Fiji mourns loss of retired UN diplomat
Fiji mourns a trail-blazing diplomat today. Ambassador Satya N Nandan died at his New York home on Tuesday. Nandan chaired the drafting of the United Nations Convention of the Sea that gave Fiji and other islands of the
Building together: Civil society a key partner in delivering Pacific infrastructure
Building quality infrastructure in the Pacific means going beyond a narrow focus on hard assets, to thinking about the ways that new infrastructure, and accompanying services, will contribute to lasting development
Israel’s President to meet Pacific leaders in Fiji next week
Pacific leaders will meet Israel’s President, Reuven Rivlin, in Fiji on 20 February, 2020. Israel’s Ambassador to the Pacific, Tibor Schlosser has told Pacnews that the visit builds on the deep relations Israel
Making every dollar of development aid worthwhile
By Sadhana Sen Is the Pacific an aid-dependent region making endless requests for development assistance but with little care for how effectively and successfully this aid is used? What should be done by Pacific
Comparing China’s and Taiwan’s aid to the Pacific
In September 2019, after 36 years, Solomon Islands severed its diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and established formal relations with the People’s Republic of China (China). A Solomon
Pacific predictions: 2020
As we enter not only a new year but a new decade, there is much to anticipate in the Pacific islands region. Elections and domestic politics A number of countries in the region will have elections during 2020: Kiribati,
Weather causes delays in Bougainville vote
From NETANI RIKA on Buka, Bougainville HEAVY rain and rough seas overnight have delayed the delivery of ballot boxes and voting officials to a number of small atolls off the Bougainville coast. Bougainville Referendum
A good day for world peace
From NETANI RIKA on Buka, Bougainville THE first day of Bougainville’s referendum on independence has been described as a good day for world peace. Chief Referendum Officer, Mauricio Claudio, told a media conference
Alcohol ban as poll begins
From NETANI RIKA on Buka, Bougainville A MONTH-LONG ban on alcohol sales and consumption remains in force as the autonomous region of Bougainville decides on its political future. Local police kept close watch over
All eyes on island
From NETANI RIKA, Port Moresby THE eyes of the world focus on the resource-rich island of Bougainville as the territory prepares for a referendum to decide whether it becomes the world’s newest nation. Tomorrow
Whispers
No UN trip for Marape PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape gave the United Nations General Assembly meeting a miss in September, saying it would cost US$352,800 to send him and 55 officials. Marape told local media he
