PINA

Tonga has overcome predictions the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting would be marred by disorganisation or stoushes, all while living up to its 'friendly islands' nickname. The annual Pacific summit of regional leaders wrapped up on Friday following an overnight leaders retreat in Vava'u. Anthony Albanese was one of a handful of leaders to skip that stay, leaving on Thursday night...

Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) leaders have agreed to table the possibility of a Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) candidate for the United Nations Secretary-General position at their next meeting, following a proposal by Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape. The decision signals the MSG’s intent to strengthen the Pacific’s voice on the global stage. In their meeting on the sidelines of...

Forum Chair and Tongan Prime Minister Hu'akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni has expressed deep condolences on behalf of Forum members following the passing of Māori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. King Tuheitia, aged 69, died peacefully last week, sending New Zealand into mourning on Friday. “While we were in Vava'u, we received the very sad news of the passing of Māori King...

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) leaders, meeting on the sidelines of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, have called for a robust and unified approach to key regional issues, particularly the ongoing situation in New Caledonia. Chaired by Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, the MSG Leaders caucus focused on the challenges facing the Melanesian community and reiterated their...

The Pacific Islands Forum secretariat has altered the communique from last week's summit in Tonga to remove an affirming reference to Taiwan, after an outburst from China. In a tumultuous ending to the otherwise largely-harmonious regional gathering in Tonga last week, a clause endorsing Taiwan's status as a "development partner" went missing from the final text. The publication mix-up reveals tension...

Taiwan has signed a cooperation agreement with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat to continue its ongoing support of the organisation from 2025 to 2027, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced on Sunday. The pact was signed by Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang and a representative from the PIF Secretariat during the annual Taiwan/Republic of China-Forum Countries Dialogue held...

By Nic Maclellan As the oceans face devastating change from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, Pacific governments are preparing for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, to be held in France in June 2025. Speaking on the sidelines of last week’s Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, Prime Minister of Tuvalu Feleti Teo spoke of the importance of the oceans’ agenda...

Manu Samoa got their Pacific Nations Cup campaign back on track in Apia this evening as they defeated Tonga 43-17. The win shot the Samoans back into contention for a top two finish from the Pacific pool. Samoa extended their 44-year unbeaten home record against Tonga in Apia to 20 matches with a 43-17 win that keeps their hopes of a...

Fiji’s Young Kulas kicked off their first ever World Cup with a 9-0 defeat to 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup bronze medalists Brazil in Colombia. Lining up in a 4-3-3, head coach Angelina Chua started with Aliana Vakaloloma in goal, a back four of Seruwaia Laulaba, Talei Moodie, Sonia Alfred and Angeline Rekha; midfueld of Carolone Qalivere, Kasanita Tabua...

Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, has called for a fundamental shift in how climate finance is accessed by Pacific nations, arguing that current international models are failing the region. Speaking at the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) side event on Thursday, Dr Michael emphasied the need for direct and simplified access to climate funding to...