PINA

By Amy McLennan Fifty years ago, a diabetes survey in the Republic of Nauru concluded that a third of Nauruans had type 2 diabetes. It was the first time the relatively uncommon disease was found to be widespread in a national population, and it led researchers to raise the alarm about a potential “global diabetes epidemic”. At the time, there was...

Fijian Drua are not taking the Western Force lightly in their clash this weekend. The Force pulled off an upset 40-31 win over the Queensland Reds last week, which was their first win of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season. Coach Mick Byrne said despite being the last-ranked team on the points standings, the Western Force have sounded out a warning...

Fiji 7s coach Osea Kolinisau says with all eyes on the Paris Olympics in July, his focus still remains on the World Sevens Series. Kolinisau said the Hong Kong 7s next weekend is the perfect setting to gauge where his team is at and how to move forward. The former national 7s captain said he wants to do justice to Fiji’s...

Papua New Guinea have been beaten in their second match in the FIFA Series in Sri Lanka, suffering a 4-0 defeat to Central African Republic at the Race Course Ground in Colombo. Looking to build upon a promising 0-0 draw against the host nation last week, Papua New Guinea struggled to get into the game, as three first-half goals put...

Washington and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) have reaffirmed their defence and security ties, toasting a fresh economic package under the newly signed Compact of Free Association that cemented the United States' foothold in the Pacific island nation. Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III hosted FSM President Wesley Simina at the Pentagon last week to explore opportunities for...

Small island nations are another step closer to holding the world’s big polluters to account for the harm they cause from their emissions. Vanuatu made history last year when the UN General Assembly adopted the tiny island state's proposal to have the International Court of Justice (ICJ) clarify countries' legal obligations to protect people and the environment from the effects...

Nauru President David Adeang arrived in Beijing on Sunday, embarking on a six-day state visit to China from Sunday to 29 March. It marks the first visit by a Nauruan president after the two countries resumed diplomatic ties in January 2024. Experts believe the trip will enhance political mutual trust and understanding, which will serve as a springboard from which further...

A landmark moment for our Oceans, our Fisheries and our Future: Forum Fisheries Committee(FFC) Officials Chair Director Glen Joseph of the Marshall Islands, supported by Director-General Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen, filed the Forum Fisheries Agency’s (FFA) first ever submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague last week. Spearheaded by Vanuatu, in 2023, the UNGA adopted a Resolution...

The Fijian Media Association (FMA) conducted its annual general meeting on Friday (22 March 2024), at the Fiji Museum in Suva, where it reviewed the work carried out in 2023, including its financial report, proposed measures to strengthen the organisation and forthcoming projects in 2024. The meeting, in the 10th year since the FMA's establishment, also elected its Executive Committee...

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has submitted a written statement to the International Court of Justice on the question of the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change. This is the first time the Secretariat is participating in a proceeding of the World Court, whose seat is at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. The Secretariat was represented by...