travel next month to the Solomons and Fiji, where he hopes to seal a major new security pact with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
The prime minister is also hoping to finalise a treaty agreement with Vanuatu, but it is expected that a clause limiting China’s involvement in critical infrastructure such as ports and airports will have to be removed to get the agreement over the line.
The Quad nations of Australia, the U.S, India and Japan agreed in May to jointly build a port in Fiji as part of their efforts to limit China’s influence in the Pacific….PACNEWS
PAC – FEMM OFFICIALS MEET: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Tue 23 Jun 2026
Forum DSG Solofa calls for deeper regional integration as economic pressures mount
MAJURO, 23 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS)— Pacific Islands Forum Deputy Secretary General, Desna Solofa has warned that the Pacific faces mounting economic pressures from global geopolitical instability and rising fuel and shipping costs, saying regional economic integration is now essential to strengthen resilience and sustain growth.
Speaking at the 2026 Forum Economic Officials Meeting in Majuro on Monday, Solofa said the annual Forum Economic Ministers’ Meeting (FEMM) provides an opportunity for the Secretariat to update ministers and senior officials on achievements over the past year, assess emerging challenges, and outline strategic priorities for the year ahead.
She said that while many economies have recovered to pre-pandemic levels, the global economic environment remains difficult.
“Recent fuel supply disruptions and surges in fuel and energy prices have highlighted the Pacific’s vulnerability to external shocks.
These are having significant implications for energy security, transportation costs, inflation, economic growth and the livelihoods of our people across the region. This will require a coordinated regional response rather than a narrow fuel-price intervention,” she said.
Solofa said the Pacific continues to attract increasing geopolitical attention from traditional and emerging political and development partners, while economic recovery momentum has been weakened by recent global developments.
“As highlighted in the Regional Economic Outlook, Forum Island Countries had been on a steady path of recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recent geopolitical developments, particularly the conflict involving Iran, have once again dampened global economic prospects and slowed recovery momentum,” she told FEMM officials.
She noted that the Middle East conflict reached its 108th day on 15 June 2026 and that although the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz had been announced, with a formal agreement expected to be signed on 19 June 2026, the economic effects of the crisis continue to be felt globally.
“The regional macroeconomic environment remains fragile,” said Solofa.
According to the World Bank’s Pacific Economic Update released in May 2026, Solofa said Pacific Island countries remain among those most affected by the conflict despite having no direct involvement.
“Regional economic growth is now projected to average only 2.8 percent, down from the earlier forecast of 3.2 percent. Rising fuel and shipping costs, supply chain disruptions, and heightened global uncertainty have increased inflationary pressures and placed additional strain on government budgets and external balances across the region,” Solofa explained.
She said that while easing geopolitical tensions may provide some relief, higher costs have already flowed through to businesses, government budgets and consumers.
“Encouragingly, tourism performance through April 2026 has been more resilient than initially anticipated, underpinning growth in several tourism-dependent economies. Nevertheless, the outlook remains uncertain and will depend largely on the effective implementation and durability of the ceasefire arrangement and broader global economic conditions, especially developments in global oil prices,” she stressed.
Solofa said the challenges facing the region require a more ambitious response.
“These conditions make one point clear: incremental adjustments are no longer sufficient. The scale and nature of the challenges we face require a more ambitious, transformational response. Business as usual will not deliver the resilience, growth and sustainability our region now demands,” she said.
Solofa said the Pacific’s ongoing vulnerabilities highlight the need for long-term coordinated action to improve economic stability and resilience.
“The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent provides our long-term vision for a resilient, secure and prosperous region”.
She said the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED), endorsed by Economic Ministers in 2025 and welcomed by Leaders, translates that vision into a coordinated regional economic agenda.
“The PRED reflects a shared understanding that resilience and prosperity cannot be achieved through fragmented national approaches alone.”
Solofa said recent global shocks have demonstrated the limitations of fragmented responses and reinforced the need for stronger regional cooperation.
“Accordingly, regional economic integration is now not just important; it is essential. Recent global shocks, including disruptions in energy and supply chains, have reinforced the limits of fragmented responses and highlighted the urgency of deeper and meaningful integration to deliver more effective and resilient outcomes for our economies,” she said.
Solofa said the FEMM agenda had been structured to ensure implementation of the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development.
“The FEMM agenda has been deliberately designed to demonstrate the PRED in implementation, ensuring that agreed regional priorities are translated into coordinated and practical action” she said….PACNEWS
NEW|CALE – ELECTION/POLITICS: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS 1: Tue 23 Jun 2026
3.2 million leaflets for New Caledonian voters
By Nic Macllellan in Noumea
NOUMEA, 23 JUNE 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS)—Millions of leaflets with candidate lists and party propaganda have been collated for distribution to voters across New Caledonia, in the lead up to next week’s provincial elections.
On Sunday, 192,552 voters are registered on the Special electoral list, to vote for candidates seeking a seat in New Caledonia’s three provincial assemblies and national Congress.
The majority – 127,440 voters – reside in the Southern Province, including the capital Noumea and surrounding towns like Païta, Mont Dore and Dumbea. In the Northern Province, there are 43,018 eligible voters, while in the outlying Loyalty Islands Province, another 22,094.
The elections are managed by the French High Commission and under French law, voters should receive an election leaflet from each party or coalition that is competing in the elections. More than 3,520,000 leaflets have been printed, collated and packed into envelopes, to be sent to voters across the country.
On Friday, French High Commissioner Jacques Billant visited Noumea Town Hall, where the packets of electoral information were being assembled by more than 120 workers for distribution.
“Democracy comes at a price,” Billant said. “The French State covers the full cost of packaging and delivering the electoral propaganda, amounting to around 60 million Pacific francs” [$AUD870,000].
On 20 May, the French National Assembly confirmed that another 10,575 locally born New Caledonians would be
added to the electoral rolls for these elections.
High Commissioner Billant told Islands Business that these new voters were already registered and would receive the relevant electoral information for their province, with the majority living in the Southern Province.
Leaflets from each of 23 competing electoral lists must be with voters by tomorrow (Tuesday), so the massive task of collating the material prioritised delivery to the outer islands (the Loyalty Islands, Belep and Isle of Pines). This was followed by the rural towns and tribes across the Northern Province.
Then, over the weekend, material for the 11 lists running in the Southern Province was prepared for delivery to urban voters on Monday morning.
For Caroline Chalier of the Office of Post and Telecommunications (OPT), it’s a major exercise to deliver electoral information across the country.
“There’s a huge logistical operation to put in place, both human and material,” she said. “We’ve had to set up a dedicated taskforce to distribute the electoral information. We’ve had to draw on people from all sections of the OPT, to ensure we can deliver.”
“For the main island, we’ve been able to use road transport, but for the outer islands we’ve had to rely on aircraft or small boats.”
Military aircraft from the Forces Armées en Nouvelle-Calédonie (FANC) and the airline Air Alizé were seconded to carry material to communities in the outer islands.
Copies of electoral leaflets are also available online, and electoral coalitions are allocated time after the evening news for brief presentation of their platform.
Despite all this effort, voting is not compulsory, so candidates are still holding community meetings across the country, seeking to mobilise supporters. In Noumea, throughout this week, the major coalitions will hold final public meetings before campaigning ends before the weekend…..PACNEWS
PNG – WEATHER WATCH: PNG GOVT PACNEWS 1: Tue 23 Jun 2026
PNG PM directs nationwide preparedness as EL Nino threatens prolonged dry season
PORT MORESBY, 23 JUNE 2026 (PNG GOVT) —-Prime Minister James Marape has directed all Provinces and Districts across Papua New Guinea to immediately prepare for the possibility of an extraordinary and prolonged Dry Season as El Niño conditions develop across the tropical Pacific.
Marape said the Government was taking early action to ensure that communities, particularly those in drought-prone and water-scarce locations, are prepared before conditions worsen.
The Prime Minister said Cabinet was examining appropriate financial and administrative arrangements to support Provincial and District Governments to prepare for, mitigate and respond to disaster situations arising from prolonged dry conditions.
“I just want to pass instruction to all Districts and all Provinces to be prepared for an extraordinary Dry Season if it does happen,” Marape said.
“Our country has a system where Provinces and Districts have channels of funding from the National Government. Cabinet is looking at tailoring provisions of our Financial Instructions to make sure that Districts and Provinces are assisted to prepare and respond to disasters as they happen where appropriate, especially this prolonged Dry Season that is coming,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the National Government was closely monitoring the developing El Niño situation and would continue to provide national interventions where necessary.
However, he stressed that disaster preparedness must begin at Community, District and Provincial levels, with local leaders taking responsibility for identifying water sources, vulnerable communities, food-security risks and practical response measures.
“We are keeping tab on what is happening and, wherever possible, the National Government is intervening to make interventions,” Marape said.
“But in the meantime, we have asked Provinces and Districts to take ownership of this disaster that may happen and have a localised approach.”
Marape said Papua New Guinea’s diverse geography required responses tailored to local circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all national solution.
Communities located near rivers, streams and reliable water sources would require different mitigation measures compared to dry inland communities, isolated islands, high-altitude settlements and areas far from permanent watercourses.
“Each area knows where water flows,” he said.
“We are a country that has a lot of river run-off, so those living beside river run-off, the Districts and Provinces should be having a response tailored appropriately.
“We will look at those who are far from rivers and see how best we could approach this as we go forward.”
Marape has directed the Central Government to develop a coordinated National Strategy within the next two weeks to guide preparedness and response measures nationwide.
The Strategy is expected to bring together Government agencies and stakeholders responsible for weather and climate monitoring, disaster preparedness, water supply, health, agriculture, transport, food security, provincial affairs and community resilience.
“I have given the Central Government the next two weeks to come up with a Strategy to deal with this issue,” he said.
“But we have asked our Districts and Provinces to have local responses prepared and to assist in mitigation in case there is a prolonged Dry Season.”
The Prime Minister said the Government’s immediate focus would be on preparedness rather than waiting for a crisis to deepen.
Measures under consideration include identifying vulnerable communities, mapping water sources, protecting and repairing community water systems, encouraging water conservation, preparing food and agricultural contingency plans, monitoring health impacts and ensuring local authorities are ready to respond quickly if drought conditions intensify.
El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern associated with warmer-than-normal sea-surface temperatures across the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. For Papua New Guinea, El Niño is commonly linked to below-normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells, reduced river flows, water shortages, crop stress, food-security pressures, bushfire risks and frost conditions in parts of the Highlands.
Current international and regional climate outlooks indicate a high likelihood that El Niño conditions will develop and persist through the second half of 2026.
Regional forecasts suggest Papua New Guinea and neighbouring Pacific nations extending towards Vanuatu may experience drier-than-normal conditions, while some equatorial Pacific Island countries may receive above-average rainfall.
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea must act with urgency, unity and practical planning to protect lives and livelihoods.
He called on Provincial Governors, Members of Parliament, District Development Authorities, Provincial Administrations, Local-Level Governments, Churches, Community Leaders, Development Partners and citizens to work together in preparing communities.
“This is a time for preparedness, not panic,” Marape said.
“Every District and every Province must know its vulnerable areas, know its water sources, protect its people and prepare early.”
Marape said the Government would continue providing updates as the National Strategy is completed and as weather and climate monitoring agencies issue further forecasts and advisories….PACNEWS
PAC – DEMOCRACY: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS 1: Tue 23 Jun 2026
Pacific democracy needs youth voice, Gavoka says
SUVA, 23 JUNE 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) —Fiji’s deputy Prime Minister, Viliame Gavoka, delivered a strong message to Pacific youth this week: democracy in the region is holding, but it will not survive on autopilot.
He also called for young people to move from the sidelines into power.
Addressing the Regional Workshop on Youth and Democracy in the Pacific, Gavoka said the Pacific had reason to be proud of its democratic record but warned that the system is under strain from misinformation, declining trust and the speed of online political division.
“Democracy is not self-sustaining,” he said.
“Every generation must protect it, strengthen it and pass it on stronger than they inherited it.”
He argued that Pacific democracy must be judged on its own terms, not through imported models.
“Democracy in the Pacific must therefore be understood through a Pacific lens,” he said, pointing to the region’s indigenous traditions, community leadership and the realities of small island states.
But the sharpest part of his speech was directed at the region’s political class. Gavoka said a strong democracy is one where everyone can participate, yet women and young people remain underrepresented in many institutions.
“The Pacific has entered an era where young people can no longer be excluded from decision-making,” he said.
“Our communities, institutions and governments must evolve with the times.”
He singled out political parties as the gatekeepers of real influence, saying young people should not be treated as campaign labour alone.
“Young people must therefore have a stronger presence within political parties.
“Not simply as campaign volunteers. Not merely as supporters. But as contributors to decision-making.”
Gavoka also framed Fiji’s 2022 election and the formation of the coalition government as evidence that participation changes outcomes.
Young people, he said, were active throughout the process, from campaigning and community mobilisation to voter engagement. That involvement helped shape the result.
His warning broadened beyond domestic politics to the region’s biggest strategic threats.
“Climate change remains the single greatest threat facing the Pacific,” he said, adding that the region is also facing mounting geopolitical competition. External engagement must strengthen rather than weaken “democratic accountability and national interests.”
He closed with a direct challenge to Pacific youth: do not wait to be invited into politics.
“Do not wait for somebody to ask for your opinion,” he said.
“Do not assume that leadership belongs to someone else.”
Instead, he urged young people to join political parties, community organisations and public consultations, and to run for office when the chance comes.
“The strongest democracies are not built by spectators; they are built by citizens who choose to participate.”
Gavoka ended on a note of confidence, saying democracy is not foreign to the Pacific but rooted in the region’s own traditions.
“Democracy is not a foreign flower in the Pacific,” he said.
“It is firmly rooted in our traditions of dialogue, consensus, respect and collective responsibility.”….PACNEWS
B/VILLE – INDEPENDENCE: ABG GOVT PACNEWS 1: Tue 23 Jun 2026
Bougainville Leaders reaffirm unity and commitment to Independence
BUKA, 23 JUNE 2026 (ABG GOVT)—Bougainville’s elected leaders, comprising the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Bougainville Members of the National Parliament, have reaffirmed their unity, solidarity and collective commitment to a peaceful and lawful pathway towards Bougainville Independence following a leadership meeting held in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.
The leaders said their deliberations were guided by the Bougainville Peace Agreement, Part XIV of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea, and the Bougainville Way of consensus, which continue to provide the foundation for progressing Bougainville’s political aspirations through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.
President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, and ABG Vice President Ezekiel Masatt led the meeting, which was attended by Bougainville Regional Member Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, North Bougainville Member Francesca Semoso and South Bougainville Member Timothy Masiu. Central Bougainville Member Jimmy Miringtoro participated in the discussions but was unable to attend the meeting in person.
The meeting discussed Bougainville’s independence aspirations and the way forward, with leaders reaffirming their commitment to work together in the best interests of the people of Bougainville.
The leaders acknowledged that while they hold different responsibilities, they share a common obligation to uphold the aspirations of the people of Bougainville and ensure that all actions continue to be guided by dialogue, consensus and respect for constitutional and political processes.
They further reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a united front on matters concerning Bougainville’s political future and agreed on the importance of continued collaboration between the ABG, Bougainville Members of the National Parliament and other key stakeholders.
The leaders also highlighted the importance of ongoing engagement with the National Government and National Parliament as discussions on Bougainville’s independence continue.
They expressed confidence that a coordinated and united approach would strengthen Bougainville’s position as preparations continue towards future governance arrangements and broader independence readiness efforts.
In acknowledging the mandate given by the people of Bougainville, President Toroama said, “We, the leaders of Bougainville, extend our heartfelt gratitude to our people whose mandate guides us. Our people have given us the vote, and it is our solemn responsibility to uphold their aspiration.”
“This moment is both historic and spiritual. We commit ourselves to walk this path with courage, humility, and unity, ensuring that the aspiration for independence is realised in peace and dignity,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – SOCIAL MEDIA BAN: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 1: Tue 23 Jun 2026
Bill to restrict social media access for under-16s expected in Fiji Parliament this year
SUVA, 23 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Legislation that would prevent children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms is expected to be tabled in Fiji Parliament later this year, as the Government accelerates work on online safety reforms.
The Social Media Age Deferment Taskforce met in Suva Monday to advance preparations for the proposed Bill, which would introduce a minimum social media access age of 16 in Fiji.
Minister for Information said discussions centred on finalising the taskforce’s Terms of Reference and progressing the legislative framework ahead of its anticipated presentation to Parliament.
Tabuya said Fiji is drawing lessons from countries such as Australia that have moved to tighten social media access for children, while ensuring any legislation introduced is suited to Fiji’s own social and cultural environment.
The proposed law has the backing of the Online Safety Commission and the Fiji Law Reform Commission, both of which reaffirmed their commitment to helping deliver the Bill this year.
Online Safety Commission Commissioner and Fiji Law Reform Commission Director said they will continue working closely with Government to develop the legislation.
The taskforce includes representatives from the Online Safety Commission, Fiji Law Reform Commission, Fiji Police Force, the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Information, under the mandate of the Office of the Prime Minister.
If passed by Parliament, the legislation would mark one of Fiji’s most significant online safety reforms, aimed at protecting children from harmful content, cyberbullying and other risks associated with social media use….PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – FEMM OFFICIALS MEET: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 23 Jun 2026
Marshall Islands Chair opens Economic officials meeting, urges strong input for Ministers
MAJURO, 23 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS)— Chair of the 2026 Forum Economic Officials Meeting and Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Banking and Postal Services of Marshall Islands, Ayako Yamaguchi-Eliou, has called on regional officials to actively shape recommendations for Pacific finance ministers, saying the meeting will play a key role in preparing decisions on the region’s economic priorities.
Opening the 2026 Forum Economic Officials Meeting in Majuro on Monday, Yamaguchi-Eliou said the gathering provides officials with an opportunity to refine issues that will be presented to ministers when they meet over the next two days.
“Today’s meeting is particularly important as it provides officials with the opportunity to carefully consider and refine the issues that will be presented to our Ministers when they convene over the next two days,” she said.
She said the officials’ meeting serves as the principal preparatory forum for the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM).
“As the principal preparatory forum for FEMM, our deliberations will help ensure that our Ministers are equipped with clear analysis, practical recommendations, and a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our region,” she told FEMM officials.
Yamaguchi-Eliou said regional cooperation remains central to achieving the Pacific’s development goals.
“As Pacific peoples, we share a deep understanding that our strength lies not only in our individual nations, but in our collective commitment to one another.
The matters before us today highlight the value of regional cooperation and collective action as we work towards our shared aspirations for a resilient, inclusive and prosperous Blue Pacific Continent,” Yamaguchi-Eliou.
She said the discussions would help shape the direction of the ministers’ meeting.
“The quality of our discussions today will help shape the direction of the Ministers’ meeting. Through constructive dialogue, informed analysis and the sharing of national experiences, we can identify areas of convergence, clarify policy considerations, and provide Ministers with a strong foundation for decision-making.”
Yamaguchi-Eliou encouraged officials to participate fully in the discussions.
“The perspectives, expertise and experiences represented around this table are invaluable and our efforts will contribute significantly to the success of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in the days ahead.”
She thanked participants for their commitment and participation and expressed confidence in a productive meeting….PACNEWS
PAC – CBR: PIFS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 23 Jun 2026
CBR Project Steering committee meets in Majuro to advance regional financial connectivity
MAJURO, 23 JUNE 2026 (PIFS)— The Second Project Steering Committee Meeting of the Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBR) Project convened Monday in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands(RMI), on the margins of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting.
The meeting brought together Project Steering Committee members and key stakeholders to review progress, discuss implementation priorities, and consider key decisions related to project delivery.
Discussions focused on major areas of work under the CBR Project, including the Pacific Payments Mechanism Feasibility Study, the CBR Service Provider initiative, technical assistance on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, payment systems support, the CBR Resilience Index, data collection, and Project Management Unit activities.
Correspondent banking relationships are essential to the Pacific’s economic connectivity, enabling international payments, trade, remittances, tourism transactions, and access to the global financial system. As Pacific economies continue to face a complex global environment, strengthening and sustaining access to correspondent banking services remains a critical regional priority.
The project contributes to the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, particularly its vision for a resilient and integrated Pacific region that is connected to global markets, supported by secure and inclusive financial systems, and able to advance sustainable economic development for Pacific peoples.
“Correspondent banking is more than a financial sector issue; it is a regional development priority. By working together to strengthen access to international banking services, Pacific countries are advancing the 2050 Strategy’s vision of a connected, resilient, and prosperous Blue Pacific Continent. This project demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing shared challenges and securing our region’s economic future,” said the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Waqa.
The Pacific Strengthening CBR Project is supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Forum Secretariat in partnership with participating Pacific Island countries. The project aims to help safeguard access to the global financial system and support stronger financial resilience across the Blue Pacific.
The outcomes of the Steering Committee meeting will help guide the next phase of implementation as the project continues to support practical regional solutions to strengthen correspondent banking relationships across the Pacific.
Eight Forum Island countries are members of the Strengthening CBR project; Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands….PACNEWS
SOL – BANK RATES: SOL GOVT PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 23 Jun 2026
High interest rates and fees in our banking systems is morally wrong: Solomon Islands PM Wale
HONIARA, 23 JUNE 2026 (SOL GOVT)—Solomon Idslands Prime Matthew Wale says high interest rates and imposition of unnecessary fees in our banking system in the face of significantly high excess liquidity is morally wrong.
Prime Minister Wale said this remains a serious concern calling on banks to reduce them.
Speaking during the Central Bank of Solomon Island (CBSI) Golden Jubilee celebrations recently, the Prime Minister said it affects businesses, households, individuals, and the productive capacity of our economy.
He said weak monetary policy transmission cannot be accepted as a permanent condition, nor explained as simply the nature of a small island economy.
“It is a problem that demands active and determined solutions,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Wale said Central Bank must be solution-oriented and willing to take considered risks in the public interest.
He said being anchored in a core mandate is not the same as being passive with it.
“I call on the leadership of CBSI to ask, at every turn, whether their decisions are genuinely reaching the people they are meant to serve and if they are not, to act decisively to meet the needs of our people,” Prime Minister Wale said.
The Prime Minister adds price stability, financial system soundness, and support for national development are not boxes to be ticked.
“They are promises made to every Solomon Islander,” he said.
The Prime Minister said CBSI must have the courage to keep the promises we owe to citizens of this country.
“That courage, however, cannot be exercised in a vacuum. It depends on something equally essential and that is partnership,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – FUEL COST SURVEY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 1: Tue 23 Jun 2026
Fiji Government launches survey to gauge impact of rising fuel costs on businesses
SUVA, 23 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES) —The Ministry of Commerce and Business Development has launched a nationwide survey to assess how rising fuel costs are affecting businesses and co-operatives across Fiji.
The survey comes amid concerns over escalating global fuel prices linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and wider disruptions to fuel supplies from the Middle East.
According to the Ministry, the exercise is aimed at providing Government with a rapid snapshot of the challenges businesses are facing and helping to inform future planning and possible support measures.
Business owners are being asked to provide information on their current operating conditions and their expectations over the next one to three months if fuel prices remain at or above current levels.
The survey covers a broad range of sectors, including agriculture, tourism, transportation, manufacturing, fisheries, construction, retail, information technology and professional services.
Information sought includes business location, size, years of operation, turnover levels and the extent to which enterprises are linked to the tourism industry.
The Ministry has assured participants that all findings will be reported only in aggregated form, with individual business details, including names and contact information, remaining confidential and not being shared with other government agencies.
Officials say the survey will take between seven and ten minutes to complete and participation is voluntary.
The initiative comes as governments and businesses worldwide continue to monitor the potential economic fallout from instability in the Middle East, particularly its impact on global energy markets and fuel prices…. PACNEWS
HAWAII – AIRLINE: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 23 Jun 2026
Hawaiian Airlines unveils first “Moana” plane in three-aircraft Disney tie-in
HONOLULU, 23 JUNE 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS)—Disney’s live-action Moana is set to make waves in theatres 10 July, and Hawaiian Airlines is marking the courageous voyager’s next great adventure with three commemorative liveries that capture the daring spirit of exploration and wayfinding.
Hawaiian has unveiled the first of its three “Moana” aircraft designs on an Airbus A321neo (Registration N227HA) that serves routes connecting Hawaiʻi to the U.S West Coast and the Cook Islands.
In July, the remaining two designs will make a splash on an A330, Hawaiian’s flagship transpacific aircraft and on a Boeing 717 flying between the Hawaiian Islands.
The new Moana liveries will inspire guests around the world with a message of exploration: “Voyage beyond the reef,” on all three aircraft ahead of the theatrical release of Disney’s highly anticipated reimagining on 10 Jul.
Characters from the film – including the shape-shifting demigod Maui as a powerful hawk wielding his iconic fishhook and the coconut-armoured Kakamora catching rides in the sea breeze – appear throughout each design.
Guiding the crew on their journey from the wingtips are Moana’s animal friends Heihei, the clumsy chicken, and Pua, the adorable pot-bellied pig. Moana’s beloved island friends will also appear in the overhead luggage bins inside the aircraft’s cabin.
Alisa Onishi, Managing Director of Hawaiʻi Marketing, Hawaiian Airlines, said, ” Voyaging is at the heart of who we are as the airline of Hawaiʻi, a place grounded in a legacy that began with navigators who crossed the Pacific using traditional wayfinding techniques.
“We’re proud to continue carrying that spirit forward and bring Moana’s journey to life once again as we connect our island home to the world.”
The three live-action Moana aircraft join previous liveries that celebrated the Disney film’s animated predecessors, Moana and Moana 2.
Hawaiian, which has served Hawaiʻi for more than 96 years, has also long honoured the legacy of early Polynesian voyagers and celestial navigation across its fleet, including naming each aircraft after native birds, stars, plants and forests….PACNEWS
FIJI – PAYRISE/FUEL CRISIS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 23 Jun 2026
Fiji Teachers Union says fuel crisis no excuse to deny civil servant pay rises
SUVA, 23 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) says the Coalition Government must demonstrate genuine leadership and political courage by delivering a meaningful salary increase for civil servants.
The call is part of the union’s submission to the 2026-2027 National Budget, which will be delivered on Friday.
The FTU is seeking a salary adjustment package that includes:
• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA);
• Service Salary Progression Payment (SSPP);
• Merit-based increments; and
• Equity and retention pay
FTU general secretary Muniappa Goundar said these were not luxuries but necessities.
“Teachers, nurses, police officers and thousands of other public servants have carried the nation through difficult times,” he said.
“They provide essential services despite rising living costs, increasing workloads and growing staff shortages.”
Goundar said the fuel crisis must not be used as an excuse to deny or reduce salary increases for civil servants.
“The global fuel crisis was not created by Fiji’s public servants,” he said.
“It is the result of international geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions and global market instability.”
Goundar said international agencies and the Government had acknowledged that recent fuel price increases were being driven by global events beyond Fiji’s control.
“The fuel crisis strengthens rather than weakens the case for salary increases,” he said.
“When fuel prices rise, transportation costs increase. When transportation costs increase, the prices of food, goods and services increase.
“That is why workers require higher incomes to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
“It is precisely why Government must provide meaningful salary increases.”
Goundar said the Government might argue that higher fuel prices were placing pressure on national finances.
However, he said freezing or suppressing the wages of public servants was not the solution.
“The Government has already demonstrated that it possesses the fiscal capacity to respond to the fuel crisis through targeted measures and budget reallocations,” he said.
“The question therefore is not whether the Government can act, but whether it is willing to prioritise the people who deliver essential public services every day.”
According to FTU statistics, Fiji is also facing an unprecedented shortage of teachers and other skilled professionals….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
Why Capacity Building Matters: Supporting Pacific SIDS in understanding Deep-Seabed Governance
By Sainivalati S. Navoti (Sai), Chief, SIDS Unit, UN DESA
NEW YORK, 23 JUNE 2026 (UNDESA)—As international discussions on deep-seabed mineral activities continue to evolve, one principle remains fundamental: developing countries must be able to participate effectively in decisions concerning the global commons.
For Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS), this issue is particularly significant. The Pacific Ocean is central to the region’s identity, culture, livelihoods, and future development aspirations. It is also at the heart of the collective vision articulated by Pacific Leaders through the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which recognises the ocean as the foundation of the region’s sustainable development, resilience, and prosperity.
It is therefore essential that Pacific countries are equipped with the knowledge, institutions, and technical capacity required to engage meaningfully in discussions surrounding activities in the Area, the seabed and ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction governed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
UNCLOS established the mineral resources of the Area as the common heritage of humankind. This principle carries with it an important expectation: all States, including developing countries and SIDS, should have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the governance of these resources and in decisions affecting their future.
Yet effective participation cannot be assumed. It requires capacity.
The Origins of the Abyssal Initiative
Recognizing this challenge, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) launched the Abyssal Initiative for Blue Growth as a voluntary commitment during the first United Nations Ocean Conference in 2017.
The Initiative was founded on a simple but important objective: to strengthen the ability of Pacific SIDS to participate effectively in matters relating to activities in the Area.
Supported by the UN Development Account (DA) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), the Initiative delivered regional workshops, technical dialogues, legal and policy advisory support, peer-learning exchanges, institutional assessments and specialized training programmes across the Pacific region.
Throughout its implementation, one lesson became increasingly clear: capacity-building is not merely a technical exercise. It is also institutional, strategic and political. Countries require not only technical expertise but also the confidence and governance structures necessary to make informed sovereign decisions that reflect national priorities, environmental responsibilities and the interests of future generations.
From Capacity Building to Practical Tools
One of the most important outcomes of the Abyssal Initiative has been the development of two practical knowledge products designed specifically for Pacific Island countries.
The first is the Toolkit on the Roles and Responsibilities of States Sponsoring Activities in the Area.
The Toolkit provides practical guidance for governments seeking to understand and implement their obligations under UNCLOS and the ISA regulatory framework. It explains the responsibilities associated with sponsorship, including due diligence, regulatory oversight, environmental protection, compliance assurance and governance arrangements.
Importantly, the Toolkit translates complex legal concepts into practical guidance for policymakers, regulators and legal advisers.
The second product is the Guidelines for Negotiations and Contractual Dealings with Sponsored Entities.
These Guidelines respond to a challenge faced by many developing countries: negotiating arrangements with prospective contractors often involves highly technical legal, financial, environmental and commercial issues. Such negotiations can create significant asymmetries in expertise and bargaining power.
The Guidelines seek to address this gap by providing practical advice on due diligence, negotiation preparation, contract management, transparency, accountability, stakeholder engagement and risk management.
Together, these products aim to strengthen national preparedness and institutional confidence.
Effective Participation as a Prerequisite for Good Governance
As discussions on the future regulatory framework for deep-seabed activities continue internationally, the importance of informed participation cannot be overstated. Countries must be able to assess opportunities and risks, articulate national interests and participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.
This is particularly relevant for SIDS, many of which operate with limited administrative, legal and technical resources but possess a profound stake in the future governance of the ocean. Capacity-building therefore remains essential, not only for ensuring compliance with international obligations, but also for advancing equitable participation in global ocean governance.
The objective is not to predetermine national positions on deep-seabed activities. Rather, it is to ensure that countries have the information, expertise and institutional preparedness necessary to make informed decisions consistent with their own development priorities and environmental responsibilities.
Supporting the Next Phase of Capacity-Building
I am particularly encouraged by the leadership of the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, Ms. Leticia Carvalho, in advancing a new chapter of this work through the Deep Seabed Sustainable Blue Growth Initiative.
Building on the strong foundations established by the Abyssal Initiative for Blue Growth, the new initiative reflects a continued commitment to ensuring that Pacific Small Island Developing States are equipped with the knowledge, institutional capacity, technical expertise and strategic partnerships necessary to participate effectively in the governance of activities in the Area.
What is especially significant about this new initiative is its recognition that capacity-building must evolve beyond awareness-raising towards long-term institutional preparedness. Through initiatives focused on regulatory capacity, environmental management, data governance, scientific cooperation, training opportunities and inclusive participation, the International Seabed Authority is helping to ensure that Pacific countries can engage in global decision-making processes from positions of confidence and informed sovereignty.
I strongly support the Secretary-General’s vision of a Pacific-led approach to deep-seabed governance, one that is grounded in partnership, science, transparency and respect for the unique perspectives and aspirations of the Blue Pacific Continent. Such an approach is fully consistent with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which emphasises regional solidarity, ocean stewardship, informed decision-making, and strengthening Pacific capacities to shape their own sustainable development futures.
The continuation and expansion of this work is particularly timely. As international discussions on the future governance of deep-seabed mineral resources continue to evolve, the need for informed participation by developing countries has never been greater. The Deep Seabed Sustainable Blue Growth Initiative provides an important platform through which Pacific SIDS can strengthen national capacities, share experiences, develop regional cooperation and contribute more effectively to international decision-making processes concerning the common heritage of humankind.
A Pacific Contribution to Global Ocean Governance
Pacific countries have long demonstrated principled leadership in international ocean affairs. Guided by the vision of the Blue Pacific Continent, their perspectives are grounded in stewardship, sustainability and a deep understanding of the relationship between people and the ocean. They continue to advocate for approaches to ocean governance that are informed by science, guided by equity, and shaped by responsibility to future generations.
The future governance of the deep seabed must be informed by science, guided by precaution, grounded in equity and shaped through inclusive participation. Strengthening the capacity of Pacific SIDS to engage in these discussions is therefore not simply a regional priority. It is an investment in better global ocean governance and in ensuring that the common heritage of humankind is managed in a manner that is informed, equitable and sustainable for present and future generations.
Ultimately, effective participation is not merely a procedural aspiration. It is a prerequisite for legitimacy, equity and good governance. Ensuring that Pacific SIDS possess the capacity, confidence and institutional readiness to participate fully in the governance of the Area is therefore essential to realizing both the promise of UNCLOS and the broader objective of sustainable development for all.
As the Abyssal Initiative transitions into a new phase through the Deep Seabed Sustainable Blue Growth Initiative, there is an opportunity to build on a strong foundation of partnership, trust and capacity-building. By continuing to invest in Pacific leadership, institutional preparedness and informed decision-making, the international community can help ensure that the governance of the common heritage of humankind remains inclusive, equitable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of present and future generations. In doing so, it will also support the realization of the Pacific Leaders’ vision for a resilient, prosperous and sustainable Blue Pacific Continent….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Three Young Pacific Voices, One Shared Future
SUVA, 23 JUNE 2026 (UNDP)—As Pacific youth prepare for COP31 and beyond, three participants share why they are stepping forward to shape climate conversations and solutions.
When Sofaia Momo thinks about climate change, she thinks about family.
Raised in Fiji but with maternal roots in Nanumaga, Tuvalu, Sofaia’s connection to climate change is visceral. Having visited Tuvalu as a child, she says returning years later revealed just how much her atoll had changed.
Her concerns sit squarely inside the priority areas identified by Pacific governments for this October’s pre-COP31 event in Fiji and Tuvalu, an event that will push Pacific voices to the forefront of the global conversation on climate change.
“I am here today to speak on behalf of my family and my vanua,” she said. “As a mother, a woman and a young person, I want to help spread awareness and be part of the fight against climate change.”
Sofaia was one of more than 100 young Pacific Islanders who took part in the first pre-COP31 Pacific Youth Talanoa.
Co-designed and co-led by the Pacific Youth Council and the United Nations in partnership with Pasifika Communities University and Pacific regional organisations, the three-part series seeks to unify Pacific youth climate priorities, strengthen capacity, and create clear pathways for young people to engage with decision-makers and shape national, regional, and global climate processes in the lead up to COP31 and beyond.
The first Talanoa brought together young people from across the region to reflect on climate action through a Pacific lens, while helping build the knowledge, networks and confidence needed to engage in regional and global climate discussions.
For participants like Sofaia, climate resilience is also about belonging. During the Talanoa, young people spoke about protecting cultural identity, traditional knowledge and connections to place, recognising that climate change threatens not only ecosystems, but the stories and relationships that define Pacific communities.
Across the room, Mele Samoa Vailea was reflecting on a different question: where does climate leadership begin?
For the Tongan postgraduate student studying Marine Management at the University of the South Pacific, it starts with understanding who you are and where you come from.
“Before we advocate for climate change, we have to know ourselves and truly understand our communities,” she reflected. “Sometimes we assume we know what people need without first listening.”
As someone looking to shape a career in support of protecting the Blue Pacific, Mele has a deep interest in the ocean-climate nexus. She believes climate solutions are strongest when they are grounded in Pacific realities.
Her reflections echoed a broader theme of the Talanoa, where participants highlighted traditional knowledge, cultural practices, intergenerational learning and community stewardship as some of the region’s greatest strengths in responding to climate change.
For Viliame Manchester Etuweni, a Fijian working as a Field Officer with Corals for Conservation, the Talanoa reinforced the importance of collective action.
“We need the Earth to survive. The Earth doesn’t need us,” he said, recalling advice from a former geography teacher.
For Viliame, climate action is about responsibility, to the environment, communities and future generations. His message to fellow youth was simple: “Individually we are a single drop, but together we are an entire ocean.”
That same spirit emerged throughout the discussions. Participants pointed to youth leadership, strong partnerships, community ownership and shared responsibility as the foundations of successful climate action across the Pacific.
Although their stories are different, Sofaia, Mele and Viliame arrived at a common conclusion: climate action in the Pacific is about more than policies and negotiations. It is about protecting people, cultures and the places Pacific Islanders call home.
A Pasifika Lens on Climate Action
During an intergenerational Talanoa with Professor Upolu Lumā Vaai, Vice Chancellor and President of Pasifika Communities University, participants discussed climate resilience from a Pasifika relational perspective, one that connects climate action to identity, kinship, spirituality and sacred responsibility.
Instead of technical policy debates, they were invited to think about who they are, where they come from, and what they want to protect. In many ways, this mirrored the reflections shared by the young people themselves.
It is this relational starting point, not technical framing, that the Series is trying to carry into the rooms where Pacific climate finance and adaptation decisions get made.
What Pacific Youth Want to See Change
Several key themes emerged from the discussions.
Participants consistently emphasised the importance of justice, equity and inclusion, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by climate change are reflected in decisions and actions. They called for greater recognition of youth leadership and agency, not as a future aspiration but as a present reality. Discussions also highlighted the importance of protecting cultural identity, indigenous knowledge and connections to land and ocean as foundations of resilience and climate solutions.
Young people also stressed the importance of community-led and systems-based approaches to climate action that reflect local realities and priorities. They emphasised that climate change cannot be viewed in isolation, but is closely connected to biodiversity, health, food security, livelihoods, culture and development.
At the same time they also called on the need for better climate literacy, accountability and the implementation of commitments already made.
The series will continue building on these foundations.
From Reflection to Influence
Going forward, Talanoa 2, themed “Understanding Systems that Shape Decisions”, will help participants deepen their understanding of climate governance, policy processes and pathways for influence, from local advocacy to international negotiations. Participants will also strengthen their skills in communication, negotiation and climate advocacy while reviewing the first draft of a Pacific Youth Communiqué. Talanoa 2 will also include direct engagement with the COP31 Presidency Youth Climate Champion, Sally Higgins.
Talanoa 3 will focus on shaping a clear and unified strategy for Pacific youth influence in the lead-up to COP31 and beyond.
The finalised Communiqué will then be handed to Pacific leaders ahead of Türkiye, the document through which Talanoa conversations are designed to reach the negotiating table.
Protecting People, Cultures and Futures
For Sofaia, Mele and Viliame, the first Talanoa offered more than knowledge and networking. It affirmed that climate leadership begins with understanding what is worth protecting, and that meaningful change starts within communities before it reaches a negotiating table.
As the series builds towards pre-COP in Fiji and Tuvalu this October, that is the thread running through it. Climate action in the Pacific has never been only about emissions, policies or negotiations. It is about protecting identities, cultures, livelihoods, ecosystems and futures.
The young people carrying that understanding into Talanoa 2 and 3 are not waiting for a seat at the table. They are helping build the document that gets them there.
Registration for Talanoa 2, opens on 24 June, inviting more young Pacific Islanders to be part of the journey towards a unified Pacific youth voice ahead of COP31….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Amplifying our Pacific Islands at Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion at COP31
APIA, 23 JUNE 2026 (SPREP)—The call for side events at the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion at the Thirty-First Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) is now open! COP31 will be held in Antalya, Türkiye from 9 to 20 November 2026.
The Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion at COP31 is a Pacific partnership with the Governments of New Zealand and Australia managed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). It’s an essential platform to amplify Pacific voices as we share our stories on the edges of the international climate change negotiations.
The open call for side events to be featured in the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion will close on 20 July 2026.
“Since COP24 in 2018, SPREP has managed this space which brings a taste of our Pacific Islands to the international climate change negotiations arena,” said Tagaloa Cooper, Director of Climate Change, SPREP.
“Each year we have magnified the voices of our Pacific Islands people in the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion, we have welcomed thousands of thousands of people through our doors to experience aspects of our culture, hear our climate change stories of leadership, action and challenges. We look forward to working with our Pacific Islands to continue this growth at COP31.”
In 2025, the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion at COP30 in Belem, Brazil was the stage for 68 Pacific-led events across the 10-day period.
The two-weeks of events will continue at COP31in Antalya, Türkiye in the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion. There are two key areas of Pacific-led side event topics that focus on Building a resilient Pacific for a resilient world, and Pacific climate ambition.
The side events will be in line with the SPREP Blue Wave Principles to minimise waste include the use of single-use plastics. Each event will consist of 50-minute slots that begin at 10am each day, with the last one at 5pm. Evening events will take place from 6.30 to 8.30pm each night of the Pavilion.
The Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion is in the Blue Zone, an area for UNFCCC COP registered delegates only. It will be the responsibility of the successful side event organisers to facilitate attendance and registration of their panel members.
“The Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion is often called our Pacific home away from home. It’s a place where we can welcome people that want to learn more about our Pacific islands culture, climate change challenges, and climate change actions and solutions,” said Nanette Woonton, Communications and Outreach Adviser of SPREP.
“We welcome applications for side events in our Pacific pavilion. We aim to have something for everyone, so we can amplify our One Pacific Voice, together.”
While there are no fees to stage a side event in the Pavilion, the cost of catering as well as funding to attend and participate in the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion side events will be at the cost, and responsibility of, the successful applicant.
The Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion at COP31 is a Pacific partnership with the Governments of New Zealand and Australia managed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)…..PACNEWS
You can learn more about Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion side events at: https://library.sprep.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/COP31-Side-Event-Flier.pdf
Apply today at: https://forms.gle/93pep6yHkmoJkuTy8
