PINA

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme’s (SPREP) Fourth Executive Board Meeting held to discuss strategic, programme and governance issues pertaining to the organisation ended on a high in Apia Friday. The three-day meeting held at the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) at the SPREP Campus in Vailima was guided by the theme: “A Resilient Blue Pacific Continent Free...

Fiji booked their place in the Pacific Nations Cup semi-finals on Friday after holding off Tonga to claim a convincing 50-19 win in Nuku'alofa. The visitors finished as Group A winners and will play either Japan or the United States in Tokyo next weekend. Samoa also went through as Group A runners-up to the semis, which will both be played in...

World Bank President, Ajay Banga has urged Fiji to address key challenges in its health sector, calling for improvements in facilities, training, and community health outcomes during his visit to Fiji Banga praised the dedication and talent of Fijian healthcare workers but emphasised the need for targeted investments to overcome the country's health challenges. “You see how dedicated they are, how...

World Bank President Ajay Banga has vowed to accelerate the pace of project approvals, emphasising his commitment to speed and efficiency in addressing the needs of the Pacific region. Speaking to Pacific leaders in Suva, Banga outlined his vision to reduce the time it takes for World Bank-funded projects to move from discussion to approval. “I’m determined that the World Bank...

World Bank President Ajay Banga has pledged robust support for Fiji, focusing on healthcare, climate resilience, and economic diversification to create jobs for young people. “The World Bank is keen to work with Fiji on healthcare, climate resilience, and diversifying the economy. “The goal is to create jobs for young people, keep them in the country, and harness their enthusiasm and...

Cook Islands Prime Minister and former Forum Chair Mark Brown has called for transformational changes to achieve a resilient Pacific, urging Pacific leaders and partners to go beyond incremental solutions and embrace bold reforms to address key regional challenges outlined in the 2050 Strategy. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown laid out his vision for achieving a resilient Pacific, emphasising...

World Bank President Ajay Banga, in a historic visit to Fiji emphasised the need for stronger partnerships with Pacific nations. Banga’s visit, the first by a World Bank President to the Pacific in nearly 50 years, highlights a renewed commitment to tackling the region’s unique challenges. World Bank President Ajay Banga arrived in Fiji Wednesday as part of his tour of...

The Papua New Guinea Opposition has finally submitted the motion of a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape today. Opposition leader, Douglas Tomuriesa submitted the motion to Speaker Job Pomat at the Speaker’s office. Papua New Guinea Speaker of Parliament Job Pomat has ruled that Gulf Governor Sir Christopher Haiveta, who recently resigned from the Government, would remain...

Palau’s presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive in Palau’s recent history. On 05 November, two prominent political figures—who also happen to be brothers-in-law— will face off for the second time. However, political observers anticipate that the election outcome may remain uncertain for a week, as absentee ballots will decide the closely contested race. The candidates—one...

Leaders of the Smaller Island States (SIS) met in Tonga last week on 27 August to discuss priorities for this group within the Pacific Islands Forum. The group consists of the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia(FSM), Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and Tuvalu. The SIS grouping, established more than three decades ago in...