PINA

Tuvalu’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Paulson Panapa, has called for urgent investment and action to launch the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), highlighting the existential threat climate change poses to Pacific nations like Tuvalu. “It’s my pleasure to bring Tuvalu’s voice to this special PRF side event. “We fully align with the decision to headquarter the PRF in Tonga and congratulate the...

Pacific Island leaders wrapped up the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, reinforcing their commitment to regional cooperation, climate resilience, and sustainable development. The week-long Forum brought together leaders from 18 member countries and territories, who addressed the region’s most pressing challenges, from climate change and healthcare vulnerabilities to education and regional security. Recognising the existential threat posed by climate change,...

With the decision to host the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) in Tonga now confirmed, PRF Manager, Finau Soqo has announced the next steps toward its establishment, emphasing a focus on community-driven solutions and streamlined processes to meet urgent regional needs. “Now that the leaders have made the decision on the domicile of PRF, next week we commence the process of...

Tongan Minister for Trade, Dr Viliami Uasike Latu, has called for a strategic and sustainable approach to developing the kava industry, emphasising its cultural significance and economic potential at the launch of the Regional Kava Development Strategy (RKDS) this week. “This strategy is more than just a document; it is a collective vision, a roadmap that reflects our shared commitment...

The European Union (EU) is keen to support the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), but challenges with the current structure could complicate its involvement, according to Jutta Urpilainen, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships. Speaking about the EU's potential contribution to the PRF, Urpilainen acknowledged the need for more flexibility in the facility's design. “We are exploring opportunities to contribute, but the current...

France has reached an agreement with Pacific leaders on the terms of a fact-finding mission to New Caledonia, following months of deadly violence in the French territory. Speaking to Journalists in Nuku’alofa Thursday, France's Ambassador to the Pacific, Veronique Roger-Lacan, confirmed that Paris is ready to welcome the mission to the riot-hit territory. “We came here to reiterate France’s state of...

European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, Wednesday expressed serious concerns over the financial health of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), warning that the organisation's stability is at risk due to the failure of many member states to pay their dues on time. The issue came to the forefront during the 117th Session of the...

Tongan Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho has issued a passionate call for the protection of kava’s cultural and economic value at the launch of the Regional Kava Development Strategy on Wednesday, emphasising that the plant is not just a product but a vital part of Pacific identity and heritage. “Kava is more than just a plant — it is the lifeblood...

Civil society groups are urging Pacific leaders to address two key issues during their retreat in Vava'u today - Japan's ongoing disposal of treated nuclear wastewater from Fukushima and the contentious debate over deep-sea mining. Speaking after a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) dialogue with Forum leaders in Nuku’alofa, Pacific Network on Globalisation's (PANG) Joey Tau expressed hopes that the Leaders...

The newly appointed World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, has called on Forum Leaders to confront the region’s most critical health challenges with urgency and commitment. Speaking at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, Dr Piukala outlined a stark reality facing the region: the escalating impacts of climate change on health...