Rethinking Indonesia’s reliance on more rules, units and systems
INDONESIA has never run out of ways to create new policy instruments. Each year brings another set of regulations, the establishment of new taskforces and the launch of various digital
Governance
Trust and cooperation needed for Pacific climate action
CLIMATE mobility processes will attract greater support if it is recognised as a security and stability
The European Union renews major ocean partnership with the Pacific – PEUMP phase 2 agreement brings revitalised investment and cooperation with SPC, FFA, OPOC, and USP
SUVA, Fiji – The European Union (EU) renews its partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), and the University of the South Pacific (USP) to advance their shared
Pacific must defeat corruption to prosper
A REGIONAL academic has warned that the Pacific cannot achieve peace or prosperity unless it confronts corruption head-on, calling it a “tapeworm” quietly draining the region’s
Fiji’s Law Society calls for compliance
FIJI’S law society has urged President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to immediately comply with recommendations from the Judicial
Bougainville government takes control of copper assets
THE Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has consolidated its control over the island’s largest potential economic
Briefs
CONGRESSWOMAN Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen is optimistic that federal funding for critical port improvements in American Samoa will ultimately be
Whispers
WHAT’S happening at the regional institution from which people seem to be taking flight? First, an esteemed Fijian
Timor: Fear and risk
DESPITE a stable constitutional framework, sustained international assistance, and substantial public
AI governance redefined to make human oversight count
AI innovation is advancing rapidly, prompting urgent calls for international cooperation and for scientific foundations to guide
Pacific leaders urge action on corruption
ERADICATING corruption across the region remains critical to securing a peaceful,
Collaborative efforts needed for Fiji’s national development
FIJI’S national development priorities must be closely linked to funding and realistic implementation to improve policy
Collective action for trust and integrity in Commonwealth governance
THE Nadi Declaration renews core Commonwealth principles to strengthen the rule of law, human rights, and governance across 56 member
Commonwealth creates model laws for global AI regulation
THE Commonwealth leads global efforts to create model laws on AI, aiming to harness its benefits while mitigating risks across 56 diverse
Movers and Shakers
ELIZABETH Wright-Koteka, a veteran diplomat and former ambassador, has been appointed Secretary of the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Former Samoan PM calls for action, not church activities
FORMER Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has called on the government address medical supply shortages and power blackouts instead of creating a Christian
Controversy erupts ahead of Miss Pacific Islands pageant
THE Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, set to be held in Nadi, Fiji, next month, is generating excitement across the Pacific—but not only for its celebration of beauty and
Tongan PM announces Cabinet
TONGA has a new Cabinet, three weeks after the election of Lord Fakafanua as Prime
Bougainville’s Toroama urges economic sustainability
BOUGAINVILLE has been urged to become economically independent as its leaders seek full independence from Papua New Guinea by
PNG asserts sustained tackling of corruption at global forum
EFFECTIVELY combating corruption at all levels and on a sustained basis is a key priority for Papua New
Briefs
THE Commonwealth Election Commission (CEC) wants the CNMI Legislature to pass an election reform bill to modernise the territory’s voting system.
What exactly are the rules governing parliamentary politics in PNG?
The year 2025 marked yet another period of political turbulence in Papua New Guinea. No fewer than eight motions of no-confidence were lodged against Prime Minister James Marape, two of which were eventually tabled and
Electoral inequality in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is an incredibly diverse country. This is a source of great pride to most Papua New Guineans, and rightly