Winston Peters and Shane Reti make Cook Islands climate change announcement
Tackling the impacts of climate change is a key focus for New Zealand, with a total of $16.5 million (US$10 million) to go to the Cook Islands to help fight the crisis. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs
Taiwan condemns Nauru for accepting One China principle
Taiwan has criticised Nauru for accepting China’s “One China” principle on Wednesday. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said it expressed “deep regret and strong condemnation” after Nauru and
The 2024 Pacific Forecast: A Turn for the Worse?
It’s 2024. Heading towards the halfway mark of this decade, the Pacific’s landscape is vastly different from four years ago, gripped in a steadily escalating set of challenges that may well define what the next
Forging Australian priorities for the region
US President Joe Biden designated former Ambassador Frankie Reed as the first-ever US Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum in 2022. Beijing appointed Qian Bo in February 2023 as Special Envoy for Pacific Island Countries
Scaling up renewable energy in the Pacific
A rural electrification project launched in Fiji last month will take electricity to almost 200 households from renewable energy sources, with project lead, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlighting the increasing
Whispers
Which way after Tuvalu?So, what’s next for Australia’s strategy in the region, after the Falepili agreement with Tuvalu? There are noises there could be another such agreement in the works with Fiji, while the
Briefs
American SamoaThe American Samoa government has announced that foreigners can now acquire or start a new limited liability company (LLC) in the territory. The announcement opens up opportunities for foreign
PNG expands Visa on Arrival to all Pacific Islands
Papua New Guinea has announced the extension of Visa on Arrival (VOA) privileges to all Pacific Island States and Territories. Loop PNG reports Chief Migration Officer Stanis Hulahau, as making the official
COP28: Celebrating the Crumbs
After 28 years of international climate negotiations, the COP summit finally reached an agreement to transition away from fossil fuels. The mention of fossil fuels is in itself a breakthrough. But it is low-hanging
Pragmatist, Puppetmaster or Puppet?
“Tonight we take the first step in telling our story to the whole world.” That was Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s declaration when opening the region’s premier sporting competition, the
Whispers
Uni’s rough start The news on the newest regional university is not good. Launched at an ecumenical gathering in New Caledonia early this month, its application for funding has been rejected by two banks. The
