In this bulletin:
1. UN— UN weather agency warns of record ‘climate imbalance’ as planetary warming accelerates
2. FIJI — Fiji, Tuvalu advance pre-COP 31 preparations
3. B/VILLE — Bougainville launches ‘Return Home’ drive, calls professionals back
4. FIJI — Fiji launches SAUTU to counter disinformation
5. NZ — NZ PM Luxon to host Tuvalu counterpart
6. SOL — There is no ‘appropriate time’, The time is now: Solomon Islands coalition
7. COOKS — Cook Islands PM pushes people, Partnerships in NZ visit
8. PACIFIC — Significant victories for pro-France parties in French Polynesia, New Caledonia municipal elections
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Turning resource wealth into jobs key to PNG’s development ambitions: World Bank
10.PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji poised for digital transformation, but gaps remain – World Bank
11. FIJI — Fuel price shocks have a “lagged effect” on Fiji’s market: ANZ Economist
12. PACNEWS BIZ — PM Albanese hits the phones to shore up Australia’s fuel supply as fuel outlook worsens
13. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow: Disability-Inclusive Early Warning Systems in the Pacific
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — Strengthening Tokelau’s climate services capability
UN – CLIMATE CHANGE: UN PACNEWS 1: Tue 24 Mar 2026
UN weather agency warns of record ‘climate imbalance’ as planetary warming accelerates
GENEVA, 24 MARCH 2026 (AAP) — All-time high greenhouse gas concentrations in Earth’s atmosphere continue to drive heat records on land and sea, with long-lasting consequences for humanity, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warned on Monday.
Hot on the heels of a scorching decade, the UN’s weather agency has said that the planet’s climate is “more out of balance than at any time in observed history”.
“Between 2015 and 2025, we experienced the hottest 11 years on record,” WMO’s deputy executive secretary Ko Barrett said.
Last year was some 1.43°C above the 1850 to 1900 baseline in addition to breaking an ocean heat record, she explained.
Presenting a grim overview of the state of the climate in 2025, Barrett stressed that as glaciers continue to retreat and ice continues to melt, “the warming ocean and melting land-based ice are driving the long-term rise in global mean sea level rise.”
She said that the findings are an inspiration “to work harder to get lifesaving forecasts and early warnings into the hands of those who can protect lives and livelihoods” so that they can mitigate the devastating impacts of the ongoing climate turmoil on the most vulnerable.
For its part, WMO has been issuing annual climate updates for more than 30 years, and the record figures in the last decade have been an increasing cause for concern.
A line chart showing the global mean temperature anomaly from 1850 to 2025. The graph illustrates a significant upward trend in global temperatures, especially accelerating after 1980, based on data from seven different climate datasets.
The agency’s scientific officer John Kennedy said that concentrations in the atmosphere of three key greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) reached record levels in 2024, the last year for which there are consolidated global numbers.
This marked the single-largest year-on-year increase.
“Data from individual sites around the world indicates that levels of these greenhouse gases continue to increase in 2025” and to modify “the energy balance of the planet”, he added.
Kennedy explained that under a balanced system, incoming energy from the sun is about the same as the amount of outgoing energy, but this is not the case at present.
“There’s less outgoing energy due to the increased concentrations of greenhouse gases,” he said. “More energy coming in than going out means that energy is accumulating in the Earth’s system.”
The Earth’s energy imbalance is a new indicator WMO has started tracking, with results pointing to a notable acceleration in the rate at which warming has been progressing between 2001 and 2025.
“The largest fraction of that absorbed energy is going to the oceans, around 90 percent of the excess energy in the climate system,” Kennedy said.
“Because over three billion people depend on these marine and coastal resources for their livelihoods. They’re living off the ocean, and nearly 11 percent of the global population live on low-lying coasts directly exposed to coastal hazards,” she said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – PRE COP-PREP: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 1: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Fiji, Tuvalu advance pre-COP 31 preparations
SUVA, 24 MARCH 2026 (FIJI GOVT) — As Fiji prepares to host Pre-COP 31 this year, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya Monday met with her Tuvalu counterpart, Maina Talia to coordinate logistics and key preparations ahead.
With only a few months remaining before the summit, preparations by both Fiji and Tuvalu are moving at full speed.
Key discussions during the meeting focused on ensuring a smooth flow of events, coordinating with participating countries, and finalizing the agenda and schedules. The Ministers also identified areas where they could support each other.
Providing an update, Minister Tabuya highlighted Fiji’s readiness to host delegates and stressed that all logistical arrangements are being coordinated with support from relevant ministries to ensure a seamless event.
Both Minister Tabuya and Minister Maina emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in addressing climate challenges and amplifying the Pacific’s voice on global platforms.
Scheduled for early October this year, the Pre-COP 31 summit will bring together Pacific leaders and international partners to advance climate action ahead of COP 31 in Turkiye…. PACNEWS
B/VILLE – POLITICS: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Bougainville launches ‘Return Home’ drive, calls professionals back
BUKA, 24 MARCH 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has launched a nationwide campaign urging its people living abroad to return and help build the island as it moves closer to independence.
Under the “Return Home Campaign,” the government is calling on skilled Bougainvilleans to come back and contribute to development across key sectors.
“Bougainville is almost free. We fought hard for this day. But we need help to build our home. Doctors, teachers, builders, lawyers, farmers – if you live and work far away, come back! The Return Home Campaign starts today. Plan to return. This is your patriotic job.”
The campaign draws comparisons with Israel, highlighting national rebuilding through the return of its people.
“Look at Israel. In 1948, they got free. Jews from all over the world came home fast. They left jobs and houses. Doctors built roads. Smart people farmed. Israel grew strong because everyone came back. The Bible says God brings his people home (Isaiah 11:11-12). Bougainville is like that now.”
The government stressed that Bougainville’s future depends on the return of its skilled workforce.
“Bougainville isn’t just land; it’s our promised home.”
“Our professionals – you who’ve excelled in law firms, hospitals, universities, and businesses outside – hold the keys to Bougainville’s boom. Bougainville need your expertise. Our youth crave mentors; our farms demand skilled labor; our parliament seeks wise leaders. Staying away means missing the ground floor of real estate, goldmines, mining opportunities, and a self-reliant economy free from outside grip.”
The statement makes a direct appeal for immediate action, urging Bougainvilleans overseas to prepare for relocation.
“Bougainville need you! Come Home and Help build schools, roads, hospitals. Teach our kids. Start farms and businesses. Don’t miss the big chance.”
“Do this now:
a) Think about your skills. How can you help?
b) Save money to move.
c) Plan to come by 2027.”
Officials described the campaign as a national responsibility rather than an option.
“This is patriotic duty, not just a suggestion. Start planning today.”
The government is also using social media to mobilise support and connect with Bougainvilleans abroad…. PACNEWS
FIJI – GOVT COMMUNICATION CONFERENCE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Fiji launches SAUTU to counter disinformation
SUVA, 24 MARCH 2026 (PACNEWS) — Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has told government communications officers that clear and coordinated messaging is critical to maintaining public trust and protecting democracy.
Speaking at the Fiji Government Communications Conference on Monday, Rabuka said effective communication is central to governance.
“A government cannot succeed if it cannot communicate.”
He said public understanding of government actions builds trust and participation.
“When citizens understand what their government is doing and why, they are more likely to engage, to trust, and to participate in our democracy.”
Rabuka warned that governments globally are facing increasing challenges in maintaining public confidence.
“But we live in a world where information moves faster than ever before, and public trust is being tested.”
“Every day across the world, Governments everywhere are trying to maintain trust, and public confidence. And every day, we are being tested by those who seek to undermine our democracy.”
He stressed that communication must reach all platforms and communities.
“Communication is something which we must do as well; on every platform, in every community.”
Rabuka told participants they play a key role in connecting government with the people.
“You are more than simply a media officer. You are the bridge between the government and the people of Fiji.”
“You carry enormous responsibility. Today, we are here to give you the tools, the community, and the recognition you deserve.”
He said global developments, including tensions in the Middle East, are increasing the importance of strong communication.
“Indeed, there has perhaps never been a more critical time for your expertise, particularly as global events – such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East – continue to shape political and economic realities that reach even our shores.”
Rabuka described the conference as a milestone for Fiji.
“This is the first time in Fiji’s history that government communicators have come together for a professional conference of this kind.”
“That fact alone shows how seriously this government takes communications.”
He said the theme “Coordinate, Collaborate, Elevate” reflects the government’s goal to strengthen communication across ministries.
“The theme (Coordinate, Collaborate, Elevate) captures exactly what we intend to do and raise the standard of government communications, together, as one.”
The Prime Minister also announced the launch of two major tools to guide government communications.
“The first is the Fiji Government Communications Guidebook.”
“This is the new gold standard for daily operations.”
He said the guidebook will support officials in drafting communications and engaging the public.
“The second is SAUTU — Fiji’s own counter-disinformation framework.”
“Sautu speaks of wellbeing, peace, and abundance — and that is precisely what we are protecting when we defend our citizens from false and manipulative information.”
Rabuka said the framework will help counter disinformation threats.
“In a region where hostile actors want to exploit divisions and undermine our democracy, SAUTU is the way we will respond.”
“In an age of information warfare, Sautu is not just the destination we want to get to, but our shield against disinformation.”
Rabuka said the coming months will test government communication efforts, particularly with elections approaching.
“These steps could not come soon enough; the year ahead is full of challenges.”
“With elections on the horizon, the information environment will intensify.”
“There are people who will try to exploit uncertainty, sow division, and undermine public confidence in our institutions. We must be ready.”
He also pointed to ongoing civil service reforms as another key challenge.
“The Functional Review of the Fiji Civil Service also presents a moment of scrutiny and transition that demands clear, coordinated, and consistent government communications.”
“The public will be looking to us for transparency and clarity. We must deliver it.”
Rabuka announced a shift in how government communication officers will operate.
“You will also transition from ‘Media Liaison Officers’ to fully equipped ‘Communications Officer’.”
“This is not just a change in job title, it is a change in ambition.”
“In future, you won’t just liaise with the media, but communicate with all Fijians, wherever they are – on social media or in communities.”
He urged officers to work together and engage directly with the public.
“So please, share your resources. Collaborate across ministries. Communicate with the public where they are, not where you would like them to be. Speak as one government.”
Rabuka also acknowledged support from the United Kingdom in organising the conference.
“Today has also happened because of the genuine and growing partnership between Fiji and the United Kingdom.”
“This relationship is built on mutual respect and shared values, and a commitment to serving our citizens and strengthening our democracies through open, honest communication.”
He thanked the British High Commissioner and the UK Government Communication Service for their support.
“Your expertise, your commitment, and your investment in Fiji’s communicators has made this conference possible.”
Rabuka said the success of the initiative will depend on how communicators apply the tools and lessons going forward.
“This is how we earn and maintain the trust of the Fijian people,” he said…. PACNEWS
NZ – DIPLOMACY: NZ GOVT PACNEWS 1: Tue 24 Mar 2026
NZ PM Luxon to host Tuvalu counterpart
WELLINGTON, 24 MARCH 2026 (NZ GOVT) — Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo will visit New Zealand this week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced.
“We share a warm and close partnership with Tuvalu, underpinned by strong development, cultural, economic, and people to people links,” Luxon says.
“I look forward to discussing how we can deliver on our shared ambitions and regional priorities, and hearing about the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event Tuvalu is hosting in October.”
New Zealand has a long-standing development partnership with Tuvalu, including support for education, health, economic development and coastal resilience.
While in New Zealand, Prime Minister Teo will meet Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts. He will also attend community events and engage with the Tuvaluan diaspora.
Prime Minister Teo’s visit to New Zealand will be his first official visit since he was elected Prime Minister in 2024. He will be accompanied by Tuvalu Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa and Tuvalu Minister for Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation Simon Kofe…. PACNEWS
SOL – POLITICS: TAVULI NEWS PACNEWS 1: Tue 24 Mar 2026
There is no ‘appropriate time’, The time is now: Solomon Islands coalition
HONIARA, 24 MARCH 2026 (TAVULI NEWS) — The new Solomon Islands coalition urges the Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to call Parliament immediately, citing concerns about the government’s minority status and the need for a formal test of majority, as outlined by the Constitution.
The new coalition says this is the appropriate time for the Prime Minister to call Parliament.
In a press conference today, spokespersons Peter Kenilorea Jnr and Peter Shanel Agovaka said the Prime Minister’s assertion that Parliament will be called at an “appropriate time” is both unacceptable and deeply misrepresented.
Kenilorea said in a parliamentary democracy, there is only one appropriate time to test majority and that is when it is in doubt.
“That time is now because the Prime Minister is currently running a minority government,” he said.
Kenilorea added the Prime Minister was elected by Parliament, and his authority to govern is derived solely from the confidence of its members.
He said when that confidence is clearly in question; he does not have the luxury of choosing timing based on political convenience.
The East Are’Are MP said democracy is not scheduled at the discretion of one man.
“The continued delay in recalling Parliament raises serious concerns. It suggests an attempt to avoid a formal test of majority on the floor and the very mechanism provided under the Constitution through a Motion of No Confidence,” he said.
Agovaka also shared similar sentiments stating that the Constitution is clear and that majority must be proven on the floor of Parliament, not presumed.
“By refusing to act immediately, the Prime Minister risks holding the country at ransom, prolonging uncertainty and undermining public trust in our democratic institutions,” he said.
Agovaka said this is no longer a political matter but a constitutional obligation.
“I am calling on my good friend the Prime Minister to rethink his position and do the honourable thing,” he said…. PACNEWS
COOKS – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Cook Islands PM pushes people, Partnerships in NZ visit
RAROTONGA, 24 MARCH 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Cook Islands has reaffirmed its focus on people, partnerships and future growth following a week-long visit to New Zealand.
The Prime Minister Mark Brown said the visit centred on strengthening ties with Cook Islanders abroad and key stakeholders.
“The past week in New Zealand has been about our people, our connections, and our shared future,” Brown said in a statement posted on social media.
The Prime Minister said discussions in Wellington focused on long-term direction as the country marks a milestone year.
“In Wellington, I had the opportunity to speak with partners and stakeholders as we mark 60 years of self-governance and set our direction for the next chapter.”
Engagements in Auckland highlighted community priorities and practical support.
“In Auckland, we came together with our community. I heard directly from our people, and we shared practical steps we are taking to strengthen support, create opportunities, and keep our connections to home strong.”
The Prime Minister also met with community groups, including Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand, to strengthen cooperation.
“It was also a privilege to spend time with our wider community, including meeting with CIDANZ as we work towards a stronger partnership to better support Cook Islanders living in New Zealand.’
Cultural identity and youth were key highlights during the visit, including attendance at ASB Polyfest.
“One of the highlights was attending Polyfest. Watching our young people, including students from Tereora College, perform with pride and confidence was a powerful reminder of who we are and where we come from.”
The Prime Minister also attended the Turangawaewae Royal Regatta at the invitation of Māori Queen Kuini Nga wai hono i te po.
‘I was also honoured to attend the Turangawaewae Royal Regatta at the invitation of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po. Our relationship with the Kiingitanga remains strong, grounded in shared values and a commitment to our people and our environment.”
He said the visit reinforced the strength of the Cook Islands community abroad and its role in national development.
‘Wherever our people are, our nation continues to grow.”
“We move forward with confidence, connected by our language, our culture, and our shared responsibility to one another,” said PM Brown…. PACNEWS
PAC – ELECTION: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 1: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Significant victories for pro-France parties in French Polynesia, New Caledonia municipal elections
NOUMEA/PAPE’ETE, 24 MARCH 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — French Polynesia and New Caledonia have maintained support for pro-France parties in the key cities of Nouméa and Papeete after the second round of the French municipal elections over the weekend.
In New Caledonia’s capital Nouméa, after narrowly missing a straight election at the first round of votes last week, incumbent pro-France Lady Mayor Sonia Lagarde easily won at the second round of votes with a staggering 61.99 percent of the votes.
“This is the best score we ever made,” Lagarde told local media. “It’s also an acknowledgement of the work we did”.
A similar pro-France trend also emerged in the greater Nouméa area, comprising the three suburban municipalities of Dumbéa, Mont-Dore and Païta.
Nouméa and its suburban belt represent almost 65 percent of New Caledonia’s whole population. They were also the townships that suffered most from the civil unrest that broke out in New Caledonia in May 2024.
In Dumbéa, newcomer Cynthia Jan (who is the sister of prominent pro-France leader Nicolas Metzdorf), won by securing 45.33 percent of the votes.
In Mont-Dore, pro-France Nina Julié received 47.46 percent of the votes. And in Païta, Antoine Romain secured 43.17 percent of the votes.
Outside Nouméa’s suburban areas, however, the pro-France parties have sometimes suffered setbacks.
This appeared in such townships as the nickel mining town of Kouaoua, on New Caledonia’s eastern coast of the main island (Grande Terre), where incumbent Lord Mayor (and since January 2025 the President of New Caledonia’s government) pro-France Kanak leader Alcide Ponga was narrowly defeated.
In the pro-independence camp, some cities were also lost due to divisions between member parties of the former version of pro-independence FLNKS umbrella (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front), which split in 2024 as a result of differences between Union Calédonienne and moderate pro-independence parties such as PALIKA (Kanak Liberation Party) and UPM (Union Progressiste en Mélanésie).
Since the split was made official, PALIKA and UPM were running under the flag of ‘UNI” (Union Nationale pour l’Indépendance) and the radical version of FLNKS, dominated by Union Calédonienne, was running under the UC-FLNKS banner.
But the divisions have almost cost the pro-independence camp the symbolic town of Poindimié, which has been ruled by charismatic leader Paul Néaoutyine since 1989.
Néaoutyine eventually managed to secure the first seat on Sunday 22 March 2026 (35.7 percent of votes), slightly ahead of local butcher Patrick Watanabe (32.1 percent).
As in most municipalities, the newly elected municipal council is expected to hold its inaugural meeting later this week to elect the new Mayor.
As a result of these elections, the municipal council is made up of half of the councillors from the winning party list. The rest if made up of a proportional representation of any other party that secured at least 5 percent of the votes.
The participation rate was high (58.9 percent) at this year’s poll in New Caledonia.
It also marked the emergence of “independent” lists, not necessarily affiliated to a political party, which sometimes fared well in the race.
In Koné, 48-year-old Mike Samadi was one of these surprise candidates who based his campaign on local bread and butter issues, openly saying the population did not care about the wider political stakes.
He made a score of 33.7 percent of the votes, defeating incumbent Thierry Gowecee (UC-FLNKS) (26.5 percent) and UNI’s Joseph Goromido (30.5 percent).
“There was no place for politics, and I intend this to remain this way”, he told public broadcaster NC la 1ère. “The reality is to stay close to the population, it’s much healthier than this politician world”.
He said his priorities were first to re-launch Koné economic attractiveness and to work for the younger generations.
Koné had been a long-time pro-independence stronghold.
In the Western coastal city of Bourail, incumbent mayor Patrick Robelin secured his re-election (44.6 percent) for another six years, mainly thanks to the support of pro-independence parties, in addition to his pro-France list.
In French Polynesia, in this battle for 22 municipalities, one of the most expected results was for the capital Papeete, where Rémy Brillant (pro-France, or pro autonomy, according to the local term) secured 43.4 percent of the votes.
He was leading a list called Papeete Na Mua Roa.
His most direct opponent, Tematai Le Gayic, pro-independence, received 23.3 percent.
Brillant has been a long-time associate of outgoing Lord Mayor Michel Buillard, 75 years old, who has been running the capital’s affairs since June 1995.
Some key political figures were re-elected on 15 March 2026 with an absolute majority of over fifty percent of the votes.
This was the case of pro-autonomy Tapura Huiraatira party leader and former President Edouard Fritch (74 years old) in Pirae (which he rules since 2014) and pro-independence Tavini Huiraatira party President Oscar Temaru (81 years old) in his stronghold of Faa’a of which he has been the Lord Mayor since 1983, uninterrupted.
But at the first round also, Tavini party figure and Speaker of the Territorial Assembly Antony Géros lost to Tapura’s woman leader Tepuaraurii Teriitahi (52.5 percent) …. PACNEWS
PNG – RESOURCE WEALTH: WORLD BANK PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Turning Resource Wealth into Jobs Key to PNG’s Development Ambitions: World Bank
PORT MORESBY, 24 MARCH 2026 (WORLD BANK) — Papua New Guinea has the potential to build a strong, job-rich economy but to deliver on this potential, it must unlock more value from its resources.
This means ramping up investment in the health, education, and skills of its people, according to a new World Bank Public Finance Review released Monday.
The review, Converting Resource Wealth into Human Capital, highlights how stronger public finances and smarter investment in people can help Papua New Guinea turn its natural wealth into opportunities for its rapidly growing young population.
Papua New Guinea has set ambitious national targets including creating one million jobs, growing the economy to K200 billion by 2030, and achieving a balanced budget by 2027 but meeting these goals will depend on stronger fiscal systems that translate this resource wealth into results.
The review identifies three priorities to help Papua New Guinea unlock stronger growth and job creation: capturing stronger returns from the resource sector and broadening the tax base, improving how public funds are spent, and increasing investment in health, education, and social protection.
Papua New Guinea’s resource sector has expanded rapidly in the past decade. Yet the government’s revenue share has remained relatively small. Between 2013 and 2024, resource revenues averaged just 1.9 percent of GDP, even as production from the sector nearly doubled.
At the same time, underinvestment in people is holding back productivity and job creation. The available data show that nearly half of young children are stunted, one in 25 children dies before the age of five, and education outcomes remain among the weakest globally. A child born in Papua New Guinea today is expected to reach only 42 percent of their potential productivity. According to the review, addressing these issues will require an increase in annual spending of approximately 4.5 percent of GDP to support smarter education programs, expanded primary healthcare, and the development of a national social safety net.
“The future of any country depends on the health, skills, and energy of its young people,” said Han Fraeters, World Bank Division Director for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. “With focused actions, Papua New Guinea can turn its natural wealth into stronger services, a more diverse economy, and more jobs for the next generation,” said Fraeters…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Fiji poised for digital transformation, but gaps remain – World Bank
NADI, 24 MARCH 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Fiji has strong potential to transform public services through digital technology but must address key gaps in access and availability to fully benefit, according to World Bank.
The report notes that Fiji is already the most advanced country in the Pacific region in terms of digital government development, based on the World Bank’s GovTech Maturity Index.
With mobile penetration exceeding 100 percent and internet usage reaching 88 percent of the population, the foundation for digital growth is well established.
However, challenges remain in how services are delivered. The World Bank highlighted that many Fijians still rely on in-person services, with long queues observed at banks for government payments and citizens often needing to take time off work or make repeated calls to access services.
Over the past six years, the Government has introduced a range of e-services, including online birth registration, business registration, utility payments and tax services. Digital payments have also increased significantly, with mobile and internet banking transactions rising sharply and mobile money use expanding rapidly.
Despite this progress, uptake of online services remains limited. Survey data showed that only 17 percent of households accessed services online, while 83 percent continued to do so in person. The main reason cited was that services were not available online.
The findings also revealed a gap between urban and rural communities, with rural households less likely to access or use digital services. Education levels and digital literacy were also identified as key factors influencing adoption.
The World Bank said expanding digital services, improving connectivity in rural areas and raising public awareness will be critical. Initiatives such as the development of a national digital ID system are expected to further support access.
The report concludes that with the right investments and policies, Fiji can strengthen service delivery and lead digital transformation efforts in the Pacific.… PACNEWS
FIJI – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: FBC NEWS PACNEWS 1: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Fuel price shocks have a “lagged effect” on Fiji’s market: ANZ Economist
SUVA, 24 MARCH 2026 (PACNEWS) — ANZ Senior Pacific Economist Dr Kishti Sen says during supply shocks, such as in 2022, it takes a while before initial crude oil price increases are reflected in the cost of petroleum products imported into Fiji.
The world last experienced a major supply disruption and an oil price shock following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Sen says using that as a guide, the immediate transmission from large increases in crude oil prices to refined product prices, such as fuel, was lower than suggested by history.
In March of 2022, a month after Russia’s invasion, Brent crude rose 19.5 percent. However, Sen says that the April 2022 review of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, which would have incorporated this March uplift in prices, showed a more muted nine percent increase in petrol prices.
He said that the largest increase came in July, when petrol prices rose 11.7 percent $3.44 a litre.
However, Sen adds that the corresponding crude oil price rise was only 5.7 percent
Sen further states that transport constitutes 13.8 percent of Fiji’s Consumer Price Index.
However, he says that the weighting of the sub-expenditure categories is not available, so it is difficult to isolate the contribution of fuel price changes to overall weighted average CPI inflation.
He highlights that it is important to note that fuel prices were $2.57 (US$1.28) a litre in December of 2025, and for the first three months of the year have averaged $2.33 (US$1.16) a litre.
He stated that if fuel prices ease from August, as they predict, then their direct contribution to consumer prices will be fairly muted.
Accordingly, Sen said they don’t expect the Reserve Bank of Fiji to respond by making monetary conditions tighter to manage spending and demand.
Central banks cannot do much to shift the dial on inflation caused by supply disruptions.
Fiscal policy has more room to manoeuvre, he said.
Sen further stated that if the conflict escalates and the duration of high crude prices is prolonged beyond their forecasts, then the state may consider removing 20 cents a litre fuel excise, as it did back in 2022, to provide some relief to motorists and ease the cost-of-living pressures…. PACNEWS
AUST – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: AAP PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 24 Mar 2026
PM Albanese hits the phones to shore up Australia’s fuel supply as fuel outlook worsens
CANBERRA, 24 MARCH 2026 (AAP) — Australia is looking to lock in assurances of energy supplies from trading partners as fears mount that countries will reserve fuel exports for their domestic markets.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday signed a joint statement with Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong, affirming the two nations’ commitment to energy security and sharing their concerns over the situation in the Middle East.
Australia imports over one-fifth of its petrol and diesel from the southeast Asian city state, while Singapore relies heavily on Australia for liquefied natural gas which powers more than 90 percent of its electricity grid, according to the International Energy Agency.
The agency’s executive director, Fatih Birol, was in Australia on Monday, warning the world that the current energy crisis was equal to the combined shocks of the 1970s oil embargo and the ongoing Ukraine war.
Dr Birol called for governments around the world to band together to help deal with the supply shock, including by encouraging demand-side measures such as work-from-home directives and lowering speed limits.
“No country will be immune to the effects of this crisis, if it continues to go in this direction,” he told the National Press Club in Canberra.
“Of course, every country first puts its own domestic interest. But in such a situation, to have serious export restrictions without justification, might not be something which gets plus points from the international community”
China has reportedly banned fuel exports until the end of March, threatening one-third of Australia’s jet fuel supply.
Albanese was working the phones to ensure Australia’s imports were not forgotten in the global rush for oil, Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite told Sky News.
Australia could leverage its gas exports to incentivise countries to continue sending fuel, Mr Thistlethwaite suggested.
Albanese said his government was talking with partners in Korea, Japan, China and Singapore.
“We are engaged. We are reliable partners when it comes to energy security, and we expect that to be a two-way flow,” he said.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen revealed six tankers bound for Australia had their journeys cancelled or postponed because of the war in the Middle East.
Analysts expect the situation to worsen as the war drags on.
“We expect the conflict to last months, not weeks, and the supply of oil and oil products remains at risk, pushing up prices,” Commonwealth Bank head of Australian economics Belinda Allen said.
Bowen said 37 out of 2444 service stations had run out of fuel in NSW, 47 had run out of diesel in Queensland and 109 outlets had one or more grades unavailable.
While he had been working with his department on contingency planning, he would not confirm whether he had received advice from his department on fuel rationing.
“We’re a long way from that,’ Bowen told parliament.
The government has brought together business leaders from the agriculture sector and leading supply chain experts to discuss the ripple effects of the oil crisis.
An initial investigation into the effects of high diesel prices will be handed down within one month.
A broader report on other critical agricultural products including fertiliser and pesticides will be delivered by the end of the year.
The war in the Middle East was a timely reminder not to be complacent about Australia’s supply chains, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said.
“While Australia is food secure, we recognise the importance of supply chain resilience, including the supply of fuel and fertiliser, which is why we have commissioned this assessment,” she said in a statement.
Logistics companies responsible for transporting much of Australia’s food from farm to store have previously warned high diesel prices are heaping pressure on an already-stressed sector…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow: Disability-Inclusive Early Warning Systems in the Pacific
SUVA, 24 MARCH 2026 (UNDP) — Observation is the foundation of protection.
Satellites track storms, sensors measure rainfall, and networks monitor rising seas but these observations only safeguard tomorrow if they reach everyone today. In April 2020, as Tropical Cyclone Harold barreled toward Fiji, radio announcements warned communities to prepare.
Yet for Ana, a deaf woman in Lautoka, the warnings were silent.
For others with low literacy or visual impairments, the technical bulletins were incomprehensible.
The Fiji Red Cross Society reported that while over 10,000 people received assistance, many vulnerable groups struggled to access timely information and evacuation support. The UNDRR’s 2024 case study on Fiji’s multi-hazard early warning systems confirms that while national frameworks exist, accessibility remains a major gap. Alerts delivered through single channels — radio, SMS, or sirens — exclude those with hearing or visual impairments. The universal truth is clear: observing today must mean protecting tomorrow for everyone.
The Inclusion Gap
Observation is only as strong as its reach.
Across the Pacific, persons with disabilities consistently report being left behind during emergencies, even when national systems are in place. The UNDRR’s 2023 thematic report on disability inclusion in disaster risk reduction found that many countries rely on single-channel alerts — sirens, SMS, or radio — that excludes those with hearing or visual impairments (UNDRR, 2023). Messages are often not available in sign language, plain language, or tactile formats, leaving people unable to act on critical information.
Consultations led by the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) and CBM Global in 2022 revealed that persons with disabilities are rarely involved in the design of disaster preparedness systems, meaning solutions are created without lived experience (PDF & CBM Global, 2022). The result is clear: warnings that may be technically sound remain practically inaccessible.
The Pacific Disability-Inclusive Humanitarian and Resilient Development Strategy 2025–2035 emphasises that accessibility is still treated as an “add-on” rather than a design principle, undermining both rights and effectiveness (Pacific Strategy, 2025–2035). When systems fail to reach those most at risk, they fail the entire community. Observing today must mean observing inclusively — because only then can tomorrow’s protection be trusted and effective.
What Good Looks Like
Observation is not just about collecting data — it is about ensuring that the information is accessible, trusted, and actionable for everyone. An inclusive early warning system in the Pacific must begin with co-creation alongside organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). Evidence from the Pacific Disability Forum’s 2022 consultations shows that when OPDs are engaged from the outset, warnings are more trusted and more widely acted upon (Pacific Disability Forum & CBM Global, 2022).
Systems should use multiple communication modalities — audio, visual, tactile, and digital — that reinforce one another. During Cyclone Gita in Tonga (2018), community radio combined with church networks and door-to-door outreach proved far more effective than sirens alone, especially for older persons and those with disabilities (UNDRR, 2018). These examples show that observing today through diverse channels ensures tomorrow’s protection for all.
Universal design must be embedded in policies and technologies. The World Meteorological Organisation’s 2023 guidance on Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems stresses that accessibility should be a design principle, not an afterthought (WMO, 2023). Locally led networks — women’s groups, youth groups, and village leaders — are vital in bridging communication barriers. In Vanuatu, women-led community disaster committees have successfully adapted warnings into Bislama and plain language formats, ensuring that alerts reach the “last mile.”
Inclusive systems are not more complicated — they are more resilient, more trusted, and ultimately more effective. By embedding accessibility into every stage, Pacific nations can build warning systems that protect everyone, not just the majority. This is what observing today, protecting tomorrow looks like in practice.
Pacific Proof Points
The Pacific is already demonstrating how inclusive observation and warning systems can protect tomorrow. In Fiji, the government and partners under the Climate Resilient Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative have strengthened standard operating procedures across agencies, ensuring clearer responsibilities and more consistent communication during cyclones (CREWS, 2024).
The Pacific Resilience Partnership (PRP) has emphasised tailoring risk information to local contexts, noting that communities respond best when warnings are delivered in familiar languages and formats (PRP, 2024). In Vanuatu, women-led disaster committees have translated warnings into Bislama and plain language formats, ensuring that persons with disabilities and low-literacy users can act on them. Similarly, consultations by the Pacific Disability Forum in 2022 highlighted how indigenous knowledge and community networks — such as church groups and village leaders — are vital for bridging communication gaps (Pacific Disability Forum & CBM Global, 2022).
These examples prove that the region is not starting from zero. There are leadership, innovation, and momentum already underway. The Pacific’s strengths — community solidarity, indigenous knowledge, and women-led initiatives — offer powerful platforms for reaching people with diverse communication needs. By observing today through inclusive, locally led approaches, the Pacific is protecting tomorrow with systems that are trusted, resilient, and effective.
The Payoff
Inclusive observation and warning systems deliver benefits far beyond any single group. When warnings are clearer, accessible, and delivered through multiple formats, communities act faster and more safely. The World Meteorological Organisation’s Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (2023) confirms that accessibility-focused systems reduce response times and increase compliance (WMO, 2023).
In Samoa, lessons from Cyclone Evan (2012) prompted reforms in disaster communication. The government worked with village councils and church networks to deliver warnings in plain language and multiple formats, ensuring persons with disabilities, older persons, and low-literacy users could act. According to the UNDRR’s 2024 Pacific report, Samoa’s integration of community networks into national systems has significantly improved trust and response rates (UNDRR, 2024).
This example underscores the broader payoff: inclusion isn’t only about one group — it strengthens the entire system. By embedding accessibility, Pacific nations close gaps for persons with disabilities while simultaneously building resilience for remote communities, migrants, and older populations. Observing today with inclusivity ensures tomorrow’s protection is stronger, faster, and more trusted.
What Partners Can Do Now
Observation without accessibility is observation without protection. Donors, governments, and technical agencies in the Pacific can act decisively to embed disability inclusion into early warning systems. The Pacific Resilience Partnership (PRP) has emphasised that accessibility must be treated as a core system investment, not an optional add-on (PRP, 2024).
Evidence from the Fiji Climate Resilient Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative shows that involving organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) throughout design, testing, drills, and evaluation leads to stronger trust and uptake of warnings (CREWS, 2024). Standard checklists — such as those promoted by UNDRR’s Checklist on Inclusive Early Warning Systems (2023) — provide practical frameworks for governments and agencies to ensure accessibility is consistently applied (UNDRR, 2023).
Partners should also invest in community-based communication channels and redundancies. In Tonga, lessons from Cyclone Gita (2018) demonstrated that combining SMS alerts with church networks and door-to-door outreach ensured warnings reached persons with disabilities and older persons who might otherwise be excluded (UNDRR, 2018). Donors can further support pilots that demonstrate scalable inclusive models tailored to Pacific Island contexts, creating evidence that can be replicated regionally.
This is not a critique — it is a call to partnership. By embedding accessibility into every stage, partners can help the Pacific lead globally in showing what “observing today, protecting tomorrow” looks like in practice.
Closing Call to Action
Early warning systems are among the most cost-effective climate and disaster risk investments, but their true value lies in reaching everyone. In the Pacific, where cyclones, floods, and volcanic activity are intensifying, exclusion is not an option. Evidence from UNDRR’s 2024 Pacific report shows that inclusive systems — those designed with accessibility, multiple communication channels, and community networks — save more lives and build greater trust (UNDRR, 2024). Partners now have a clear opportunity: commit to inclusive early warning systems that reflect the Pacific’s strengths — community solidarity, indigenous knowledge, and women-led initiatives. Doing so will not only protect persons with disabilities but also strengthen resilience for remote villages, older persons, migrants, and low-literacy users.
This is the essence of World Meteorological Day 2026: observing today with inclusivity, so that tomorrow’s protection is universal. The Pacific can lead the world in showing how observation, when accessible to all, becomes the foundation of resilience and trust…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
Strengthening Tokelau’s climate services capability
APIA, 24 MARCH 2026 (SPREP) — The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), through the Climate and Oceans Support Programme in the Pacific (COSPPac), recently hosted a two-day training for three staff members from the Tokelau National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (NMHS), aimed at improving their national climate services.
Held at the SPREP headquarters in Apia from 18–19 March 2026, the training brought together Meteorological Officers from the Tokelau Met Service and regional experts within SPREP’s Climate Science and Information (CSI) programme to build technical capacity in seasonal climate prediction and the use of specialised tools and products under the COSPPac programme.
Director of SPREP’s CSI Programme, Salesa Nihmei, said the training reflects SPREP’s continued commitment to support Pacific meteorological services and to ensure all NMHS benefit from COSPPac project.
“This training is part of SPREP’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the capacity of Pacific Meteorological Services,” he said.
“By equipping our partners in Tokelau with the tools, knowledge and skills needed for climate prediction and services, we are supporting more informed decision-making and building resilience for communities across the region.”
The Tokelau Met Service is a relatively new institution that plays a critical role in providing weather, climate, and ocean advisory services to its communities. With forecasting support currently supplemented by regional partners such as the Samoa Meteorological Service and the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in Nadi, the training marked an important step toward strengthening Tokelau’s in-country capabilities.
The training focused on a range of key areas, including climate variability and extreme events in the southwest Pacific, seasonal climate prediction, and the integration of climate services into national development planning. Participants also received hands-on training in the use of COSPPac tools such as SCOPIC and ACCESS-S, which support the development of tailored climate outlooks.
Sessions covered both theoretical and practical components. These included introductions to Pacific climate drivers, the Ocean and Climate Outlook Forum (OCOF) process, and the Early Action Rainfall Watch bulletin. Participants also explored the role of traditional knowledge in climate science, reinforcing the importance of combining scientific and indigenous approaches in building climate resilience.
A pre-training survey identified minimal knowledge of Pacific climate drivers such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, South Pacific Convergence Zone and Intertropical Convergence Zone. They had minimal understanding of the different platforms, products, and models for seasonal predictions and forecasting.
The survey also revealed little understanding of the importance of, and connection between, traditional knowledge and climate, and the traditional knowledge support that is available under the COSPPac programme.
Upon completion of the training, a post-training survey showed a marked improvement and increase in their understanding and knowledge around these aspects.
Mile Fonua, Manager of Tokelau’s Met Service, welcomed the training and highlighted its value to their team.
“This training will greatly benefit our capacity building and expand our knowledge of different types of models that will help enhance our work every day,” she said.
“Traditional knowledge also plays an important role, and this is something we were not fully aware of before. Its importance in helping us predict and monitor our weather back home is significant. Overall, this is exactly the kind of training and knowledge we have been looking forward to and truly need,” she added.
As one of the priority countries under COSPPac Phase 3, Tokelau’s participation reflects a broader regional effort to ensure all Pacific Island nations are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to respond to climate variability and change.
SPREP continues to work closely with national meteorological services and partners across the Pacific to strengthen climate services, support informed decision-making, and enhance community resilience in the face of increasing climate risks…. PACNEWS
For more information, please contact Philip Malsale, COSPPac Senior Climatologist, at philipm@sprep.org
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