PINA

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga Tuesday laid out an ambitious vision for the institution, calling for fast and bold reforms to address intertwined global challenges like climate change, inequality, and economic fragility. “Our mission is clear: to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet,” Banga said at the Lowy Institute in Sydney. He emphasised that the World...

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama have jointly appointed Sir Jerry Mateparae as the independent moderator to help resolve the ongoing discussions about Bougainville’s future. “After thorough consideration and consultation, we have asked Sir Jerry Mateparae to take up the independent moderator role to support our two governments,” Marape and Toroama said in a...

Canberra and Sydney are set to roll out a royal welcome ahead of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s first visit to Australia as a reigning monarch. The King and Queen will visit the cities as part of a six-day visit to Australia between 18 and 23 October, the first since it was announced the King was undergoing cancer treatment. Details of...

Leaders from across Pacific Island countries have called for a robust 21st replenishment of the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA21), echoing the call from African Heads of State who agreed in April on a bold transformation agenda with IDA as a cornerstone. Hosted by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, leaders and representatives from 11 countries met with World Bank...

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has praised Fiji Airways for commissioning new Full Flight Simulators, calling it a “momentous occasion” for both the airline and the nation. “As we celebrate yet another landmark achievement in Fiji Airways' remarkable journey, the commissioning of these new simulators is not just a significant achievement for Fiji Airways but for our entire nation,” Rabuka...

Monday, the crime of ecocide was formally introduced for consideration by member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) —an event that represents a major step forward in the global effort to enshrine mass environmental destruction as a crime under international law. ‘Ecocide’, as proposed by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa, is defined as “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge...

The Flying Fijians are ramping up preparations their semi-final clash against the USA in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup. After topping Pool A, the Flying Fijians are set to take on the USA, who finished as runners-up in Pool B. The team has reconvened in Nadi following their decisive win over Tonga, resuming training with a focus on the...

Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne has been approached to made a surprise comeback six years after he last ran onto a footy field at the top level. Fiji national coach and former NRL player Wise Kativerata hopes the 36-year-old will make a decision before the island nation competes in the Pacific Bowl tournament in November. The two-time Dally M Medal winner...

Fiji's Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure Tuesday stressed the urgency of addressing Fiji’s drug problem. Speaking at the National Workshop for Counter Narcotics Bill, Vakalalabure said this growing national crisis is starting to tear through the very fabric of society. He said the government is ramping up efforts to tackle the escalating threat of illicit drug trafficking with...

Two children who were detained offshore in Nauru have won federal court settlements from the Australian government for medical negligence and abdicating its duty of care. The judgments for the two cases, identified as FBV18 and AYX18, came within days of each other at the end of August. The confidential settlements, which protect the identities of the children and their families,...