PINA

At the launch of the Pacific Regional Transnational Organised Crime (TNOC) Disruption Strategy in Suva this week, Forum deputy secretary General Esala Nayasi says transnational organised crime is a threat to regional security. “For far too long, organised criminal groups have been able to remain ahead and out of reach of law enforcement in the region. Our region is under...

18 young people have been selected to form an international task force that will lead the planning and delivery of the 2024 Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) in Apia, Samoa. The dedicated youth leaders representing 56 Commonwealth countries will work with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), and the Government of Samoa to design and execute a forum that...

Tonga Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni says the people of Tonga wants to see more results and action for the Pacific in 2050. Speaking at the formal launch of the 53rd PIFLM theme, logo, and dates in Tonga, with the Crown Prince, Tupouto’a ‘UIukalala leading the launch as guest of honour, PM Hu’akavameiliku said the focus theme “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki:...

A former Tuvalu Prime Minister scolded the Australian Government and its fossil fuel industry at a recent climate integrity summit in Canberra. Enele Sopoaga, Tuvalu's Prime Minister from 2013-2019, was keynote speaker at the Canberra conference last month. He used the opportunity in the Australian capital to tell the Australian Government that it appears “the fossil fuel industry has total control...

To say waste generation - including plastic pollution is a global problem - would be stating things quite mildly. The statistics are in fact staggering, and even more concerning especially for Pacific countries who despite contributing less than 1.3 percent to global plastic pollution, are disproportionately affected by the plastic pollution crisis, threatening livelihoods, health and economies. According to a new...

A United Nations agency on Wednesday urged the international community to invest in scientific research to protect the world's oceans which are increasingly threatened by pollution and global warming. “We have key objectives to achieve. Much has been done for the oceans, but much remains to be done and can be done.” Audrey Azoulay, director general of the United Nation's...

Taiwan has handed over its financial support of USD$6 million to Tuvalu’s deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Panapasi Nelesone. The funds according to Taiwan’s Ambassador to Tuvalu Andrew Lin, are intended to assist Tuvalu for the first six months of the year. This does not include additional support provided by Taiwan for education, health, ICT, and other sectors. Nelesone expressed...

The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna, said China's security offering for the upcoming 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting to be held in Tonga from 26 - 30 August, this year, is not an issue for the Pacific. “This issue is a lot more complicated." He said Wednesday, that reading the news carefully, we can see...

In a significant move toward promoting peace and halting conflicts, most leaders across the Pacific have agreed to sign a concept paper aimed at accelerating peace-building actions. Speaking during Radio Fiji One’s Na Noda Paraiminisita programme, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasised the urgency for Pacific Island leaders to collaborate in addressing pressing issues such as escalating freight costs and the...

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million (US$10 million) in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and intensively with partners who share our values and our...