AGP Executive Report

Fisheries Governance: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting wrapped up in Wellington, with Pacific ministers including Kiribati agreeing on priorities for regional fisheries cooperation and backing New Zealand’s Shane Jones as chair for 2026–2027. Climate Resilience: The inaugural Pacific Climate Summit in Hawaiʻi ended with a joint commitment from California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno to deepen climate adaptation and resilience work across the Asia-Pacific. Ocean Skills for Kiribati: Kiribati student Ueakeia Tofinga joined the “Floating University” on the RV Tangaroa, helping build Pacific ocean management and climate research capacity through hands-on seabed and marine life study. Disaster Readiness Logistics: SPC and WFP trained disaster management warehouse officers from Kiribati and other Pacific nations in Brisbane, strengthening how relief supplies are procured, stored, kitted and dispatched during emergencies. Trade & Fuel Accuracy: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement equipment (fuel trolleys) to Kiribati and five other Pacific states to help regulators verify fuel pump accuracy. Plastic Pollution Talks: Pacific voices are set to be heard at global plastic pollution negotiations in Nairobi, pushing toward a treaty to end plastic pollution in the marine environment.

Pacific Climate Summit wrap-up: California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno signed a joint pledge in Honolulu to deepen regional climate adaptation and resilience, calling out rising temperatures and escalating hazards “ridge to reef.” Ocean skills for Kiribati: Three Pasifika students, including Kiribati’s Ueakeia Tofinga, joined New Zealand’s RV Tangaroa “Floating University” voyage to study marine life and ocean data that can help manage resources and prepare for natural hazards. Fuel measurement for cleaner, fairer trade: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement equipment (fuel trolleys) to Kiribati and other Pacific nations to verify pump accuracy at stations and depots, supporting trusted trading and economic resilience. Disaster logistics training: SPC and WFP trained warehouse and logistics officers from six Pacific disaster management offices, including Kiribati, in Brisbane to speed relief supply handling when disasters hit. El Niño outlook (with a twist): SPREP says El Niño can bring drier conditions for parts of the Pacific, but also highlights opportunities—so communities should plan using climate services and local preparedness. Banaba mining dispute deepens: Court filings in Fiji add detail to the Banaba resource extraction fight, with trust fund concerns and questions over whether any mining plan is truly paused. Plastic pollution talks: Pacific leaders are set to push for progress in global plastic pollution negotiations ahead of Nairobi talks, stressing the urgency for ocean states with limited land space.

Tokelau Leadership & Climate Resilience: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appointed Andre van der Walt as the next Administrator of Tokelau, with a mandate that includes strengthening resilience to climate change and supporting renewable energy, education, health, transport, and governance. Ocean Skills for Kiribati Youth: Kiribati student Ueakeia Tofinga joined Earth Sciences New Zealand and SPC’s “Floating University” aboard RV Tangaroa to map seabed, study marine life, and build practical ocean management and hazard-prep skills. Fuel Measurement for Cleaner, Fairer Trade: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement equipment (fuel trolleys) to Kiribati and other Pacific islands to help regulators verify pump accuracy at service stations and depots—supporting trusted trading and reducing disputes. Disaster Response Logistics in the Pacific: SPC and WFP trained disaster management warehouse officers from Kiribati and others in Brisbane on procurement, storage, quality checks, kitting, dispatch, and first aid—so relief supplies move faster when storms hit. Pacific Climate Summit Commitments: Kiribati joined California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Vanuatu and Weno in a joint pledge to deepen regional climate adaptation and resilience cooperation, focused on protecting coastlines, watersheds, communities, and ecosystems. Plastic Pollution Treaty Push: SPREP highlighted Pacific participation in global negotiations toward a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution in the marine environment, ahead of talks in Nairobi. El Niño Impacts & Planning: SPREP noted El Niño can bring both risks and opportunities, with guidance for Pacific communities on what to expect in coming months.

Pacific Climate Summit: Hawaiʻi, California and five other Pacific jurisdictions—including Kiribati—closed the inaugural Pacific Climate Summit with a joint pledge to boost climate adaptation and resilience, stressing shared risks and the need to protect coastlines, watersheds and communities. Disaster readiness for Kiribati: SPC and WFP ran a Humanitarian Warehouse Exchange in Brisbane for disaster management logistics teams, including Kiribati, to strengthen how relief supplies are procured, stored, quality-checked and dispatched during emergencies. El Niño watch for the region: SPREP highlighted that El Niño can bring both drought and other impacts across the Pacific, with guidance on what communities may expect in coming months. Banaba mining dispute: Fiji court filings deepen the fight over proposed renewed phosphate extraction on Banaba, with community groups and the Banaban Trust Fund’s audit records at the center of the controversy. Plastic pollution push: Pacific voices are set to be amplified at global plastic pollution negotiations in Nairobi as countries work toward a legally binding treaty to curb marine plastic pollution.

Pacific Climate Summit Follow-Up: Hawaiʻi, California and Kiribati joined other Pacific jurisdictions in a joint pledge to deepen regional climate adaptation and resilience, aiming to protect coastlines, watersheds and communities “ridge to reef.” Disaster Readiness Training: SPC and WFP ran a Humanitarian Warehouse Exchange in Brisbane for disaster management logistics teams from Kiribati and other Pacific states, building skills to procure, store, kit and dispatch relief fast. El Niño Outlook: SPREP highlighted that El Niño can bring both drought risk and other opportunities, sharing what Pacific communities may expect as ENSO phases shift. Banaba Mining Court Fight: Fiji court filings deepen the Banaba dispute tied to renewed phosphate extraction plans inside Kiribati’s sovereign territory, with community groups and trust fund concerns still unresolved. Tuna Trade Access: The Marshall Islands moves toward EU market access for tuna exports after an EU food-safety and security audit, showing how fisheries governance can unlock major seafood markets. Plastic Pollution Negotiations: Pacific leaders are pushing for stronger action in global talks ahead of Nairobi, as countries work toward a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution in the marine environment.

Pacific Climate Cooperation: Hawaiʻi, California and Kiribati joined other Pacific jurisdictions in wrapping up the inaugural Pacific Climate Summit, pledging deeper regional work on climate adaptation and resilience as rising temperatures intensify hazards for people and ecosystems. El Niño Outlook: SPREP says the naturally occurring El Niño can bring both risks and opportunities, with Pacific communities urged to prepare for shifting rainfall and ocean conditions. Disaster Readiness Training: SPC and WFP ran a Humanitarian Warehouse Exchange in Brisbane for NDMO logistics officers from Kiribati and other Pacific states, focusing on faster, safer relief supply handling. Banaba Mining Dispute: Fiji court filings are deepening the Banaba resource extraction fight, with community groups questioning trust fund audits and whether mining plans are truly paused. Plastic Pollution Talks: Pacific voices are pushing for stronger action in global negotiations ahead of Nairobi, aiming for a legally binding treaty to curb plastic pollution in the marine environment. Water Access Map: A new global look shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, highlighting major gaps that matter for Pacific island resilience.

Banaba Mining Fight: Court filings in Fiji are deepening the dispute over proposed pinnacle extraction tied to Banaba—Kiribati’s ancestral homeland—where community groups and the Rabi District Council of Social Services question trust fund accountability and say mining is being used as a “quick fix,” while the Rabi Administration insists no project is finalised and that any proposal involving Centrex Limited has been paused. Pacific Climate Resilience Pact: Pacific leaders including Kiribati have joined Hawaiʻi and California in a climate adaptation and resilience pledge after the inaugural Pacific Climate Summit, calling for stronger regional cooperation to protect coastlines, watersheds, and communities as rising temperatures drive more severe hazards. El Niño Outlook: SPREP says El Niño can bring both drought risk and potential opportunities across the Pacific, with experts outlining what communities may expect in coming months. Disaster Readiness Training: SPC and WFP trained logistics and warehouse officers from Kiribati and other Pacific nations in Brisbane to speed relief supply handling during disasters. Plastic Pollution Negotiations: Pacific voices are being amplified ahead of global talks in Nairobi aimed at ending plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. Water Access Gap: A new global map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring ongoing infrastructure and service inequalities relevant to Pacific island needs.

Pacific Climate Cooperation: Representatives from California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno wrapped up the inaugural Pacific Climate Summit with a joint commitment to strengthen climate adaptation and resilience, stressing shared risks from rising temperatures and the need for deeper regional action. Plastic Pollution Talks: Pacific voices are pushing hard in global negotiations toward a legally binding plastic pollution deal, ahead of the Nairobi meeting where more than 190 countries will continue work to curb marine plastic waste. Water Access Gap: A new global map highlights how safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring why clean-water systems and protection from contamination are still urgent for vulnerable communities. El Niño Food Security: SPREP is urging Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway, as drought, frost and shifting rainfall threaten crops and livelihoods across the region. Regional Resilience & Energy Pressure: With fuel costs and shortages hitting island economies, Pacific leaders have invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate responses to the ongoing crisis.

Plastic Pollution Treaty Push: Pacific leaders are gearing up for Nairobi talks next week as over 190 countries negotiate a legally binding global instrument to end plastic pollution in the marine environment, after 19 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems each year. Water Access Gap: A new global map shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for billions, with more than 2 billion people lacking safely managed services at home and major gaps persisting in low-income countries. Pacific Climate Summit Follow-Through: Representatives including Kiribati, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Vanuatu and Weno backed a joint commitment to strengthen regional climate adaptation and resilience, stressing shared risks from rising temperatures and escalating hazards. Defend Climate Science: Pacific Small Island Developing States leaders warned in Bonn that attempts to weaken climate science in UN talks put Pasifika lives and livelihoods at risk. El Niño Readiness: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare now as an El Niño event is underway, with impacts expected to vary by country. Dengue Control via Wolbachia: A regional approach to scaling Wolbachia is highlighted as a self-sustaining way to cut dengue transmission across Asia and the Pacific.

Water Access Gap: A new global map shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for more than 2 billion people, with many low-income countries below 20% access even as wealthy regions sit near universal levels. Pacific Climate Summit: Leaders including Kiribati backed a joint push for stronger Pacific climate adaptation and resilience, saying rising heat is worsening hazards and threatening coastlines, watersheds, and communities. Defend Climate Science: Pacific Small Island states warned at UN talks in Bonn that efforts to weaken climate science would put Pasifika lives and livelihoods at risk. El Niño Preparedness: SPREP urged Pacific communities to start preparing now that El Niño has been declared underway, stressing early action and staying informed. Food Security Under El Niño: Papua New Guinea faces severe harvest losses as frost and drought hit Highlands food gardens, with Oxfam warning millions could be affected and malnutrition risks rising. Regional Health Link to Mosquito Control: A focus on Wolbachia highlights how dengue prevention can work as a regional public good, but depends on clear roles, monitoring, and community involvement. Banaba Resource Concerns: On Banaba, Rabi leaders and civil groups are questioning “pinnacle extraction” plans, calling them a “quick fix” tied to ongoing trust fund mismanagement.

Pacific Climate Summit: Representatives from California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno wrapped up the inaugural Pacific Climate Summit with a joint commitment to strengthen climate adaptation and resilience, stressing shared risks from rising temperatures and the need for deeper regional cooperation. Regional Water & Sanitation: A Blue Pacific Act update highlights how Pacific communities, including Kiribati, still face unequal access to safe drinking water and sanitation, leaving people more exposed to extreme weather and disease outbreaks. El Niño Preparedness: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after the WMO’s Pacific climate centre declared an event underway, with impacts expected to vary by country but requiring early action. Climate-Resilient Food Systems: Youth and officials from Kiribati joined a Solomon Islands-led seminar in China on climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries, focusing on climate-smart farming, aquaculture and fisheries management. Banaba Resource Concerns: On Banaba, Rabi leaders and civil society raised alarms over proposed pinnacle extraction, calling it a “quick fix” tied to ongoing trust fund mismanagement and questioning the consultation process.

Pacific Climate Summit: California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno backed a joint commitment to boost climate adaptation and resilience, stressing shared risks from rising temperatures and the need to protect coastlines, watersheds and communities. El Niño Preparedness: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare now that an El Niño event is underway, warning impacts will vary by country and calling for staying informed and taking practical steps. Food and Water Stress: Papua New Guinea faces depleted harvests and hunger risks as El Niño brings frost and prolonged dry conditions, with Oxfam PNG warning up to 3 million people could be affected. Climate Science at UN Talks: Pacific leaders in Bonn warned that attempts to weaken climate science put Pasifika lives and livelihoods at risk, with Kiribati and other low-lying states pushing back on UN text language. Climate-Resilient Farming Training: Youth and officials from Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tonga and FSM completed a seminar in China on climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries, focusing on climate-smart aquaculture and farming. Coral Survival Research: Scientists in the Marshall Islands are hunting “super reefs” that can resist or recover from extreme heat, aiming to protect heat-tolerant coral networks for future reef recovery. Tuna Market Access: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu fisheries and health inspectors trained on EU tuna freezing rules, highlighting how climate-linked temperature control can affect access to the EU tuna market.

Pacific Climate Summit: California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno wrapped up the inaugural Pacific Climate Summit with a joint commitment to boost climate adaptation and resilience through deeper regional cooperation, including protecting coastlines, watersheds and communities “ridge to reef.” El Niño Prep: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare now that an El Niño event is underway, stressing that knowledge and early action can reduce risks across the months ahead. Food Security Shock: El Niño is already hitting parts of the Pacific hard, with Papua New Guinea’s Highlands facing depleted harvests as drought, falling water levels and frost damage crops and livestock, raising hunger and malnutrition concerns. Tuna & Climate Resilience: A Solomon Islands-led seminar in China trained youth and officials from Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tonga and the FSM on climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries, including climate-smart aquaculture and fisheries management. Banaba Extraction Debate: Banaban leaders and Rabi District Council of Social Services members are raising concerns that proposed pinnacle extraction is being pushed as a “quick fix” amid ongoing Banaban Trust Fund governance and accountability disputes.

Pacific Climate Summit: Representatives from California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno wrapped up the inaugural Pacific Climate Summit with a joint commitment to boost climate adaptation and resilience across the Asia-Pacific, stressing shared action to protect coastlines, watersheds and communities. El Niño Preparedness: SPREP urged Pacific communities to start preparing now that an El Niño event is underway, saying knowledge and early steps are key to reducing risks. Coral Survival Research: Scientists are hunting “super reefs” that can resist or recover from extreme heat, including work in the Marshall Islands to build a resilient reef network that could help repopulate damaged areas across the region. Dengue Control (Wolbachia): A regional public-health focus on scaling Wolbachia highlights how dengue prevention depends on clear decisions on roles, mosquito release methods, supply, and strong community involvement. Food Security Shock: El Niño impacts are driving drought, frost and crop losses in Papua New Guinea, with Oxfam warning of widespread hunger risk and malnutrition threats. Blue Pacific Act: A Pacific-focused U.S. engagement bill highlights ongoing gaps in clean water and sanitation, including vulnerabilities in places like Kiribati. Banaba Resource Tensions: Banaban leaders and Rabi District Council of Social Services are raising concerns that proposed pinnacle extraction is being pushed as a “quick fix” amid continuing trust fund governance problems.

Pacific Climate Summit: Representatives including Kiribati agreed on deeper regional cooperation to boost climate adaptation and resilience, stressing shared risks from rising temperatures and the need to protect coastlines, watersheds, and communities “from ridge to reef.” UN Climate Talks: Pacific Small Island Developing States leaders in Bonn warned that attempts to weaken climate science would put Pasifika lives and livelihoods at risk, defending the 1.5°C limit and science-backed language. El Niño Preparedness: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare now as El Niño is declared underway, with impacts expected to vary but potentially hit families hard. Food Security in the Pacific: El Niño-linked frost and drought are driving depleted harvests and hunger risks in Papua New Guinea, with Oxfam warning millions could be affected. Coral Survival Research: Scientists are hunting “super reefs” that can withstand extreme heat, including work in the Marshall Islands that could help restore degraded reefs across the region. Banaba Governance Tensions: Banaban leaders and Rabi District voices are raising concerns that proposed pinnacle extraction is being pushed as a “quick fix” amid ongoing trust fund mismanagement. Youth & Climate-Resilient Skills: Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and others completed training in climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries in China, focusing on climate-smart farming and aquaculture.

Climate & Sovereignty: Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands and the Maldives are being forced to rethink nationhood as sea-level rise threatens territory and identity, with the ocean framed as a mirror of unraveling boundaries. El Niño Food Security: Papua New Guinea’s Highlands are hit hard by El Niño—frost, drought and pests are destroying crops and livestock, with Oxfam warning up to 3 million people could be affected and some households may have only two to three months of food. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders in Bonn warned that attempts to weaken climate science will put Pasifika lives at risk, while California and Pacific partners signaled deeper cooperation on adaptation and resilience. Regional Response to Fuel Crisis: Pacific governments are responding to a fuel crunch with emergency measures and shared coordination under the Biketawa Declaration, as leaders weigh tough trade-offs. Kiribati & the Nauru Agreement: Ministers from PNA members met in Majuro, with Kiribati handing over the chair, and focused on tuna management and benefits from the tuna value chain. Coral Survival Research: Scientists are hunting “super reefs” in the Central Pacific, including work in the Marshall Islands and plans for a resilient reef network spanning the region. Blue Pacific Act & Water: A push to strengthen U.S.-Pacific engagement highlights how many islands, including Kiribati, still struggle with safe drinking water and sanitation as climate impacts worsen health risks. Banaba Extraction Debate: Banaban leaders face mounting concerns over “pinnacle extraction” plans, criticized as a “quick fix” tied to ongoing trust fund mismanagement. Youth & Skills for Resilience: Solomon Islands, Kiribati and others completed climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries training in China, aiming to bring practical, climate-smart methods home. Digital Risks in Kiribati: Pacific leaders warn that AI and social media can boost youth and culture but also fuel misinformation and online harm, including mental health impacts.