PINA

A growing number of countries are demanding more time to decide on rules that would allow companies to mine the deep seabed for minerals needed to manufacture batteries for the energy transition. Last year, the small island state of Nauru, triggered a never-before-used procedure giving the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the UN body which regulates mining activities in international waters,...

The Queen's Representative in the Cook Islands has confirmed Mark Brown as the Prime Minister. In a statement issued from Mark Brown's office Sir Tom Marsters said he was "satisfied" that Mark Brown had the majority of the MPs elected to Parliament. Following the final count of the Cook Islands general elections, the Cook Islands Party (CIP) gained 12 seats including...

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive John O’Connor has voluntarily taken leave while the contracts of three staff members were terminated last week. This follows the discovery of certain breaches of internal processes which prompted the FRU Board to bring forward an audit that was scheduled for later on in the year as part of operations. FRU Chair, Commodore Humphrey Tawake said...

Auckland City FC are into their first OFC Champions League final since 2017 after a well-earned 2-0 semi-final win over Central Coast FC of the Solomon Islands. Adam Mitchell’s smart finish and Dylan Manickum’s superb stoppage time effort proved the difference between the two sides at Ngahue Reserve as the New Zealand side chase a record-extending tenth title. The two teams...

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila The geo-strategic competition intensifying in the Pacific region requires a reset in relationships that does not jeopardise diplomatic and political relations with friends and development partners, says Vanuatu's Economic Minister Johnny Kuanapo. Responding to a question from PACNEWS during a public lecture on "Reseting Blue Continent Economy", Kuanapo said resetting relationships is critically important...

Vanuatu, one of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries, has today submitted one of the world’s most ambitious nationally determined contribution (NDC) commitments to the Paris Agreement on climate change. At last year’s COP26 climate conference, the Glasgow Pact cover decision that mandates all countries to “revisit and strengthen” NDCs by the end of 2022. So far only 12 countries have...

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila A proposal to develop a regional climate finance strategy has been put forward to the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) for consideration and endorsement. Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Climate Change Finance adviser, Exsley Taloiburi said the strategy would help the Pacific to structure and coordinate their efforts in how they engage and access global...

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila Pacific economies are still struggling to recover from the burdens brought forth by COVID19 and record positive economic growth, says Vanuatu’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau. In his remark at the opening of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) in Port Vila, Kalsakau said the risk of climate change to island economies is threatening...

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila The critical role of the Ministry of Finance in the climate change agenda has been highlighted at the Forum Economic Officials Meeting (FEOM) this week. Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Climate Change Finance adviser, Exsley Taloiburi says it's important to recognise that the Ministries of Finance and the Ministers of Finance, have a key role...

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila Forum Secretary General Henry Puna says geo-strategic competition is intensifying and playing out in our region and if not handled carefully, could easily create disunity and conflict among our people and communities. Puna made the statement at the opening of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) currently underway in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Puna emphasised the...