PINA

Palau’s Vice President and Minister of Justice, J. Uduch Sengebau Senior, marked the island nation’s 30th anniversary of independence with a powerful statement at the 79th United Nations General Assembly(UNGA). She urged world leaders to take decisive action on climate change, ocean conservation, and gender equality. “The global response to climate change is a matter of life and death,” Senior told...

Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, delivered a stinging rebuke to China’s recent ballistic missile test in the Pacific, calling for an end to provocative actions that threaten peace and security. Speaking at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 26 September in New York, President Katonivere condemned the test, which took place just a day prior. “There was a unilateral...

President of the Federated States of Micronesia(FSM), Wesley Simina took the global stage at the UN, urging immediate, bold action on climate change, ocean protection, and sustainable development. Simina’s speech highlighted Micronesia's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change while championing global unity as essential for peace and progress. “Kamorale,” Simina explaining that this word, coined as Micronesia’s national greeting, embodies...

Tongan veteran journalist Kalafi Moala has been appointed as the new President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) following the conclusion of the 2024 PINA Summit in Niue. Moala, a respected figure in Pacific journalism, replaces outgoing President Kora Nou, Managing Director of NBC Papua New Guinea after a secreta ballot voting. Moala was nominated for the position by Fijian...

The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) has delivered a clear and urgent message to the international community: statehood and sovereignty must not be eroded by climate change, no matter the rising tides. In a bold declaration made on 23 September 2024, in New York, AOSIS leaders affirmed that the impacts of sea level rise will not alter the rights...

World leaders, senior government officials and civil society representatives joined forces at UN Headquarters on Thursday to reaffirm commitment to nuclear disarmament as a global priority. The High-Level Meeting was held to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, observed annually on 26 September. “There should be no place for these devices of death in our world,”...

The United States must consider a formal apology and full reparation to Marshall Islands citizens whose human rights have been violated by the legacy of nuclear testing in the Pacific, UN rights experts said in a new report. Between 1946-58, the U.S conducted 67 known nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands that combined were more than 7,000 times more powerful...

Kanak chiefdoms have unilaterally proclaimed their sovereignty over ancestral lands in New Caledonia, raising concern among some non-independence supporters in the midst of a social and institutional crisis across the archipelago. Over three days this week, ‘Inaat ne Kanaky’ – the National Council of Kanak High Chiefs – held its assembly on New Caledonia's eastern Maré Island, for the institution's...

World Rugby and Gallagher has announced the next 11 female coaches that will head to WXV 2024, the second edition of the women’s 15 tournament, as part of the Gallagher High Performance Academy. The fully immersive global development and leadership programme is dedicated to enhancing the prominence of female coaches as we approach Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025. With a...

Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo Wednesday called on the world to face the life-or-death challenge of rising sea levels head-on. “Today is our historical opportunity to turn the global tide and to embark on a common path that secures prosperity, dignity, and rights to all affected countries and communities,” said PM Teo at UN High-Level Meeting on addressing the existential...