Pacific leaders blame Australia for role in climate crisis
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has vowed to take a leadership role on climate change at a Commonwealth summit that is splitting over who should pay to cut emissions, as Pacific leaders blame Australia for exporting coal and gas.
Albanese said he wanted action on climate at the Commonwealth gathering in Samoa, saying it was an existential threat to Pacific...
King of Taumeasina Charles III
Thursday 24 October 2024 will forever resonate in the hearts of the Moata'a community in Samoa.
This was the day British monarch King Charles III was hailed the King of Taumeasina.
After months of preparation, the close-knit village embraced the opportunity to express gratitude to King Charles and Queen Camilla.
As the royal convoy arrived, untitled men and matai lined the road,...
Starmer says he wants to ‘look forward’ and not talk about slavery reparations
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has insisted he wants to “look forward” rather than have “very long endless discussions about reparations on the past” in his first comments on the issue before the Commonwealth summit.
The prime minister is under pressure to discuss reparatory justice with Commonwealth countries, most of which are former UK colonies, in Samoa this week.
Speaking to...
USP to be hub for King’s scholarships
The University of the South Pacific (USP) will be the regional hub for the King's Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP).
This was launched on Thursday in the presence of King Charles III in Samoa.
The KCFP is a pioneering and ambitious interdisciplinary initiative designed to create transformative, long-term impact across the Caribbean and Pacific regions.
It will be delivered in partnership with the...
Commonwealth launches investment action plan to drive resilient economic growth
On the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, Thursday Commonwealth leaders gathered for a side event to unveil the Commonwealth Investment Action Plan.
The plan aims to boost trade and investment across Commonwealth member states while enhancing the economic resilience of small and vulnerable nations.
Hosted by David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary, the event was attended...
Fiji Bulikula eyes World Cup spot
Fiji Bulikula coach Joe Rabele views tomorrow’s match against the Cook Islands Moana as a crucial step for the team as they aim for a spot in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Rabele said despite majority of players meeting and training together for the first time on Monday, the team has quickly formed a strong sense of unity.
He said...
Solomon Islands signs agreement to host third MSG Prime Minister’s Cup
The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat has signed a Host Agreement with the Solomon Islands Government to formalise the hosting of the third edition of the MSG Prime Minister's Cup in Honiara in December 2024.
In his remarks, the Director General of the MSG Secretariat, Leonard Louma, acknowledged the Government of the Solomon Islands for its role in hosting, saying...
From humble beginnings to academic heights
By Tony Hiriasia Jr
From the remote village of Rara in the southern region of Malaita Province to earning a PhD in Politics and International Relations from the University of the South Pacific, Tony Hiriasia Sr journey is filled with hard work and determination to overcome the odds that stands in the way of academic glory.
Growing up in a remote...
Indonesia to offer amnesty for West Papuans: PNG PM Marape
Indonesia will offer amnesty to West Papuans who have contested its sovereignty resulting in conflicts and clashes with that nation’s law enforcement agencies, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says.
He arrived in Port Moresby on Monday night from Indonesia where he attended the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto last Sunday.
During his bilateral discussions with the Indonesian president, Marape...
Slavery, climate to dominate Pacific talks with King
A meeting of Commonwealth leaders in Samoa being presided over by King Charles has been labelled a "big deal for the Pacific" as countries plan to push issues of slavery and colonialism.
The environment, ocean health and economic development will be on the agenda.
Pacific nations, who are more susceptible to climate change, will continue to press leaders on phasing out...