No Fukushima Nuclear discharge: Pacific Elders Voice statement
We note, with deep concern, Japan’s decision to release treated radioactive water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. According to reports, the release of more than a million tonnes of water, which has been filtered to reduce radioactivity, could start in 2023. We reiterate the observation by Secretary General Henry Puna: “Our ultimate goal is...
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series hits major milestone
The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will celebrate a special milestone this weekend with the HSBC Canada Sevens in Vancouver being the 200th men’s tournament in the competition’s storied history.
On 2 December 1999 the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series was born in Dubai.
Fittingly, current men’s Series leaders New Zealand had the honour of competing in the very first match...
K10m to Solomon Islands for 2023 Pacific Games: PNG Sports Minister
Papua New Guinea Sports Minister Don Polye confirmed Tuesday that K10 million (US$2.8 million) was paid to Solomon Islands two years ago to help the country with preparations for the upcoming Pacific Games.
And Polye is presenting to Cabinet a K12 million (US$3.4 million) submission for the PNG team to attend the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands; K5 million (US$1.4...
PNG Hunters face Silktails in Fiji
The SP PNG Hunters will face Fiji’s Kaiviti Silktails from the New South Wales Rugby League’s Ron Mercy Cup in the Melanesian Bowl challenge on Saturday at the Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, Fiji (4:30pm kick-off).
Hunters chief executive Scott Barker told The National that the team left for Fiji after receiving a late invitation to participate in the trial match.
He...
Cyclone Judy lashes Vanuatu as residents hunker down
Residents of Vanuatu are hunkering down as a cyclone barrels through the Pacific island nation.
Authorities said there were power outages in some areas and many fallen trees and branches, but it was too early to assess the extent of the damage with Cyclone Judy still raging.
They said there were no initial reports of major destruction or deaths.
Some people had...
UN sets date for loss and damage talks, risking Asian -Pacific no-show
The United Nations has set a date for crunch talks over funding for climate victims despite Asia-Pacific developing countries’ failure to nominate their two representatives.
The move piles pressure on the block to choose its members or risk the world’s biggest continent going unrepresented at talks on setting up a loss and damage fund.
At last November’s Cop27 climate summit, governments...
Acting Forum SG Dr Manoni statement at the RMI Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day
Bula Vinaka and a special Iakwe and greetings to you all. I thank you for the invitation to join you today to mark this important day. Unfortunately, Secretary General Henry Puna is not able to join us today – but let me assure you that you do not have a stronger supporter and partner in theses efforts than him....
Global summit in Panama aims to secure pledges for safeguarding the world’s oceans
Experts, ministers and philanthropists from around the world are meeting in Panama this Thursday and Friday in search of funding and new commitments to promote the “blue” economy, expand marine protected areas and confront the threats facing the ocean.
“We expect more than 300 new commitments” for the protection of marine resources “in the short, medium and long term,” said...
Fiji PM Rabuka speaks on his sweeping changes
Fiji’s new Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has taken swift action against figures from the previous regime, comparing them to “cancer”.
He made the comment in an exclusive interview with 1News Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver.
Fiji’s new Government is facing the task of dismantling policies and in a country that’s had 16 years of first military and then authoritarian rule.
So far former...
New report on digital economy in the Pacific launched
The Digital Economy Report: Pacific Edition of 2022 was launched on 16 February at a regional event hosted by the Pacific Islands Forum.
The report offers new research and data on the digital economy and focuses on the development and policy implications of digital transformation in the Pacific.
More than 200 policymakers and private sector representatives gathered to discuss how digital...