Albanese wants to “China-proof” the Pacific, but Nauru is driving a hard bargain
The Albanese government hopes to end the year with a major foreign policy victory by signing a landmark pact with Nauru aimed at preventing China from gaining a security foothold in the Pacific. The Sydney Morning
USP offers flexible, quality education across the region
The University of the South Pacific (USP) is one of the biggest multi-mode universities in the Commonwealth, offering face-to-face, blended and online learning options for students. The 2024 Global Education Monitoring
SAFE Pacific: Empowering Small Island Nations for Safer and Stronger Trade
Small ACP (African, Caribbean, Pacific) states boast a rich diversity of cultures and resources, giving them significant potential for greater trade and market opportunities. International trade plays a crucial role in
Renewable roundup
While global targets on ensuring access to affordable, reliable energy for all under the Sustainable Development Goals are unlikely to be met by 2030, take-up of renewables is on track. And while a number of Pacific
Whispers
Priceless fence There’s a fence being built around a Pacific institute of learning. Students and staff raised FJ$170,000 to build the fence two years ago. Only last month did work on this barrier actually begin. News
Briefs
American Samoa A runoff election is set for the American Samoa gubernatorial race after no candidate secured the required 50% majority. The team of Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Pulu Ae Ae Jr led with 42.4% of votes (4284),
Vanuatu to launch ICJ hearings on climate and human right
It began five years ago, as an exercise amongst law students at the Emalus campus of the University of the South Pacific in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Now, in the Netherlands, the Republic of Vanuatu will open presentations
Building Resilience Together: Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Pacific
As global debates on climate finance, loss and damage and urgent climate action continued at the COP29 Climate Talks, the Pacific region remains on the frontlines of climate change. For Pacific communities, climate
EU Parliament votes to Permanently end Vanuatu’s Schengen Visa waiver
The European Parliament has voted 62-1, with two abstentions, to end Vanuatu’s visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Parliament Rapporteur Paulo Cunha notes this marks “the first time we have removed a third
China returns to Pacific with aid and influence push, report shows
China has regained its place as the second-biggest bilateral donor to the Pacific Islands, displacing the United States and targeting its spending to win influence, a Lowy Institute report on aid to the region found.
Slavery ship masts reminder of horrors of slavery in the Pacific
The installation, Cry of the Stolen People, tells part of the little-known history of “blackbirding”, of how Peruvian slave ships kidnapped more than 250
