PINA

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...

The Court of Arbitration of Sport has dismissed an appeal brought by Lee Harmon against a decision issued by the OFC Appeal Committee on 21 May 2024. The OFC Appeal Committee found Harmon had breached the OFC Code of Ethics on three occasions, namely breaches of Articles 13 (General rules of conduct), 15 (Loyalty), 20 (Offering and accepting gifts and...

European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, Wednesday emphasised the urgent need for peace and stability in New Caledonia as Forum Leaders prepare to discuss the political crisis at their upcoming retreat in Vava’u on Thursday. Speaking after a meeting with New Caledonian President Louis Mapou, Urpilainen described the discussion as “very honest, open, and constructive.” She stressed that the...

In a significant move to strengthen regional security, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Forum Leaders today in endorsing the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), a transformative regional strategy aimed at enhancing the collective peace and security framework throughout the Pacific Islands. The Pacific Policing Initiative is designed to elevate the law enforcement capabilities of Pacific nations, ensuring they are better...