PINA

The surging costs of climate change-driven destruction have made vulnerable nations poorer by about one-fifth, 55 such countries said on Wednesday, as fears grow that UN discussions on money for states to repair and avoid harm could become a “talk shop”. “Loss and damage” caused by more extreme weather and rising seas is a key issue at mid-year UN climate...

The global community needs to “be inspired” to defend the world's oceans ahead of the second United Nations Oceans Conference in Lisbon at the end of the month, a Fijian policymaker says. Fisheries minister Semi Koroilavesau said the Pacific cannot protect its greatest resource through advocacy and action on its own. Safeguarding the ocean and its resources against future dangers “to...

Fijian Prime Minister and Pacific Islands Forum Chair Voreqe Bainimarama has called for regional solidarity. This follows the two-day high-level political dialogue held in Suva, where several leaders who were disgruntled with the Pacific Island Forum were united thanks to reforms proposed by Fiji and other members. Bainimarama said now is the time to bridge our differences and work together for...

At the end of the month, world leaders, youth, entrepreneurs, and civil society will gather in Lisbon, Portugal, for the second UN Ocean Conference, to mobilise action and jumpstart science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of global ocean action. Co-hosted by Portugal and Kenya, the event will be a platform to effectively address the challenges that the...

Queensland star Cameron Munster stole the show as the Maroons spoiled NSW's return to Accor Stadium, upsetting the Blues 16-10 to take a 1-0 series lead. In front of 80,512 fans at Sydney's Olympic Park, the Maroons, led by Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans and debutant Patrick Carrigan, dominated on their own terms with big moment plays helping Queensland to a special...

World Rugby investment in the establishment of the Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua Super Rugby franchises has been rewarded with 43 players being selected for their respective nations for the upcoming World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup 2022, which takes place in Fiji from 2-16 July. With the objective of increasing the competitiveness of the international game, World Rugby has part-funded...

The health of the world’s ocean and the planet continue to suffer as a result of climate change and other anthropogenic pressures. This remark was made by Pacific Ocean Commissioner and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General, Henry Puna at the opening of the Pacific Ocean Alliance (POA) meeting in Suva this week with the theme, ‘Accelerating Blue Pacific Ocean action for...

The Pacific nation of Tuvalu has launched a longshot bid to head the Commonwealth and put climate action firmly on the world’s agenda – and it wants Australia’s backing. Tuvalu will put forward its candidate to be the next Commonwealth secretary-general at CHOGM in Rwanda on 24 June . CHOGM is the meeting of Commonwealth heads of government, who will also...

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti On the eve of the first Pacific Women Leaders meeting, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar has revealed how she deals with sexism in parliament. “I have always spoken out to my male MPs about sexist comments in our focus party discussion, personal space, and that it does not do them good to...

By Samantha Magick “I think that big dark, dark cloud that has been hanging over the Pacific has evaporated from this meeting.” That was Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) President, David Panuelo’ s comments after Micronesian members of the Pacific Islands Forum agreed to remain in the important regional group after meeting in Suva Tuesday. “We’re happy that the family stays together”...