AGP Executive Report

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.

UN Sea-Level Declaration: The UN General Assembly adopted a political declaration affirming a “presumption in favour of continued statehood,” urging countries that lose territory to keep national boundaries, sovereign rights and UN membership—an issue central to Tuvalu and other low-lying states. Tuvalu in the spotlight: Fiji’s “Ocean of Peace” push heads to UNGA, with Tuvalu flagged in the wider Pre-COP31 build-up as leaders press for faster, fairer climate finance and stronger action on sea-level rise. India-PIC diplomacy: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired FIPIC foreign ministers’ talks in New York, focusing on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education and healthcare; India was also placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “strategic partner stream.” Pacific climate finance debate: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Cooper Wale called for changes to the global climate finance system—more accessible, predictable, grant-based support for countries that did little to cause the crisis but face rising seas and extreme weather. Regional media on loss and damage: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, stressing the role of journalism in amplifying Pacific voices on climate, biodiversity and pollution. Identity and sovereignty: Naoero (formerly Nauru) officially restored its traditional name at UNGA, reinforcing cultural identity alongside statehood concerns.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Pacific Climate Envoys head to UNGA and New York Climate Week (21–25 Sept) to push ocean protection, faster access to climate finance, and keeping 1.5°C within reach ahead of Pre-COP in Fiji and Tuvalu (5–8 Oct) and COP31 in Türkiye (9–20 Nov). Media & Loss/Damage: SPREP’s Pacific Editors Forum adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, urging stronger Pacific storytelling on climate, biodiversity and pollution impacts. Tuvalu Climate Pushback: Tuvalu’s climate minister says Australia’s aid “means little” while Canberra backs coal and gas expansion, citing fossil fuel subsidies far larger than Pacific aid. UNGA81 Pacific Agenda: PIF leaders in New York will deliver a unified regional voice on climate change, ocean governance, development finance and sea-level rise, with a major focus on backing the Pacific Resilience Facility to reach US$500m by year-end. FIPIC/India Link: India has been placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “strategic partner stream,” with Jaishankar highlighting cooperation on healthcare, renewables, connectivity and capacity building. Maritime Security: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian maritime security funding targeting illegal fishing and cross-border crime, including shiprider-style enforcement support. Labour Mobility: Australia released the full PALM eligibility list, including Tuvalu, with workers able to build skills, earn income and send remittances home. Energy Politics: A new coalition energy plan in Australia would roll back renewables incentives and net-zero targets, lifting nuclear bans and expanding support for coal, gas and nuclear. Regional Governance & Data: Pacific leaders also discussed digital connectivity priorities—affordable access, cyber-security and safer digital spaces—alongside sovereignty and data protection.

Climate Displacement & Adaptation: Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis warned that up to 8.2 million people across the Greater Caribbean could be displaced by climate change by 2050, urging adaptation finance that is larger, faster, and controlled by communities. Tuvalu Climate Pushback on Fossil Fuels: Tuvalu’s climate minister said Australia’s aid “means little” while Canberra backs coal and gas expansion, as Pacific leaders press for real transition action. UNGA81 Pacific Agenda: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to UNGA81 in New York to push a unified message on climate, ocean governance, development finance, and sea-level rise—plus support to reach US$500m for the Pacific Resilience Facility. Digital Connectivity: Leaders discussed affordable, secure digital connectivity and protecting Pacific sovereignty and data as the region expands digital infrastructure. Labour Mobility for Tuvaluans: Australia released the full PALM eligibility list, including Tuvalu, highlighting Pacific labour mobility as a skills and remittances pathway. Regional Voices & Civil Society: The 4th Pacific Feminist Forum opened in Fiji, bringing together 140+ participants to shape “Feminist Futures, Just Pacific.”

UNGA81 Pacific push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are in New York for UNGA81, aiming for a unified regional voice on climate change, ocean governance, development finance and sea-level rise, with a push to mobilise US$500m for the Pacific Resilience Facility ahead of pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu. Tuvalu climate warning: Tuvalu’s climate minister says Australia’s aid “means little” while Canberra backs coal and gas expansion, citing the scale mismatch between fossil fuel subsidies and Pacific support. Rising seas diplomacy: Prime Minister Philip Davis addressed the Rising Nations Gala Dinner on sea-level rise, as the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise is elevated into the global agenda. Digital connectivity talks: Leaders discussed affordable, secure digital connectivity and protecting Pacific sovereignty and data as the region expands digital infrastructure. Labour mobility update: Australia released the full list of countries eligible for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, including Tuvalu, alongside Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Samoa, PNG, Vanuatu, Tonga and Timor-Leste. Energy debate fallout: A coalition energy plan would roll back renewables incentives and net-zero targets, sparking renewed Pacific-linked climate concerns. Regional civil society: The 4th Pacific Feminist Forum opened in Fiji, bringing together feminists and rights defenders from across Oceania under “Feminist Futures, Just Pacific.”

UN Climate Push: UN chief António Guterres used his farewell UNGA speech to urge every government to adopt fossil-fuel transition plans with clear timelines and worker/community protection, warning oil price shocks and climate impacts are hitting energy and human security. UNGA81 Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are in New York for UNGA81 to push a united agenda on climate, ocean governance, development finance and sea-level rise, with a focus on moving from promises to implementation and boosting the Pacific Resilience Facility toward US$500m. Tuvalu on Fossil-Fuel Hypocrisy: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Vakafua Talia says Australia’s aid “doesn’t really matter” while Canberra backs coal and gas expansion, pointing to huge fossil subsidies dwarfing Pacific aid. Digital Connectivity for the Blue Pacific: PIF leaders discussed affordable, secure digital connectivity, safer online spaces and protecting sovereignty and data as the region scales up digital infrastructure. Labour Mobility Update: Australia released the full PALM eligibility list, including Tuvalu, as part of its Pacific labour mobility push.

UNGA81 Digital Agenda: Pacific leaders met in New York to push affordable, secure digital connectivity, with Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo among those backing protections for sovereignty, data and Indigenous knowledge. UNGA81 Climate & Resilience Push: PIF leaders are also using UNGA81 to press for climate action, ocean governance and development finance, including support to scale the Pacific Resilience Facility toward US$500m ahead of pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu. Tuvalu Calls Out Fossil-Fuel Hypocrisy: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Vakafua Talia says Australian aid “means little” while Canberra backs coal and gas expansion, citing fossil subsidies far outstripping Pacific aid. Climate Week Security Framing: UK foreign minister Ed Miliband urged governments to treat climate breakdown and nature loss as national security priorities. Tuvalu–Taiwan Ties: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te welcomed Tuvalu FM Paulson Panapa, calling the relationship “like brothers” and highlighting cooperation on health, digital transformation and climate resilience. Regional People-to-People Links: New Zealand’s Labour signals visa-free NZeTA access for Pacific Islanders, aiming to cut costs for family travel. Diplomacy Watch: Georgia and Nauru are set to establish diplomatic relations, with a protocol signing planned in New York.

Climate Diplomacy at UNGA81: Pacific leaders are heading to New York for UN General Assembly week (21–28 Sept) with a united push on climate change, rising seas, ocean governance and development finance, including backing for the Pacific Resilience Facility to reach US$500m. Tuvalu-Taiwan Ties: Tuvalu’s Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, with Lai calling the relationship “like brothers” and highlighting joint work on outer-island resilience, health, digital and climate adaptation. Pacific Feminist Forum: The 4th Pacific Feminist Forum (21–24 Sept in Fiji) will bring 140+ representatives from 21 Pacific states under “Feminist Futures, Just Pacific,” focusing on rights, inclusion and climate justice. Tuvalu in the spotlight: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Talia urged Australia to stop fossil-fuel expansion, citing the gap between Australia’s fossil subsidies and aid to the Pacific. Education milestone: Tuvalu’s Governor-General Tofiga Vaevalu Falani is chief guest for USP Solomon Islands graduation on Friday.

UNGA Push on Climate and Resilience: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to UN General Assembly week in New York (21–28 Sept) with a unified message on climate change, rising seas, ocean governance and development finance, including a push to grow the Pacific Resilience Facility toward US$500m. Sea-Level Rise and Maritime Boundaries: A debate is heating up over whether maritime borders should shift as coastlines shrink, with analysts urging China to offer legal and technical support for Pacific states seeking fixed boundaries. Tuvalu–Taiwan Diplomatic Ties: Tuvalu’s FM Paulson Panapa meets Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, with both sides stressing “like brothers” ties and cooperation under the Kaitasi Treaty on health, digital work, disaster response and climate adaptation. Pacific Feminist Forum in Fiji: The 4th Pacific Feminist Forum (21–24 Sept) will bring 140+ representatives to Fiji to advance feminist futures, justice and women’s rights across the region. USP Graduation in Solomon Islands: Tuvalu’s Governor-General Rev. Sir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani is set as chief guest for USP Solomon Islands campus graduation on Friday. Australia–Pacific Climate Tension: Tuvalu climate minister Maina Talia criticises Australia’s fossil-fuel subsidies, arguing they dwarf Pacific aid and must be matched with real emissions cuts.

UNGA81 Pacific Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to New York for UNGA81 to deliver a “strong, unified regional voice” on climate, ocean governance, development finance and sea-level rise, with Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr leading high-level engagements and a key dialogue with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Tuvalu-Taiwan Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, with both sides stressing “like brothers” ties and cooperation under the Kaitasi Treaty, including climate adaptation, digital work and outer-island food security. Pre-COP31 Build-Up: Tuvalu is preparing for an “impactful” pre-COP, while Fiji outlines Pre-COP31 plans for early October across multiple venues, including leaders’ events extending into Tuvalu. Climate Finance Pressure: Pacific voices are pushing for climate finance that strengthens communities and institutions, not just funding cycles—amid warnings that fossil-fuel expansion by major emitters is undermining survival for low-lying states like Tuvalu. Pacific AI Governance: A Pasifika AI creator warns Pacific-focused AI can’t speak for communities without formal mandate and ownership.

Tuvalu–Taiwan Diplomacy: Tuvalu Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, with Lai calling the relationship “like brothers” ahead of the 47th anniversary, and both sides pointing to cooperation under the Kaitasi Treaty on climate adaptation, health, digital work and outer-island projects. Climate Justice at UNGA: Nepal’s PM Balen Shah is expected to use UNGA to press climate justice, linking recent Himalayan flooding to climate warming and arguing the focus must go beyond reparations to broader accountability. Pacific Climate Pressure on Australia: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Vakafua Talia told Australia to stop expanding coal and gas, warning fossil-fuel subsidies dwarf Pacific aid and calling it a life-and-death issue for low-lying states. Pre-COP31 Build-Up: Fiji says Pre-COP31 will draw 2,000+ delegates across three Nadi venues, with leaders’ events also planned in Tuvalu as Pacific partners push regional climate priorities. Maritime Security Signals: Taiwan confirmed donating a decommissioned coastguard patrol vessel to the Philippines, framed as part of wider sea-security capacity amid South China Sea tensions.

Visa Policy Watch: Australia published the full list of 70 countries whose citizens can transit without a visa, but only if travellers stay in the airport transit lounge, have a confirmed onward ticket, and depart within eight hours. Tuvalu–Taiwan Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, with both sides stressing “like brothers” ties and cooperation under the Kaitasi Treaty on health, digital work, disaster response, and climate resilience. Climate Pressure on Australia: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Vakafua Talia told Australia to stop expanding coal and gas, arguing fossil-fuel subsidies dwarf Pacific aid and that renewables funding must match the scale of existential risk. Pre-COP Build-Up: Fiji says Pre-COP31 will run 5–8 October across three Nadi venues, with leaders’ events also planned in Tuvalu on 5–6 October. Regional Weather Readiness: Pacific ministers and meteorological leaders highlighted progress on early warning and weather services, including Tuvalu’s use of AI to improve forecasting.

Tokelau Ocean Protection: National Geographic Pristine Seas is launching a first baseline survey of Tokelau’s nearshore reefs, offshore and deep-sea waters, feeding plans for a future National Ocean Policy and marine spatial planning. UN Policy Push on AI & Oceans: UNESCO is urging stronger international cooperation on AI governance and education, while also driving ocean observing cooperation ahead of UNGA. Tuvalu–Taiwan Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s FM Paulson Panapa met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, with both sides stressing “like brothers” ties, climate adaptation work, and calls for Taiwan’s “seat at the table.” Climate Accountability for the Pacific: Tuvalu climate minister Maina Vakafua Talia told Australia to stop expanding coal and gas, arguing fossil-fuel subsidies dwarf Pacific aid and threaten Tuvalu’s survival. Pacific Weather Readiness: Pacific nations at the Pacific Meteorological Council highlighted progress on early warning systems, including Tuvalu’s use of AI in forecasting and monitoring. Regional Mobility & Visas: New Zealand and Australia are adjusting Pacific travel and visa costs, including Labour’s push for visa-free travel for Pacific Islanders and Australia’s reduced specialist-skills visa fees for Tuvalu and others.