PINA

The President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu received a courtesy call Tuesday from Tongan King Tupou VI , reaffirming the long-standing friendship and enduring regional partnership between the two Pacific Island nations. During the high-level engagement, President Lalabalavu congratulated the Government and people of Tonga for successfully hosting the 4th Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry in May this year...

The United Bougainville Front (UBF) party will not field a presidential candidate in the 2025 Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) election, instead throwing its full support behind incumbent President Ishmael Toroama. The announcement came in an official statement from UBF Founder and Regional Member, Peter L. Tsiamalili. Tsiamalili cited the critical need for “continuity and stability in leadership” as Bougainville advances...

By Netani Rika Ancient traditional ceremonies and religious rituals fused at dawn as one of Fiji’s original kingdoms elevated a career military officer to the title of Tui Nayau. As the sun rose over Nayau Island, Roko Tevita Uluilakeba Mara who is more commonly known as Roko Ului was anointed by Archbishop Peter Loy Chong – head of Fiji’s Roman Catholic...

An estimated one million children in the Pacific region lack an official identity, which is hampering their access to education, healthcare, and legal rights. The experts warn that growing up without a birth certificate has far-reaching implications for families and governments, as officials race to address the issue. Jeff Montgomery, Programme Lead for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics at the Pacific...

The Pacific Islands Forum's secretary general has reaffirmed the region’s commitment to a united, resilient and inclusive Blue Pacific Continent. “In a world increasingly marked by turbulence, the Pacific must remain a beacon of hope and unity," Baron Waqa said in his closing statement at the 27th Micronesian Islands Forum on 04 July. “We must ensure that the Forum’s priorities align...

In a landmark diplomatic engagement for the Pacific region, Fiji will welcome King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u, of the Kingdom of Tonga for a State visit starting today until Saturday 12 July. The official programme will commence at the State House with the 100 men guard of honour accorded to King Tupou VI. This will be followed by a...

Australia needs the moral leadership of the Pacific as it pushes a bid to co-host one of its biggest events since the Sydney Olympics. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is set to visit the region for talks with leaders in Tuvalu, Palau, Samoa and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. He is trying to progress talks on Australia and the Pacific's...

The Writs for the Fifth Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) General Elections were officially issued by the Speaker of the Bougainville House of Representatives at the Parliament House Monday. In his remarks, Speaker of the Bougainville Parliament, Simon Pentanu, highlighted the importance of this democratic process for Bougainville’s political journey. “This is one of the most important democratic tasks of any nation...

During the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) urged world leaders to prioritise the Debt Sustainability Support Service (DSSS) as a concrete response to the unique challenges facing the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), describing it as essential for the survival and development of vulnerable island nations. “Small Island Developing States stand...

Guam's push for United Nations recognition of its decolonisation efforts has gained momentum with recent amendments to its resolution, but the territory faces significant challenges ahead as it seeks approval for a visiting mission from the Trump administration. Melvin Won Pat-Borja, executive director of Guam's Commission on Decolonisation, told The Guam Daily Post the C-24 committee recently adopted amendments that...