PNG will not attend UN COP29 summit
Papua New Guinea dropped the bombshell by announcing it will not attend the upcoming 29th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (UNFCCC COP29) this year.
Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko announced it at the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small State (CMMSS) in Apia, Samoa, last week.
Tkatchenko said; “Papua New Guinea is making this stand for the...
Kanaky leader advocates for ‘hope and ‘humanity’ as Pacific leaders visit New Caledonia
A Kanak leader from the Protestant Church of Kanaky New Caledonia, attending a Pacific solidarity forum in Aotearoa, says connecting with Pacific activists has given him the chance to feel hope again after months of riots in the French territory.
Reverend Billy Wetewea told RNZ Pacific on the sidelines of Te Hui Oranga o te Moana nui a Kiwa, a...
Pacific nations spotlight Biodiversity successes and challenges at CBD COP16
In a demonstration of regional solidarity at the Sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16), Colombia, the “One Pacific - One People, One Ocean” side event showcased innovative conservation initiatives aimed at addressing biodiversity loss in the Pacific region.
Hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) on 26 October...
Another woman takes Commonwealth SG role
Commonwealth leaders convened in Samoa on the final day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Saturday and announced Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as the incoming Commonwealth Secretary-General.
This pivotal decision marks another milestone for women in leadership as Botchwey steps into a role currently held by Patricia Scotland, the first woman to serve as Secretary-General since her election in...
Solomon Islands Government and Oceania Rugby announce historic Oceania Rugby 7s tournament in Honiara
In a landmark moment for rugby in the Pacific region, the Solomon Islands Government in partnership with Oceania Rugby and the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation is proud to announce that the 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s will be hosted in Honiara on 07 - 08 December.
This is the first time that the region's premiere rugby tournament will be held...
“We’re here as family”: Forum delegation arrives in New Caledonia
By Nic Maclellan, in Noumea, New Caledonia
After months of delay, a high-level Pacific Islands Forum mission has arrived in New Caledonia for three days of dialogue and information sharing.
In a busy program, the delegation will meet with members of New Caledonia’s Government and Congress, the French High Commission, two of three provincial presidents, as well as civil society,...
Is Fiji losing its global standing?
Op-ed by Maureen Penjueli
Fiji’s noble banner blue has always flown high at the international level. We have enjoyed the status of a country with a population of less than a million, and as a smaller island developing state, we have punched well above our weight internationally. From the Chair of the G77, President of the United Nations (UN)...
King Charles acknowledges Commonwealth’s ‘painful’ history with slavery on summit agenda
Britain's King Charles said on Friday the Commonwealth should acknowledge its “painful” history, as African and Caribbean nations continue to advocate for reparations for the country's role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Representatives of 56 countries, most with roots in Britain's empire, are attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that began in Samoa on Monday.
“I understand from listening...
Kiribati election drama: Ruling party candidate defects to challenge incumbent president
Late drama has unfolded in the Kiribati presidential election with one of the three candidates from the ruling party breaking away to form his own alliance, challenging incumbent president Taneti Mamau.
Mamau had used his party's overwhelming majority after the election in August to block nominations for presidency from the opposition party.
Voting is already underway with polls opening at 8am...
High level Forum mission to visit New Caledonia
Following the mandate of Forum Leaders at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tonga in August, the high-level Forum Troika Plus Mission to New Caledonia will take place from 27-29 October.
The mission is strictly observational in line with the request of the Government of New Caledonia and will follow the Terms of Reference, agreed by the French State,...