PINA

The National Parliament of Vanuatu approved the ninth constitutional amendment in the country's history on Wednesday, with 49 votes in favour and three abstentions. The Government currently has the support of 40 Members of Parliament (MPs), following the defection of the MP for Epi Constituency, Seoule Simeon, from the Opposition to the Government side earlier in the day. Seoule's move increased...

World Rugby has officially announced the full schedule for the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 (22 August - 20 September), the second edition of the revitalised and expanded competition that is fast becoming a pillar of the international rugby calendar. This year’s tournament will once again bring together six of the most dynamic and passionate rugby nations: Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa,...

By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Milan, Italy Fiji doesn’t expect an immediate impact on the U.S trade war through the imposition of tariffs in the short to medium term but is worried about the threat that it may lead to a global economic slowdown.’ Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad outlined Fiji’s immediate concerns of the trade war and its impacts...

Indonesia has launched deadly air attacks on civilians in West Papua, killing at least one child and severely injuring others Wednesday in the latest military operation under President Prabowo’s administration. ULMWP President, Benny Wenda confirmed that 18-year-old Deris Kogoya was killed by a rocket fired from a helicopter while riding his motorbike near Kelanungin Village in Puncak Regency. His friend, Jemi...

The Papua New Guinea Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)has slammed political leaders and the Government bureaucracy for not doing what they promised when the institution was enacted in the establishment of the ICAC. Deputy Commissioner Operations of ICAC, Daniel Baulch made stark revelations as the country is experiencing what he described as clear signs of corruptions on all levels, making...

By Shiu Raj Singh, Lotte Schou-Zibell, Lindsay Chan Addressing gaps in financial compliance, upgrading digital infrastructure, and improving regulatory capacity can help Pacific countries build economic resilience and protect vital financial links. The Pacific region, with its diverse and vibrant cultures, faces unique financial challenges. Geographic isolation, small economies, and susceptibility to disaster risk compound these challenges. One of the most pressing...

By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Milan, Italy Cook Islands has encouraged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support its development aspirations – recognising its vulnerabilities and strengths, adopting a differentiated approach. And, Prime Minister Mark Brown used his statement in Milan, the host of the 58th Annual Meeting, to request the ADB to ‘ensure that all our entitlements under the...

By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Milan, Italy The new phase of the Asian Development Bank’s strategy that guides and defines it engagement with the Pacific, known as the Pacific Approach, is up for consultation later this year. The current Pacific Approach from 2021-2025 focused on ADB’s support for a resilient Pacific – preparing the 14 Pacific Developing Member States (PDMCs)...

By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Milan, Italy Fiji and Tonga have become the first Pacific developing member countries to give the Asia Development Bank (ADB) the greenlight to raise inshore and offshore bonds in their local currencies. The two countries deposited their regulatory approval to the ADB at the 58th Annual Meeting, currently underway in Milan, Italy. According to Annie Wang,...

The motion of no confidence against Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele was withdrawn by its mover, Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo, after Parliament resumed on Tuesday. Speaker of Parliament, Patteson Oti explained the motion was not listed in Tuesday’s order paper because it was withdrawn. He said the notice was withdrawn totally under standing order 31 (2) and is...