AGP Executive Report

Tuvalu leadership & governance: Tuvalu has sworn in its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, ahead of the 48th Independence anniversary, with PM Feleti Teo calling it a historic milestone and Hauma pledging a focus on empowering women. Pre-COP31 diplomacy (Tuvalu/Fiji/Australia): As world powers prepare for COP31 in Antalya, Fiji and Tuvalu are hosting Pacific-led pre-summit talks from Oct 5–8, with leaders pushing for faster, simpler climate finance, stronger ocean protection, and keeping the 1.5°C goal alive; PM Mark Brown will travel to advance these priorities, while Fiji’s Minister Lynda Tabuya says the Pacific must be at the centre, not the margins. Tuvalu climate resilience & sovereignty: In Independence remarks, PM Teo stressed that sea-level rise threatens livelihoods, land integrity and sovereignty, pointing to a UN declaration affirming continuity of statehood and maritime boundaries. Connectivity for island life: Tuvalu announced cheaper, subsidised Fiji airfares and improved maritime and internet links to strengthen daily access to education, work and essential services. Health & human security: WHO-backed partners launched a first Pandemic Fund multi-country project for Western Pacific disease preparedness, while Fiji’s childhood cancer awareness coverage warned many cases are still being found late. Climate justice pressure: Pacific civil society issued “The Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” demanding an end to new fossil fuel expansion and stronger loss-and-damage action. Environment watch: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the IWC, with Tuvalu among the voting against.

Climate Diplomacy (Pre-COP31): World powers and Pacific leaders are converging in Fiji and Tuvalu for Oct 5–8 talks to set the agenda for COP31 in Turkey, with Tuvalu hosting a leaders’ day to show sea-level impacts firsthand and push for 1.5°C, stronger climate finance, and protection of maritime boundaries. Tuvalu Sovereignty & Statehood: PM Feleti Teo says rising seas threaten livelihoods and sovereignty, but a UN declaration adopted by consensus affirms continuity of statehood and permanence of maritime zones. Tuvalu Connectivity: Teo announced subsidised Funafuti–Fiji airfares (capped at $600 return) plus improved maritime services and cheaper internet to strengthen daily access to education, work, and essential services. Leadership Milestone: Tuvalu inaugurated its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, ahead of Independence Day, pledging a focus on women. Climate Justice Push: Pacific civil society issued “The Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” demanding an end to new fossil fuel expansion and faster loss-and-damage action. Health & Climate: WHO says climate change must be treated as a health emergency, urging aligned climate and health financing ahead of Pre-COP.

Tuvalu Governance Milestone: Tuvalu has inaugurated its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, sworn in at Niutao Hall in Funafuti ahead of the 48th Independence anniversary, with PM Feleti Teo calling it a historic moment and Hauma pledging a focus on empowering women. Pre-COP31 Focus: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal is set to lead Nepal’s delegation to the Fiji and Tuvalu Pre-COP Leaders’ event (Oct 5-6), with leaders aiming to keep 1.5°C within reach as COP31 approaches in Türkiye. Climate Justice Push: Pacific civil society groups have issued the “Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” demanding an immediate stop to new coal, oil and gas expansion and stronger loss-and-damage action ahead of Pre-COP31. Sea-Level Reality & Statehood: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo told the UN that sea-level rise is already reshaping the country, pointing to land reclaimed on Funafuti and welcoming the UN Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise protecting statehood and maritime rights. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are also pressing the UN Secretary-General on climate finance, including the Pacific Resilience Facility target, as Pre-COP meetings bring more decision-makers to the region.

Tuvalu’s Historic Leadership Change: Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma was sworn in as Tuvalu’s first woman Governor-General in Funafuti, beginning a four-year term as Acting Chief Justice Sir John Muria administered the oaths; PM Feleti Teo called it a milestone and Hauma said her term will focus on empowering women. Independence Diplomacy: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with UAE’s PM and senior officials, sent congratulations to Tuvalu’s Governor-General and PM Feleti Teo for Independence Day. Climate Justice Push in Tuvalu’s Orbit: Pacific civil society issued “The Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” urging an end to new coal, oil and gas expansion and stronger loss-and-damage action ahead of Pre-COP31. Sea-Level Statehood Wins: At the UN, Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo welcomed a UN Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise that affirms continuity of statehood and permanence of maritime boundaries under UNCLOS. Pre-COP31 Focus on Solutions: Island leaders at a Virtual Island Summit stressed practical adaptation, ocean governance and climate finance partnerships, with Tuvalu set to host a pre-COP leaders’ side event showcasing coastal adaptation gains. Health and Climate Link: WHO’s Pacific director urged treating climate change as a health emergency, calling for aligned climate and health financing and climate-resilient services.

Governor-General Milestone: Tuvalu has sworn in its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, starting a four-year term as King Charles III’s representative, with Acting Chief Justice Sir John Muria administering the oath and PM Feleti Teo calling it a historic moment. Independence & Leadership: The inauguration comes on the eve of Tuvalu’s 48th Independence anniversary, with Hauma pledging to lead and empower women. Climate Diplomacy at UNGA: In New York, PM Feleti Teo urged decisive global action on sea-level rise and welcomed a UN Political Declaration that protects statehood continuity and maritime rights, while also highlighting Tuvalu’s coastal adaptation work reclaiming 15.3 hectares on Funafuti (with more underway). Pre-COP31 Focus: Pacific civil society and leaders are pushing for stronger climate justice ahead of Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu, including calls to stop new coal, oil and gas expansion and to treat climate impacts as a health emergency. Fossil-Fuel Transition Plans: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined a 2027 conference vision to move “from pathways to delivery” on transitioning away from fossil fuels. Regional Security & Peace: Tonga’s PM warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation or major-power rivalry, linking ocean protection and climate action to regional stability.

Climate Justice Push Ahead of COP31: Pacific civil society groups issued “The Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” demanding an immediate stop to new coal, oil and gas expansion, stronger loss-and-damage action, and more Pacific control over climate decisions. Tuvalu Leadership & Statehood at UN: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo was honoured for climate leadership and told the UN sea-level rise is a “present reality,” pointing to land reclamation on Funafuti (15.3 hectares reclaimed, 10 more underway) and welcoming a UN declaration protecting statehood and maritime rights. Pre-COP31 Meetings in Fiji & Tuvalu: Fiji is set to host the PSIDS pre-COP31 talks (30 Sept–2 Oct) as leaders move from pledges to plans for COP31 in Türkiye. Women, Water, and Power: Pacific advocates say excluding women from decision-making drives wider climate and water harms, urging gender-just participation before COP31. Blue Pacific Security to Action: Defence leaders shifted from pledges to action under the Blue Pacific agenda. Culture, History, and Displacement: A Tuvalu documentary on the 1863 blackbirding raid is heading to international film festivals, linking forced displacement to today’s climate threats.

UN Sea-Level Declaration: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo backed a new UN Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, calling it a “monumental” win that protects continuity of statehood and maritime rights even as coastlines change. Coastal Adaptation in Funafuti: Teo also said Tuvalu has reclaimed 15.3 hectares of elevated, flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares underway, while using digital tools to safeguard sovereignty and heritage. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders, including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale and Tonga’s PM Fakafanua, urged faster, grant-based adaptation funding and reform of the global system so small states aren’t forced to borrow for disaster recovery. Pre-COP31 in Fiji & Tuvalu: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined a 2027 “From Pathways to Delivery” fossil-fuel transition plan, while Fiji/Tuvalu Pre-COP attendance details were kept under security protocols. Pacific Women’s Voice on Water: Research highlighted that women are repeatedly excluded from water decisions, driving calls for gender-just climate and water governance ahead of COP31. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Tonga warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for major-power rivalry, as leaders pressed UN action on climate mobility and resilience.

Sea-Level Rise Statehood Push: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo told the UN General Assembly that sea-level rise is a “present reality,” pointing to land reclamation on Funafuti (15.3 hectares reclaimed, 10 more underway) and welcoming a UN Political Declaration that affirms continuity of statehood and maritime rights. Climate Finance & Adaptation: Pacific leaders used UNGA to press for scaled-up adaptation and resilience funding, with Solomon Islands warning that one disaster can erase years of development and calls for climate finance “not charity.” Pre-COP31 in Fiji & Tuvalu: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined a 2027 “Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels” conference vision, while Australia’s Pre-COP role for Torres Strait Islanders drew criticism over lack of official participation. Women’s Voice in Water Decisions: Pacific advocates say excluding women from decision-making drives wider gendered impacts, urging stronger participation in water and climate planning ahead of COP31. Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu Loss and Damage media declaration demanding timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders met UN chief António Guterres on the Pacific Resilience Facility funding target (US$500m by end-2026).

West Papua at the UN: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale renewed calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua for independent verification, framing it as a transparency test while stressing Indonesia’s sovereignty. Tuvalu’s sea-level push: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo told the UN that sea-level rise is “present reality,” pointing to reclaimed flood-free land on Funafuti (15.3 hectares delivered, 10 more underway) and welcoming the UN Political Declaration protecting statehood continuity and maritime rights. UN declaration on sea-level rise: Member states adopted a declaration affirming countries don’t automatically lose statehood or UN membership when coastlines become uninhabitable, and that maritime zones remain stable. Climate finance pressure: Pacific leaders met UN chief António Guterres urging money to move from promises to implementation, including the Pacific Resilience Facility target of US$500m by end-2026. Women’s voice in water decisions: Pacific advocates say excluding women from decision-making drives wider climate and water harms, calling for their inclusion in community and subnational water planning. Pre-COP31 access and planning: Tuvalu’s environment ministry declined to name leaders attending Pre-COP31, citing security protocols, as Fiji and Tuvalu prepare for Oct 5–8 talks. Fossil-fuel transition talks: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined a 2027 “Pathways to Delivery” conference to turn transition plans into practical action.

Tuvalu–Ireland Fossil Fuel Transition: Prime Minister Feleti Teo and Ireland outlined a “From Pathways to Delivery” vision for a 2027 conference in Tuvalu, framing the shift away from oil, gas and coal as energy security, economic resilience and sovereignty—not just emissions cuts. Sea-Level Rise Statehood: Teo backed the UN Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, stressing it protects continuity of statehood and maritime rights under UNCLOS as Tuvalu faces present-day submergence risks. Funafuti Land Reclamation: Tuvalu said it has reclaimed 15.3 hectares of elevated, flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares underway, while using digital tools to safeguard institutions and heritage. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders, including Tonga’s PM Fakafanua, pressed the UN for reform and faster, accessible adaptation funding—highlighting the Pacific Resilience Facility target of US$500m by end-2026. Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely access to loss-and-damage information and stronger government and agency accountability. UNGA Tensions: Netanyahu’s UN speech triggered mass walkouts by dozens of delegations, including Tuvalu, amid ongoing regional conflict.

Climate Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information and stronger support for journalists, so media can hold governments and regional agencies to account. Tuvalu Adaptation & Sovereignty: PM Feleti Teo told the UN General Assembly Tuvalu has reclaimed 15.3 hectares of elevated land on Funafuti, with 10 more underway, and backed the UN Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise as a “monumental” win for statehood and maritime rights. UN Sea-Level Statehood Declaration: World leaders approved a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise affirming a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” and protecting UN membership and maritime zones even if territory becomes uninhabitable. Pacific Climate Finance Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders met UN chief António Guterres, pressing for the Pacific Resilience Facility to reach its US$500m target by end-2026 and for promises to turn into action. COP31 Preps & Women’s Voices: With Fiji and Tuvalu hosting pre-COP31 meetings, Pacific women’s groups are urging global climate advocates to prioritise water security, gender justice, and climate finance that reaches communities. Fossil Fuel Transition Planning: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined plans for a 2027 “Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels” conference, framing the shift as energy security and sovereignty, not just emissions cuts. Regional Governance & Capacity: Palau hosted Pacific tax administrators for PITAA’s annual meeting, focusing on stronger revenue systems and modernised tax administration.

SIDS DOCK Leadership: Seychelles will lead the SIDS DOCK Assembly through Dec 2027 after President Dr Patrick Herminie was elected by acclamation, with Tonga’s PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua and Belize’s PM John Briceno named vice presidents, as the group pushes sustainable energy and climate resilience. Tuvalu at UNGA81: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo told the UN sea-level rise is a “present reality,” citing Funafuti coastal adaptation that has reclaimed 15.3 hectares so far, and urged climate finance as grants at scale while defending nationhood and maritime rights. Sea-level rise declaration: World leaders unanimously adopted a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, affirming continued statehood and stable maritime zones even when land becomes uninhabitable. Pacific security and diplomacy: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation or major-power rivalry, linking ocean protection and climate action to regional security. Taiwan inclusion push: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine and Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo backed Taiwan’s substantive participation at the UN, while UNGA debates continue amid heightened geopolitical tension. Energy transition planning: Tuvalu and Ireland formalised plans for a 2027 conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, framed as energy security and sovereignty, not just emissions cuts.

Sea-Level Rights at UNGA: World leaders unanimously adopted a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, backing the “presumption in favour of continued statehood” even if land becomes uninhabitable, and stressing that maritime zones and UN membership should not be erased by coastline change. Tuvalu’s Push for Delivery: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo told the General Assembly sea-level rise is “a present reality,” citing Funafuti coastal adaptation that has reclaimed 15.3 hectares (with more underway), and calling for climate finance as scaled grants plus faster action on SDG 14. Regional Security & Ocean of Peace: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation or major-power rivalry, urging UN reform and stronger climate and ocean protection. Fossil-Fuel Transition Talks: Tuvalu and Ireland formalised plans for a 2027 “Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels” conference, framing the shift as energy security, economic resilience, and sovereignty—not just emissions cuts. Taiwan Inclusion at the UN: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine and Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo voiced support for Taiwan’s substantive UN participation, warning against coercion narratives tied to UN Resolution 2758. Pacific Governance in Practice: Palau hosted the first PITAA annual meeting since 2004, bringing Tuvalu and other Pacific tax administrators together to strengthen revenue systems.

UN Climate Push for Pacific Statehood: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo told the UNGA that sea-level rise is “present reality,” backing the new UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise and urging climate finance as grants at scale. Water & Food Resilience: Tuvalu’s MOCCAE joined a UNGA81 dialogue in the UAE on water-secure agriculture, stressing moving from national priorities to delivery. Fiji’s Ocean of Peace: Fiji’s leaders are taking the “Ocean of Peace” declaration to the UN, calling for stronger action and climate finance ahead of Pre-COP31. Regional Security Warning: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation or major-power rivalry. Pacific Tax Cooperation: Palau hosted the first PITAA annual heads meeting in-country since 2004, with Tuvalu among delegations focused on modern revenue systems. India-PIC Diplomacy: India’s FIPIC talks in New York reaffirmed cooperation on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education and healthcare, with India placed on the PIF “strategic partner stream.” Geopolitics at UNGA: Netanyahu’s speech triggered mass walkouts, including Tuvalu’s delegation, as protests over regional conflict spilled into the chamber. Work Mobility Update: Australia confirmed PALM eligible countries, including Tuvalu, for legal work placements.

Fossil Fuel Transition Push: Tuvalu and Ireland laid out plans for a 2027 “From Pathways to Delivery” conference in Tuvalu, urging governments to move from climate talk to practical delivery, with Tuvalu PM Feleti Penitala Teo stressing energy security, economic resilience, and sovereignty. Sea-Level Rise, Statehood Rights: Fiji President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu told the UN General Assembly that countries must not lose statehood, identity, or UN seats when coastlines change, and backed the need to act on the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion. UN Declaration Adopted: World leaders approved a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, aiming to strengthen cooperation and support for the most at-risk low-lying states. Tuvalu at UNGA81: Tuvalu’s regional diplomacy also shows up in the wider UN week push, including Pacific leaders’ efforts to keep climate finance and ocean governance high on the agenda. Labour Mobility Update (Tuvalu included): Australia confirmed Tuvalu as one of 10 eligible countries for its PALM work placement scheme, expanding legal pathways for Pacific workers. Regional Climate Finance Pressure: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale called for changes to climate finance so vulnerable Pacific states get more accessible, predictable, grant-based funding.

UNGA81 Climate Push: Pacific leaders used UN General Assembly week to press that climate change is now a security and sovereignty issue, with UN adoption of a sea-level rise declaration backing continued statehood even as land is lost. Tuvalu & Sea-Level Politics: Tuvalu-linked regional messaging echoed across the Rising Nations push for “ambition to implementation,” while Fiji’s “Ocean of Peace” drive seeks more climate finance ahead of Pre-COP31. Legal Strategy for Climate Justice: Fiji Attorney-General Siromi Turaga opened a Pacific writeshop for submissions to the ICJ advisory proceedings on climate change, with Tuvalu among participating states. Pacific Diplomacy in New York: India’s S Jaishankar chaired FIPIC foreign ministers talks, reaffirming cooperation on renewables, climate action, disaster resilience, education and healthcare, and India was placed on the PIF “strategic partner stream.” Labour Mobility: Australia confirmed the PALM work-placement eligibility list, including Tuvalu, alongside Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Samoa, PNG, Vanuatu, Tonga and Timor-Leste. Digital & Indigenous Knowledge: A Pacific digital connectivity dialogue in New York stressed protecting Indigenous and traditional knowledge as AI expands. Media & Loss/Damage: SPREP’s Pacific Editors Forum adopted a Savusavu Loss and Damage media declaration calling for stronger coverage of climate impacts and solutions.