In this bulletin:
1. UN — UN Climate chief calls for faster shift to renewables as conflict and climate drive energy crisis
2. SAMOA — SPC launches Samoa Education data system to strengthen Planning and decision-making
3. IDN — Indonesia, Papua New Guinea plan ministerial talks to deepen ties
4. VAN — Pacific Women’s Network condemns Malvatumauri call against MSG DG Dr Naupa
5. AUST — Appeal puts climate duty of care back in the spotlight
6. PACIFIC — Moana star Michael Alisa on rejecting critics and creating a legacy for the next generation
7. GUAM — Piece of iconic WWII aircraft arrives on Guam 80 years after crashing in PNG
8. FIJI — PM Rabuka reaffirms Fiji’s partnership with AIIB
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Nauru launches regional platform for digital assets
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Vanuatu Government revenue reaches VT29 Billion
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Vanuatu debt remains at manageable level
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — Making room for Tokelau in regional preparedness programming
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — Cyberattacks and the digital divide are creating new barriers to HIV services
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — Planned deployment of offensive missiles to Guam raises concerns
UN – RENEWABLE ENERGY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Jul 2026
UN Climate chief calls for faster shift to renewables as conflict and climate drive energy crisis
NEW YORK, 28 JULY 2206 (PACNEWS) — UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell has called for a faster global transition to renewable energy, warning that conflict, climate change and fossil fuel dependence are driving energy insecurity, rising food prices and economic instability.
Addressing the UN General Assembly Informal Interactive Dialogue on “Accelerating the Global Energy Transition: Advancing Renewables and Mobilising Investment” in New York, Stiell said recent global events had strengthened the case for clean energy.
“I travelled to New York direct from India: Where I heard corporate leaders extol the benefits of clean energy.”
“Because clean energy means growth, jobs, and stronger security,” he said.
Stiell said conflict had disrupted global energy markets and increased costs for billions of people.
“Conflict has taken an appalling human toll and choked global energy markets: Pushing up prices for billions of people – and demonstrating that clean energy is secure energy.”
He said countries leading in renewable energy had been protected from some of the worst impacts of the current fossil fuel cost crisis.
“Renewables frontrunners like Spain and Pakistan have been shielded from some of the worst effects of today’s fossil fuel cost crisis.”
Stiell also warned that conflict, economic downturns and climate-related shocks had created a “triple blow” to global food security.
“Harvests are threatened by the climate-supercharged impacts of El Niño, and fertiliser shortages.”
“That means higher food prices for billions of people, and the most vulnerable staring down the barrel of more scarcity, and desperate hunger,” he said.
Stiell said dependence on coal, oil and gas continued to create economic uncertainty while worsening climate change.
“A world addicted to coal, oil and gas is a world of economic uncertainty, unnecessary costs, and conflict.”
He said governments increasingly recognised climate change as a security issue and stressed that the global energy transition is now irreversible.
“No wonder governments increasingly view climate as a security issue.
“Or that the global energy transition is now irreversible – as every country said at COP30,” said Stiell.
He said the transition must be faster, fairer and support countries and communities that have historically depended on fossil fuel revenues.
At COP28, countries committed to accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels while tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
Stiell said regional and global cooperation would be essential to achieving those commitments, alongside the Global Climate Action Agenda, which brings together governments, businesses, investors and civil society to implement climate action.
He also highlighted Türkiye’s COP Presidency target of achieving a global electrification rate of 35 percent by 2035.
“Electrification is a golden ticket to more prosperity and stability – including for small island developing states, like the one I’m from.”
Stiell said finance would be critical to helping countries accelerate the energy transition and strengthen resilience.
“Developed countries must honour their commitments to triple adaptation finance and deliver US$300 billion per year by 2035. As part of a clear pathway to scaling up to US$1.3 trillion a year.”
He urged multilateral development banks to expand concessional finance, guarantees and policy-based lending to help countries strengthen electricity grids, improve policies and develop bankable projects.
“I urge MDBs to embrace this role.”
Stiell also called on the United Nations to integrate climate action across its work on development, security and economic resilience.
He said governments should view the energy transition as central to national security.
“As the realities of fossil fuel dependency play out in real-time, it is increasingly clear: That faster energy transitions are core business for governments, and core to national security strategies.
“That doubling down on renewables and resilience is in every country’s interests.
“And that action now is the basis of long-term peace and security around the world,” said Stiell…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – EDUCATION: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Jul 2026
SPC launches Samoa Education data system to strengthen Planning and decision-making
APIA, 28 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Pacific Community (SPC) says the launch of the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS) marks a major step in strengthening education planning, management and decision-making in Samoa.
Speaking at the launch, SPC Team Leader for Information Technology in Education, Senitiki Rokocakau, said the system forms part of SPC’s work on Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) through its Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP).
“Today is more than the launch of a digital platform. It represents a significant step in strengthening the foundations of education planning, management and decision-making in Samoa and across the Pacific region,” he said.
Rokocakau thanked the Government of Samoa, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, development partners and others who contributed to the project.
He said reliable and timely data is essential for education systems to respond to challenges, including improving learning outcomes, addressing teacher shortages, building resilience to climate change and ensuring equitable access to education.
“Data is the compass of modern education systems. It tells us where we are, where we need to go and whether we are on the right course.”
Rokocakau said consultations with Pacific countries and partners, including the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), found many countries faced difficulties collecting, managing, analysing and reporting education data.
“Too often, valuable information remained fragmented across schools, districts, and ministries hence education leaders were required to make important decisions without access to complete or current information.”
He said this led Pacific countries to identify stronger education information systems as a regional priority under the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF).
Through support from the GPE’s System Capacity Grant, SPC developed the Pacific Schools Information Management System (PacSIMS-EMIS), a regional platform.
“SEMIS is Samoa’s version of PacSIMS-EMIS, tailored to the country’s education system and local context.”
“PacSIMS-EMIS is therefore not simply a technical solution. It is a capacity-building initiative. It is an investment in stronger education systems and in the future of Pacific learners,” he said.
Rokocakau said one of the platform’s key strengths is that it is a regionally owned Pacific solution designed to strengthen national ownership and regional collaboration.
“The Samoa EMIS has been developed in collaboration with Samoa Ministry, for Samoa”
He said the system integrates information on students, teachers and schools to support planning and decision-making, while also strengthening national reporting and monitoring of progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4.
“The Samoa EMIS is part of a growing regional movement committed to strengthening education through better data and stronger systems,” said Rokocakau.
Rokocakau said the launch reflected the ministry’s commitment to innovation, accountability and continuous improvement, as well as the work of ministry staff, school leaders, teachers, technical teams and development partners.
He said the launch marked the beginning of the next phase of the system.
“The launch of the Samoa EMIS is not the end of a journey. Rather, it is the beginning of a new voyage.
“Like a trusted compass, the true value of the Samoa EMIS lies in how it is used. Its effectiveness will be shaped by the quality of the data collected, the insights drawn from analysis and the evidence-based decisions it supports,” Rokocakau said.
Rokocakau said SPC remains committed to working with Samoa and other Pacific Island countries to strengthen education systems and improve learning outcomes across the region…. PACNEWS
IDN – DIPLOMACY: ANTARA PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Jul 2026
Indonesia, Papua New Guinea plan ministerial talks to deepen ties
JAKARTA, 28 JULY 2026 (ANTARA) — Indonesia and Papua New Guinea agreed to convene a Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting in Jakarta in September 2026 to step up their strategic partnership.
The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry stated on Monday that the upcoming forum will serve as a strategic venue for the two countries to thoroughly review achievements in bilateral cooperation while charting future joint initiatives.
“Indonesia is a partner in development for Papua New Guinea,” Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono remarked.
He sealed the plan for the JMC meeting during his talks with Papua New Guinean Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Post-Ministerial Conference in Manila, the Philippines.
During their meeting, Sugiono and Tkatchenko discussed plans for high-level visits, with the latter expressing hope for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to make an official trip to Papua New Guinea in early 2027.
The two ministers also used their Manila encounter to advance the implementation of cooperation agreements already signed, including those in defence and border management, aiming to yield mutual benefits.
Regarding joint development efforts, the top diplomats exchanged views on the continuation of Indonesia’s renovation program for Papua New Guinean hospitals.
“We are committed to ensuring that this cooperation continues to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Papua New Guinea,” Sugiono said.
Tkatchenko reassured Jakarta of his government’s respect and full support for Indonesia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Furthermore, the Manila talks saw the two countries reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in pursuit of mutual benefits as neighboring nations.
Indonesia and Papua New Guinea have long maintained harmonious relations, with cooperation across sectors deepening over the past few years.
For instance, their defence ministers met in Jakarta in July 2025 to discuss concrete steps to accelerate the implementation of the mutually ratified Defence Cooperation Agreement, including through forming a joint working group.
More recently, Indonesia’s Home Affairs Ministry hosted a Papua New Guinean delegation last week to strengthen power cooperation for border communities, with a joint border committee meeting scheduled for October 2026.
The relations extend beyond bilateral cooperation. President Prabowo openly voiced support for Papua New Guinea’s bid to join ASEAN at the plenary session of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year…. PACNEWS
VAN – MSG DG: VBTC PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Jul 2026
Pacific Women’s Network condemns Malvatumauri call against MSG DG Dr Naupa
SUVA/PORT VILA, 28 JULY 2026 (VBTC) — The Pacific Women’s Network Against Violence Against Women (PWNAVAW) has condemned the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs’ call to revoke Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), describing it as a misogynistic attack on women’s leadership.
The Network was responding to an ultimatum issued by the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs, which called for Dr Naupa’s appointment to be revoked, arguing that the role of MSG Director General should be held by a man in accordance with custom.
Network Chair and Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali said Dr Naupa’s appointment was a historic achievement for women across the Pacific.
“Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment is path-breaking for women and girls in Vanuatu and across the region. It marks the first time that a ni-Vanuatu and a Pacific woman has been appointed to lead the MSG Secretariat.”
Ali said the Network fully supports the statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister of Vanuatu defending Dr Naupa’s appointment.
“Women’s leadership across the Pacific is not up for negotiation.”
The Vanuatu Women’s Centre (VWC) also condemned the Malvatumauri’s position, describing the call as a disgrace to the women and girls of Vanuatu.
VWC Coordinator Tatavola Matas said Dr Naupa was selected on merit and that challenging her appointment undermines women’s rightful place in leadership and decision-making.
Founding Coordinator Merilyn Tahi also called on traditional leaders to recognise and support women’s leadership, noting that women such as Hilda Lini and Grace Molisa played vital roles in Vanuatu’s struggle for independence.
The Pacific Women’s Network said honouring the legacy of Pacific women who fought for justice, freedom and independence means ensuring today’s women leaders are respected, supported and given every opportunity to succeed…. PACNEWS
AUST – CLIMATE CHANGE: AAP PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Jul 2026
Appeal puts climate duty of care back in the spotlight
MELBOURNE, 28 JULY 2026 (AAP) — Community leaders from the Torres Strait Islands will take their climate fight back to court, arguing the Commonwealth owes them a duty of care.
Uncle Paul Kabai and Uncle Pabai Pabai first launched the Federal Court proceedings in 2021, fearing for their homes on Saibai and Boigu islands.
They sought orders that would require the government to take steps to prevent harm to their communities, including cutting greenhouse gas emissions in line with the best available science.
Federal Court Judge Michael Wigney in July 2025 accepted key facts of the case, including that scientific evidence showed climate change had already impacted the Torres Strait.
But he ultimately ruled against the elders, finding negligence law did not allow for compensation when it came to government policy decisions.
The uncles are challenging Judge Wigney’s decision, with a four-day appeal hearing set to start in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Their legal team will argue the judge made errors in his legal conclusions and the Commonwealth does owe a duty of care to Torres Strait Islanders.
They will also contend the Commonwealth’s additional emissions are a legal cause of harm and cultural harm is compensable under Australian law.
Uncle Paul, who will attend the hearing on Tuesday, questioned why the federal government was turning a blind eye to those Indigenous people who were experiencing climate change.
“Where’s the duty of care for people affected by rising sea levels, bushfires and unpredictable storms?” he said in a statement.
“Why is it the people who don’t contribute much to climate change are the ones most affected?
“We Torres Strait Islanders will be the first climate change refugees.”
Aunty McRose Elu, a Saibai Elder, said the situation in the Torres Strait was getting more severe and yet there was still no action.
“The time is getting closer (when) the islands will go underwater,” she said in a statement.
“We can change. And if we don’t take action now it will be too late.”
Following the 2025 decision, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen and Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said the government understood the Torres Strait Islands were vulnerable to climate change and were already feeling its impacts.
“Where the former government failed on climate change, the Albanese government is delivering – because it’s in the interest of all Australians,” they said in a joint statement.
In September, the Albanese government set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 62 to 70 percent compared to 2005 levels by 2035.
Chief Justice Debra Mortimer, Justice Craig Colvin and Justice Nicholas Owens will preside over the four-day hearing before delivering a judgment at a later date…. PACNEWS
PAC – MOANA FILM: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Jul 2026
Moana star Michael Alisa on rejecting critics and creating a legacy for the next generation
HOLLYWOOD, 28 JULY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — One of Moana’s undoubtable breakthrough stars says it was “pure luck” he landed a role in the live-action film.
Michael Tuatagaloa Alisa stars as Moana’s ancestor, Matai, or “Tautai” Vasa, in the latest rendition of Moana – a film that his sister convinced him to audition for.
“My sister luckily talked me into it. She reminded me – when is the next time they’re going to make a movie like this, where Pacific Islanders are playing Pacific Islanders?” Alisa said.
“I feel so lucky. There are so many people who I felt like could have been this role, and it honestly felt like just being in the right place at the right time,” Alisa added.
While his character only has a minor role with no speaking parts, the presence and impact of Tautai Vasa remained central to the storyline of Moana and her wayfinding journey.
“She looks back to her ancestor, and this idea in her village of ‘you don’t go beyond the reef’ … she looks back to her ancestors and sees this strong figure who was brave, who went voyaging, who risked it all for his people, and she draws strength and courage from this person who was, you know, her how many great grandfathers ago,” Alisa said.
It is without a doubt an important part in the film, where the themes of culture, heritage and identity merge to support Disney’s first-ever Polynesian heroine.
“So many times on set I was tearing up because I felt that personally in my life, of thinking of my ancestors, thinking of my grandparents, of them watching over me, of guiding me, of cheering me on,” Alisa said.
Alisa is Samoan and was born and raised in Hawai’i. He is already wellknown across social media, where he makes content alongside his wife, Braelyn.
But his journey into the acting sphere was a gradual one.
“I actually wanted to be a football player. I played college ball at Brigham Young University and wanted to go to the NFL.
But that did not end up happening and his “heart was shattered”.
“I went into sales and business, then took my first acting class in 2020,” Alisa said.
“I remember my first monologue – I totally bombed it, and it was so embarrassing, but my heart was pounding. I remember thinking, this is the same feeling that I had when playing football, performing.
“There’s a lot of pressure, it’s high stakes, and just that excitement, that adrenaline rush of do or die, basically. So that was when I fell in love [with acting].”
Alisa is particularly humble about his role.
“I was telling my wife, I was like, ‘you know what? Even if, for whatever reason I never get into another film again, and Moana is the only film I end up in for the rest of my life, I’m so glad it was this one’. To me, that was a dream. Being in that film was so important, a cream of the crop experience, personally,” Alisa said.
While the arrival of Moana’s live-action has drawn much adoration from whānau and communities from around the world, specifically Pacific communities, the film has also copped a lot of flack.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the industry’s most widely recognised review aggregator, it sits at a dismal 33 percent, with unfavourable headlines posing the question: “who asked for this?”
Alisa told RNZ Pacific he rejects the critical echo chamber.
“To me, the criticism seemed clickbaity. It seemed like people were just wanting to bash something they hadn’t even seen yet. They were more upset that another live-action was being made … or that it was too soon after the second,” he said.
“I’ve also seen the other side of people who are now starting to finally see it, seeing that there is a difference, and people who are seeing the reaction of Pacific Islanders on social media, they’re saying, ‘Okay, wow!’ This actually really affected this entire population that we hadn’t really even considered, how important this would be for them,” Alisa added.
It is a point that hits home for Alisa, with him and his wife welcoming a baby girl, Tahiti Rae Tausala Alisa, in May.
Alisa believes there is a point to be made in seeing a Polynesian heroine on the big screen, platformed by a company like Disney.
“I cannot believe that my daughter gets to grow up in a world where that’s a reality,” Alisa said.
“She will grow up knowing that there is an importance here, and there is value here, feeling pride in who she is and where she comes. I think that is priceless. I get choked up because I got so many messages from people saying they were crying in the theatre,” he said.
“Me and my wife cried in the theatre, just because you feel that, and you think about all the generations that came before us. What would they be thinking if they could see this now? All the generations coming after us, we want to give the best world to theme, and hopefully they continue to blow us all away,” he said.
“It’s huge to me, this character being a woman who is wanting to find herself, and in order to do that, she needs to look back to her roots, be brave and believe. Draw this inner strength in her to go and do something that is going to now serve the great good, something bigger than herself,” Alisa added.
“So even that message, whether you’re Pacific Islander or not, I think that’s something that every culture can relate to, and so hopefully people who were critics before … get a chance to actually watch it and see how much more powerful it is with real people, real faces, real tears, and can feel that through the screen.”
Working alongside ‘The Rock’
Alisa explained the set as a unique experience, with every part of the process handled with care and grace.
It included watching the falas being built by people who were flown in from around the world, to make sure they were done correctly.
“I wanted to soak up as much as I could, and I feel like I was able to do that. Talking with the more well-known actors, John Tui, Frankie Adams, obviously Rina Owens. These people were just the most down-to-earth, cool, great leaders. Because I was on the fringes – I wasn’t quite a background, but I was a named character, so around them a bit more, they were just so nice,” Alisa said.
They all had invaluable pieces of advice to impart, Alisa said.
On his last day of filming, he was able to meet Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, which he descirbed as “the coolest experience” ad “a full circle moment”.
“This man (Johnson) who was my hero growing up, who was my first point of representation in entertainment, meeting him on set of my first film was crazy … he walks up and says, ‘Hey, how was that? How was that bodybuilding competition that you just did?’ And he was asking him about my personal life, we talked for about 10 minutes, and then said goodbye,” Alisa said.
“To me, that was enough. I was already on cloud nine.
“Later that night, he calls me and tells me how wonderful was meeting me, how great that last scene was. [he] thanked me for bringing the mana to that scene and just thought that it was going to be so beautiful and wanted to invite me to the Moana 2 premiere as his special guest VIP. That’s the kind of guy he is,” Alisa said.
“He went the extra mile … and made me feel loved and thought about. That’s the kind of guy that he is. So, seeing working with all these people, especially Dwayne Johnson, was an experience in itself. So special,” said Alisa…. PACNEWS
GUAM – REPATRIATION: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Jul 2026
Piece of iconic WWII aircraft arrives on Guam 80 years after crashing in PNG
HAGATNA, 28 JULY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — A piece of iconic fighter aircraft that crashed in the jungles of Papua New Guinea during World War II has arrived at Andersen Air Force Base on the first leg of its journey before proceeding to Hawaii and on to its final destination in Wisconsin.
The wingtip from “Marge,” the legacy Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft flown by Army Air Forces Major Richard Bong, landed on Guam on 13 July.
The historic artifact reached U.S soil for the first time since the 1944 crash in Papua New Guinea, where it remained undisturbed for more than 80 until the Wisconsin Air National Guard recovered it.
The recovery of remnants from Mission Marge was part of an effort to preserve a piece of World War II aviation history.
Dubbed America’s World War II “Ace of Aces,” Bong was Medal of Honor recipient and the plane was named after his fiancé, Marjorie Ann “Marge” Vattendahl.
“The leading World War II ace, Richard Bong, was born and raised in Poplar, Wisconsin,’ said Air Force Brigadier General Adria Zuccaro, the Wisconsin Air National Guard chief of staff-air.
“The Wisconsin Air National Guard, who’s a state partner, joined in on this really exciting historical moment.”
The return of this surviving segment bridges the legacy of America’s “Ace of Aces” with the modern Air Force.
Zuccaro and the aircrew participated in the wingtip’s recovery, transporting it aboard an existing mission returning from Papua New Guinea through the War Department National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.
The arrival marks a major milestone in Mission Marge, a collaborative preservation endeavor between the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Centre and Pacific Wrecks.
Justin Taylan, founder of Pacific Wrecks, recounted Bong’s military legacy and the expedition that uncovered his aircraft during a briefing at AAFB’s Sunrise Conference Centre.
Taylan explained how historical records, archival research and an expedition to Papua New Guinea led investigators to the crash site in May 2024. The team documented thousands of images of the wreckage before identifying distinctive P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft components, which ultimately confirmed its identity.
“Where the red paint had faded away, below it, was a black stenciled ‘993,”” he said. “Finding the serial number on that wreckage was the sign that we had waited for, that this is Richard Bong’s plane.”
Mitchell Erickson, Bong’s nephew, answered questions from attendees at the end of the brief, detailing the significance of the recovery to his family and Air Force history.
“Seeing a piece of your history come through, especially the aircraft of the ‘Ace of Aces,’ is significant for airmen today,” Erickson said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Jul 2026
PM Rabuka reaffirms Fiji’s partnership with AIIB
SUVA, 28 JULY 2026 (FIJI GOVT) — Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) during talks with the bank’s President and Chair of the Board of Directors, Zou Jiayi.
The meeting was held Monday, with Prime Minister Rabuka welcoming President Zou to Fiji and thanking the AIIB for its continued support in advancing the country’s economic recovery, climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure development.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key sectors, including resilient transport, renewable energy, water and sanitation, digital infrastructure, health, education, disaster resilience and the Blue Economy.
Prime Minister Rabuka also outlined Fiji’s National Development Plan 2025–2029 and Vision 2050, highlighting the need for innovative financing, technical expertise and long-term investment to support inclusive economic growth and strengthen resilience in Fiji and across the Pacific.
President Zou thanked Prime Minister Rabuka for the meeting and said the AIIB looked forward to exploring further opportunities for cooperation with Fiji…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
NAURU – DIGITAL ASSETS: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 28 Jul 2026
Nauru launches regional platform for digital assets
YAREN/ABU DHABI, 28 JULY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Nauru’s Office of the Trade Commissioner to the United Arab Emirates has launched the Pacific Digital Assets Forum, the first regional platform dedicated to digital assets and finance across the Pacific.
The platform seeks to promote responsible digital asset regulation, informed policy dialogue and international collaboration, Nauru officials said.
The launch also marks the introduction of two flagship initiatives scheduled to debut in the fourth quarter of 2027: the Pacific Digital Assets Report, the forum’s flagship annual publication examining regulatory developments, market trends and digital finance across the Pacific; and the inaugural Pacific Digital Assets Conference, the first edition of an annual regional event that will rotate between Pacific Island nations.
The report will feature the inaugural Pacific Digital Assets Regulatory Index, providing a comparative assessment of digital asset regulatory developments across Pacific Island jurisdictions.
“Effective regulation is not a barrier to innovation; it is what gives innovation the confidence to grow,” said Dadvan Yousuf, Nauru’s trade commissioner and the forum’s founding chair.
“As jurisdictions around the world develop frameworks for digital assets, the Pacific should also have a platform that supports informed discussion, independent research and meaningful international cooperation. The Pacific Digital Assets Forum has been established with that long-term vision in mind,” he added.
Nominations are now open for the Forum’s inaugural Advisory Board, which will provide independent strategic guidance and support the Forum’s long-term development.
Last year, the Nauru Parliament passed a measure establishing an autonomous agency to regulate cryptocurrencies and the blockchain industry, with its sights set on positioning the tiny island nation as a leading digital economy in the region.
The Command Ridge Virtual Asset Authority—named after the country’s highest point—governs virtual assets, digital banking and blockchain technologies.
The Nauru government described the launch of the regulatory office as “a landmark move,” marking the first digital asset regulator in the Pacific island region…. PACNEWS
VAN – REVENUE: VBTC PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 28 Jul 2026
Vanuatu Government revenue reaches VT29 Billion
PORT VILA, 28 JULY 2026 (VBTC) — The Vanuatu Government has collected more than VT29 billion (US$243.4 million) in revenue during the first half of 2026, reaching 55 percent of its annual revenue target.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo said the figure covers revenue collected up to the end of June, with the total expected to increase once all financial records have been finalised.
“So far in 2026, we have collected VT29 billion (US$243.4 million), which is 55 percent of our annual revenue target. Some financial records are still being processed, and once they are completed, the percentage is likely to be higher.”
Koanapo said the Government’s revenue performance remains strong, with collections currently 8.9 percent above target for this period of the year.
He added that when compared with the same period in 2025, Government revenue has increased by 5.7 percent, reflecting continued improvement in revenue collection during the first six months of 2026.
Meanwhile, new Minister for Trade and Commerce, Robson Iavro, has pledged to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds as he officially begins his role at the ministry.
When taking over the reins from outgoing Minister of Trade and Commerce, Samson Samsen, Minister Iavro said public money belongs to the people of Vanuatu and must be managed responsibly.
“It is important that we remain transparent and accountable with public money because the money belongs to the people of Vanuatu,” Minister Iavro said.
The new minister said his priority is to work with ministry officials to address existing challenges while strengthening confidence in the work of the ministry.
He said one of the major challenges the ministry will focus on is addressing Vanuatu’s trade deficit, where the country imports more goods than it exports.
“We have heard recently the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance talk about our economy, and we have seen positive growth in the last six months. However, we still have the issue of the deficit, and this is something we need to address,” he said.
Minister Iavro said the Ministry of Trade and Commerce has a critical role in creating an environment where businesses can grow, supporting farmers, and strengthening industries that can contribute to the country’s economy.
He said the government will continue building on existing initiatives by strengthening laws, reviewing regulations, and improving the environment for businesses to operate and prosper.
Minister Iavro also highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses and producers to increase local production and exports, which he said would help reduce the trade deficit and strengthen Vanuatu’s economy.
The formal handover ceremony saw outgoing Minister Samson Samsen officially transfer responsibilities to Minister Iavro, welcoming him into the role and expressing confidence in his leadership…. PACNEWS
VAN – DEBT: VBTC PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 28 Jul 2026
Vanuatu debt remains at manageable level
PORT VILA, 28 JULY 2026 (VBTC) — Vanuatu’s public debt currently stands at 35.7 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the Government saying the country’s debt remains manageable and financially sustainable.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo said the debt level is expected to fall further by the end of the year as the Government continues repaying its financial obligations.
“Our debt is well below 40 percent, and even if it reaches that level, it must be responsible debt used to fund infrastructure that grows the economy, creates more economic activity and expands our GDP. At this point, our debt remains at a manageable level, which means it is sustainable.”
Koanapo said the Government’s revenue collection remains positive and is helping maintain the country’s financial position.
He added that Government expenditure declined during the first quarter of the year because of stricter financial management by the Ministry of Finance.
“Our first-quarter spending has reduced, which shows there is strict financial management. At the same time, we are paying our bills, managing our debt and ensuring Vanuatu is not in a debt distress situation.”
The Minister said the Government will continue to carefully manage spending while investing in infrastructure that supports long-term economic growth…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Making room for Tokelau in regional preparedness programming
NUKUNONU, 28 JULY 2026 (SPC) — Preparedness in the Pacific is strongest when even the smallest communities are ready to act.
Tokelau’s three low lying atolls are home to fewer than 1,600 people, with logistical challenges and vulnerability to natural disasters, which makes preparedness and capability strengthening especially important.
Responding to the call from Tokelau at the 2nd Pacific Disaster Risk Management Ministers Meeting in Palau, in November 2025, SPC included Tokelau in the Regional Warehouse Operations Training facilitated by the World Food Programme (WFP) later in the month.
At this year’s Pacific Disaster Risk Management Ministers Meeting, Tokelau also raised its appreciation for this recent inclusion, reflecting how the training has continued to resonate as an example of regional systems reaching smaller and more isolated members.
Tokelau’s participation also sits within a regional push to invest in capability before crises, in a context where disasters routinely strain national budgets and where isolation can turn logistics into a lifeline.
For Jewel Luti Leao Tuitama, Manager of the National Disaster Management Unit in Tokelau under the Ministry of Climate, Oceans and Resilience, participation was a practical move toward readiness.
“We are a very remote and isolated island, so being part of this capacity strengthening training is extremely important for us. This is a good example of how the Pacific can find different pathways to preparedness and make sure everyone is included.”
Her reflections point to leadership attention as a driver of systems that hold when pressure rises.
“One of the biggest takeaways for us has been building appreciation across sectors, and at the leadership level, of what is actually going on in the warehouses. There are so much work, effort and processing behind getting systems functional so that services can run smoothly when people need them most.”
And to the value of getting the details right.
“Things that might seem simple, like how items are stacked or documented, are actually very important. If staff are not trained properly, shipments can arrive damaged or delayed. These systems matter because they directly affect whether communities receive assistance in good condition and on time.”
During the training, Tokelau was invited to share a short country presentation on its disaster risk management approach. Manager Tuitama outlined a practical, community‑first model that sits alongside national coordination. She described the unit’s work on community capacity strengthening and first responder training, including first aid, safe water and sanitation, and basic search and rescue, so villages can act in the first hour after a warning.
She set this within a systems view that links village and national levels, clarifying roles, information flow, and how supplies are documented and released under pressure. She also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and of bringing more women into logistics and decision making, not as a slogan, but as a way of keeping operations organised, traceable, and fair.
Tokelau’s inclusion in this training provides an opportunity for a few Pacific Island countries and territories to also benefit from the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program. It demonstrates how regional systems can respond to a country’s call and lived vulnerability, while the Government of Tokelau continues to pursue longer‑term infrastructure with development partners…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Cyberattacks and the digital divide are creating new barriers to HIV services
NEW YORK, 28 JULY 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — Cyberattacks, data breaches, online harassment and other forms of technology-facilitated violence are becoming significant obstacles to HIV prevention and treatment, according to a UNAIDS specialist who says digital security has become inseparable from the fight against the epidemic itself.
As health and social services have moved online, protecting people’s privacy while making sure digital transformation does not widen existing inequalities has become an urgent priority for the UN’s HIV/AIDS programme, said Daria Ocheret in an interview with UN News.
Lessons from the pandemic
UNAIDS’ focus on digital security sharpened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns pushed HIV testing and treatment services online almost overnight – exposing how unevenly people could access them.
In Zimbabwe, a clinic posted detailed guidance online on how to keep receiving antiretroviral medicines during lockdown. But many people living with HIV had only mobile data packages that opened social media and messaging apps, not ordinary websites.
“The gap between our assumptions about how digital technologies could improve access to services and what people could actually access was something that really struck me,” Ocheret told us.
In Kazakhstan, an organisation founded by women living with HIV had to help clients obtain the QR codes needed to enter health facilities during the pandemic – some had no phone, others did not know how to use the system.
The digital divide, she said, runs not just between countries but within communities: among people living with HIV, LGBTQI people, sex workers and people who use drugs, some are highly connected while others lack devices, reliable internet or the skills to get online.
“How do we make sure that digital inequality does not create even greater barriers to HIV services? That requires systemic solutions,” she said.
From theoretical risk to real attacks
In 2020, UNAIDS helped train women’s organisations in Kazakhstan, Belarus and Ukraine in digital security, including the use of VPNs (virtual private networks). “At that time, these threats were still largely theoretical,” Ocheret said.
Not anymore. A 2025 survey of 21 LGBTI organisations in 17 countries found that most had suffered cyberattacks, often repeatedly, and had significant gaps in their ability to respond.
Digital violence, she stressed, cannot be separated from what happens offline: offices and shelters run by LGBTI groups are also attacked. Some 64 countries – around a third of the world – still criminalise same-sex relationships, though the Global AIDS Strategy aims to cut that to 10 percent, a goal reaffirmed in a new political declaration adopted by countries on 22 June.
“It would be wrong to say that digital technologies have caused an increase in violence,” Ocheret said.
“They have simply become another space where harm can be inflicted on key populations and on the organisations that support them.”
When a data breach can cost a life
Unauthorised access to client and staff records is among the gravest risks facing community groups, particularly where same-sex relationships, sex work or drug use are criminalized.
UNAIDS partners in Eastern Europe and Central Asia have reported fake dating-app profiles, unlawful phone searches, social media surveillance, blackmail and disinformation campaigns targeting activists.
One Central Asian organisation was hit by a string of hacks and phishing attacks that exposed its office address and lists of activists, triggering blackmail and harassment that forced it to shut down.
Staff eventually restarted the work under a new organisation with its own cybersecurity policy – though funding is too tight to update its defences regularly or issue secure devices.
New tools, new risks
Even as funding shrinks, chatbots and other digital services are becoming an appealing, low-cost way to reach people.
In Brazil, a chatbot built for young transgender people has proved surprisingly trusted – some users share things with it they would not tell a social worker.
But that trust depends on confidentiality. “If someone asks about the side effects of medicines used for HIV prevention or treatment, that question alone may indirectly indicate that the person is living with HIV. In settings marked by stigma and criminalization, which can put them at risk,” Ocheret said.
Shared phones compound the risk: researchers in Kenya found many people share a single device with relatives, neighbours or friends, so a chatbot notification or browsing history could inadvertently reveal someone’s HIV status or sexual orientation.
Closing the gap
Artificial intelligence is already helping with vaccine research, epidemiological analysis and health counselling, but Ms. Ocheret warned that better-funded organisations can afford secure software, IT staff and paid AI tools with stronger protections – while smaller groups often cannot.
Rather than build one universal fix, UNAIDS is backing tools developed by communities themselves and helping to scale up what already works.
Her advice for organisations: regularly review digital and physical security risks, keep protocols updated, secure access to legal counsel, and set aside a dedicated budget for security…… PACNEWS
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Planned deployment of offensive missiles to Guam raises concerns
By Telo Taitague
HAGATNA, 28 JULY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — For too long, Guam has been described as the tip of the spear. That phrase may explain our strategic importance, but it does not capture the reality of the families who live here and carry the consequences of decisions made far from our shores.
That is why the recent Washington Times article reporting that the Pentagon is planning to deploy offensive missiles to Guam cannot be treated as just another national defence story.
The article described Guam as a current military hub where an extensive integrated air and missile defence system is under construction, and where that system may provide the basis for a future offensive capability.
For Guam, these are not abstract defence issues. They raise real questions about land, water, infrastructure, healthcare, utilities, public safety, emergency preparedness and the future families are trying to build.
At a recent military informational briefing, one concern was clear: major changes to Guam’s military buildup must be communicated through official government channels, not discovered after the fact in a news article. The people of Guam deserve to hear about potential changes to our island’s military posture from the officials responsible for those decisions, not after reading about them in the news.
Guam can respect the military’s mission and still ask hard questions about how that mission affects families, neighborhoods, and limited island resources. The issue is balance.
Guam’s role in national defence must be matched with a serious commitment to the families who live here and the challenges residents already face because of the ongoing buildup.
Unfortunately, the impact of this buildup falls squarely on our people’s shoulders without adequate mitigation or support from the military. Residents are dealing with housing shortages, traffic congestion, healthcare strain, land-use conflicts, environmental concerns, utility challenges, emergency preparedness needs and public safety demands and as the military buildup proceeds, these challenges compound.
Any major expansion or change in the military buildup must be measured against these realities.
The Guam legislature cannot be left outside the room where these issues are being discussed. If the Civil-Military Coordination Council is addressing the Guam defence system, civilian infrastructure, utilities resiliency and military construction, then senators must be included in this council. The legislature has a responsibility to ask questions, propose policy, and protect the public interest.
That is why I will be writing to the governor to request the Guam legislature’s inclusion in the Civil-Military Coordination Council.
I will also call a follow-up military informational briefing and invite our congressional delegate to share any new information from Washington regarding Guam’s military buildup and to further elaborate on the issues brought to light by the Washington Times report and the public during the recent Military informational briefing.
Decisions made in Washington may begin on paper, but their consequences are felt in real neighborhoods, by real families, and across the island we call home…. PACNEWS
Senator Telo T. Taitague, a member of the 38th Guam Legislature, is the chair of Committee on Economic Investment, Military Buildup, Regional Relations, Technology, Regulatory Affairs, Justice, Elections and Retirement
