PINA

Australia has been accused of being “out of touch with the reality of climate change” by campaigners as it bids to co-host the COP31 summit in 2026 with Pacific Island nations. Talks at the UN’s COP29 in Azerbaijan have entered their second week, with Australia taking a leading role in climate finance negotiations, while also pushing to secure COP31. A joint...

The world needs US$1.3 trillion dollars to deliver 1.5 degrees. The alternative is the burden of tens of trillions in loss, damage, and costs over the next decade in and an unstable and dangerous plus 3-degree world. The message was delivered loud and clear by Biman Prasad, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, when he addressed world leaders on Tuesday, during the High-Level...

As global attention turn to what and how COP29 would decide on a new finance goal, the legend of a Palauan fisherman from the village of Ngarchemai has been used to illustrate the risks of indecision, and the need for world leaders to choose wisely for the survival of humanity. The fisherman apparently dove into the water after a turtle...

Opinion by Palau President, Surangel Whipps Jr A week into Cop29 negotiations, we’re not moving fast enough – or anywhere for that matter – on some key issues. Climate finance, or more specifically the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) to replace the current US$100bn a year goal, and the work to operationalise the loss and damage fund, are key expected outcomes...

Rugby Australia aim to put together a team of Indigenous Australians and players with Pacific islands heritage to plug the gap in the British and Irish Lions schedule left by the demise of the Melbourne Rebels, CEO Phil Waugh has said. The Rebels Super Rugby team went into voluntary administration in January with debts of over AUD$20 million (US$13 million)...

The countdown has begun for the Oceania Rugby 7s Tournament, as the official draws were revealed today at the National Stadium in Honiara. Scheduled for 7–8 December 2024, this year's event will feature 15 men's teams and 9 women's teams, with a total of 58 thrilling games over two days of fierce competition. The tournament showcases a mix of seasoned rugby...

The Australian Government and Cricket Australia are partnering to support high-performance cricket across the Pacific and strengthen connections with the region. Delivered through the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports programme, the renewed three-year, $1.55 million (US$1.01 million) partnership will identify and develop talented players from the Pacific region. The partnership will also create opportunities for Pacific teams to access high-level competitions,...

The Vanuatu Opposition bloc has filed a case in court challenging President Nikenike Vurobaravu's decision to dissolve Parliament amid a no-confidence motion against him. The President dissolved Parliament based on advice from the Council of Ministers (COM). Former Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Port Vila, Ishmael Kalsakau, expressed the Opposition's dissatisfaction with the President's move, asserting that the dissolution...

Fiji's Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu launched the Fiji Health Adaptation Plan 2024 - 2030 at the COP29 forum in Baku, Azerbaijan on Friday. Minister Lalabalavu informed that Fiji is one of the first countries in the Pacific region to establish a Health Adaptation Plan. The plan is aligned to the current National Adaptation Plan...

Hollywood star Jason Momoa has urged his millions of followers to support Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti and stand with Māori against the proposed Treaty Principles Bill. The Aquaman and Game of Thrones actor took to social media sharing footage of Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke performing 'Ka Mate' haka and sharing his backing for the movement. The video of the Te Pāti Māori MP...