PINA

With China increasing its influence, the Pacific Islands Forum is warning smaller nations to safeguard their sovereignty in new partnerships. PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa emphasises that these deals must meet the unique needs of Pacific island countries. This comes as the United States is cutting down crucial aid, including funding for the PIF, putting island nations at risk of making decisions...

Fiji Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said they cannot reveal the name of the high chief who is allegedly involved in the importation of a gun and about 600 rounds of ammunition. He said at a press conference investigations are now underway into the matter. The gun and ammunition arrived into Fiji on board MV Malau from Tonga last night. Prime Minister...

The Vanuatu government is yet to receive any formal communication from the Trump administration about the country’s reported inclusion in a sweeping travel ban on citizens of dozens of nations, while a U.S spokesperson denied the existence of such a list. Vanuatu is one of over 40 countries reported to be on an immigration watchlist that includes three different levels...

Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa inspired Pacific leaders during the debrief of Political Climate Champions in Nadi Tuesday, stressing the critical need for strong political leadership in the fight against climate change. Waqa’s address highlighted the crucial role Pacific leaders play in shaping global climate action and called for continued dedication to the cause. “I want to express my appreciation and...

Targeted support for elderly, the unemployed, and those with disabilities have helped bring down poverty levels in Kiribati by up to 70 percent, Kiribati Women, Youth and Social Welfare Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing has told the annual global report card meeting on the state of the world’s women. Kwansing and other Pacific Ministers are in New York for the annual...

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni has praised Samoa’s continued leadership in advancing the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity during the opening of the Samoa National Workshop on the Ratification and Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. A new legally binding agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) was...

Sea level rise and other climate impacts—compounded by insecure land tenure, limited access to land, and inadequate government support—are undermining the rights of the people of Walande, an Indigenous community in Solomon Islands, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Despite taking the last resort measure of leaving their island home to escape the impacts of climate change,...

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says the United States will not make any decisions on aid funding for the Pacific region until mid-April. Peters has met with acting head of U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) Peter Marocco and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. On his sit-down with Marocco, Peters said the pair had a “frank and open” discussion...

--Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed his commitment to tabling the 2019 post-referendum results in Parliament, allowing for a final decision on Bougainville’s political future. Speaking at the Joint Moderation Consultation Meeting between the PNG National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government Monday, PM Marape stated that the National Government is ready to take the post-referendum results...

The Pacific Islands Forum is making significant strides toward enhancing regional resilience and economic development as Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa outlined ambitious goals during a press conference in Suva Monday. Waqa reported strong progress in securing international support for the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), which recently received its first capitalisation funding from Japan, a vital step towards building a...