AGP Executive Report

Women in Extractives: A workshop in Honiara heard that women are key “eyes and ears” for transparency, accountability and community wellbeing in mining areas, with UNDP and the British High Commission backing stronger women’s participation in decision-making and EITI processes. Japan–Pacific Engagement: Tokyo is intensifying ties across the Pacific, including environmental protection and security/disaster-resilience support, with Japan–Fiji cooperation and a new low-interest loan to Solomon Islands highlighted. Tuvalu Climate Leadership: Human rights groups are urging Tuvalu and Ireland to make rights a core, enforceable part of the second Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels conference in Tuvalu—not just a stated principle. Pacific Security & Missile Tests: Pacific unity is under strain after PIF foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test near Tuvalu; leaders are pushing for clearer notification rules and a “united front.” Digital Governance: PIF ministers backed regional principles for AI and safer digital spaces as all Forum members connect to undersea cables for the first time. Fisheries Focus: Forum fisheries leaders are shifting toward value retention and economic development under the Vakamanu strategy, aiming to strengthen sovereignty, livelihoods and ocean stewardship. Tuvalu–Japan for Pre-COP31: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to attend the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event in Funafuti, focusing on climate finance, resilience and cooperation.

Women & Mining Governance: A workshop in Honiara urged stronger transparency and women’s participation in Solomon Islands mining communities, with UNDP and the British High Commission backing practical steps to boost women’s voices in decision-making and EITI processes. Climate Diplomacy (Tuvalu): Human rights groups say Tuvalu and Ireland must make rights a core, enforceable part of the second “Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels” conference, not just a stated principle. Pacific Security & Missile Tests: Pacific unity is under strain after China’s nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu; PIF members failed to agree on a joint condemnation, while the US-led push grows for at least 24 hours’ notice. Connectivity Upgrade: All PIF members are now linked to global undersea cable networks, a major boost for trade and government services, including support reaching Tuvalu. Regional Fisheries: Forum ministers back stronger fisheries protection and a new Vakamanu strategy focused on value retention and ocean stewardship. Tuvalu-Japan Ties: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo invited Japan’s PM to the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event, highlighting climate finance, resilience, and cooperation across transport, digital, energy, and fisheries. UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu has deployed four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan.

Tuvalu in the spotlight on climate rights: Human rights groups are urging Tuvalu and Ireland to make human rights a core, enforceable part of the second Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels conference—pushing for concrete measures, not just recognition. Pacific security unity tested: Pacific leaders are still split after China’s nuclear-capable missile test, with PIF foreign ministers failing to agree on a joint statement—highlighting how consensus can mean silence. Missile notification push: The US-led call for at least 24 hours’ notice before long-range missile tests is gaining signatories, including Australia, Palau and the Marshall Islands, after the July launch near Tuvalu. Connectivity milestone: All PIF members are now connected to undersea cable networks, with Australia backing more than 10,300 km of new cables—boosting government and business access across the region. Tuvalu-Japan ties: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo has invited Japan’s PM to the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event in Funafuti, focusing on climate finance, resilience, and cooperation. AI and justice pressure: A broader legal debate is growing over AI-written lawsuits and how courts and lawyers are coping with the flood.

Climate Rights Push: Human rights groups are urging Tuvalu and Ireland to make human rights a concrete, enforceable part of the 2nd Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels conference—not just a “cross-cutting” promise. Pacific Security & Missile Notice: Palau’s incoming PIF chair is calling for a “united front” against China’s nuclear-capable missile test, after PIF foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement; Australia and others are backing a US-led push for at least 24 hours’ notice. Tuvalu–Japan Pre-COP31: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo has invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to join the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event in Funafuti, with talks also covering climate resilience, maritime transport, digital connectivity, and fisheries. Digital Connectivity: All PIF members are now connected to the global undersea cable network, with Tuvalu included in the new links—opening doors for trade and government services. Fisheries Focus: Forum fisheries ministers are backing stronger ocean governance and a shift toward value retention under the Vakamanu strategy. US Visa Bond Hits Tuvalu: The US Visa Bond Programme is now permanently applied to Vanuatu and is already linked in reporting to Tuvalu, raising concerns for Pacific travel and tourism.

Pre-COP31 Climate Fight (Australia–Fiji–Tuvalu): Australia’s A$20m bill to host a UN climate pre-summit in Fiji has turned into a Canberra political brawl, with the Opposition calling it wasteful while the government says it boosts Pasifika voice and regional climate leadership. Tuvalu–Japan Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to join Tuvalu’s Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event, pitching direct talks on climate finance, resilience, and wider cooperation. Missile Test Push for 24-Hour Notice: Australia joined a US-led call for at least 24 hours’ notice of long-range missile launches after China’s nuclear-capable test near Tuvalu; Palau and the Marshall Islands also back the demand, as Pacific unity strains. Forum Unity Under Pressure: Ahead of the Palau PIF Leaders’ meeting, disagreement over how to respond to China’s missile test is testing the region’s consensus model. Tuvalu UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu has deployed its first police officers to a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. Pacific AI Rules: PIF foreign ministers backed regional AI principles and safer digital spaces as connectivity expands across the Pacific. Fisheries Focus Shift: The Forum Fisheries Agency is moving toward value retention and economic development under the Vakamanu fisheries strategy. New Zealand Visa Pathway for Tuvaluans: New Zealand set eligibility for a Pacific Access Category resident visa granting indefinite stay to citizens of Tuvalu (plus Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga), with job/partner and income requirements. High Court on Fiji Inquiry Fairness: Fiji’s High Court nullified a commission of inquiry report, saying the PM and President failed to ensure fairness and a chance to respond before release.

Pre-COP31 Climate Politics: Australia’s A$20m bill to host a UN climate pre-summit in Fiji has ignited a Canberra fight, with the Opposition calling it wasteful while the government says it boosts Pasifika influence and climate leadership. Tuvalu-Japan Diplomacy: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo has invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to attend Tuvalu’s Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event, aiming to deepen cooperation on climate finance, resilience, and regional priorities. Tuvalu in UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, a major step for its police service and international security role. Regional AI & Digital Safety: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers backed AI and digital safety principles, plus a regional safer-digital-spaces approach as connectivity expands across the region. Pacific Unity Under Strain: Ahead of the PIF leaders’ meeting in Palau, disagreement over how to respond to China’s missile test is testing consensus among member states. Fisheries Focus: Forum-linked Pacific fisheries talks are pushing stronger ocean governance and a shift toward value retention and economic development for tuna-dependent economies. Immigration Policy Watch: New Zealand’s Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot is limited to citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, and Tuvalu, with eligibility rules and quotas set for indefinite residence.

Tuvalu-Japan Climate Diplomacy: PM Feleti Teo has invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to Tuvalu’s Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event, aiming to deepen cooperation on climate finance, resilience, and wider Pacific priorities. UN Peacekeeping Push: Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, a major step for the small force and a sign of growing international security engagement. Fisheries & Ocean Governance: Pacific Forum foreign ministers backed stronger fisheries protection, ocean governance, and maritime boundary work, including consideration of the Vakamanu fisheries strategy. AI Rules for Safer Online Spaces: Ministers endorsed Pacific principles for AI and safer digital environments, with a regional AI governance framework and phased approach to protect young people. Regional Security Tensions: Pacific unity is under strain ahead of the Palau Forum summit after ministers failed to agree on a joint response to China’s missile test; Australia also joined a US-led call for at least 24 hours’ notice of missile launches. High Court Ruling in Fiji: Fiji’s High Court found the Prime Minister and President failed to ensure fairness in a Commission of Inquiry process, declaring the report null and void. New Zealand Visa Pathway for Tuvaluans: New Zealand confirmed only Tuvalu, Fiji, Kiribati and Tonga qualify for a special resident visa ballot with eligibility rules for indefinite stay.

Immigration & Mobility: New Zealand has published the rules for its Pacific Access Category Resident Visa, offering indefinite residence to citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, and Tuvalu aged 18–45, but only if they have a confirmed job offer (or a partner with one) and meet income and English literacy requirements. Rule of Law in Fiji: Fiji’s High Court has struck down a Commission of Inquiry report as null and void, saying the Commissioner’s public comments created a reasonable apprehension of bias and that the Prime Minister and President failed to give criticised parties a fair chance to respond before release. Tuvalu–Japan Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo has invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to attend Pre-COP31 in Funafuti, with talks also covering climate finance, resilience, fisheries, and digital connectivity. Digital Governance: Pacific Foreign Ministers backed regional AI and safer digital spaces principles for leaders’ consideration, linking technology policy to the region’s broader security agenda. Ocean & Fisheries: Ministers also endorsed the Vakamanu fisheries strategy, pushing stronger ocean governance, fisheries protection, and member-led implementation. Security & Missile Transparency: Australia joined a US-led push for 24-hour notice of long-range missile tests, after China’s Pacific launch sparked renewed calls for transparency. UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, marking a major capacity milestone for the small force.

Climate Justice at COP31 Prep: Tuvalu and Ireland are co-hosting the 2nd Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels Conference, with human rights groups urging ministers to move from promises to real protections for defenders and affected communities. Tuvalu-Japan Diplomacy: Prime Minister Feleti Teo has invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to Tuvalu’s Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event, highlighting climate finance, resilience, digital connectivity, fisheries, and renewable energy. Digital Governance: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers backed regional AI principles and safer digital spaces, linking tech policy to the wider regional security agenda. Missile Test Fallout: Pacific unity is under strain ahead of the Palau PIF summit after ministers failed to agree on a joint response to China’s missile test; Australia also joined a US-led push for at least 24 hours’ notice of missile launches, with Palau and the Marshall Islands among signatories. Fisheries Power Move: Forum fisheries policy is shifting toward value retention and economic development under the Vakamanu strategy, with ministers calling for stronger fisheries protection and maritime boundaries. Tuvalu UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, marking a major capacity-building milestone. FIFA Leadership Shake-up: New Zealand withdrew support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino while the Oceania Football Confederation praised “progress” under his tenure. Court Ruling: A court found Tuvalu’s PM and President failed to ensure fairness in a commission inquiry process, nullifying the report.

Tuvalu-Japan Climate Diplomacy: PM Feleti Teo invites Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to Tuvalu’s Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event, flagging cooperation on climate finance, resilience, fisheries, digital connectivity and renewable energy. Digital Governance: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers back regional AI principles and a safer digital spaces approach, linking tech policy to the wider Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace agenda. Court Ruling on Fairness: Tuvalu’s High Court says the PM and President failed to ensure criticised parties could respond before a Commission of Inquiry report was released, nullifying the report. Missile Test Notification Push: Australia joins a US-led call for at least 24 hours’ notice of long-range missile tests, after China’s nuclear-capable launch near Tuvalu and a PIF failure to agree on a joint condemnation. Fisheries Protection: PIF foreign ministers urge stronger fisheries safeguards, ocean governance and maritime boundary security, backing the Vakamanu fisheries strategy for leaders. Tuvalu in UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu deploys its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, underscoring capacity-building and professionalism. Regional Mobility & Visas: New Zealand confirms only Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu citizens can enter the 2026 Pacific Access Category resident visa ballot; separately, US visa bond rules keep expanding, raising alarm for Pacific travellers.

Regional Security: Australia’s Penny Wong says One Nation’s “monoculture” push is a national security risk, arguing Australia’s diversity strengthens resilience and diplomacy. Maritime & Fisheries: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva backed stronger fisheries protection, the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035, and clearer maritime boundaries as climate and fuel pressures mount. Missile Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint condemnation of China’s nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu, highlighting deep splits over militarisation and sovereignty. Tuvalu in UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu deployed its first four police officers to the UN mission in South Sudan, a major capacity milestone for the small force. Climate Focus: Forum ministers endorsed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, including Pacific-led Pre-COP meetings hosted in Tuvalu and Fiji. Visa Bonds: The US made its visa bond scheme permanent for PNG and other Pacific states, with tourism and travel operators warning of major knock-on effects. Water Stress: El Niño is already tightening water supplies across the Pacific, with Fiji warning of possible drastic measures.

Ocean Security & Fisheries: Pacific foreign ministers meeting in Suva urged leaders to protect fisheries and aquaculture, back the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035, and strengthen ocean governance and maritime boundaries. Tuvalu in UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, marking a major capacity milestone for the Tuvalu Police Service. Missile Test Fallout: The US and 40+ partners—including Australia—pressed for at least 24 hours’ notice for nuclear-capable missile tests after China’s July launch near Tuvalu; meanwhile, PIF foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint condemnation, exposing deep splits. Climate Diplomacy Push: Forum ministers backed stronger COP31 momentum via Pre-COP meetings hosted in the Pacific, with Tuvalu and Fiji highlighted as key platforms for climate finance and ocean-climate priorities. Tuvalu & Pacific Connectivity: Australia says all PIF members are now connected via undersea cables, including new links reaching Tuvalu. People-to-People Policy: New Zealand confirmed Tuvalu citizens are eligible for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot (with limited quota spots). Regional Rights & Sovereignty: Vanuatu and MSG leadership reaffirmed Kanak self-determination and raised West Papua human rights concerns, referencing a Funafuti resolution.

Pacific Security: Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, a milestone for its small force and a sign of growing Pacific participation in international security. Missile Diplomacy: Australia has joined a US-led push demanding at least 24 hours’ advance notice for ballistic missile tests, after China’s nuclear-capable missile launch near Tuvalu exposed deep splits among Pacific leaders. Forum Politics: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning the missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing some states of appeasing “outsiders.” Climate Focus: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, aiming to keep 1.5°C within reach and boost climate finance and Pacific leadership. Tuvalu & Shipping: Tuvalu is also putting forward a bold proposal to strengthen the IMO Net-Zero Framework’s shipping rules, including higher remedial unit prices. El Niño Impacts: El Niño is already tightening water and food supplies, with Fiji warning of possible drastic measures and PNG preparing for water disruptions. Regional Governance & Connectivity: Australia says all PIF members are now connected by undersea cables, while Tuvalu’s police deployment and Solomon Islands’ push for more transparency on China security deals underline sovereignty concerns.

Tuvalu in UN spotlight: Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, a major step for the Tuvalu Police Service and its push to meet international standards. Climate diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger Pacific push ahead of COP31, stressing climate finance, renewables, and Pacific leadership through Pre-COP31 meetings hosted in the region. Pacific security tensions: Australia joined a US-led call for at least 24 hours’ notice of missile launches, directly rebuking China after a nuclear-capable missile test believed to have landed near Tuvalu; meanwhile, Pacific foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint condemnation, exposing deep splits. Regional sovereignty pressure: China warned the Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general over Taiwan’s planned participation in Palau’s leaders summit, keeping the Taiwan–China dispute front and centre. El Niño strain: El Niño is already tightening water and food supplies across parts of the Pacific, with Fiji warning of “drastic measures” if dry conditions persist. Digital connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected via undersea cables for the first time, including new links reaching Tuvalu.

Pacific Security Rift: China’s July 6 nuclear-capable missile test into the Pacific has exposed deep splits inside the Pacific Islands Forum, with foreign ministers in Suva failing to agree on a joint condemnation despite widespread alarm; Papua New Guinea’s Justin Tkatchenko called it “totally inappropriate,” while China said it was routine and urged countries not to “over-interpret.” Diplomatic Pressure on Taiwan: Beijing warned the PIF Secretary-General to stick to the “one-China principle” after Baron Waqa confirmed Taiwan will attend the Palau summit (Aug 30–Sept 4), a move that follows last year’s exclusion after China protests. Tuvalu in the Crosshairs: Tuvalu said it was not given notice and asked for help locating the dummy warhead, while New Zealand’s Winston Peters accused holdouts (reported as Kiribati and Naoero/Nauru) of using consensus to block a clear Pacific response. Climate Stress: El Niño is already tightening water and food supplies, with Fiji warning of “drastic measures” and PNG preparing for partial water shutdowns. US Visa Bond: PNG PM James Marape sought dialogue with Washington over a permanent US$20,000 refundable visa bond for short business and tourism travel. Digital Connectivity Boost: Australia marked a milestone by helping connect all PIF members to undersea cables for the first time, including new links for Tuvalu.

Pacific Missile Row: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu’s waters, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing “outsiders” of influencing holdouts (reported as Kiribati and Naoero/Nauru) and warning the consensus process is being used as a veto. Taiwan at Palau Summit: China warned the PIF Secretary-General to stick to the “one-China principle” after Baron Waqa confirmed Taiwan will attend the leaders’ summit in Palau (Aug 30–Sept 4), overturning last year’s exclusion. El Niño Pressure: Fiji and Papua New Guinea are bracing for worsening dry conditions, including Fiji contingency planning and a planned Port Moresby water shutdown to repair a leaking pipeline. PNG-US Visa Bond: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape sought dialogue with the US over a new permanent US$20,000 refundable visa bond for PNG citizens, saying it’s not a break in relations. Solomons Transparency Push: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says Parliament will get full visibility after reviewing the 2022 China security deal, promising “no more secrecy.” Digital Connectivity Milestone: Australia marked completion of undersea cable links so all PIF members are now connected to global networks. Climate Leadership: Pacific “Climate Champions” met in Nadi to push COP31 pre-meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu and keep climate diplomacy front and centre.