Aussie sports praise Pacific Olympic deal
As part of its sports diplomacy programme, the extension will continue to support Pacific athletes with high-performance training, elite competition, and travel, building on the success of Australia’s involvement in high-profile Pacific sports achievements at Paris 2024.
The programme will further raise regional awareness and deliver additional benefits to PacificAus Sports' mission of enhancing Australia's influence in the region.
Welcoming the...
Jotham Napat elected Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister
Jotham Napat has been elected as Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister, securing the top post unopposed Tuesday.
Former Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, leader of the Reunification Movement for Change, nominated Napat, the MP for Tanna.
The nomination was seconded by Graon Mo Jastis Pati leader, Ralph Regenvanu.
Ishmael Kalsakau, an MP for Port Vila and former prime minister, confirmed there were no other...
PNG achieves milestone in maritime sovereignty
The Papua New Guinea Government has reached a landmark achievement with the formal submission of its geographical co-ordinates under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
This submission reaffirms PNG’s territorial boundaries and maritime zones, securing its economic and strategic interests.
This development is particularly significant as PNG celebrates its 50th year of independence, marking almost five...
Fiji government upholds media freedom, Media leaders gather in Suva
The Fiji coalition government has kept to its promise to ensure there is media freedom and its first step was to repeal the oppressive Media Industry Development Act.
Acting Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad said the government also ended the business of exclusive government contracts to selected media companies.
While opening the annual Pacific Media Partnership Conference (PMPC) in Suva Tuesday,...
PNG Central Bank Chief appointed amid money laundering investigation
Elizabeth Genia was appointed governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea despite fighting in court to block a police investigation into suspected money laundering.
She has not been charged.
The acting head of Papua New Guinea's central bank was the subject of a police investigation for suspected money laundering when she was permanently appointed to the position in early 2024,...
New Zealand voices renewed concern as Cook Islands PM eyes agreement with China
New Zealand expressed renewed concern on Monday about the Cook Islands' prime minister travelling to China this week to sign agreements without properly consulting with Wellington despite the two nations' constitutional ties.
New Zealand has become increasingly cautious about China’s growing presence in the Pacific region and the potential threats it poses to the country’s national security.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon...
Pacific Islands Forum Champions Gender Equality and Social Inclusion through GESI Week
The Pacific Islands Forum in partnership with CROP agencies and key development partners, is facilitating a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) week from 10 to 14 February 2025 as a dedicated platform to strengthen gender equality and social inclusion across the Blue Pacific.
This initiative also underscores the power of collaboration among CROP agencies, UN partners, and civil society...
Pacific media embraces digital transformation
While digital journalism is already being used by news outlets in Fiji, other Pacific islands have yet to adopt new methods for broadcasting their stories.
Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation CEO, Johnson Honimae, said the region must adapt to the digital age while acknowledging the continued relevance of traditional media, especially radio.
“We need to build, upskill our staff, either in our...
Aid on ice: How Trump’s freeze hurts the Pacific and Southeast Asia
The outlook is anything but reassuring.
By Alexandre Dayant
The U.S aid freeze won’t break the Pacific, but it will create unnecessary disruptions. For Southeast Asia, the consequences are mixed, likely to hit Myanmar and Cambodia hardest, as well as those sectors more broadly across the region where U.S aid plays an important role, especially in support for civil society.
President Donald...
Brumbies ready for Fijian first in tough opening fixture
ACT Brumbies forward Tom Hooper and the side are embracing their long-awaited first game in Fiji in preparation for a tough match against the Drua.
Incredibly, Saturday's fixture in Suva will be the Brumbies' first in Fiji in Super Rugby Pacific, one of the last teams to make the trip to the island.
In addition, it's the first time the Drua...