PINA

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has elected 16 Vice Presidents, including the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), to serve during its 79th session, which will last from September 2024 until September 2025. The Vice Presidents of the General Assembly are nominated by UN regional groups. Micronesia is among the five countries representing the Asia-Pacific region for the 79th session. Unlike individual...

The Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisation (PIANGO) has called for a Commission for the formal integration of Civil Society into Pacific regional architecture to lift the profile of CSOs. Board deputy Chair Drew Havea, during the first day of the Regional CSO Forum, said they’ve come a long way through different modality, different level of engagements, from submitting Communique...

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has highlighted potential for strengthened ties with Papua New Guinea, emphasising the need for enhanced engagement and structured partnerships, as outlined ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Tonga. He has signaled a clear intent to bolster ties between the two nations through strategic engagements and collaborative endeavours. Addressing inquiries about the perceived disparity...

Disability inclusion is a priority policy area on the agenda for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa this October. The Commonwealth has urged governments, international agencies and disabled people’s organisations to urge countries to prioritise the rights and needs of people with disabilities in policy development. This was raised at a side event hosted by the Commonwealth...

The Republic of Fiji Navy has announced significant progress in the salvage operations of RFNS Puamau at Fulaga in the Lau group. In a statement, the Navy confirmed that defueling operations, led by the naval vessel RFNS Savenaca, are nearing completion. “Fuel has been successfully transferred to a nearby salvage vessel,” the Navy reported. With defueling almost complete, the focus now shifts...

Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa Tuesday chaired the 7th Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Independent Advisory Board meeting in Sydney, Australia to consider business growth in the Blue Pacific and build opportunities for export-ready and investment-ready businesses. The meeting was opened by the new Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa, who noted “Pacific Trade Invest improves the livelihoods...

One of the world’s most remote populations must deal with a flood of multinational plastic, much of it tossed overboard by the factory fishing ships hoovering up sea life just offshore By Jonathan Franklin in Easter Island, Chile From a distance, the colourful beach at Ovahe seems a postcard-perfect mosaic of natural beauty. Craggy volcanic boulders, pockmarked from bubbling lava, jut...

World Rugby has confirmed the withdrawal of Papua New Guinea’s men’s and women’s teams from the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco on 21-23 June. While disappointing for all concerned, the decision was made for reasons including player welfare, due to the teams not securing the necessary travel documentation to meet their pre-tournament arrival deadline. In accordance with the Terms of...

Fijiana XV Head Coach Mosese Rauluni has named his 23-member team to take on Sakura XV in their second match of a two-test series at home. Two significant inclusions have been made into the squad with the return of seasoned forward Ema Adivitaloga and with the debut of Josivini Tuikilakila. Up in the starting line-up, young front rower Loraini Senivutu is...

Fijian Drua wing turn 7s player Selestino Ravutaumada says he is following his heart. Ravutaumada got his first taste of the abbreviated version of the game Tuesday against Australia and was impressive as he added some attacking arsenal to the side. Speaking to the media in Lautoka, the 24 year old said that he loves to play 15s but has always...