PINA

The Micronesia Islands Forum (MIF) 2024 concluded Tuesday with leaders committing to unity to navigate the complex issues facing the region. Following two days of presentations on issues ranging from workforce development and transportation to energy, education, healthcare, digitisation, and cybersecurity, leaders agreed on the next order of business—establishing a secretary general. “Each of us leaders have recognised the need to...

The U.S government has agreed to allow U.S territories to join the Pacific Islands Forum(PIF) as non-voting associate members, modifying an old policy that previously barred their participation in international organisations in “any capacity.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week wrote to Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios informing them that the U.S government has...

Palau Vice President Uduch Sengebau Senior called for an “enhanced organisational structure” and the inclusion of the American Pacific island territories in the larger Pacific Islands Forum. “What becomes clear is that the Micronesian Islands Forum(MIF) is rapidly emerging as a critical organisation for moving forward Micronesian issues both regionally and internationally,” Senior said in her closing remarks at the...

Following bilateral talks in Suva, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, have made a number of announcements aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two countries. Along with discussing a range of issues including defence and regional security, trade, and people-to-people links, Luxon has committed New Zealand to funding a number of initiatives as part of New...

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has held talks with Nauru President David Adeang during a visit by the Pacific leader to Canberra. During a meeting at Parliament House on Wednesday, Albanese said Australia remained committed to being Nauru's development and security partner of choice. The two leaders also discussed Australia making further commitment on climate change, connectivity and co-operation through sport...

Papua New Guinea Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat has made a ruling to disqualify the Private Business Committee (PBC) decision on the Motion of the Notice of the Vote of No Confidence and put it on the notice paper. Pomat has also said that he would go to court today to find out if the decision he made is correct. He...

Fossil-fuel companies are the “godfathers of climate chaos” and should be banned in every country from advertising akin to restrictions on big tobacco, the secretary general of the United Nations has said while delivering dire new scientific warnings of global heating. In a major speech in New York on Wednesday, António Guterres called on news and tech media to stop...

Commercial flights from Nouméa's international airport have resumed on Wednesday on a limited basis. The Nouméa-La Tontouta International Airport had been closed to the public since violent and destructive riots broke out in New Caledonia on 13 May. This was mainly due to the main road access between Nouméa and the airport being blocked by numerous barricades erected by groups of...

The people of Kanaky-New Caledonia have spoken, saying yet again, any and all attempts to determine the future relationship between France and the territory, by force, and without its people, will never be accepted. The Pacific groups, and solidarity partners therefore strongly support the affirmation of the FLNKS and other pro-independence groups that responding to the current crisis in a...

Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne has retained his starting line-up from last week’s win against the Melbourne Rebels as the Drua make their second consecutive quarter-final appearance in just three seasons. Fifteen of the matchday 23 players featured for the Drua in last year’s quarter-final match. Prop Livai Natave is at loosehead while Tevita Ikanivere starts at hooker with Mesake...