International
-
International lawmakers visit Dharamsala to meet the Dalai Lama amid Tibetan rights talks
An international delegation from Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji heads to Dharamshala for a four-day program, including a meeting with the Dalai Lama and talks with Tibetan leaders. The visit coincides with World Human Rights Day and the 36th anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize, underscoring ongoing support for Tibetan culture and rights.
-
Seoul Hosts Korea-Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting to Boost Pacific Partnerships
Pacific partners converge in Seoul to map a future of resilient, peaceful cooperation—from climate resilience and ocean governance to people-to-people exchanges. As ministers steer Korea–Pacific Island ties toward deeper coordination, the talks hint at a renewed, collaborative path for the region.
-
Video Sparks Bipartisan Debate Over U.S. Caribbean Military Strikes
– A Caribbean strike and the video that followed are sparking a heated debate over legality and ethics in U.S. anti-drug missions. As lawmakers clash on a controversial second attack, questions about transparency come to the fore. – New footage from a recent Caribbean operation raises sharp questions about how far U.S. drug interdiction should…
-
World Bank and ADB Launch $239.5M Push to Modernize Fiji’s Healthcare
Two major lenders are teaming up to tackle non-communicable diseases across the Pacific with a sweeping health transformation. The Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation aims to modernize primary care, boost resilience, and inaugurate new regional health infrastructure—potentially reshaping care for millions across several island nations.
-
Michoacan explosion near police station linked to cartel violence
An explosion outside a police station in Michoacán has shaken a region already grappling with organized crime. Casualties include members of a local community police, underscoring the fragile path toward security. As authorities bolster security efforts, residents face a tense road ahead.
-
Russia Welcomes U.S. National Security Strategy, Sees Path to Ukraine Talks
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hails a new U.S. strategy as surprisingly aligned with Moscow, hinting at possible cooperation on Ukraine. But ongoing violence and fraught diplomacy remind us how fragile any path to peace remains.
-
Benin Foils Coup Attempt as West Africa Faces Growing Unrest
An early-morning bid to seize power in Benin was halted after soldiers appeared on TV claiming control. Officials say the takeover was neutralized, but the incident underscored regional instability and left questions about Benin’s democratic trajectory lingering.
-
Gaza Ceasefire Phase Two Hinges on Hostage Remains as International Force Looms
Here are a few short teaser options you can use for the post excerpt: – A potential second phase of the Gaza ceasefire could begin soon, but only if key conditions—including the return of a missing hostage’s remains—are met. The plan envisions Hamas disarmament and an international stabilization framework. – Cautious optimism surrounds talks of…
-
Fiji-Kuwait Ties Boosted as New Ambassador Presents Credentials
Fiji broadens its diplomatic footprint in the Gulf as a new ambassador presents credentials to Kuwait, signaling a renewed push for closer ties. The budding partnership hints at joint opportunities in trade, investment, and sustainable development across several sectors.
-
MCC Arrives in Fiji to Map a Bold Development Compact
An international development delegation arrived in Fiji for a week of high-level talks on a potential development compact. The discussions aim to pinpoint constraints to growth and lay the groundwork for initiatives that could boost education, healthcare, and local jobs for Fiji’s communities.
-
China-Fiji 50th Anniversary: Commemorative Envelope Signals Deepening Ties
Celebrating 50 years of China-Fiji ties, a commemorative envelope blends cultural symbols from both nations, foreshadowing renewed cooperation. With a major five-year plan on the horizon, officials emphasize people-first policies and a shared path to prosperity.
-
Hong Kong Election at a Crossroads Amid Tragedy and Patriot Vetting
Hong Kong faces a pivotal vote as the city remains in mourning after a devastating fire and swept up in investigations. With candidates limited by a patriot-only framework, this election unfolds under intense scrutiny and a high-stakes mood.
-
Suva Volunteers Unite for International Volunteer Day Beach Cleanup
On International Volunteer Day, volunteers from local and international groups gathered in Suva for a day of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on service. From energizing morning sessions to a coastal cleanup, the event underscored Fiji’s vibrant volunteer spirit and the power of collective action.
-
WCPFC seals new South Pacific Albacore management measure promising stability for fleets and markets
After years of bargaining, a new management approach for South Pacific albacore promises stability for fleets, coastal communities, and global markets. The coming year will test how the agreement is turned into practical steps through 2026. The outcome could redefine livelihoods across the Pacific and beyond.
-
Fijian Flying Circus Set for 2026 New Zealand Tour
Fiji’s Fijian Flying Circus is set to ignite New Zealand stages in 2026, blending contemporary dance, circus artistry, and Pacific storytelling. Supported by NZ cultural partners, the troupe will headline two major festivals, marking a bold new chapter for Fijian artists and Pacific exchange.
-
China Expands Belt and Road Cooperation with Fiji Ahead of 50th Anniversary
China signals a renewed Belt and Road partnership with Fiji, pairing large-scale infrastructure with targeted, community-focused programs. A mix of green energy, climate resilience, and smart farming tech points to a future designed around Fiji’s development priorities.
-
Pacific Frustration Grows as COP31 Hosting Shifts Away from Australia
Diplomatic tensions rise as hosting plans for a pivotal climate summit shift, leaving Pacific voices seeking louder action. Australia’s bid is paused, with Turkey stepping in, while critics dismiss the COP process as a “talk fest” that rarely delivers on accountability. The move signals bigger questions about climate leadership and justice in the region.
-
Turkey to Host COP31 2026 as Australia Withdraws Bid
Australia’s bid to host COP31 ends with an unexpected pivot as Turkey takes the helm, sparking scrutiny of the diplomacy, finances, and regional climate priorities involved. A high-stakes moment that reshapes the path for Pacific-focused climate talks.
-
COP30: Stiell Urges Turning Climate Pledges into Real-World Action
Momentum from COP30 is being urged to translate into real-world gains. Leaders emphasize turning ambition into action—driving clean energy, jobs, and more resilient communities—before the costs of delay rise.
-
COP31 in Turkey: Can Pacific Voices Shape the Climate Talks?
COP31 shifts to Turkey with Australia taking the negotiating lead, raising questions about Pacific leadership, credibility, and the race to 1.5°C. As Pacific nations push for ocean-focused climate action and Indigenous knowledge to shape the agenda, the coming pre-COP dynamics could redefine regional cooperation and survival in a warming world.
-
Tuvalu Presses Australia for Real Climate Leadership After COP31 Setback
Tuvalu is calling for genuine climate leadership from Australia as Pacific nations watch a turning point unfold in global talks. A bold decarbonization plan highlights the tension between fossil fuel interests and a sustainable future, signaling a pivotal moment for the region’s resilience.
-
ICJ Declares Climate Action a Legal Obligation at COP30
At COP30, a landmark ICJ advisory opinion reframes climate action as a legal obligation, setting a new bar for accountability and reparations. Vulnerable nations push for binding measures—from fossil fuel phase-outs to a global fund for loss and damage—urging that talk must become action. Will this moment finally translate into real-world change?
-
Pacific Delegates Stand Firm on 1.5°C at COP30 Amid Ocean Push
Disruption at COP30 couldn’t dim the Pacific’s resolve. Delegates push a non-negotiable 1.5°C target while elevating ocean priorities, steering a bold course toward climate justice and stronger regional advocacy.
-
COP30 Countdown: Islands Urge Urgent Climate Finance to Protect the 1.5°C Target
At COP30, Palau’s climate minister delivers a sobering warning: time is running out for frontline island nations as the 1.5°C goal and promised funding hang in the balance. The message frames the summit as a defining moment for communities battered by storms and eroding reefs. A powerful call for science‑based action and real multilateral commitment…
-
Guam, CNMI Seek 120-Day Extension to Study Deep-Sea Mining Near the Marianas
Guam and CNMI leaders push for a longer, more thorough review of a plan to open deep-sea areas near the Marianas to mining. They warn of potential environmental, cultural, and cross‑island impacts and call for broad scientific input before any decisions are made.
-
Markets Force WCPFC Toward Transparent Pacific Tuna Rules
Growing market pressure from major retailers is reshaping how Pacific tuna is managed, pushing for transparent systems and stronger accountability as regional talks unfold.
-
High-Seas Transshipment Ban Could Redefine Pacific Tuna Governance
Transparency gaps in distant-water fishing are shaping the fate of South Pacific tuna. A push to ban high-seas transshipment could push operations into coastal zones, delivering tighter oversight and broader benefits to local communities.
-
Lorin Robert: The Quiet Architect of Pacific Fisheries Governance
Remembering Lorin Robert, a longtime FSM diplomat whose four-decade career shaped Pacific fisheries governance and regional cooperation. This tribute highlights his quiet leadership and enduring impact on conservation and dialogue across the Pacific.
-
Albacore at a Tipping Point: Will WCPFC Save the $1B Pacific Market?
Manila hosts a pivotal moment for the billion-dollar South Pacific albacore fishery, as officials weigh a modern harvest framework to replace aging rules. With MSC certification and premium markets on the line, experts warn that inaction could ripple through Pacific economies and sustainability-minded consumers.
-
One in Three Women Face Violence: A Global Call to Action
One in three women will experience violence in her lifetime, a stark reminder that this crisis knows no borders. A fresh call for urgent action outlines steps to reform laws, empower women, and safeguard rights, challenging us to turn promises into real safety and equality. It’s a powerful reminder that progress depends on all of…