International
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Cook Islands Health Minister Bids Farewell as Pacific Nations Pledge Universal Health Coverage at WHO Western Pacific Meeting
At the WHO Regional Committee meeting in Fiji, a departing health minister delivers a moving message on unity and bold reforms for primary healthcare. The discussion spotlights a new regional health-financing framework and a shared drive toward universal health coverage across the Western Pacific. A beacon of collaborative resilience amid rising health challenges.
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Trump-Backed Gaza Ceasefire Tested by Fresh Violence
A fragile Gaza ceasefire is once again under strain as renewed clashes raise questions about the path to peace. With international mediation intensifying and humanitarian relief in the balance, the coming days could reshape the pause in the region.
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Hong Kong International Airport Tragedy Sparks Aviation Safety Scrutiny
Tragedy at Hong Kong International Airport as a cargo plane skids off the runway, colliding with a security vehicle and ending up in the sea. Investigators are assessing weather, runway conditions and crew actions to understand what happened and what it could mean for aviation safety.
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Tariffs Loom as Star Wars Filming Goes Global
Filming continues across Britain, Hungary, and Australia as the global film machine presses on despite looming tariff threats. With studios directing billions into international projects and incentives shaping where stories are told, the next phase of cross-border cinema is taking shape in surprising ways.
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IMO Net-Zero Shipping Rules Delayed as Divisions Emerge
Stalled talks at the IMO have left a global plan to curb shipping emissions unresolved. Delegates postponed decisive steps as major economies clash over a proposed fuel standard and pricing mechanism. With discussions set to resume next year, the path to a unified, net-zero shipping future remains uncertain.
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Albanese Heads to Washington for AUKUS Talks Amid Tariffs and Minerals Deal Push
Australia’s AUKUS alliance is front and center as Prime Minister Albanese heads to Washington for crucial talks with President Trump. Tariff relief, a potential critical minerals deal, and the pact’s future are on the table, with bipartisan support shaping the direction of Australia–U.S. ties.
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Fiji and World Bank Forge Path to Vision 2050: Climate-Resilient Growth on the Horizon
Fiji is mapping a bold path to a developed, inclusive future, with a sharp focus on Vision 2050 and climate-resilient growth. Fresh discussions with international partners signal strong momentum on infrastructure, education, and policy reforms—steering the nation toward lasting prosperity.
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Pacific Pushes Unified Health Front Against NCDs at WHO Meeting
Pacific health leaders are pressing for a united, robust front against rising NCDs, mental health gaps, and climate-related health risks. From Fiji’s landmark WHO gathering emerges an “Ocean of Peace” vision—featuring school health reforms, tighter unhealthy-food rules, and community-based mental health support that could reshape health across island nations.
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Fragile Gaza Ceasefire Tested as Violence Surges and Aid Flows Resume
A fragile pause in Gaza’s fighting is once again under strain as renewed airstrikes and a rising civilian toll test a U.S.-brokered truce. With humanitarian aid on the table and international mediators pushing for renewed dialogue, the coming days could reshape the crisis and the path toward peace.
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Fiji’s New Era: Unity and Democracy Ahead Under Rabuka and Prasad
Fiji’s leaders outline a bold new chapter grounded in unity, dialogue, and mutual respect. From honoring the nation’s founding icons to pledges of democracy, media freedom, and inclusive growth, the message paints a hopeful vision for a more equitable Fiji.
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Fiji and New Zealand Strengthen Pacific Partnership at World Bank/IMF Meetings
Fiji and New Zealand reaffirm a long-standing partnership at major international meetings, signaling a shared push toward sustainable growth and regional resilience. The discussions span education reform, climate-resilient infrastructure, and stronger trade ties, underscoring a broader Pacific vision built on cooperation and inclusive development.
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Austria Signals Backing for EU Russia Sanctions Ahead of Key Vote
EU diplomacy tightens its grip on Moscow as a key sanctions package edges closer after a member state shifts its stance. With energy measures and timing at stake, the bloc faces a crucial test of unity and the path forward in the Ukraine crisis.
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Fiji seeks stronger World Bank backing to become a Pacific economic hub
Fiji is stepping up calls for stronger international support to accelerate its development and become a key Pacific economic hub. In high-level talks with World Bank officials, the focus was on financing for energy, health, and regional trade, underscoring a push for concessional funding and climate-smart resilience. The discussions signal a renewed push for sustainable…
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UNFPA Pacific Aims to Reach 100,000 Women with Lifesaving Health and GBV Services
A new three-year program, funded by New Zealand, aims to overhaul sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health services across Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu. With rising maternal mortality and gaps in care, the initiative seeks to expand life-saving services, strengthen GBV support, and boost HIV prevention—empowering women and youth to foster healthier Pacific communities.
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Caribbean Drug Vessel Strike Sparks Debate Over Survivors as POWs
A Caribbean strike targeting a suspected drug vessel triggers a tense debate over wartime legality, humanitarian impact, and the fate of two survivors rescued from the scene. With a growing U.S. military footprint and covert moves in Venezuela, observers warn the crisis could redefine regional security dynamics.
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Venezuela Seeks UN Action Over US Strikes, Sparking Sovereignty Clash
Venezuela pushes the UN Security Council to weigh in on alleged U.S. strikes at sea, arguing the actions violate sovereignty. With veto power and competing narratives about security and humanitarian impact, this unfolding drama tests international law and diplomacy in the region. Tensions rise as diplomats tread carefully through sovereignty, sanctions, and regional stability.
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Global Push for UN-backed Gaza Stabilization Force Gains Steam
With a fragile ceasefire holding, major powers are weighing a UN-backed international force for Gaza. The plan envisions a mandate to bolster international law and spark contributions from more nations, but stops short of a traditional peacekeeping mission. As talks continue and potential troop commitments surface, observers watch how this could redefine international involvement in…
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China-U.S. Rare Earth Rules Spark Fresh Trade Tensions
Beijing pushes back as rare-earth export controls ignite a new round of U.S.-China diplomacy. A pointed seven-point rebuttal signals a deeper contest over global supply chains and tariff leverage. With negotiations ongoing, the coming moves could redefine economic leverage for both powers.
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Germany marks Unity Day in Fiji, boosts Pacific resilience
Here are a few short teaser options you can use: – Germany and Pacific partners gather to mark a milestone, highlighting climate action, sustainable growth, and vibrant people-to-people diplomacy that continue to shape the region’s future. – A milestone anniversary shines a growing partnership: climate resilience, cultural exchange, and regional collaboration take center stage in…
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Survival Video Keeps Mehsud in Spotlight as Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Rise
After a Kabul airstrike, a top Taliban leader reappears in a video, fuelling questions about his survival and reigniting regional tensions. With a fragile ceasefire on the line, blame and diplomacy edge the Pakistan–Afghanistan dynamic into uncertain territory.
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Trump and Putin Plan Fresh Ukraine Talks in Budapest
Two hours of talks, a potential summit, and a recalibration of diplomacy around Ukraine. As leaders balance pressure, support, and the search for peace, the next moves could reshape the conflict’s trajectory.
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Fiji and South Korea Forge a Pacific Development Partnership
Fiji and South Korea are expanding a regional development partnership, with new initiatives in renewable energy, healthcare, and rural economic growth. As collaboration deepens, the effort aims to lift communities and strengthen ties across the Pacific.
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Fiji and Indonesia sign MoU to bolster joint anti-drug efforts
Fiji and Indonesia have signed a landmark MoU to intensify the fight against narcotics, pledging joint training, intelligence sharing, and tighter controls over precursors. The agreement also signals expanded rehabilitation efforts as Fiji explores a new Counter Narcotics Bureau. A multi-faceted push to safeguard communities is now underway.
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Trump Claims Modi Will Stop Buying Russian Oil, Eyes China to Follow
A high-stakes push to curb Russia’s oil influence is unfolding among major economies. Fresh signals from Washington hint at shifts from partners like India and others, a development that could ripple through energy markets and redefine geopolitical alignments.
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Fiji and IMF Map Path to 2050 High-Income Goal in Washington
Fiji charts a bold course toward resilience and shared prosperity, with plans for the 2025/2026 budget and long-term reforms under a 2050 high-income horizon. The discussions spotlight stronger institutions, smarter policies, and regional collaboration that could reshape the island nation’s economic future.
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Island Nations Push for Real Action and Financing at COP30
With COP30 approaching, voices from small island states demand real climate action—more funding for adaptation, accessible technology, and stronger support for vulnerable communities. The call signals a turning point: accelerate progress on mitigation, finance, and addressing loss and damage, or risk slipping further from the 1.5°C goal.
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Fiji Urges Unity at COP30 to Defend the 1.5°C Target and Climate Finance
Fiji urges a united front at COP30 in Brazil, pressing for climate finance that truly reaches the vulnerable and a firm stance on the 1.5°C target. As talks loom, questions swirl about adaptation funding, special circumstances for small island states, and turning ambition into real resilience.
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UN Urges Massive Gaza Aid Push as Current Truck Flow Falls Short
UN warns that current relief into Gaza is far from enough as the humanitarian crisis deepens. With border openings and a broader aid push on the table, the coming days could determine how quickly lives are saved.
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Healthy Pacific Tuna Stocks, Uncertain Future: Leaders Urge Unified Action
Pacific tuna stocks are healthy today, but leaders warn that safeguarding their future requires vigilance, innovation, and regional unity. From tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing to unveiling a new “Ocean of Peace” framework, the discussions spotlight how collaboration could protect livelihoods, ecosystems, and the cultural heartbeat of Pacific communities.
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Pacific Islands Push for Local Tuna Processing and Ownership
Pacific Island nations are moving to take greater ownership of their tuna resources by boosting local processing, not just exporting raw fish. Leaders say controlling the value chain can create jobs, spur related industries, and improve traceability to curb IUU fishing. With regional cooperation at the forefront, the goal is to keep benefits and food…