PINA

The tiny island country has pushed the UN and the International Court of Justice to take unprecedented action that could help avert planetary catastrophe. By Julian Aguon and Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh A small miracle happened in New York on 29 March. A humble campaign that began three years ago on the Vanuatu campus of the University of the South Pacific culminated...

By Samoa PM, Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa Small island developing states are facing a range of challenges due to their size, Isolation and vulnerability to external forces. These include rising sea levels, extreme weather events and economic instability. Additionally, small island states have limited resources for adaptation and resilience, limited access to global markets and capital, as well as recognising...

Lau Pa Sat, Singapore’s most iconic Hawker Market, in the heart of the city was the backdrop where the team captains gathered on Wednesday ahead of the highly-anticipated HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens kicking off on Saturday at the National Stadium. Fresh off a thrilling weekend in Hong Kong, the world’s 16 best men’s teams have arrived in Singapore for the...

-Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee has appointed new board members as part of its annual general meeting. CISNOC executive assistant to the secretary general Jason Lindsay confirmed the appointments in writing and supplied Cook Islands News with a copy of the 2022 annual report. The AGM was held on March 29 where Romani Katoa retained his position as senior...

“We want the best man/woman for the job, and we believe should come from Micronesia. There is still time for review, time to ask more questions from Nauru about this candidate,” said Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr in response to concerns raised about former President of Nauru Baron Waqa whom the Micronesian Presidents nominated to be the next Secretary...

The United States one of the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has disagreed with the Vanuatu-led resolution of seeking an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the states’ obligation to addressing climate change. U.S deputy representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Nicholas Hill, explained his country’s position on the resolution following...

Seven people have been reported dead and scores injured as Papua New Guinea government officials on the ground in East Sepik’s Chambri Lakes continue to assess the damage caused by a 7.0- magnitude earthquake on Monday. Opposition Leader Joseph Lelang has also urged the Government to send immediate relief supplies to the people in the affected area. According to unconfirmed reports...

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasts faster growth for developing economies in Asia and the Pacific this year, as the continued easing of pandemic restrictions boosts consumption, tourism, and investment. The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) reopening—as it pivots away from its zero-COVID strategy—is the main factor brightening the region’s growth prospects. Economies in Asia and the Pacific are projected to...

Pacific and global officials, technical and legal experts concluded a Regional Conference on Statehood and Sea Level Rise, in Fiji last week. Key recommendations for further consideration by the members of the Pacific Islands Forum will go through further discussions by Forum Committees and Subcommittees. The 2023 Regional Conference, from 27 to 30 March 2023, was chaired by Jim Armistead, High...

Calls for an urgent halt on deep-sea mining reached a historic high as the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the international body that regulates mineral activities on the high seas, met for the final time before a key deadline to pass regulations on mining activities. The meeting saw a record number of observer organisations attend the event, signaling the growing scrutiny...