Measuring vulnerability for development

Once again, people in Vanuatu are rebuilding their homes after two cyclones hit the nation in the first week of March. It’s a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of small island developing states and the way that

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Briefs

American SamoaAmerican Samoa’s Department of Health says it will only allow school aged children who are vaccinated to attend school. This as neighbouring Samoa monitors several children suspected to have measles. The

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AUKUS is going against Pacific nuclear free treaty: Forum chair

Cook Islands Prime Minister and Forum Chair, Mark Brown has joined a growing list of Pacific leaders to object to the US$250 billion nuclear submarine deal between Australia, United Kingdom and the United States

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Movers and Shakers

Tonga's parliamentary Speaker, Lord Fakafanua, is the first Pacific Islander to be elected into the board of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Forum of Young Parliamentarians. Fakafanua said his election guarantees

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Samoa PM Fiame Mata’afa’s inaugural FDC Pacific Lecture

Talofa Lava and warm Pacific greetings. I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to deliver this Pacific Lecture, as has been the tradition for the Lowy Institute to host world leaders in order to foster positive

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Pacific ministers call for fossil fuel free Pacific

An ambitious and historical call to action for a fossil fuel free Pacific was endorsed Friday in Port Vila – demanding a phase out of fossil fuel production from major economies that continue to produce coal, oil and

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US$1.7 million to support Vanuatu’s cyclone recovery: CERF

The United Nations’ Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has approved US$1.7 million funding for recovery efforts in Vanuatu following twin Category-4 cyclones Judy and Kevin earlier this month. The funding, the

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South Pacific eyes China trade deal

China and a group of South Pacific island countries could start talks this year toward their first formal trade agreement, according to an official from a regional network of nations.  But while such talks could

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Emerging collective call for fossil fuel free Pacific

As Pacific Ministers wrap up their three-day dialogue in Port Vila today, there’s strong calls for a fossil fuel free Pacific – and a push to transition away from oil and gas and explore safe and sustainable

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Pacific nations explore opportunities to push for fossil fuel phase out

A yes vote at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) later this month to Vanuatu’s request for Advisory Opinion (AO) from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of States in respect of climate

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More Pacific countries likely to join the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

More Pacific countries are expected to join the global campaign to phase out the production and stockpiling of fossil fuels – after this week’s dialogue to build regional support and solidarity towards just

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55 countries face a health worker crunch linked to COVID-19: WHO

No less than 55 countries are struggling with serious health worker shortages as they continue to seek better paid opportunities in wealthier nations that have stepped up efforts to recruit them amid the COVID-19

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