PACNEWS ONE, 20 MARCH 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Pacific pushes for urgent climate action as Fiji sets pre-COP31 dates2. NZ/COOKS — Cook Islands PM Mark Brown in New Zealand but no talks with Luxon3. PACIFIC — U.S seeks
US withdraws support for Pacific environment program
PRESIDENT Donald Trump has announced it will withdraw support for the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
Japan confronts investment hurdles
THE shortage of skilled personnel, infrastructure constraints and complex landownership systems have been identified as barriers to doing business for Japanese companies in the
A Decade of Ambition: The Pacific’s Climate Reality Ahead of COP30
Ten years ago, the collective voice of the Pacific Islands helped embed the 1.5°C warming limit in the Paris Agreement – a scientifically grounded survival line. As the world turns
High-level officials to brief Forum leaders on partnerships
AS Pacific Islands Forum presidents and prime ministers hold their annual leaders retreat this Thursday, they’ll be briefed on regional engagement with donors and partners by a group of regional veterans – the
Financial desperation is driving TMC’s reckless push to bypass International law inbox
The Deep Sea Mining Campaign (DSMC) has condemned The Metals Company’s (TMC) announcement that it will seek deep-sea mining permits through the United States as a cynical, desperate attempt to stay afloat, not a
Whispers
Kava questionsFiji is taking the battle for the kava market to the United States, of all places. A large delegation led by Assistant Minister Tomasi Tunabuna visited the US, apparently in response to the growing of kava
‘Significant concern’: NZ, Cook Islands relationship worsens
The relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands has worsened significantly this week, report New Zealand media outlets. A statement from Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ office said the Cook Islands had
Guided by the stars: Kakala Tevi dares to save the ocean
The sun climbs gently into the sky as the ocean-going canoe Uto Ni Yalo ploughs towards Vava’u through a surging swell. About 200 metres to the stern, the first rays of the sun glint off the back of a large, black
Opinion: Pacific justice is a shared responsibility
By Kate Schuetze, Amnesty International, Acting Deputy Regional Director for Research This coming week will see a crucial moment for states and territories in the Pacific to express their views on challenges the region
Outgoing Forum Chair Mark Brown reflects on challenging times
“We’ve been mindful that our region is of great interest from a geopolitical perspective over the last few years or so,” says Prime Minister of Cook Islands Mark Brown. “But the security issues that are seen by
