PINA

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has commended the Marshall Islands for signing the Treaty of Rarotonga and reaffirms its nuclear-free intentions ahead of the leaders’ summit in September. Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa, who attended the Republic of the Marshall Islands Nuclear Remembrance Day, says witnessing their signing to the Treaty of Rarotonga was “a plus”. The Treaty of Rarotonga signed nearly...

This week, Tuvalu has officially received three 3D Atoll Models for Funafuti, Nanumea, and Nanumaga. The models were handed over to Prime Minister of Tuvalu Feleti Teo, by Dr Stuart Minchin, Director-General of the Pacific Community (SPC). These models represent decades of dedicated scientific and technological collaboration between SPC and the Government of Tuvalu. Dr Minchin emphasised that while the Pacific...

The effects of human-driven climate change surged to alarming levels in 2024, with some consequences likely to be irreversible for centuries - if not millennia – according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The latest State of the Global Climate report confirms 2024 as the hottest year since records began 175 years ago, with a global...

U.S Congresswoman Amata Radewagen, who represents American Samoa, has urged the Trump administration to reopen most of an enormous marine protected area in the Central Pacific Ocean to industrial fishing while also recommending the reopening of other Pacific MPAs. In a 23 January letter to President Donald Trump, Radewagen called for his administration to open the vast majority of the...

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) member countries must work together and identify "other alternatives for cooperation" amid the United States' freeze on development assistance around the world. This was the message from PIF secretary general Baron Waqa during a press briefing this week, where he told reporters that President Donald Trump's decision to halt American aid is set to affect...

The Trump administration might let hundreds of millions of dollars in aid pledged to Pacific island nations during former President Joe Biden’s time in office stand, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said after talks in Washington this week. The Biden administration pledged about US$1 billion in aid to the Pacific to help counter China’s influence in the strategic region. However,...

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...