A Silver Linings Playbook for the aid sector in 2025
In the midst of the swift and brutal dismantling of USAID there has been a swell of voices in defence of aid. They have pointed to the good that aid does for the world’s most vulnerable; the importance of aid to U.S
ANALYSIS: Marshall Islands at high risk of cyber attack
Pacific Island countries are ripe for cyber-attacks. With few resources, even fewer skilled information security personnel, and low levels of internet awareness among populations, island nations are easy targets for
Welkam fren’: New Vanuatu PM sets homegrown tone for US relations
Jotham Napat wants the US to step up, rather than step away, despite Trump’s rejection of the ParisAgreement and aid freeze. Vanuatu’s newly elected Prime Minister Jotham Napat is known as a sharp and media-savvy
Opinion: A “National Interest Analysis” would strengthen PNG’s foreign policy
Robust domestic procedures are crucial, not least to improve public understanding of government actions. One practical innovation in ensuring the robustness of foreign relations is mandatory use of national interest
Aid on ice: How Trump’s freeze hurts the Pacific and Southeast Asia
The outlook is anything but reassuring. The US aid freeze won’t break the Pacific, but it will create unnecessary disruptions. For Southeast Asia, the consequences are mixed, likely to hit Myanmar and Cambodia
Opinion: What will US aid cuts mean for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific?
The Trump Administration’s freeze on foreign aid will be felt around the world, including in Papua NewGuinea. While the Trump Administration’s freeze on foreign aid will have an impact around the world, the decision
Opinion: Whose canoe? ‘Moana 2’ debate exposes AI threat to Pacific languages
As Moana sailed the Pacific late last year in her traditional canoe on the big screen, a heated debate raged online over the ownership of this potent symbol that unites Pacific islanders. The discussion of her canoe in
As Trump deportations intensify, Pacific Island nations worry they could be overwhelmed
In his first term, Donald Trump deported far fewer people from the United States than his three predecessors: Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Just weeks into his second term, however, Trump is making the
NZ Government cuts Pacific language funding by over 50%
A review of investments supporting Pacific education priorities has resulted in a major reduction in funding. Information obtained by PMN News through an Official Information Act (OIA) request reveals that funding for
Opinion: President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s inaugural address – A visionary agenda or a familiar refrain?
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s 16 January inaugural address delivered a broad vision for Palau’s future, addressing the nation’s role in geopolitics, domestic challenges and environmental stewardship.
How can Vanuatu’s new parliament rebuild public trust?
As communities across Vanuatu welcomed a new year and contemplated multiple aspiring political candidates ahead of the 16 January snap election, a popular reggae song was making the rounds. Ol pipol oli taet (People
Time to decolonise international development
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is being held at one of the most difficult moments in recent history. At no time in post-Second World War history has the international environment been
Opinion: Tonga’s PM Hu’akavameiliku throws in the towel
In a highly anticipated session of the Tongan parliament to debate and vote on the second vote of no confidence (VONC) scheduled for Monday 9th December, Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni Hu’akavameiliku surprised
Opinion: Trusted partner to the Pacific, or giant fossil fuel exporter? This week, Australia chose the latter
Australia has long tried to be two things at once – a trusted friend to Pacific nations in a bid to reduce China’s influence, and a giant exporter of fossil fuels. This diplomatic tightrope has become increasingly
Opinion: Passports for sale – Lessons for Nauru and Solomon Islands from Vanuatu’s EU rebuke
Vanuatu becomes first country to ever lose EU visa-free access after golden passport scheme poses security threat. Earlier this month Vanuatu received a stinging rebuke from the European Parliament, becoming the first
The Australia-Pacific COP31 bid is in limbo. What now?
Australia and Pacific Island nations had hoped to leave this year’s global climate talks in Azerbaijan having won a bid to host the COP31 summit in 2026. Instead, that decision on who will host the 31st “conference
Opinion: Australia and the Pacific are in prime position to host landmark COP31 summit
An announcement about who will host the 2026 UN climate summit is expected during COP29 discussions in Baku,
What these Pacific youth leaders want to see come out of COP29
Pacific Island youth leaders say the stakes couldn't be higher at this year's United Nations climate
Opinion: Donald Trump can’t stop global climate action. If we stick together, it’s the U.S that will lose out
Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House is a major setback for climate action but ultimately, it’s the US that could end up losing out, writes Bill
Opinion: How Azerbaijan put a climate advocate in prison ahead of COP29
The abundance of natural resources has enabled reprisals against those who speak out about the grim future to come. My husband, Farid Mehralizada, is one of those who faced such a consequence, writes Nargiz
Opinion: Is Fiji losing its global standing?
Fiji’s noble banner blue has always flown high at the international level. We have enjoyed the status of a country with a population of less than a million, and as a smaller island developing state, we have punched
Opinion: Biases within the capital flows to the Pacific
Earlier this month, USAID announced additional support to the Pacific Island economies, focusing on inclusive and sustainable economic growth and climate change.
Opinion: The Pacific Islands News Association at 50: part 2
A perspective on the history and future of the Pacific Islands News Association from incoming President Kalafi
