PINA

Hosting the 2025 Pacific Mini Games is a significant undertaking - particularly for a small, remote nation like Palau. Speaking to RNZ Pacific about the preparations as the host country for the 12th edition of the Mini Games - their second time since 2005 - Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr acknowledged that the journey has been long and challenging, but...

The board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) last week adopted reforms that aim to make it quicker and easier for organisations in developing countries to become eligible to apply for funds for climate projects. Achala Abeysinghe, director of investment services at the UN-backed Green Climate Fund (GCF), told a board meeting in Papua New Guinea that the current accreditation...

As the world moves closer to finalising a global treaty to end plastic pollution, Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) have reaffirmed their longstanding position: the agreement must be legally binding, contain strong measures to curb plastic production, and reflect the urgency of the crisis facing small island developing states. Meeting this week in Apia, Samoa, representatives from Pacific Small...

The top United Nations court will on 23 July issue a nonbinding opinion on countries' legal obligation to fight climate change, a decision expected to be cited in climate change-driven litigation around the world, the court said on Monday. The so-called advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, is also expected to...

The President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu received a courtesy call Tuesday from Tongan King Tupou VI , reaffirming the long-standing friendship and enduring regional partnership between the two Pacific Island nations. During the high-level engagement, President Lalabalavu congratulated the Government and people of Tonga for successfully hosting the 4th Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry in May this year...

The United Bougainville Front (UBF) party will not field a presidential candidate in the 2025 Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) election, instead throwing its full support behind incumbent President Ishmael Toroama. The announcement came in an official statement from UBF Founder and Regional Member, Peter L. Tsiamalili. Tsiamalili cited the critical need for “continuity and stability in leadership” as Bougainville advances...

By Netani Rika Ancient traditional ceremonies and religious rituals fused at dawn as one of Fiji’s original kingdoms elevated a career military officer to the title of Tui Nayau. As the sun rose over Nayau Island, Roko Tevita Uluilakeba Mara who is more commonly known as Roko Ului was anointed by Archbishop Peter Loy Chong – head of Fiji’s Roman Catholic...

An estimated one million children in the Pacific region lack an official identity, which is hampering their access to education, healthcare, and legal rights. The experts warn that growing up without a birth certificate has far-reaching implications for families and governments, as officials race to address the issue. Jeff Montgomery, Programme Lead for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics at the Pacific...

The Pacific Islands Forum's secretary general has reaffirmed the region’s commitment to a united, resilient and inclusive Blue Pacific Continent. “In a world increasingly marked by turbulence, the Pacific must remain a beacon of hope and unity," Baron Waqa said in his closing statement at the 27th Micronesian Islands Forum on 04 July. “We must ensure that the Forum’s priorities align...

In a landmark diplomatic engagement for the Pacific region, Fiji will welcome King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u, of the Kingdom of Tonga for a State visit starting today until Saturday 12 July. The official programme will commence at the State House with the 100 men guard of honour accorded to King Tupou VI. This will be followed by a...