Opinion: Leadership of the Forum – Fiji’s Candidate
The Heads of the Pacific Islands Forum Governments will meet virtually in early February 2021 to choose the next Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), to succeed the outgoing Secretary General, Dame Meg
2021: The diagnosis
After an incredibly challenging 2020, what will this year bring? We take a look at the economic and political prognosis and a few key sectors. Vaccinating for recovery Timely vaccination campaigns will be key to the
UN Human rights role impasse continues
A vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council this week could resolve a stalemate over the body’s Presidency between candidates from Fiji, Bahrain and Uzbekistan. Russia and China continue to oppose the candidacy
UN Human rights role impasse continues
A vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council this week could resolve a stalemate over the body’s Presidency between candidates from Fiji, Bahrain and Uzbekistan. Russia and China continue to oppose the candidacy
Australia, China and other aid donors must realise there’s a better way to help the Pacific
Covid-19 has only catalysed the growing geopolitical interest in the Pacific Islands. Donors have been tripping over each other to prepare for an outbreak of the virus. But, at the same time, this has only exacerbated
ADB further downgrades Pacific growth expectations
Economic growth expectations for the Pacific have been downgraded to decline by 6.1% for 2020. The Asian Development Bank had originally forecast a 4.3% decline in July of this year. “Vaccine procurement and
Pacific Business briefs
Free Bird Limited has signed a contract with Air New Zealand to bring its international students back to Fiji on 27 December 2020. Chief Operating Officer, Mereseini Baleilevuka said, “This is a great
Customs revenue badly hit by COVID
The decline in revenue collections for governments through its border agencies was a major topic of discussion at the Oceania Customs Organisation’s 22nd Annual Conference, held virtually for the first time in its
Nuclear ban treaty opens way for Pacific nuclear survivors
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, first adopted by the UN General Assembly in July 2017, will enter into force on 22 January, after the 50th signatory deposited its ratification of the treaty with the
Foreign Ministers prepare for Forum leaders meeting
COVID, climate and oceans were high on the agenda, as foreign ministers and officials from around the region met online on 14 October, for the 2020 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting (FFMM). This year’s ministerial
USP saga drags on
Controversial pro chancellor of the University of the South Pacific Winston Thompson of Fiji has been instructed to convene another urgent meeting of the USP Council. This time, interim USP Council chair, and president
