PINA

Romani Katoa has been re-elected the vice president of the Oceania Aquatics Board of Directors for a new four-year term. Katoa has been the president of the Cook Islands Aquatics Federation since 2009. He is also the first Pacific Islander to be elected to the bureau of the World Aquatics International Swimming Federation executive board. “I’m very honoured to receive the overwhelming...

The Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) and the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC) are thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aimed at fortifying the relationship between the two organisations. This landmark agreement is designed to elevate the development of Para sports throughout the Oceania region, encompassing the 17 member countries of ONOC. The MOU highlights a commitment...

Scientific evidence shows that plastics and associated chemicals, including some bio-based plastics, are destabilising the biosphere, harming the natural environment and living organisms including humans, and threatening the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. As 14 Pacific countries and delegates from around the world advance discussions to streamline the text of a legally binding instrument to address plastic...

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened National Consultations for Fiji on the key regional initiatives for 2024. The first of such consultation was presided by the Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) Esala Nayasi and Fiji’s Roving Ambassador, William Toganivalu. It was held Friday at the Ministry of...

More than 200 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel have completed a successful deployment to assist with Solomon Islands' general election, and provide other support to the island nation. The NZDF personnel were part of a Joint Task Force sent on behalf of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with a primary role of helping deliver polling...

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has boldly declared that the state of the republic “is strong and getting stronger” and that Palau is headed “in the right direction.” Speaking before lawmakers, ranking officials, dignitaries, and the diplomatic corps in the Senate chamber of the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK), Whipps highlighted the 30th anniversary this year of the republic’s independence and...

Delegates from 14 Pacific countries advocating their national and regional priorities at the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) to develop an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, are running on adrenalin, and a lot of strong coffee, in Ottawa, Canada. With very little sleep from the late night finishes at...

As officials and negotiators sift through the revised draft text of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) has reiterated that the instrument must take into account the special circumstances of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The point was raised by Samoa, as the Chair of AOSIS,...

A Coalition Agreement was signed by leaders of four political parties on Saturday to form the next government in Solomon Islands. The four political parties consist of the three parties that make up the Coalition for Accountability Reform and Empowerment (CARE) and Solomon Islands United Party (SIUP). The agreement was signed by the SIUP wing leader Peter Kenilorea, SIDP wing leader...

Pacific Island and Timor-Leste nationals will be able to register for Australia's new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) programme from 03 June 2024, providing new opportunities for Pacific and Timorese nationals to live, work and study in Australia. The programme will enable up to 3,000 citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to migrate to Australia as permanent residents each year. This...