Tongan PM warns of global uncertainty as Forum Finance Ministers endorse three key regional initiatives
In a clear warning to his fellow Pacific Finance Ministers, Tongan Prime Minister and Forum Chair Dr ʻAisake Eke highlighted on Wednesday the rising global uncertainty, fuelled in part by shifting U.S policies under
Misogyny on the rise: But women fight back
The opening session of the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW) meeting in New York this month heard that “misogyny is on the rise.” Sima Bahous, the Executive Director of UN Women, said women and girls are
‘My parents always told me to dream for the stars: ‘CHamoru name makes it to the moon
Among other things, Marcus Manglona from Guam now has one claim to fame—his name is on the moon. The Blue Ghost lunar lander, which landed on the moon on 02 March, carried with it not just NASA scientific equipment
2025 Australian aid update
Australia’s foreign aid (Official Development Assistance or ODA) for 2025-26 is budgeted at $5.097 billion as announced in Tuesday evening’s Federal Budget, a 2.7% increase over the 2024-25 aid budget of $4.961
Aviation a lifeline for the Pacific, says Forum SG Waqa
Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa, Thursday emphasised the vital role aviation plays in the region’s future, calling it not just a mode of transport, but a lifeline for island economies. Speaking to
“Our people need us more than ever” nurses hear
Nurses are the backbone of Pacific health systems, attendees gathered for the Pacific Heads of Nursing and Midwifery Meeting in Nadi have been reminded. Pacific health leaders are meeting in Nadi this week to address
Leaders call for climate action during post COP29 debrief
Pacific leaders have reiterated the region’s urgent climate demands at the Post-COP29 Debrief of Pacific Political Climate Champions, warning that their voices must not be sidelined. This week’s session brought
Pacific Education Ministers continue to work together for the betterment of Pacific People
Background To support the Forum Leaders’ Pacific vision, the ”Pacific Regional Education Framework, Moving Towards Education 2030” (PacREF) prioritises action on quality and relevance, free learning pathways, and
Pacific governments warned of ‘threat’ from Cambodia’s Prince Group
The governments of Taiwan and Palau have both been warned that offers of investment from the Cambodian conglomerate Prince Group represent threats to each nation’s security and sovereignty. Briefings to the president
“More than an event, it was a movement” – Samoa recalls CHOGM triumph at CSW69
Samoa’s CEO for Women, Community, and Social Development, Loau Donina Va’a, has told Commonwealth delegations at the United Nations’ annual gender meeting (CSW) that Samoa’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of
No sign of missing sea ambulance as six-day search ends in the Pacific
Authorities on Monday suspended the search for a Marshall Islands Sea ambulance and its crew of four, missing since 03 March, according to the US Coast Guard. “We stand with the families and the Republic of the
24 teams express interest in joining OFC Professional League
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has received an impressive 24 expressions of interest for the highly anticipated OFC Professional League, due to kick off in January 2026. With the deadline for submissions
Marshall Islands changes Ukraine vote
The Marshall Islands and Palau joined Russia and the United States in voting Monday last week against a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly about Ukraine, which called for the withdrawal of Russian troops
Australia tallies Pacific impact of U.S foreign aid cuts
Australia is racing to identify the South Pacific’s most pressing funding needs as the United States moves to slash its foreign aid budget, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Thursday. Crucial food, climate
Pacific Designers: The survivors, young guns and patriarch
Pasifika designs, with their bold and unapologetic aesthetic, have become a powerful symbol of cultural identity for those seeking a deeper connection to the Pacific way of life. Showcased through clothing or
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
Pacific ‘not a chessboard for global competition’: Dr Aqorau
A proliferation of security deals in the Pacific may be harming rather than helping the region and increasing the risk of conflict, observers have warned. Geopolitical tensions were among the most hotly debated topics
Pacific must get deep-sea mining decisions right, says Tongan Minister
Tonga’s Minister of Lands, Survey, Planning, and Natural Resources, Dr ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, has called for a responsible and collaborative approach to deep-sea mining (DSM), warning that decisions made today
Pacific demographics, economies, education and more
Practical Knowledge for Free Downloads By Professor Wadan Narsey Professor Narsey has worked at USP for some four decades and has also been a Fiji Member of Parliament. He had taught thousands of Pacific students at USP
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
Credibility of the U.S in the Pacific at risk if USAID programmes cut – expert
A Massey University academic says the uncertainty over the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) will have implications for the Pacific region. RNZ Pacific reports that Donald Trump is considering
Eyes on the prize: Will Trump take Toroama’s bait?
Under the rich, black soil of Bougainville lie copper deposits worth close to US$60 billion. It’s enough copper to create over 4000 jobs in an economy desperate to be free of Papua New Guinea and propel the world’s
Take them off: Concern over teen social media use
Australia’s bold move to ban social media for children under 16 years, a world-first law, has sparked a global debate. The policy is now a topic of conversation and consideration in many countries, including those in
