PINA

By Pita Ligaiula at COP28 in Dubai UN Special Envoy for the Ocean Ambassador Peter Thomson, a Fijian diplomat, delivered a blunt message on the challenges faced in the battle for ocean preservation. “Are we winning the war? No. The oil and gas industry is definitely winning the war, and so we just have to keep fighting. Look at the process,”...

By Pita Ligaiula at COP28 in Dubai, UAE Australia's Ambassador for Climate Change, Kristin Tilley, has highlighted the urgency of focusing on ocean-related climate issues and the challenges in securing the COP31 bid. “When you started with Palau President Whipps, terrestrial-based climate responses, especially in forests, have had a head start in COP discussions for decades. Oceans are very much...

By Pita Ligaiula at COP28 in Dubai, UAE Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has emphasised the need for urgent action to protect the Pacific and the vital role of oceans in global health. Speaking at the side event on Oceans, organised by the Office of Oceans Commissioner (OPOC) at the COP28 in Dubai which focused on accelerating the sea lane...

By Pita Ligaiula at COP28 in Dubai UAE Pacific political champion for Gender and Social Inclusion, and Niue Minister for Natural Resources, Mona Ainu'u, Wednesday shared the stark realities facing the Pacific region in the context of climate change and the need for immediate global action on Oceans. “I like to talk as a mother for Niue; we are a...

By Pita Ligaiula at COP28 in Dubai, UAE Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni Wednesday reiterated the need for strategic planning and genuine partnerships to address the challenges faced by Pacific nations in the era of climate change. “This journey as Pacific Islands is about ensuring that the great work undertaken for centuries by our people through traditional knowledge in...

By Pita Ligaiula at COP28 in Dubai, UAE Concerns were raised about attempts by certain countries to weaken the emphasis on Small Island states (SIDS) at the COP28 climate change negotiation in Dubai. The issue revolves around the unique circumstances of SIDS and the fear that broader inclusion might weaken their concerns in global climate negotiations. Director General of the Secretariat...

By Pita Ligaiula at COP28 in Dubai The Pacific Islands Forum Director of Programmes and Initiatives, Zarak Khan has provided an update on the progress of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), shedding light on the significant interest and support it has received during the climate summit at COP28 in Dubai. Khan acknowledged role played by the Cook Islands Prime Minister...

By Pita Ligaiula at COP28 in Dubai, UAE Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Henry Puna has called for a full revamp of the format and structure of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP). Puna emphasised the urgent need to bring the voices of young individuals to the centre stage at global conferences and highlighting the marginalisation...

By Pita Ligaiula at COP28 in Dubai, UAE As COP28 approaches its closing plenary next week, key stakeholders from the Pacific region weigh in on their priorities and expectations for the rest of the conference. Director General of SPREP, Sefanaia Nawadra said the single biggest issue for the Pacific still remains 1.5 to stay alive. “This is the bottom line. We...

By Sarah Stubbings, ANZ Regional Executive, Pacific ANZ’s presence in the Pacific dates back 143 years and our commitment to this vibrant region is illustrated by our 1,000-strong team. Our focus today is on our core markets — Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Timor Leste — each unique, yet all contributing to the rich tapestry...