In this bulletin:
1. UN — Long hours, stress and harassment are causing hundreds of thousands of early deaths, says UN labour agency
2. AUST — Australia to supply assault rifles to PNG
3. FIJI — Defence Minister warns ‘Don’t even try’ to test military
4. PALAU — Palau faces emerging drought as water rationing begins in Northern States
5. FIJI — Fiji foreign Minister Ditoka holds talks in Australia with Ministers
6. UN — Ceasefire extension offers diplomatic opening, but tensions persist in Strait of Hormuz
7. NZ — Pacific lives at risk as blood cancer deaths rise and costs delay treatment – report
8. TONGA — Dengue cases rise to 28 as health officials urge vigilance
9. PALAU — Tuberculosis Cases Surge Early in 2026, Prompting Health Alert in Palau
10. NZ — ‘We were ready’: Pacific experience helped Wellington family ride out flooding storm
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Fuel shock hits Fiji growth, Inflation to peak at 6.4 percent – Westpac
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific labour schemes come under pressure as NZ and Australia face calls for reforms
13. PACNEWS BIZ — ADB commits US$680 million for Pacific development in 2025
14. PACNEWS BIZ — Multilateral Development Banks push joint plan to build critical minerals supply chains
15. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji tourism outlook steady as bookings match peak trends
16. PACNEWS BIZ — Australia donates detection devices to identify illegal substances in Samoa
17. PACNEWS DIGEST — Jet fuel is the Pacific’s blind spot – regional co-operation can fix it
18. PACNEWS DIGEST — Strengthening genetic conservation capacity in island food systems
19. PACNEWS DIGEST — Our Power, Our Planet: Young Leaders advancing human-nature relationships
UN – EARLY DEATHS: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 3: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Long hours, stress and harassment are causing hundreds of thousands of early deaths, says UN labour agency
GENEVA, 23 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — More than 840,000 people die each year from health conditions linked to risks such as long working hours, job insecurity, workplace harassment and bullying, according to a new report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The way that jobs are designed, organised and managed has a major effect on the health and safety of workers, and, according to the study, – The psychosocial working environment: Global developments and pathways for action – the impact is growing, manifesting itself in rising rates of cardiovascular disease and mental disorders, including suicide.
The report’s authors looked at three interrelated areas of work: the nature of the job (including the demands, responsibilities and tasks), how it is organised and managed and the broader workplace policies in place (such as performance and reward processes and rules preventing violence and harassment).
They estimated the figure of 840,000 deaths per year by looking at global levels of workplace risk factors: job strain, an imbalance between effort and reward, job insecurity, long working hours, bullying and harassment.
Scientific research shows how these risks increase the likelihood of serious health conditions and the risk levels were matched with the latest global mortality and health data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease study to arrive at the number.
Many of these risks have been around for a long time, but the ILO is concerned by the effects of the current transformations that are taking place where we work.
These upheavals include digitalisation, AI, remote work and new job arrangements which – if not addressed properly – can intensify existing problems or create new ones.
“Psychosocial risks are becoming one of the most significant challenges for occupational safety and health in the modern world of work,” says Manal Azzi, Team Lead on OSH Policy and Systems at the ILO.
“Improving the psychosocial working environment is essential not only for protecting workers’ mental and physical health, but also for strengthening productivity, organisational performance and sustainable economic development.”
The report emphasises that the risks and excess deaths, can be avoided if roots causes are addressed, and if psychosocial risk management is integrated into occupational safety and health systems and supported by social dialogue between governments, employers and workers.
By addressing the risks proactively, the report concludes, countries and enterprises can create healthier workplaces that benefit both workers and organisations – while strengthening productivity and economic resilience…. PACNEWS
AUST – DEFENCE: AUST DEFENCE MAGAZINE PACNEWS 3: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Australia to supply assault rifles to PNG
CANBERRA, 23 APRIL 2026 (AUST DEFENCE MAGAZINE) — Australia is set to supply 3,500 new Australian Combat Assault Rifles (ACAR) to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), along with improvements to armouries to ensure they are securely stored.
Through this deal, the rollout of replacement weapons will include further work on armouries, as well as additional steps to enhance weapons security.
Already Chief of the PNGDF, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, has expressed concern that his defence force lacks the facilities to safely store the new weapons.
“Lethal items like weapons and ammunition, we have to be honest with ourselves and be realistic, whether we have the capacity or we have the facilities to keep all these items that we bring in,” he told the ABC.
This deal, worth around $35 million (US$25 million), remains sensitive.
In response to specific queries from Australia Defence Magazine, ADF said, as alliance partners, Australia and PNG were working closely to strengthen interoperability between our defence forces, including through discussions on a small arms capability partnership.
“This cooperation reflects our shared commitment to the Alliance which enables our militaries to work more closely together, streamline standard operating procedures and maximise training opportunities during exercises,” a spokesperson ADM.
“Over many years, Australia has invested in the upgrade and sustainment of PNG Defence Force armouries as part of its Defence Cooperation Programme. This has included ongoing maintenance of magazines and armouries, as well as the installation of alert systems to notify Defence Force personnel in the event of security breaches.
“As part of this partnership, Australia continues to work with PNG on measures that support the safe and secure management of weapons, alongside broader capability uplift.”
The spokesperson said Defence applied robust governance and risk mitigation processes to all provisions of military equipment to foreign governments, implemented in full compliance with Australia’s international obligations.
The new weapons will be manufactured by Thales at its Lithgow Arms facility in Lithgow, NSW. The Lithgow factory has manufactured weapons for Australian soldiers since 1912.
Thales declined to comment on the PNG deal, citing sensitivities associated with defence capability matters and export arrangements.
Australia isn’t a large exporter of military small arms, though that wasn’t always the case. Lithgow manufactured large numbers of SLR rifles which were supplied to Commonwealth nations though the 1960s and 70s.
ACAR is an AR-pattern rifle developed in response to the US military’s decision to move to the new 6.8 x 51 cartridge and new SIG rifles which deliver improved, long-range ballistics and better performance against modern body armour.
Thales also developed a bullpup pattern rifle with handling characteristics similar to the in-service EF88 rifle, the Australian-made variant of the Austrian Steyr AUG which was adopted in 1988.
The ACAR will certainly be a contender for Australia’s new infantry weapon under the ongoing project Land 159 to refresh Australian Defence Force (ADF) weapons systems.
ACAR is offered in a range of calibres including the familiar 7.62×51 NATO, 5.56×45 NATO and the new 6.8×51 cartridge.
Neither Defence nor Thales have stated the chambering of ACAR rifles for PNG, though it’s likely to be the familiar 5.56 NATO, in keeping with their current M16A2 rifles.
Neither would comment on whether this is the first sale, or the first significant sale of ACAR rifles to anyone.
This deal was initially announced in October last year at the PNG-Australia Ministerial Forum, with Defence Minister Richard Marles saying rifles would be supplied over the next four years. With work on armouries, the value is $35 million (US$25 million).
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said Australia would also be supplying 4500 new uniforms made to the same standards as ADF uniforms, although with PNGDF camouflage pattern.
Some further details emerged from the Senate estimates hearing in February, the main takeout being that there was no competitive tender.
PNG features a significant law and order issue, particularly in its highland’s region. Where once warring tribes duked it out with spears and bows and arrows, they now employ military pattern small arms, with significantly higher casualty rates.
Leakage from the PNG military and police accounts for many of those guns, typically via corruption. Others are imported across porous borders.
Australian defence aid to PNG has included improvements to armouries. One consideration is to be able to rapidly lock down sources of weapons in the event of soldiers revolting…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DEFENCE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 3: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Defence Minister warns ‘Don’t Even Try’ to test military
SUVA, 23 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Fiji’s Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua has warned against attempting to break into the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) installations, indicating the seriousness of undermining military security.
“No. Don’t go there. Don’t even try to do it,” he said.
His comments follow recent events involving joint operations between the military and the Fiji Police Force, which exposed a criminal network trying to destablise the nation.
“It’s a very serious offence. You have got to be stupid to attempt to break into the military’s facilities,” he told the Fiji Sun.
Tikoduadua said the attempt to break into the military’s installations was believed to be motivated by illicit drug criminals.
” Someone is desperate to get their arms or hands on these weapons for their purpose.
“I believe these attempts are motivated by people who want to use the weapons and ammos on their drugs, to pursue and expand their business.”
Media have widely reported that the Police deal with drug issues until recently.
But recent events, indicate that these drug cartels are emboldened, and undermining the RFMF is by extension a challenge to the security of the nation.
The RFMF’s assessment of their role in the Constitution is that they must now work directly with the Police to deal with this national security threat, which Tikoduadua says is in progress.
Tikoduadua reiterates that the military security systems are secure, with additional measures currently being implemented and enforced…. PACNEWS
PALAU – DROUGHT: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Palau faces emerging drought as water rationing begins in Northern States
KOROR, 23 APRIL 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) — Early signs of a possible drought are emerging in Palau, with residents reporting weeks of little rainfall and officials warning of drier conditions ahead.
“It looks like we are going to have a drought,” an elderly woman from Babeldaob said, noting that it has been more than three weeks, possibly a month, with minimal rain.
The National Weather Service has issued alerts for “moderate drought” and “abnormal dryness” in the coming months, reinforcing those concerns.
Last Friday, water hours were imposed in Ngaraard and Ngermetong in Ngarchelong as the Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) began scheduled water rationing in the northernmost states. The utility cited a gradual drop and delayed recharging of the Metemellasch Dam, requiring controlled discharging to sustain water services during current dry conditions.
PPUC has deployed supplementary water trucks at the Ngaraard state office compound and near the Badrulchau entrance to assist affected residents.
The Palau National Weather Service also warned that El Niño conditions are likely to develop between May and July 2026 and persist through at least the end of the year. Its Early Action Rainfall watch indicates a “very high chance” of very dry conditions for the southwest islands and a “medium chance” for the rest of Palau during that period.
In a public advisory, the agency urged residents to prepare for a “very dry next three months,” warning of low water pressure, declining household water supplies, reduced stream levels and possible impacts on trees and root crops. Expanded water rationing is also possible.
Meanwhile, PPUC is conducting scheduled repair and maintenance at the Koror–Airai Treatment Plant in Ngeruluobel and continues to monitor water levels in Airai, Koror and outlying states. The utility is urging residents to conserve water, prepare catchments and store sufficient supplies.
Palau typically experiences lower rainfall from February through April, but when dry conditions extend into May, drought risk increases. In 2016, a severe drought prompted a national emergency declaration and the closure of Jellyfish Lake…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 3: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Fiji foreign Minister Ditoka holds talks in Australia with Ministers
SUVA/CANBERRA, 23 APRIL 2206 (FIJI TIMES) — Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sakiasi Ditoka, has held high-level discussions in Australia focused on regional security and resilience amid emerging global pressures.
Ditoka met with Australia’s Minister for the Pacific Island Affairs and Defence Industries, Pat Conroy, where both leaders addressed challenges affecting the Pacific, including fuel scarcity and its implications for national and regional stability.
During the talks, Ditoka stressed the need for practical and forward-looking contingency arrangements under the Vuvale Partnership, particularly in strengthening fuel supply assurance, storage capacity and coordinated response mechanisms.
He said the discussions were also guided by the broader vision of an “Ocean of Peace”, anchored in stability, cooperation and respect for sovereignty across the Pacific.
“This requires not only shared principles, but deliberate action and trusted partnerships,” Ditoka said.
He reaffirmed Australia’s role as a key Vuvale partner, noting that ongoing engagements are critical to ensuring both countries remain aligned and prepared to respond to evolving regional challenges.
Officials say the meeting highlights Fiji’s continued push to strengthen partnerships and safeguard the interests of its people and the wider Pacific region.
He also met Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong…. PACNEWS
UN – DIPLOMACY: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 3: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Ceasefire extension offers diplomatic opening, but tensions persist in Strait of Hormuz
NEW YORK, 23 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — The United States’ decision to extend a fragile ceasefire with Iran has kept a narrow window open for diplomacy, but fresh security incidents in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday underscore the volatility of the situation and the risks to global shipping and regional stability.
The UN Secretary-General welcomed the move, calling it “an important step toward de-escalation and creating critical space for diplomacy and confidence-building between Iran and the United States.”
In a statement issued late on Tuesday by his spokesperson, António Guterres urged all sides to “refrain from actions that could undermine the ceasefire” and to engage constructively in negotiations toward a lasting resolution.
He also expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate talks, voicing hope they could help create conditions for a “comprehensive and durable” settlement.
However, the status of those negotiations remains unclear.
Even as diplomatic efforts continue, tensions remain high in and around the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints – with reported tit-for-tat ship seizures off the Iranian coast.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors maritime safety, reported that a cargo vessel west of Iran came under fire and was forced to halt, while a container ship northeast of Oman sustained heavy damage to its bridge after being targeted by an armed vessel. In both cases, crews were reported safe.
The narrow waterway, linking the Persian Gulf to global markets, carries a significant share of the world’s oil and gas supplies. Since the US-Israeli bombing of Iran began in late February, maritime traffic has dropped sharply, and insurance costs have surged.
The head of the UN maritime agency warned in a statement later on Wednesday that the situation remains “extremely volatile.”
“The attacks on and seizures of commercial ships are unacceptable,” said IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, calling for “these reckless actions to cease” and for affected ships and crews to be released.
He described the conditions faced by seafarers in the region as highly precarious, citing accounts of “constant stress of missiles overhead” and ongoing uncertainty for nearly 20,000 crew members still stranded after weeks of disruption.
“De-escalation, meaningful actions and restoring the freedom of navigation is the only way forward,” he added.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, a separate 10-day ceasefire has allowed tens of thousands of displaced families to begin returning, although many homes and other infrastructure suffered damage during the fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 120,000 people remain displaced in collective shelters across the country, despite a 20 per cent decline since the ceasefire began on 17 April.
Returns to many areas in southern Lebanon remain restricted due to ongoing military presence, with at least 74 localities still considered unsafe.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed the death of another French peacekeeper who had been critically injured in an attack in southern Lebanon on Saturday.
Corporal Anicet Girardin, 31, succumbed to his wounds after his explosive ordnance disposal team came under fire while clearing a road to restore access to UN positions.
That attack also claimed the life of Sergeant-Chef Florian Montorio and wounded another peacekeeper. Initial assessments by the mission indicated the peacekeepers likely came under fire from Hezbollah militants.
He was the fifth UNIFIL peacekeeper to be killed during the current hostilities.
Humanitarian needs remain severe, with access constraints, funding shortages and continued tensions limiting the response.
Food prices have risen by six per cent since February, adding pressure on already vulnerable households. Many families are selling assets or borrowing to cope, with women and girls often bearing the brunt of the crisis.
More than 22 percent of agricultural land has been impacted by hostilities, and over three quarters of farmers in southern Lebanon have been forced to suspend work, according to Lebanese authorities.
“Across Lebanon, women are playing a critical role in sustaining families and supporting communities through the crisis,” said UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza, stressing that their protection and leadership must remain central to the response.
In the southern city of Tyre, displaced women are leading community efforts to support food access, preparing thousands of daily meals through initiatives backed by UN agencies and local partners.
At the same time, the health system is under severe strain.
Six hospitals have been forced to close with 15 sustaining damage, while dozens of primary healthcare centres are no longer operational.
Since early March, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recorded 147 attacks on healthcare, resulting in 100 deaths and more than 230 injuries among medical staff…. PACNEWS
NZ – HEALTH: PMN PACNEWS 3: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Pacific lives at risk as blood cancer deaths rise and costs delay treatment – report
AUCKLAND, 23 APRIL 2026 (PMN) — Pacific families are facing growing pressure as new data shows they are more likely to die from blood cancer than other groups in New Zealand.
A new national report released this week by Blood Cancer New Zealand has found Pacific people are experiencing higher death rates with advocates warning that late diagnosis, cost pressures, and barriers to care are putting lives at risk.
Blood cancer is now Aotearoa’s third leading cause of cancer death with more than 1000 deaths each year. The number of deaths has risen by nearly 40 per cent since 2008 and around 3000 people diagnosed annually.
The report, State of Blood Cancer in New Zealand, highlights Māori and Pacific communities as being hit hardest, raising fresh concerns about whether the health system is working fairly for everyone.
Speaking on Pacific Mornings, Tim Maifeleni, regional manager of Blood Cancer New Zealand, says Pacific families are already at a disadvantage by the time they enter the system.
One of the biggest challenges is getting to a doctor early, Maifeleni says, adding that cost and access issues mean some Pacific patients delay seeing a GP until it is too late.
“Our people are dying more from blood cancer in comparison to other populations,” Maifeleni says.
“When they’re diagnosed, they’re put on the back foot, so they’re diagnosed later than most populations and they’re affected more than most people.”
“Some of our patients who are diagnosed, they don’t necessarily get to their GP as early as other people.”
Once treatment begins, the pressure does not ease. Families are often forced to juggle care with basic needs like transport, work, and childcare.
He recalls one Pacific mother who had to choose between taking her child to school or putting petrol in the car to get to treatment.
“A lot of times our patients, it’s not necessarily the bills, but it’s just the compounding decisions that they have to make in their lives.”
The findings come as the government announces a new blood cancer oversight group and a $27 million investment into stem cell transplants, which is aimed at improving treatment access and reducing wait times.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said more needs to be done to improve outcomes.
“Our focus is to make sure that all New Zealanders get treated based on their need. We need to do a better job to make sure we reduce those wait times, get patients seen faster.”
Brown says 33 new cancer medicines have been funded including several targeting blood cancers, and that the new oversight group would help ensure improvements reach all communities.
But advocates say the gap remains clear.
“There’s definitely a long way to go in terms of supporting our Pacific people,” Maifeleni says. “But the outcomes aren’t showing that there is a massive change in support for our Pacific people.”
He is urging Pacific families to seek help and not ignore symptoms, saying early action can make a critical difference.
For many across the Pacific community, the report confirms what families have been experiencing for years – that access, cost, and timing can mean the difference between life and death…. PACNEWS
TONGA – HEALTH: TALANOAOTONGA PACNEWS 3: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Dengue cases rise to 28 as health officials urge vigilance
NUKU’ALOFA, 23 APRIL 2026 (TALANOAOTONGA) — Tonga’s Ministry of Health says 28 dengue fever cases have now been confirmed across Tongatapu, Ha’apai and ‘Eua, with four new infections recorded in the latest outbreak update as Wednesday.
Four patients are currently hospitalised, while no deaths have been reported. Health officials say the most affected age group is young people aged 11 to 15 years, with community transmission continuing to raise concern.
The outbreak was first declared on 16 April after an initial six confirmed cases were identified, alongside several suspected infections. At the time, the Ministry said there was no clear epidemiological link between cases, indicating the virus was already spreading within communities rather than from a single source.
Earlier reports showed Ha’apai carried the highest number of cases, although the latest figures now confirm continued spread across the three island groups. One patient from ‘Eua had previously been transferred to Vaiola Hospital, while others were treated in Ha’apai and Tongatapu.
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The Ministry is urging households to remove stagnant water, clean surroundings, use mosquito repellents and bed nets, and wear protective clothing to reduce mosquito bites.
Symptoms of dengue include sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and rash. Severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding gums, or vomiting blood require immediate medical attention.
Dengue outbreaks have also been reported across parts of the Pacific this year, including Samoa and Fiji, highlighting wider regional pressure on public health systems. Tonga’s health authorities say surveillance and vector control efforts remain ongoing…. PACNEWS
PALAU – HEALTH: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Tuberculosis Cases Surge Early in 2026, Prompting Health Alert in Palau
KOROR, 23 APRIL 2206 (ISLAND TIMES) — An unusually rapid rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases has prompted Palau’s Ministry of Health and Human Services (MHHS) to issue a public notice, urging the public to remain vigilant, recognise symptoms and follow preventive measures.
As of 17 April, health officials confirmed eight TB cases in the first four months of 2026 — a sharp increase compared with the 13 cases recorded over all of 2025.
MHHS said the surge has triggered an advanced public health response, including intensified contact investigations, expanded screening and heightened public awareness efforts.
Tuberculosis is an infectious airborne disease spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or spits. Caused by bacteria that primarily affect the lungs, TB can lead to serious illness if left untreated.
Common symptoms include a persistent cough lasting two weeks or more, fatigue or weakness, fever or chills, night sweats, and loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
Health officials emphasised that TB is both treatable and curable, but early detection is critical to preventing its spread.
To protect themselves and others, MHHS advises the public to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wear a mask if feeling unwell, keep indoor spaces well-ventilated, avoid close contact with others when experiencing symptoms, and seek testing promptly if symptoms develop.
According to the World Health Organisation, countries reporting more than 100 TB cases per 100,000 people are classified as having a high incidence of the disease.
MHHS is urging residents to stay alert to symptoms and seek medical care early, as authorities work to contain the rise in cases and prevent further spread…. PACNEWS
NZ – WEATHER WATCH: PMN PACNEWS 3: Thu 23 Apr 2026
‘We were ready’: Pacific experience helped Wellington family ride out flooding storm
WELLINGTON, 23 APRIL 2206 (PMN) — As floodwaters start to drain away and emergency warnings are downgraded across Wellington, residents are beginning to take stock of long nights of heavy rain, rising seas, and damaged homes.
But for Ōwhiro Bay resident Thomas Wynne and his wife, the storm was not something to panic over. It was something to prepare for.
Living on the south coast where waves and wind hit directly, Wynne says his years living in cyclone-prone Rarotonga shaped how they responded when the weather turned.
When the storm peaked, seawater forced its way under their garage door.
“Being right on the beach we don’t have shelter from the wind and rain,” Wynne told PMN News.
“Sea water came in under the garage, and we spent the night vacuuming up the water. We also packed bags and put key documents in a bag in case we needed to leave quickly.”
Instead of sleeping through the storm, the couple stayed in their living room, tracking updates and watching conditions outside their home.
The family only moved into the property last year, but Wynne says Pacific experience taught them not to wait when warnings start to build.
“The wind however was and remains strong and we are buffeted by these and the rain all day.
“It’s sobering the rubbish that sits in our moana including the car that was thrown into the ocean just a few doors down from us.”
Ōwhiro Bay was among the worst-affected areas during Monday night’s heavy rain with flash flooding hitting low-lying homes while many people were asleep.
Across Wellington, Lower Hutt and Wairarapa, a state of emergency has now been downgraded as conditions ease and clean-up begins.
MetService says earlier heavy rain warnings for the capital have also been reduced with only showers and localised flooding risks remaining.
Merio Marsters from the Newtown Residents Association says some businesses are still dealing with the aftermath.
Speaking on Pacific Mornings Marsters says some shops were left with knee-deep water and spent the night clearing mud, glass and debris.
She says Pacific families in the suburb were already stepping up to support others.
“What we want people to do in the next few days is just be mindful that it will be a lot more stressful for those affected,” Marsters says.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says the city’s drainage systems were overwhelmed.
“There was more water that could go down our drains,” she told Terite. “They [the drains] were absolutely at capacity which brought the flooding with a high tide.”
Further east in the Hutt Valley, Mayor Ken Laban says 12 people were relocated into hubs and marae, while seven families stayed at the Walter Nash Centre in Taita.
“It’s starting to settle down,” he told Terite. “The ones that were unsafe were relocated and kept safe overnight and we just need now to make decisions on how quickly they can get back home.”
As the clean-up is underway, emergency services say the immediate danger has passed but for many families, the focus now is recovery, repairs and checking on neighbours.
For Wynne, the experience has reinforced something he brought with him from the Pacific.
When the weather turns, he says, preparation makes all the difference…. PACNEWS
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FIJI – ECONOMY: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Fuel shock hits Fiji growth, Inflation to peak at 6.4 percent – Westpac
SUVA, 23 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS) — Fiji’s economy is under pressure from rising fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict, with growth downgraded and inflation expected to climb, according to Westpac economist Shamal Chand.
In a Fiji Quarterly Economic Update, Chand warned: “The prolonged Middle East conflict has heightened risks to Fiji’s economy via surging fuel prices, rising inflation and pressures on tourism, growth and foreign reserves.”
“Fiji will get through this crisis.,” despite the outlook, he said.
The report said the ongoing disruption, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has triggered a major external shock, with Chand noting it has created “what is effectively the largest external energy shock since the 1970s oil crisis.”
He said the impact is already being felt across the economy.
“For Fiji, the shock is entirely imported, but the transmission to domestic prices, costs and activity is already evident.”
Fuel prices rose sharply in April and are expected to keep increasing, with Chand warning.
“While price controls have initially dampened pass-through, underlying pressures are building, and headline inflation is now expected to peak around 6.4 percent by September 2026.”
He said rising fuel costs are feeding through the economy, “squeezing household budgets” as transport, electricity and food prices increase. Growth expectations have also been cut.
“We have downgraded Fiji’s 2026 growth forecast to 2.0 percent, from 3.3 percent previously, reflecting potentially weaker activity across the industrial, agricultural and services sectors.”
Tourism remains a key concern. While arrivals were strong earlier in the year.
“Elevated jet fuel prices and the national airline’s capacity adjustments point to a flatter tourism profile for the remainder of the year.”
He added that Fiji Airways “has already begun consolidating routes, citing fuel costs as a key constraint.”
While fuel supplies are stable for now, risks remain to the country’s financial position, with Chand warning that “higher import costs threaten foreign reserves and place additional strain on public finances.”
He noted the government has responded, stating it “has activated the Fiji National Fuel Emergency Action Plan and is considering targeted cost-of-living measures ahead of the June Budget, though fiscal space remains limited.”
Chand said there are still possible positive outcomes if global conditions improve.
“Upside risks remain if fuel prices ease more quickly, supply disruptions are avoided, and tourism demand proves resilient.”
Looking ahead, he stressed the need for long-term changes.
“Accelerating renewable investment and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels will be critical to improving Fiji’s resilience to future global shocks,” Chand said…. PACNEWS
PAC – DEVELOPMENT/GRANT: ADB PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 23 Apr 2026
ADB commits US$680 million for Pacific development in 2025
MANILA, 23 APRIL 2026 (ADB) — In 2025, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed US$679.8 million for its Pacific developing member countries (DMCs), including US$214.4 million in grants from the Asian Development Fund (ADF), according to ADB’s Annual Report 2025.
The report, published today, summarises the bank’s operational, institutional, and financial highlights in 2025.
“ADB’s engagement in the Pacific in 2025 prioritised ongoing economic sustainability while advancing structural reforms, managing climate related risks, and building an enabling environment to increase private sector activity,” said Director General of ADB’s Pacific Department Emma Veve.
“Looking ahead, helping the Pacific to further deepen its resilience will be key to reducing the region’s vulnerability to further external shocks and a priority for ADB.”
The report notes ADB efforts to boost private sector participation in the Pacific through the newly launched Pacific Wayfinder programme. Designed to support job creation and boost innovation while contributing to the development of capital markets, the program provides tools, including concessional finance and technical assistance, to help businesses access finance and scale up investment. ADB’s Frontier program is helping deepen local capital markets to help smaller enterprises gain access to finance.
In 2025, ADB continued to invest in quality infrastructure in the Pacific. ADB committed an US$80 million ADF grant and expects US$40 million in cofinancing from the World Bank to build a 720-meter bridge across Tonga’s Fanga’uta Lagoon. The financing will also help construct approach roads and upgrade water supply and drainage systems. ADB is the project’s lead lender under the Full Mutual Reliance Framework (FMRF) with the World Bank.
Communities across the Pacific continued to face extreme weather events and disasters. In the aftermath of a 7.3-magnitude earthquake that shook Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila in late 2024, ADB in response disbursed US$5.5 million in emergency relief funding and committed a US$24.4 million grant from the ADF to rehabilitate a damaged road that serves as the main access to Port Vila’s wharves.
In Papua New Guinea (PNG), where air travel over mountainous terrain is essential for remote communities, ADB is financing predelivery payments for 6 Airbus A220-100 aircraft to help modernise the fleet of PNG’s national airline, Air Niugini. Payments comprise two private sector loans; US$19 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and US$16.9 million through Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2.
ADB continues to promote regional cooperation and invest in country collaboration as a core part of its Pacific operations. The establishment of its Solomon Islands Resident Mission, which opened in February 2026, marks a milestone for the country. The top five sectors receiving ADB commitments in the Pacific in 2025 were transport, water and other urban infrastructure and services, finance, energy, and public sector management.
Overall, in 2025, ADB committed US$29.3 billion to build resilience in Asia and the Pacific while advancing key institutional reforms to the region navigate change and turn challenges into opportunities……PACNEWS
PAC – LABOUR SCHEMES: PMN PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Pacific labour schemes come under pressure as NZ and Australia face calls for reforms
AUCKLAND, 23 APRIL 2026 (PMN) — Pacific seasonal workers remain a backbone of farms, orchards, and regional industries across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia but new International Labour Organisation (ILO) findings say the systems built around them still need urgent reform.
More than 20,000 Pacific workers travel to New Zealand each year under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme while over 30,000 are currently working in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) programme.
Both schemes are seen as vital lifelines for Pacific families, sending back millions in remittances. But the ILO says the balance between economic benefit and worker protection is still not right.
The report, Temporary labour migration schemes in the Pacific through the lens of international human rights and labour standards was released on 8 April 2026.
In Aotearoa, the report raises concerns about the upfront costs workers face before they even start work. This includes travel, recruitment, and accommodation with many arriving already in debt.
It also highlights concerns around speaking up. The report warns that workers who raise issues can be “vulnerable to blacklisting” when it comes time for possible re-hiring for another season.
The ILO adds that many workers do not formally complain because of cultural respect for authority and fear of losing future work opportunities.
The ILO also questions how accessible it really is for workers to change employers when problems arise.
While transfers can happen in some cases through New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the process is not always clear or easy to access.
The report calls for better access to healthcare, clearer rules on accommodation costs, and stronger oversight of labour hire companies.
Advocates linked to Pacific community organisations and research groups have also warned that tied visas can leave workers vulnerable.
They argue many feel unable to raise complaints about conditions for fear of losing their jobs or being sent home early.
Rochelle Bailey, a researcher who has worked on Pacific seasonal labour issues, has repeatedly raised concerns about worker protections and the imbalance of power between employers and workers.
“So, when you do see workers speaking out, they are taking a massive risk.”
The ILO is also calling for a stronger focus on inclusion including a review of “the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in both work schemes.
“Further strengthening these schemes in line with international labour standards will help ensure their long-term success and benefit workers, employers and countries of origin and destination alike,” ILO Pacific office director Martin Wandera said.
Some employers in New Zealand say they are already going beyond minimum requirements to support staff.
A survey linked to MBIE found many had helped workers with additional assistance including sending goods home.
More than half of those surveyed had helped fund or organise shipments back to workers’ home countries, including “building materials, tools, water tanks, solar panels, generators, school supplies and household goods” as well as support during disasters.
In Australia, attention is also building around the PALM scheme as it continues to expand across agriculture, meat processing and regional industries.
Recent parliamentary discussions have focused on worker movement between employers, access to healthcare, and concerns about workers leaving restrictive contracts.
Worker advocates have also raised wider concerns about the system across the region.
Michele O’Neil, the Australian Council of Trade Unions president, has warned the scheme “is posing a modern-day slavery risk”.
From July 2024, PALM workers must be guaranteed at least 30 hours of work per week.
The move aims to improve income stability but has also increased pressure for employers.
There are also ongoing discussions about allowing long-term workers to bring their families, a reform already agreed but still being rolled out…. PACNEWS
USA – CRITICAL MINERALS: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Multilateral Development Banks push joint plan to build critical minerals supply chains
WASHINGTON, 23 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS) — Major multilateral development banks have agreed to step up cooperation to develop critical minerals into full manufacturing value chains, saying the move is key to energy security and economic transformation in developing countries.
In a joint statement released in Washington, DC, the group said: “We, the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), recognise the importance of working together to help build diversified, resilient, and responsible critical minerals to manufacturing value chains, in order to scale up support for clean, affordable, and reliable energy access, as well as the digital and economic transformation of our client countries.”
The statement, issued by a group of MDBs including the World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank Group, European Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Inter-American Development Bank Group during a G7 outreach session on 17 April 2026, outlined a coordinated push to link mineral extraction with processing and manufacturing, while mobilising large-scale investment.
MDBs said they will work closely with governments, private sector players and communities.
“We will work with governments, the private sector, workers, and communities to foster transparent, standards based markets, to add value beyond extraction, and to mobilise capital at scale for projects that meet our respective development goals and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.”
They stressed that each partner has a role.
“Client countries provide mineral scale and value-add ambition; global partners bring demand, technology, and capital; and MDBs bridge the two through policy and regulatory support, catalyzing private investment, promotion of regional cooperation, and infrastructure financing.”
The banks said cooperation will be strengthened through a new framework.
“We will further strengthen our cooperation through a Joint Collaboration Framework that leverages each institution’s comparative advantages to deliver more coordinated, timely, scalable, and impactful support.”
They added that joint operations will be explored, including co-financing and shared assessments, and confirmed: “we will report on progress achieved.”
The statement identified three priority areas for action, starting with governance reforms to improve investment conditions.
MDBs said support will target “Policy, legal, fiscal, trade, and permitting frameworks, with a view to enabling responsible investment and improving predictability for investors,” alongside stronger environmental and governance standards.
On infrastructure, the banks highlighted the need for integrated systems to support the full value chain, including power, transport and digital connectivity.
They also emphasised economic benefits for local communities, stating projects should deliver “skilled jobs, SME participation, inclusion of women and vulnerable groups, and community engagement.”
The banks pointed to corridor-based development as a key strategy, saying it will link mining to processing hubs, expand trade and attract investment while driving broader economic growth.
They also stressed the need to move beyond raw exports, calling for “value chain expansion and diversification by moving beyond extraction and into processing, manufacturing, and circular value chains.”
On financing, MDBs said they will scale up efforts to unlock private investment, noting plans for “capital mobilization at scale and acceleration of private sector investments by strengthening project preparation, structuring, and derisking.”
They also pledged to support market development by improving transparency and data systems.
“We are committed to urgent and results focused engagement with client countries and global partners to rapidly scale diversified, resilient, and responsible critical minerals to manufacturing value chains.”
They added the goal is to deliver tangible results, including “job creation and inclusive economic development that positively impact people for generations to come…. PACNEWS
FIJI – TOURISM INDUSTRY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Fiji tourism outlook steady as bookings match peak trends
NADI, 23 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Fiji’s tourism sector is showing strong resilience, with forward bookings tracking in line with last year’s peak season despite ongoing global economic and geopolitical pressures.
Tourism Fiji says the country remains fully operational, with stable fuel supply and increasing air capacity from key markets including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Vancouver ahead of the May to October peak season.
Tourism Fiji CEO Dr Paresh Pant said visitors can continue to travel with confidence.
“Fiji is open for business and operating as normal. Our forward bookings and aviation capacity point to a positive and stable outlook as we move into our peak season,” he said.
Industry activity remains robust, with operators running at strong capacity and two major international television productions currently filming in Fiji, occupying around 600 hotel rooms daily through to late July.
The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector is also performing well, with recent conferences bringing in hundreds of delegates and more expected in the coming months.
Tourism Action Group Chair Damend Gounder said collaboration across industry and government has been key.
“Despite global economic pressures, Fiji’s tourism industry is showing strong resilience, working collectively and proactively to sustain and grow the tourism momentum,” he said.
Authorities say Fiji’s accessibility, proximity to key markets, and reputation for hospitality continue to drive demand as global travellers seek reliable and welcoming destinations…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – CUSTOMS: TALAMUA ONLINE PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Australia donates detection devices to identify illegal substances in Samoa
APIA, 23 APRIL 2026 (TALAMUA ONLINE) — The Australia Government has donated portable detection devices to assist the Ministry of Customs with identifying illegal substances.
The devices are valued at AUD$485,000 and include three Thermo Scientific First Defence RM units and a NIRLAB near-infrared analyzer.
The tools allow Customs Officers to identify illegal substances such as powders, pills, liquids, and dried plant materials quickly and safely, often without opening packaging.
Australian High Commissioner William Robinson reflected on the cultural values underpinning the collaboration with Samoa, citing the Samoan proverb, which highlights the importance of internal strength and external resilience.
Australian High Commissioner William Robinson handing over the equipment.
Speaking in Samoan he quoted the proverb: “A malu i fale e malu i fafo,” which translates if one is protected internally, one is also protected against outside threats.
He also shared that while the equipment is vital, investing in the knowledge and skills of people who use them is equally critical.
A nine-day capacity-building programme accompanies the donation, focusing on enhancing skills in X-ray screening and substance identification. The training is valued at around AUD$15,000 (US$10,000).
Minister of Customs and Revenue Masinalupe Leatuavao Makesi Pisi acknowledging the donation.
The Minister of Customs and Revenue, Masinalupe Leatuavao Makesi Pisi expressed gratitude acknowledging the donation, noting that the resources will greatly enhance Samoa’s ability to manage border security challenges.
“Australia’s support will be instrumental in strengthening our preparedness and response capabilities,”
The partnership underscores a mutual commitment to regional security, combining innovative technology with capacity-building efforts…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Jet fuel is the Pacific’s blind spot – regional co-operation can fix it
Opinion by Lurion De Mello
SYDNEY, 23 APRIL 2026 (THE POST) — The global focus on jet fuel shortages has, understandably, been centred on Europe and the Middle East. But for New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific islands, this moment exposes a quieter – and potentially more damaging – vulnerability: geographic isolation combined with fragmented fuel security planning.
Recent reporting on strained jet fuel markets has highlighted tanker movements to New Zealand and the growing unease among airlines dependent on long, complex supply chains. That concern is justified. Jet fuel does not move like crude oil. It is a highly specified product, produced at a smaller number of refineries, shipped along constrained routes and typically stored in far smaller volumes at airports. When supply tightens, distance matters – and the Pacific is a long way from everywhere.
This is not yet a crisis, but it is a warning. And it raises a question New Zealand, and its neighbours should confront now: why are Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands still managing aviation fuel security largely in isolation?
Unlike Europe – which is openly discussing fuel-sharing arrangements and joint purchasing – the South Pacific lacks any standing framework for co-operation on jet fuel. This is despite the fact that Australia sits on substantial refining and import infrastructure, New Zealand relies almost entirely on imported refined fuel, and Pacific carriers such as Fiji Airways face disproportionately high exposure to supply disruptions and price spikes.
Regional aviation is not a luxury in the Pacific; it is economic infrastructure. Tourism, labour mobility, freight and national connectivity all depend on reliable flight operations. When fuel costs surge or deliveries are delayed, airlines do not simply absorb the shock – routes are reduced, prices rise, and smaller carriers are pushed to the edge first.
A regional jet-fuel co-operation mechanism would not be radical. It could be modest, pragmatic and voluntary, built around three pillars.
First, co-ordinated fuel stock visibility. Governments and major suppliers already track fuel volumes nationally, but there is little shared situational awareness across the region. A basic mechanism allowing Australia, New Zealand and participating Pacific states to understand aggregate jet fuel availability would reduce uncertainty and prevent over-reaction during periods of stress.
Second, emergency fuel-sharing arrangements. This would not mean permanent redistribution of fuel stocks, nor open-ended obligations. It would simply formalise the ability – during defined disruptions – to temporarily support critical aviation operations in neighbouring states, particularly those with limited storage and no domestic refining capability.
Third, co-ordinated commercial solutions. There is no reason regional co-operation must stop at governments. Long-haul carriers passing through Australia already have flexibility in their fuelling strategies. In a supply-constrained environment, airlines such as Emirates or Qatar Airways could make planned stopovers in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to uplift additional fuel, easing pressure on smaller destination airports without compromising safety or efficiency.
This is not without precedent. Airlines regularly tanker fuel when price or availability dictates. What is different now is the strategic case for viewing jet fuel as a shared regional resilience issue, rather than a purely commercial input.
Critically, co-operation does not mean complacency. New Zealand must continue strengthening its own fuel security settings, diversifying supply routes and improving transparency around aviation fuel stocks. But a go-it-alone approach leaves the country exposed to geopolitical shocks far beyond its control – from shipping disruptions in the Middle East to refinery outages thousands of kilometres away.
The Pacific is often discussed as a region when it comes to climate risk, trade or security. Jet fuel rarely enters that conversation – until it becomes a problem. The current strain in global fuel markets offers a narrow window to address that blind spot before disruption forces reactive decisions.
Airlines plan years ahead. Fuel supply resilience deserves the same horizon. For New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, co-operation would not just cushion the next shock – it would signal that regional connectivity is being treated as the strategic asset it truly is…. PACNEWS
Lurion De Mello is senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) at Australia’s Macquarie Business School.
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Strengthening genetic conservation capacity in island food systems
CGIAR–SPC collaboration upgraded CePaCT systems, skills, and influence benefitting Pacific Island food systems through training, standards alignment, and policy voice.
SUVA, 23 APRIL 2026 (CGIAR) — In November–December 2025, SPC’s CePaCT strengthened its partnership with CGIAR by joining core Communities of Practice, upgrading standard operating procedures (SOPs) and data systems, and training six staff at CIP.
These efforts improved conservation quality standards and expanded regional access to healthy, climate-resilient germplasm. As a result, the Pacific Islands’ profile and negotiating capacity were elevated at GB 11, ensuring a more coherent regional voice on crop diversity and benefit sharing.
Pacific Island countries host a rich diversity of root and tuber crops such as taro, sweet potato, and yams as well as fruit trees and leafy greens. Despite this diversity, local production and diets rely on a narrow range of crops that are highly vulnerable to climate stress.
Crop diversity in farmers’ fields is increasingly at risk, not only due to climate change but also because of shifting diets and rising food imports. The Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT), the region’s main genebank, plays a critical role in preserving this diversity.
While CePaCT has made significant progress and is now recognised by the Crop Diversity Trust, further work is needed to meet international quality management standards, modernize data and biosafety systems, and strengthen policy influence to ensure reliable access to healthy, diverse planting material. Prior to 2025, collaboration with CGIAR remained largely informal, and Pacific priorities were often underrepresented in global fora.
Within the emerging CGIAR–SPC Land Resources Division (LRD) collaboration, the work focused on three key objectives: (1) strengthening SPC–CGIAR coordination under the Island Food Systems AoW4 with CGIAR Genebanks; (2) expanding Pacific participation across global policy and technical platforms; and (3) building CePaCT’s institutional capacity. These efforts directly advance the CePaCT Investment Plan (2024–2029) and SPC’s Grow the Pacific strategy.
This momentum built on earlier collaborative planning, including the co-design of a 2030 CGIAR–SPC-LRD strategy (forthcoming in 2026) in Fiji in October 2025, which marked the starting point of a multi-year partnership. From 17 November to 09 December 2025 in Cusco and Lima, SPC and CGIAR aligned on a shared agenda covering quality management systems (QMS), cryopreservation readiness, germplasm health, and data modernization through GGCE (GRIN Global Community Edition). A key milestone was CePaCT’s integration into several CGIAR Communities of Practice, establishing sustained channels for expert mentoring and workflow alignment.
At the CGIAR Annual Genebanks Meeting in Cusco, SPC presented CePaCT’s strategic direction, including QMS documentation, barcoding, safety duplication, and cryopreservation. Technical planning also progressed with CGIAR specialists on CryoLab workflows and germplasm health upgrades aligned with FAO Genebank Standards.
During Crop Diversity Day (21 November) and the Article 15 genebanks coordination meeting (22 November), SPC and Pacific partners (PAPGREN, ICG SP) showcased indigenous and climate-resilient Pacific crops. These engagements reinforced CePaCT’s Article 15 standing and clarified documentation and reporting expectations, anchoring Pacific priorities within global harmonization efforts.
SPC also joined the Vegetables4Life (V4L) coordination team, a global ten-year initiative led by the World Vegetable Centre and co-led by the Crop Diversity Trust to conserve and utilize vegetable biodiversity. Launched on Global Crop Diversity Day (21 November), the initiative also benefited from SPC’s contribution to a perspective paper on reversing vegetable biodiversity loss to diversify diets. At the institutional level, CePaCT made significant technical advances: it joined CGIAR Communities of Practice, updated SOPs, initiated a CryoLab roadmap, and strengthened traceability through GGCE. These improvements enhanced compliance with international standards and accelerated readiness for cryopreservation.
A critical component of capacity building was the intensive training of six CePaCT staff at CIP (5–9 December). The four-day training covered germplasm health indexing, cryopreservation methods, GGCE workflows (including barcode integration and accession documentation), and QMS/internal audit practices directly strengthening day-to-day laboratory safety and data integrity.
At the policy level, Pacific contracting parties, Tuvalu, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea benefited from SPC’s technical advice and coordination at GB 11 (23–29 November). SPC supported negotiation positions on Digital Sequence Information, Annex I expansion, and SMTA reform, enabling the Pacific to articulate a unified, evidence-based voice. Through PAPGREN and ICG SP, countries are also gaining clearer pathways to access healthy germplasm, supported by emerging upstream–downstream linkages that connect global standards and research to in-country evaluation and seed systems. These efforts are being formalized in a Roadmap for Collaboration.
Overall, SPC and CePaCT have transitioned from peripheral participation to becoming recognised partners within CGIAR’s genebank system. This shift is evidenced by formal participation in multiple Communities of Practice, updated SOPs, a CryoLab operational plan, and tangible data system improvements. These institutional gains are already translating into better-governed conservation systems and higher-quality, more traceable germplasm flows for Pacific users.
This progress was underpinned by a series of strategically linked engagements. A four-day pre-mission coordination in Suva (13–16 October) established priorities and mechanisms for structured engagement in the CGIAR 2030 Portfolio process.
The Annual Genebanks Meeting enabled technical alignment; Crop Diversity Day and the Article 15 meeting elevated Pacific priorities and standards compliance; GB 11 strengthened a unified policy voice; and the CIP training translated commitments into practical laboratory and data system upgrades.
By embedding CePaCT within CGIAR’s expert networks and modernising its core systems, the Pacific region is now better positioned to conserve and distribute climate-resilient and culturally important crops. This progress strengthens food and nutrition security for Small Island Developing States facing escalating climate risks. The achievements of 2025 lay a strong foundation for expanded research partnerships including with CIP, the World Vegetable Centre, and WorldFish and for a formal SPC–CGIAR collaboration roadmap that connects global innovation to community-level impact…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Our Power, Our Planet: Young Leaders Advancing Human-Nature Relationships
By Adrián Valiente Benítez, Duncan Wohwiehembe, Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh, Joshua Ichor, Le Hoa Minh, and Minji Kwag, Communications and Outreach Analyst, Human Development Report Office, UNDP
NEW YORK, 23 APRIL 2026 (UNDP) — The choices made today will shape whether the coming decades are defined solely by planetary pressures or by renewed pathways of reconnection in which people and the planet can thrive together.
UNDP’s flagship Human Development Report (HDR) 2026 explores how people’s aspirations and agency, alongside reciprocal human–nature relationships, shape development outcomes, and how they can be better reflected in development thinking and practice. The Report draws on extensive research and analytical work, incorporating diverse perspectives from across regions and sectors, including those of young people.
A recent youth consultation for the HDR 2026 emphasised that reconnecting people—especially young people—with nature is central to advancing more equitable and regenerative development pathways.
It highlighted the importance of integrating youth voices, Indigenous and traditional knowledge, and intergenerational perspectives into development frameworks and metrics. It also underscored persistent gaps between policy and implementation and barriers to youth participation. These insights highlight that inclusion is not only about participation, but about reshaping how development is defined and measured in relation to nature.
In the context of Earth Day 2026, this feature highlights five young leaders from across the globe whose work reflects these ideas in practice and the spirit of the Report. Across diverse sectors, their initiatives illustrate how connections among people and between people and the natural world are being reimagined through locally grounded, aspirational approaches to environmental challenges.
This feature was developed with support from UNDP’s Planet Hub, the Generation17 Team, the Climate4Youth Team, and the Youth Team.
Adrián Valiente Benítez – Paraguay
Youth participation in biodiversity governance has been limited. That is what Adrián and the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) Paraguay are seeking to address, ensuring that young people are engaged as contributors to environmental policy rather than peripheral stakeholders.
Through a series of nationwide workshops, his team helped mobilise over 400 youth from Indigenous, rural, urban, and vulnerable communities. With technical support from UNDP Paraguay, these contributions informed Paraguay’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
This process enabled more structured youth engagement in national biodiversity planning and supported the formation of a dedicated youth chapter within biodiversity policy discussions, as well as Paraguay’s first youth delegation to COP16.
By linking consultation processes with policy engagement, the initiative demonstrates how participation can shift from input to influence when embedded in institutional processes, helping bridge gaps between inclusion and decision-making.
Duncan Wohwiehembe – Papua New Guinea
As Director of Community Services at the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), Duncan leads initiatives on waste management, urban greening, and public spaces while integrating youth into climate action. His work addresses the challenge of translating climate commitments into integrated, on-the-ground solutions that address both environmental and socioeconomic priorities.
Under his leadership, over 5,000 trees have been planted through the Green City Network, alongside mangrove restoration and innovative GIS-based urban forestry systems. These efforts have also generated approximately 12,000 green jobs annually for young people.
His other initiatives, such as the “War Against Plastic” and circular economy pilots like waste-to-compost systems, demonstrate how cities can transform environmental challenges into opportunities for livelihoods. Duncan also ensured youth voices were reflected in Papua New Guinea’s Youth Statement for NDC 3.0, embedding grassroots perspectives into national climate commitments.
Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh – Jordan
Expanding digital technologies are reshaping education and opportunity across Jordan, but access to those tools remains uneven, particularly for children and youth, and underserved communities. As a UNDP Generation17 Young Leader and founder of IBTKRGO, Rahaf equips them with skills in programming, robotics, and artificial intelligence while integrating environmental responsibility into learning tools.
IBTKRGO’s recyclable educational kits address both digital inequality and electronic waste, illustrating how education systems can align with circular economy principles. To date, the initiative has reached over 3,000 young people in Jordan and engaged approximately 5,000 through digital platforms.
The intersection between digital transformation and environmental sustainability is an area also explored in the Human Development Report 2025, which notes that artificial intelligence can expand human capabilities while also risking deeper inequalities if access, governance, and skills are not made inclusive.
Rahaf emphasises that scaling impact requires collaboration and inclusive access to resources to enable more young people to lead solutions in their communities.
Joshua Ichor – Nigeria
GeoTek Water Solutions, founded by Joshua, bridges groundwater exploration and renewable energy innovation. The company develops low-enthalpy systems that use the Earth’s heat for sustainable cooling and energy.
His work represents one of the early efforts to demonstrate geothermal energy solutions in West Africa, showing how locally rooted solutions can respond to climate challenges and emerging energy demands. In parallel, GeoTek also advances circular approaches to waste and resource use.
In response to rising cooling demand, the company is developing localized heat pump systems and improving subsurface mapping to expand the accessibility and affordability of geothermal energy. These systems have the potential to reduce cooling energy use by up to 60 percent.
Supported by UNDP’s Youth4Climate initiative, the project aims to deploy pilot systems, train over 50 engineers and technicians, engage more than 200 people through community outreach, and raise awareness of renewable energy solutions, echoing the Human Development Report’s emphasis on enhancing people’s capabilities and agency as central to advancing sustainable development.
Le Hoa Minh – Vietnam
Minh works at the intersection of tourism, water systems, and cultural heritage in Pu Luong Nature Reserve as a co-founder and Head of Product at Magnolia Sustainable Experiences. Her work responds to increasing pressure from tourism on local water resources and traditional rice farming systems, underscoring that sustainable development pathways are more effective when they incorporate local knowledge systems and reflect community-defined priorities.
Through community-led design, she has helped develop circular homestay models, greywater reuse systems, and sustainable tourism codes of conduct, while integrating Indigenous Thai and Muong knowledge systems into conservation practices.
The “Man Kháu (Rice Up)” exhibition engaged over 300 visitors, creating new income opportunities for local artisans while strengthening cultural identity and environmental awareness. Supported by Youth4Climate, the exhibition was part of a project aimed at preserving rice-farming culture in Pu Luong.
Minh’s work demonstrates that environmental sustainability and cultural identity are deeply interconnected and must be co-created with communities. By repositioning communities as knowledge partners, the initiative strengthens local agency in shaping sustainable livelihoods and development pathways.
Youth as Community Builders and Systems Shapers
Taken together, these examples illustrate how environmental and human development challenges are closely interconnected and require integrated, aspirational approaches. Across biodiversity governance, urban transformation, digital education, energy innovation, and cultural regeneration, they show how young people are not only participating in solutions but also shaping how those solutions are designed and implemented.
As HDR 2026 continues to explore human-nature relationships, these stories offer practical insights into how inclusive and locally grounded approaches can contribute to more adaptive and sustainable pathways and help bridge persistent gaps between policy ambition and implementation. Importantly, they suggest that advancing human development requires recognizing the role of relationships with the natural world, valuing diverse knowledge systems, and enabling more inclusive participation in shaping solutions.
The future of development will be shaped by how effectively human aspirations, agency and systems change align with ecological responsibility, ensuring that people and planet thrive together…. PACNEWS
