In this bulletin:
1. PNG — PNG-Australia defence treaty creates jobs, risks amid rising China influence
2. SOL — Coalition’s Court challenge a ‘futile exercise’, says Solomons Attorney General Muria Jr
3. VAN — A more responsive Vanuatu Police Force organisational structure
4. FIJI — Fiji welcomes ceasefire but urges caution as Middle East tensions remain
5. NZ — NZ told to prepare now as Cyclone Vaianu nears while second storm batters Pacific
6. TONGA — Three dengue fever cases confirmed in Tonga
7. FIJI — Vuda residents oppose proposed waste-to-energy plant, Fiji MP calls for intervention
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Load sharing to be implemented in Central Division from today – Energy Fiji Limited
9. PACNEWS BIZ — U.S Department of War flags CNMI economic strain, eyes stronger Indo-Pacific role
10. PACNEWS BIZ — ADB warns of Middle East shock, pushes ASEAN to act on markets and Energy security
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Empowering Pacific voices in world renowned climate change science reports
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — Transforming Health Care Leaders in Papua New Guinea
PNG – DEFENCE/DIPLOMACY: RADIO FREE ASIA PACNEWS 2: Thu 09 Apr 2026
PNG-Australia defence treaty creates jobs, risks amid rising China influence
PORT MORESBY, 09 APRIL 2026 (RADIO FREE ASIA) — Six months after Papua New Guinea and Australia signed a bilateral defence treaty, public opinion in PNG remains divided, with some telling Radio Free Asia that they like that the pact creates opportunities for youth, and others saying that they worry about potentially being drawn into a larger conflict between the West and China.
Unofficially named the Pukpuk Treaty, after the Tok Pisin word for “crocodile,” it is Port Moresby’s first mutual defence pact, and it draws the two regional allies closer together in an era of increasing Chinese influence in the Pacific.
Beyond the nuts and bolts of coordination and cooperation during crises, the pact also allows 10,000 Papua New Guineans to join the Australian Defence Force, or ADF, and become eligible for Aussie citizenship.
Supporters of the treaty say that in a country where 58 percent of the people are under 25 and, according to World Bank data 3.8 percent youth unemployment, the opportunity is too great to ignore.
“I agree with the Pukpuk Pact. It is an employment opportunity for our ever-increasing youths who can’t be employed after leaving school,” John Kau, a former colonel in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, or PNGDF, told RFA. “Our country’s leaders have no idea on how to mitigate the lack of jobs for the school leavers.”
Kau said that it would be good for young Papua New Guineans to take on Australian citizenship because earning an Australian salary would enable them to take care of their extended families.
But he also understood that the treaty means that Papua New Guineans could be called on by Australia in the event of war.
“I have no problem as long as it is a just cause,” said Kau.
The citizenship for service agreement was a major selling point of the Pukpuk pact. Shortly after the treaty was announced in August 2025, former Papua New Guinea’s Defence Minister Billy Joseph told Australian media that there was “a very big pool” of young Papua New Guineans “and Australia can have as many as they want.”
He added that recruitment would take place at regional centres and in the capital Port Moresby.
But on the streets of Port Moresby, not everyone is lining up to enlist. Chris Pole, a young Papua New Guinean, told RFA that he found it hard to believe that the treaty would allow 10,000 Papua New Guineans to join the Australian military, especially when the PNGDF has only 4,000 personnel.
“The Pukpuk recruitment alone will outnumber the PNGDF size, so if there is a war, definitely Australia will use Papua New Guineans as pawns,” he said, noting that pawns in a game of chess are often sacrificed to protect more valuable pieces.
“Papua New Guineans will be sought out first when there is a war and put on the front line if Australia decides to support the United States in a war against China.”
Australia also has a mutual defence agreement with the U.S. and New Zealand through the 1951 ANZUS Treaty, and Washington entered into a defence cooperation agreement with Port Moresby in 2023.
Pole called on the country to remain in its traditional neutral foreign policy stance of being “friends to all, enemies to none.”
But Bosco Bothoa, another young Papua New Guinean, told RFA he would love to serve if it meant he would become an Australian.
“I definitely would want to be a citizen of Australia as stated in the pact, of course,” he said. “In Australia there is better standard of living than in PNG and the salary would be higher.”
But Bothoa also understood the responsibilities that could come with enlisting and acquiring a new citizenship. When asked if he would be prepared to fight if war erupts in the Pacific, he said, “War is not the ultimate solution,” but if it happens, “then we will have to serve our country as citizens of Australia.”
Bothoa and others who want to enlist might have to wait though. In a Facebook post on 04 January, the PNG Ministry of Defence advised that the first phase of recruitment under the plan would only be open to Papua New Guinean citizens who have permanent residency status in Australia. Phase two would start at a later date and include applicants living in Papua New Guinea.
The PNGDF told RFA that the recruitment process has not yet been finalised, and it remains under consultation.
The Pukpuk treaty is a win-win, according to the Washington-based Centre for Strategic & International Studies. In an article published shortly after the treaty was signed, the think tank said that the treaty deepens the relationship between the two countries, and that enlisting Papua New Guineans into the ADF would be good for both sides.
“Given the ADF’s recruitment challenges and PNG’s undermanned defence forces, the arrangement offers clear benefits for both nations,” the article said. “As a mutual defence treaty, the Pukpuk Treaty stands as both a continuation of previous aspects of the Australian-PNG relationship but also constitutes a fundamental change in the depth of that relationship.”
But the treaty might be at odds with Papua New Guinea’s constitution, Jerry Singirok, a Papua New Guinean former two-star general who is now a defence strategist, told RFA.
“Regardless of how best the Papua New Guinea government want to justify the integration of a foreign force, our constitution does not provide for military integration with a foreign power,” he said.
“The PNG Defence Force is mandated to serve the sovereign interest of PNG and any arrangement that embeds PNGDF with the Australia’s Defence Force or aligns PNG’s military doctrine with Australia,’s could be seen as undermining PNG’s national sovereignty, violating the principle of non-alignment which PNG had historically upheld.”
He said that barring an amendment to the constitution, the legality of the Pukpuk Treaty could be challenged in court.
Prior to the treaty’s signing, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea said that China “adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs,” adding that the treaty should not prevent Port Moresby from cooperating with a third party nor should the treaty target a third party or undermine its “legitimate interests.”
The treaty does not mention China by name…. PACNEWS
SOL – COURTS: INDEPTH SOLOMONS PACNEWS 2: Thu 09 Apr 2026
Coalition’s Court challenge a ‘futile exercise’, says Solomons Attorney General Muria Jr
HONIARA, 09 APRIL 2026 (INDEPTH SOLOMONS) — The case the new Coalition is pursuing against the Government is a “futile exercise,” Solomon Islands Attorney General John Muria Jnr says.
He said this is one of the main reasons he is applying to have the case struck out when the court resumes on Friday.
The matter was scheduled for hearing Wednesday, but Chief Justice Palmer adjourned it to Friday to give lawyers time to prepare for both the strike-out application and the main claim.
“This case has no reasonable cause of action,” Muria told reporters outside the court in Honiara.
“It’s basically a futile exercise,” he added.
“Furthermore, it has not followed due process and the law.”
The new Coalition, which claims the support of 28 of the 50 Members of Parliament, filed the case two weeks ago to compel Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to immediately convene Parliament.
This followed the resignation of 19 MPs, including 12 ministers, who joined the Opposition and Independent Group.
Prime Minister Manele has refused to call Parliament despite leading a minority government, prompting the new Coalition to take legal action.
Muria had earlier applied to the High Court to order the claimants to each pay $30,000 (US$3,726) in court security before the proceedings could begin. However, Sir Albert rejected the application, stating that the balance of justice did not favour imposing such a requirement.
One of the lawyers for the new Coalition, Gabriel Suri, said they will challenge the strike-out application in court on Friday.
He said that although the matter arose from a political situation, there are legal issues the court must determine.
The new Coalition has argued that Manele is “avoiding accountability” by failing to advise the Governor-General to summon Parliament.
They further argue that the legal action is about upholding the rule of law.
Friday’s hearing is scheduled to begin at 10am Honiara Time…. PACNEWS
VAN – POLICE: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 2: Thu 09 Apr 2026
A more responsive Vanuatu Police Force organisational structure
PORT VILA, 09 APRIL 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — For the first time since 1997, the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) will operate under an officially approved framework after the Minister of Internal Affairs and Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) put pens to paper Wednesday.
Minister Andrew Napuat and Chairman John Taleo signed the revised VPF organisational structure in the presence of Police Commissioner Kalshem Bongran and senior officers of the Force.
There have been numerous reviews over the past years, but none were formally approved by the minister in accordance with the Police Act [CAP. 105], said the Acting Director of the VPF’s Corporate Service Unit (CSU), Wilson Abiut.
He said that the current 2022 structure provides for 1,868 positions, of which 1,039 are filled, leaving 829 vacancies within the Vanuatu Mobile Force, Police, and Maritime units.
Abiut said the absence of an officially endorsed framework has resulted in a large number of acting positions, costing the Force more than VT58 million (US$486,000) every year.
According to the CSU Acting Director, the endorsement will now allow new officers to be brought into the Force once the rollout of the revised structure begins in July this year and continues through to 2030.
He added that it would need VT66 million (US$553,000) from the supplementary budget to properly fill and fund the positions.
In his remarks, Minister Napuat acknowledged that the absence of a formally endorsed structure has posed challenges in budget alignment, operational implementation, promotions, and succession planning.
“The formal endorsement of this organisational structure signifies a decisive step forward. It brings clarity, accountability, and alignment. Importantly, it ensures that the structure is now fully integrated into the Department of Finance system, enabling proper budgetary alignment, improved funding mechanisms, and more effective resource allocation,” he said.
“What has been delivered is not merely a revision, it is a significant improvement. A structure that is stronger, more responsive, and better suited to meet the evolving needs of our country.
“However, as we celebrate this achievement, we must also acknowledge that this is not the end of the journey.
“The ongoing remodelling exercise being undertaken across the Force will require further adjustments. As our national priorities evolve and the security environment continues to change, it is essential that this structure remains dynamic, relevant, and responsive. This will require continuous collaboration with the Department of Finance to ensure that all adjustments are properly embedded within government systems.”
The minister emphasised that a well-defined organisational structure is the backbone of any effective institution.
“It provides direction, ensures accountability, and enables growth. With this endorsement, we are strengthening the foundation upon which the VPF will continue to build its professionalism, integrity, and service to our people,” he said.
Minister Napuat thanked Commissioner Bongran and his team for their commitment and professionalism in ensuring the structure is not only aligned with the policies of the ministry but also meets the standards required by the Department of Finance….PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Thu 09 Apr 2026
Fiji welcomes ceasefire but urges caution as Middle East tensions remain
SUVA, 09 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has welcomed a temporary ceasefire between Iran and the United States but warns the situation in the Middle East remains volatile and unpredictable.
In a statement, the Ministry described the two-week ceasefire as a positive development, offering a brief window for de-escalation. However, it cautioned that tensions remain high and could change rapidly.
As a result, Fiji has issued strict travel advisories, placing several countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Kuwait under a Level 4 warning, advising Fijians to avoid all travel, including transit.
Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia fall under a Level 3 advisory, where non-essential travel is discouraged, while lower-level advisories urge heightened caution in other areas.
The Ministry also warned that instability in the region could disrupt global travel, with potential impacts on international flights and transit routes.
Fijians currently in affected areas are being encouraged to consider leaving if it is safe to do so, while those who remain are urged to follow local authorities and avoid high-risk locations.
Families in Fiji have also been encouraged to maintain close communication with loved ones overseas as the situation continues to evolve.
While the ceasefire offers a temporary reprieve, authorities stress that vigilance remains critical as developments unfold…. PACNEWS
NZ – WEATHER WATCH: PMN PACNEWS 2: Thu 09 Apr 2026
NZ told to prepare now as Cyclone Vaianu nears while second storm batters Pacific
AUCKLAND, 09 APRIL 2026 (PMN) — New Zealand officials are warning people not to wait as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu tracks towards the country, with severe weather expected to hit later this week.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says the time to prepare is now, as the system moves southeast from near Fiji and is forecast to reach Aotearoa on Friday and Saturday.
“People should take time now to get ready before Cyclone Vaianu arrives,” NEMA Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price said in a statement.
“Act now and not later – later may be too late!”
The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rain and extremely strong winds, with the possibility of the highest-level weather warnings being issued.
Authorities are also concerned about landslides, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated.
“Trust your danger sense, and don’t wait for official warnings. Do not enter floodwaters, as they are dangerous and can kill you,” Price said.
Communities still recovering from earlier bad weather could be hit hardest, with officials urging people to secure loose items, clear drains, and stay up to date with official advice.
NEMA says people can find advice on preparing for storms, flooding and other severe weather in multiple languages at www.getready.govt.nz
While New Zealand braces, the wider Pacific is already dealing with the impact of multiple cyclones at once. They come as the region nears the end of its cyclone season, which usually runs from November to April.
Save the Children says Tropical Cyclone Maila has intensified into a category five system, threatening Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, while Fiji begins to assess the damage left behind by Cyclone Vaianu.
The aid agency says families are already being forced from their homes.
“In Solomon Islands, we understand the impact of the cyclone has already been felt, with reports of families evacuating their homes and seeking shelter in evacuation centres… with early reports of damage to buildings, schools and food gardens,” Pacific Regional Director Kim Koch said in a statement.
In Papua New Guinea, early reports show flooding, damaged homes, and washed-out roads, with some families moving to higher ground for safety.
At the same time, the effects of Vaianu are becoming clearer in Fiji.
“While the immediate threat of TC Vaianu has eased, the impacts… are starting to become clear, with the disaster bringing heavy rain, flash flooding and strong winds,” Koch said.
She warned that recovery could take weeks for some communities.
Across the region, children are among the most at risk.
“As three Pacific Island nations grapple with multiple cyclones simultaneously, children are invariably among the hardest hit… with many having to leave everything behind,” Koch said.
There are growing concerns about damage to schools, health services and food supplies, with the ongoing crisis adding pressure to communities already facing the effects of climate change.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has also warned Cyclone Maila could move towards Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula later this weekend.
For now, the focus remains on preparation and response with officials across the Pacific urging people to stay alert as the cyclone threat continues to unfold…. PACNEWS
TONGA – HEALTH: KANIVA TONGA NEWS PACNEWS 2: Thu 09 Apr 2026
Three dengue fever cases confirmed in Tonga
NUKU’ALOFA, 09 APRIL 2026 (KANIVA TONGA NEWS) — Tonga’s Ministry of Health has confirmed three cases of dengue fever, prompting heightened surveillance and public health measures across the country.
The Ministry of Health has launched a national campaign to control the disease
Dengue fever is contagious and spreads from person to person through the bite of infected mosquitoes, the Ministry said this evening.
Members of the public are urged to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs of the illness.
Symptoms may include sudden onset fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and a skin rash appearing three to four days after fever begins.
Severe symptoms — such as abdominal pain, bleeding gums, vomiting blood, or other forms of bleeding — require urgent medical attention.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry said the cases were identified in Tongatapu, involving a 15‑year‑old and a 35‑year‑old male from Fua‘amotu, and a 12‑year‑old female from Ha‘aveluloto. Health authorities reported that no epidemiological link has been established between the three cases.
Diagnoses were confirmed through positive blood tests conducted by the Pacific Regional Direct Funding (PRDF) laboratory, alongside clinical symptoms consistent with dengue fever.
The Ministry said the two male patients were admitted to Vaiola Hospital, with one already discharged, while the remaining two patients are currently receiving home‑based treatment. All three are reported to be in stable condition.
The Ministry warned that the onset of the dengue epidemic, particularly during the current wet season, combined with the widespread presence of Aedes mosquitoes, creates a high risk of further transmission if cases are not identified and managed promptly.
In response, health officers at all health facilities nationwide have been placed on alert to ensure the early detection and treatment of suspected dengue cases. Public health response teams have also been mobilised to conduct active case investigation, contact tracing, mosquito vector control, risk communication, community engagement, and other preventive measures.
The Ministry also encouraged the public to remain calm, adhere strictly to health advice issued by authorities, and take steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around homes and communities.
Health officials said the situation remains under close monitoring, with additional measures to be implemented as necessary to prevent further transmission and protect public health…. PACNEWS
FIJI – INCENRATOR PROJECT: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Thu 09 Apr 2026
Vuda residents oppose proposed waste-to-energy plant, Fiji MP calls for intervention
NADI, 09 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Fiji Opposition Member of Parliament Hem Chand has raised concerns over strong community opposition to a proposed waste-to-energy plant in Vuda, calling on Government to intervene.
Chand said landowners and residents have voiced serious concerns about the project’s potential environmental, health and social impacts, with many questioning how approvals were granted without proper consultation.
“In the last few weeks, people of Vuda have contacted me directly and expressed concerns about the potential environmental, health and social impacts of the proposed development. Their concerns are absolutely genuine as people are worried about their future,” he said.
He added that landowners are demanding answers on whether due process was followed.
“The question people and landowners are asking is who has given approval and why they were not properly consulted,” Chand said.
He stressed that Vuda holds cultural and historical significance, noting it is regarded as the landing site of the first Fijians and is known for its pristine environment and tourism appeal.
“How can Vuda have a waste-to-energy plant near resorts, schools, villages, a university and a health centre?” he questioned.
Chand said landowners have “rightfully opposed” the project and are calling for immediate government intervention, urging that their voices be respected.
“People of Vuda do not want to compromise their health, environment or livelihoods in the future,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – ELECTICITY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 09 Apr 2026
Load sharing to be implemented in Central Division from today – Energy Fiji Limited
SUVA, 09 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) will implement load shedding across the Central Division from today as repair works continue on a major transmission line.
In a notice, EFL confirmed that power will be rotated across four blocks, allowing customers in affected areas to receive electricity for limited periods during the day.
The power utility said the planned load sharing is necessary to ensure fair distribution of electricity while restoration work is ongoing.
“This means power will be rotated between areas so that everyone can receive electricity for a period during the day,” EFL stated.
The measure comes as crews continue repairs on critical infrastructure, with full restoration yet to be achieved.
EFL acknowledged the inconvenience caused to households and businesses but stressed that the approach is aimed at providing some level of access to all customers during the outage period.
“We understand this may be inconvenient, but this approach allows us to fairly distribute power until full restoration is achieved,” the statement said.
The company added that teams are working as quickly and safely as possible to complete repairs.
Customers are being advised to plan ahead and stay updated with the load shedding schedule as efforts continue to restore normal power supply…. PACNEWS
CNMI – ECONOMY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 09 Apr 2026
U.S Department of War flags CNMI economic strain, eyes stronger Indo-Pacific role
SAIPAN, 09 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — The United States Department of War has acknowledged mounting economic pressure in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), warning it could have implications for Washington’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific.
In a letter to CNMI’s delegate to the U.S Congress Kimberlyn King-Hinds, Assistant Secretary of War for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh said the department “acknowledges your concern regarding CNMI’s fiscal outlook and recognises the strain this reality places on CNMI”.
He added that the territory remains a critical partner in a region where geopolitical competition is intensifying.
“CNMI is a key partner in US defence efforts in the western Pacific, and the Department is concerned about the economic headwinds that you face,” Noh said.
The Northern Marianas, a U.S territory north of Guam, sits along key sea lanes in the Western Pacific and has been identified as part of Washington’s broader effort to maintain a “favourable balance of power” in the Indo-Pacific.
Noh said the department would step up engagement with CNMI leaders through existing federal channels, including Section 902 consultations, and pointed to the economic role of US military activity in the islands.
“I have asked my team to be ambitious in engaging with your government on these opportunities… and to underscore the value of the economic contributions of the Department’s activities in CNMI, such as military construction” he said.
He added that the CNMI is “key to reinforcing the U.S military’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region” and signalled interest in expanding the partnership.
The response comes after a series of appeals from CNMI leaders, including Governor David Apatang and legislative leaders, warning that the territory’s economy is in steep decline following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a joint letter to U.S President Donald Trump, officials said the CNMI faces “irreversible damage … absent immediate federal action,” pointing to falling tourist arrivals, business closures and reduced air connectivity.
A separate appeal to Indo-Pacific Command chief Samuel Paparo stressed that economic decline in the CNMI could undermine civilian infrastructure needed to support US military operations across the region.
The leaders called for targeted federal action, including restoring air links, easing visa restrictions for key markets such as the Philippines, and leveraging allied investment from Japan and South Korea.
While Noh’s response does not commit to specific policy changes, it highlights growing concern in Washington that economic instability in small Pacific jurisdictions like the CNMI could have wider strategic consequences for the United States and its allies…. PACNEWS
PHILP – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 09 Apr 2026
ADB warns of Middle East shock, pushes ASEAN to act on markets and Energy security
MANILA, 09 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS) — Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda has warned that the conflict in the Middle East is hitting Southeast Asia hard, driving inflation, raising costs and threatening food security across the region.
Kanda said the impact of the crisis goes beyond energy, with Southeast Asia heavily exposed to oil imports.
“We meet at a pivotal moment for our region. The global environment is challenging the ambitions of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).”
“The conflict in the Middle East is hitting hard. The impact goes well beyond energy prices. Southeast Asia imports about 60 percent of its oil from the region. This shock is already driving capital flows and exchange rate volatility. It is pushing up production costs, stoking inflation, and threatening food security. Fertilizer prices alone surged by over 40 percent just ahead of the planting season.”
He said governments must respond on three fronts: stabilising economies, protecting vulnerable groups and strengthening long-term energy security.
“This demands action on three fronts: stabilizing macroeconomic conditions, protecting vulnerable households and affected sectors, and building greater energy security over the long term.”
Kanda said the ADB is ready to step in with financial support, pointing to its response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When crises hit, we must move quickly. During COVID-19, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided US$7 billion to Southeast Asian economies in the first year alone. We stand ready to do the same today.”
He also warned that weak capital markets are leaving the region exposed and called for urgent reforms to deepen financial systems.
“This crisis also carries a wider message. In a volatile world, strong capital markets are not just a long-term goal. They are an immediate line of defence.”
Kanda said ASEAN has made progress, but gaps remain, with limited cross-border investment flows despite a US$2.6 trillion local currency bond market.
“Yet, a small business in Cambodia still cannot access capital from a pension fund in Singapore. Or a Philippine infrastructure project cannot readily tap Malaysian savings.”
He highlighted digital transformation as a key solution to connect capital across borders.
“Fintech, AI, and distributed ledger technology can help connect regional savings to investment opportunities across borders. They make it faster and cheaper than ever before.”
But he warned that increased connectivity also brings risks, including financial shocks and cyber threats.
“These are not reasons for caution. They are reasons for coordination.”
Kanda called for stronger regional cooperation, including harmonised regulations, support for innovation and investment in digital infrastructure across all ASEAN economies.
“Digital infrastructure investment must reach every ASEAN economy, not just the most advanced. Otherwise, integration will only deepen the gaps it was meant to close.”
He reaffirmed ADB’s support for regional initiatives, including the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum and efforts to expand sustainable finance and bond markets.
“In 2025, our commitments surpassed US$29 billion, an increase of 20% in a year. Our share of operations supporting digital transformation jumped from 9 percent to 29 percent.”
Kanda said building strong financial systems is essential for long-term growth and resilience in a volatile global environment.
“There is no stronger foundation than deep, well-functioning financial systems. Digital technology is the critical tool for getting there.”
He said ADB will continue to support the region in managing immediate risks while building the systems needed for future stability and 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
Empowering Pacific voices in world renowned climate change science reports
NADI, 09 APRIL 2026 (SPREP) — Tropical Cyclone Vaianu and the havoc caused is the backdrop for a Pacific dialogue on climate change science that opens Wednesday.
Science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) tells us that it is likely that the global proportion of Category 3 – 5 tropical cyclone instances have increased over the past four decades.
The IPCC also states that the proportion of intense Tropical Cyclones and their average peak wind speeds will increase on the global scale with increasing global warming. This scientifically verified information is amongst a full range released through a series of IPCC reports now in its seventh cycle with the first cycle released in 1990.
Across the next three days in Nadi, Fiji potential contributing authors from the Micronesia sub-group of Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Palau, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands are meeting to strengthen and amplify our Pacific island voices in these scientific reports.
“The extreme weather events as a result of climate change and its implications we have witnessed in the beginning of this meeting here in Fiji is a continuous reminder of the importance of Pacific voices in the IPCC Reports,” said Xavier Matsutaro of Palau.
“We must highlight how critical it is to have access to accurate and up to date climate science information to enhance our preparedness and resilience.”
The meeting in Fiji this week will see delegates exchange information on national initiatives in climate change knowledge brokerage, challenges and priorities to help find a way to strengthen engagement of Micronesian countries with the IPCC process.
“By strengthening our understanding of IPCC processes, we can enhance our ability to contribute credible, regionally relevant scientific data, modelling and insights that reflect the realities faced by our communities,” said Yvette Kerslake, the Technical Adviser, Science to Services of the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP).
“This is particularly important as we prepare for future IPCC assessment cycles and continue to advocate for urgent climate action.”
Created in 1998 by the World Meteorological Organisation and the United Nations Environment Programme, the objective of the IPCC is to provide governments at all levels with scientific information that they can use to develop climate policies.
The IPCC reports are a key input into international climate change negotiations for which thousands of people worldwide contribute to this work.
“The IPCC is the scientific backbone of the UNFCCC, recognised as the source of best available science to inform international climate action. The IPCC’s Assessment Report findings were a key reason why the international community agreed the Paris Agreement temperature goal, and made historic commitments to accelerate climate ambition, such as transitioning away from fossil fuels” said Ms Kelsey Gray, Assistant Director at the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Water.
For the Assessment Reports experts volunteer their time as IPCC authors to access the thousands of scientific papers published each year to provide a comprehensive summary. A key part of the process is the review by experts and governments to ensure an objective and complete assessment.
It is hoped that more Pacific islands-based authors will have their work contribute to the IPCC Reports. Through this meeting pathways will be open to Micronesia climate change researchers and institutions to get involved in the IPCC reports and processes.
“Observing the intensifying of two tropical cyclones today in our region and looking at the impacts, this is why the science is very important. It ground truths our plans of actions, make inform decisions and reinforces our commitment in building resilience,” said Matsutaro.
The meeting also provided an update on 64th IPCC session in Thailand at the end of March…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Transforming Health Care Leaders in Papua New Guinea
By Inez Mikkelsen-Lopez, Jane Parry
PORT MORESBY, 09 APRIL 2026 (DEVELOPMENT ASIA/ADB) — The Papua New Guinea health system underwent major decentralisation in the mid-2000s, intended to bring the organisation of health services closer to the people and improve health outcomes. This change, however, exposed major gaps in leadership capacity. In response, in 2018, the Government of Papua New Guinea initiated a nationwide program of middle management training and in 2023 added the Health Executive Leadership Development Program (HELDP) to target those in senior leadership positions.
A report on the HELDP, drawing on in-depth interviews with program graduates, examines the impact of the program. These include demonstrable improvements in leadership confidence and decision-making, as well as stronger alignment with national health priorities. The report’s findings show that the HELDP has been a transformative investment, and shows how context-specific, practice-based leadership development can strengthen health system performance.
Leadership Vacuum
The typical career trajectory for health system leaders was for chief executive officer (CEO) positions to be filled by physicians who had reached the pinnacle of their clinical careers but lacked the opportunity to acquire the strategic skills of health systems leadership. By the early 2020s, this skills gap was manifesting itself in poorly managed health services, with wide variation in the performance across provinces. Without effective supervision and management, health facilities were operating at suboptimal levels due to lack of appropriate staffing and medical supplies. There has also been a significant gender imbalance in the health system senior leadership in Papua New Guinea, with low number of women in key leadership and decision-making roles at all levels.
Tailored Leadership Training
In 2018, the Papua New Guinea government approved funding for middle management and executive leadership training as part of the Health Services Sector Development Programme, a wider health systems strengthening effort to expand and improve rural health services. By late 2025, the programme had trained health system managers in every province—more than 1,300 graduates—most of whom had not previously received any formal management or supervisory training.
Under the HELDP in 2023, training was delivered to health directors via intensive residencies in a face-to-face, problem-based learning modality, culminating in an overseas study tour. The programme was demanding it took directors away from their workplace for 2 weeks at a time. Trainees worked in groups that required them to put aside their status within their organisations and work with each other as equal collaborators, crucial to breaking down the siloed approach to management that has been holding back the health system.
For some of the senior clinicians, who are used to being the person to whom everyone looked for instructions, this was a challenging and humbling experience. On the other hand, those used to stay quiet were empowered to find their voice and actively participate. All graduates were required to work on a final project that would bring about change in their work setting.
By late 2025, HELDP had trained over 110 executives. Data gathered through interviews with 32 HELDP graduates, facilitators, and other stakeholders revealed that the training had been transformative for the graduates. Their managers described visibly improved leadership confidence, decision-making, and organisational performance. At an institutional level, there was evidence of better coordination and stronger alignment with national health strategies.
Graduates reported being better listeners, more solutions-focused, and better equipped to handle conflict resolution. Several graduates have moved into more senior positions, attributing their success to the training they received, which gave them the confidence to go for a promotion and helped them stand out and excel in the interview. This was particularly the case for some of the women who graduated from the training. They returned to their workplaces resolved to advocate for themselves and their ideas, and to be a role model for women in more junior positions.
Several graduates have initiated service delivery improvements at the health facilities they oversee, improved data use in planning, and enhanced team management and communication in their provinces. Both the clinical staff and the corporate and support services graduates have a greater appreciation for the work of the other, and a new recognition that they are all on the same team playing crucial roles in patient care, even when they are not patient-facing.
The programme is expensive, though. It costs about US$17,000 per graduate, in large part due to air transportation from the provinces to the capital and overseas. Graduates pointed out that the course sent them back better equipped to run their health system more efficiently, make better use of their existing resources, and support the aim of a healthier population, all of which have a financial benefit. Also, the study tour enabled them to see highly aspirational practices, such as robotics in a pharmacy in Singapore, and tools that they could immediately implement back home, such as clinical governance processes seen in Australia.
However, not everyone found fertile ground for the new ideas they came back with and their enthusiasm for change fell afoul of others’ unwillingness to change. Some graduates lacked support when they tried to implement in their provinces the change management projects, they designed during the course because of resistance or opposition from their provincial health CEOs. This was less common in settings where there was a supportive CEO and where there was critical mass of HELDP graduates, who could then drive an agenda of strategic vision and change.
Recommendations
Double the number of HELDP graduates. Although there is no magic formula to determine the critical mass of graduates needed within a single organisation to transform its leadership, graduates have found that the impact of their individual training is greater than the sum of its parts when they work together with fellow graduates.
Provide training to the provincial health CEOs. A bespoke leadership training program for CEOs, pitched at a more strategic level and run over a shorter time (such as a period of 3 weeks), could reinforce the impact of the HELDP.
Build domestic capacity to deliver leadership training. Institutionalizing HELDP within a university, as a recognised postgraduate qualification, and a pathway to an in-house postgraduate diploma or master’s degree would promote sustainability.
Support additional online learning. While the face-to-face, intensive and residential modality, combined with overseas exposure, is unique and highly effective, this training could be augmented with online programming if trainees were supported to access better online connectivity.
Foster intra-provincial mentorship. This could be in the form of a rotational program, for example, with graduates coming into understudy CEOs around the country…. PACNEWS
Inez K. Mikkelsen-Lopez, is Senior Health Specialist, Human and Social Development Office, Sectors Department 3, Asian Development Bank
Jane Parry, is Consultant, Sectors Department 3, Asian Development Bank
