AGP Executive Report

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders wrapped up the 55th meeting with a sharper regional line on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, stressing the sea’s role in Pacific culture and identity. China–Taiwan tensions: The summit was overshadowed by Beijing’s pushback over Taiwan’s presence, with Kiribati absent from key retreat moments and protocol disputes raised. Kiribati–India cooperation: In South Tarawa, India’s High Commissioner met Kiribati officials on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, education and scholarships, plus infrastructure and renewable energy—building a “Blue Pacific” partnership. Climate-resilient schools: A new EU–UNICEF €17m programme will upgrade schools across Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and Solomon Islands, improving water, sanitation, renewable energy and disaster readiness for about 15,000 children. El Niño and fuel stress: Pacific communities facing fuel shortages are now bracing for El Niño impacts—drought in some places, heavier rain in others—raising risks to drinking water, food and children’s health. Tuna in Pacific culture: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, with country tuna-dish competitions spotlighting food security and local culinary traditions, including Kiribati. PALM welfare spotlight: A policy brief says PALM welfare support is extensive on paper but poorly understood and not well connected in practice, raising concerns for workers under the labour mobility scheme. Gloriavale school safety: New Zealand’s Ministry of Education moved to cancel Gloriavale school registration after findings it wasn’t providing a physically and emotionally safe place for students.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders wrapped up the 55th meeting with a sharper Pacific line on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, stressing the sea as central to Pacific identity and calling for coordinated action ahead of major global ocean talks. China–Taiwan tensions: The summit played out under a cloud of Beijing’s pushback over Taiwan’s presence, with rare dissent on missile language and notable absences including Kiribati at key moments. Climate resilience for schools: A new EU–UNICEF €17m programme will help Pacific governments upgrade schools so they can keep operating during and after disasters, with climate-resilient water/sanitation, renewable power, training for teachers and support for communities—targeting Kiribati among other countries. El Niño + fuel crisis pressure: Pacific communities already hit by fuel shortages are bracing for El Niño impacts that could mean drought, heavier rain, and rising risks to drinking water, food and children’s health. Women’s empowerment talks (Kiribati–India): In South Tarawa, India and Kiribati discussed women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation and broader cooperation, alongside education and health support. Tuna in Pacific culture: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” to celebrate World Tuna Day with country culinary competitions highlighting tuna’s role in Pacific food security and livelihoods. Sports pathway: New Zealand handball players are aiming for an Olympic debut via an Oceania-focused tournament in Wellington. Migration pathway: Australia published the official list of 12 countries eligible for its Pacific Engagement Visa, including Kiribati.

Pacific Engagement Visa: Australia has published the 12 countries eligible for its new Pacific Engagement Visa permanent residence pathway, including Kiribati—framing it as a long-term way to deepen ties across the Blue Pacific. Pacific Islands Forum tensions: At the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau, China’s pushback over Taiwan and reports of missing leaders (including Kiribati) have added friction, even as leaders say local priorities must come first. Ocean, fisheries, deep-sea minerals: Forum leaders tightened their regional stance on ocean sovereignty, illegal fishing, marine pollution and deep-sea minerals, linking the sea to culture and identity. Climate-resilient schools: A €17m EU–UNICEF programme will upgrade and harden schools for disasters, with Kiribati among the direct beneficiaries (about 15,000 children), plus training for teachers and school administrators. El Niño + fuel crisis pressure: Pacific communities are bracing for El Niño impacts—drought in some places, heavier rain in others—on top of fuel-driven water, food and health stress, with Kiribati specifically flagged. India–Kiribati cooperation: High-level talks in Tarawa focused on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, education, infrastructure and renewable energy, reinforcing people-to-people links. Tuna culture: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, featuring country culinary competitions across Pacific nations including Kiribati.

Pacific Islands Forum wrap-up: The 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting in Palau ended with clear China–US tensions, while Australia and NZ faced criticism for not doing enough on climate action; Regional oceans push: Forum leaders backed stronger Pacific positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, and set up work toward the 2027 BBNJ talks; Climate-resilient schooling: A new EU–UNICEF €17m programme will help make schools safer during disasters, upgrading water/sanitation, adding renewable power and training teachers and communities, with direct support for about 15,000 children including in Kiribati; Kiribati–India cooperation: In South Tarawa, India’s High Commissioner met Kiribati ministers on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, education and health, reinforcing people-to-people and youth-focused partnerships; El Niño warning for Kiribati and neighbours: With a 100% chance El Niño continues through 2026, fuel and climate pressures could worsen water, food and children’s health, with Kiribati already facing high rates of unsafe drinking water; Tuna culture and food security: FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, spotlighting tuna dishes across Pacific countries including Kiribati; Forum controversy and Taiwan: Reports of leaders missing and China’s anger over Taiwan’s participation added geopolitical noise to a summit that leaders say should stay focused on local priorities.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders wrapped up a tense 55th meeting as China–US rivalry and Taiwan’s return to the forum cast a shadow, with Kiribati absent from a leaders retreat and rare dissent noted from Nauru. Ocean & fisheries priorities: Despite the geopolitics, the forum pushed a stronger line on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals, and marine pollution, urging coordinated Pacific action. Climate-resilient schools: A major EU–UNICEF €17m programme is set to help about 15,000 children in Kiribati (plus Fiji, FSM, Solomon Islands) with safer water/sanitation, renewable power, and disaster-ready school systems. El Niño warning for Kiribati: With a 100% chance El Niño continues through 2026, Pacific communities are bracing for drought, heavier rain, and pressure on drinking water, food, and children’s health amid an ongoing fuel crisis. India–Kiribati people-focused talks: In Tarawa, India and Kiribati discussed women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, education, and health, including support linked to dialysis services. Tuna in Pacific culture: The “Tuna Bites” campaign is set to celebrate tuna’s role in food security and Pacific cuisine, with country dish competitions across the region.

Pacific Climate Watch: A worsening fuel crisis is already hitting water, food and children’s health, and now El Niño is expected to intensify pressure across the Pacific—bringing heavier rain for parts of eastern Micronesia (including around Kiribati) while other areas face drought and unsafe drinking water. Education Resilience: The EU and UNICEF launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme in Palau, targeting safer, disaster-ready schools in Kiribati and other countries, with climate-proof water/sanitation, renewable power, better maintenance, and training for teachers and school leaders. Women & Youth Development: In South Tarawa, India and Kiribati discussed women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, and cooperation—plus education support and skills pathways for youth. Regional Ocean Priorities: Pacific Islands Forum leaders strengthened calls for ocean sovereignty, fisheries protection, deep-sea mineral governance and action on marine pollution, tying it to culture and identity. Food Culture Spotlight: The FFA and SPC rolled out “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, celebrating tuna’s role in Pacific cuisine and food security, with Kiribati among participating countries. Forum Politics: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau opened amid leader absences and renewed tension around Taiwan’s return—raising questions about how geopolitics may crowd out climate and community priorities.

Climate & Health: ChildFund New Zealand warns Pacific families already hit by fuel shortages to brace for a strengthening El Niño—100% likely to continue through the rest of 2026—bringing drought risk for places including Kiribati, plus heavier rain elsewhere, with mounting pressure on safe drinking water, food and children’s health. Food Culture: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and SPC launch “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with Kiribati among the countries running a one-day tuna dish contest celebrating tuna’s role in Pacific diets, livelihoods and culture. Education Resilience: A €17m EU-UNICEF programme, Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems, will upgrade schools in Kiribati and other Pacific states—climate-resilient water and sanitation, renewable power and better connectivity—plus training for teachers and school leaders to keep learning going during disasters. Women & Youth Development: In South Tarawa, India and Kiribati discussed women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and digitisation, alongside education cooperation and scholarships, during meetings between India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta and Kiribati ministers. Regional Politics (PIF): At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, geopolitical tension around Taiwan and outside influence is colliding with local priorities, as Kiribati’s absence from key leader moments fuels questions while leaders push unity on oceans, fisheries and marine protection.

Climate-Resilient Schools: The EU and UNICEF launched a €17m, five-year Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to help schools in Fiji, Kiribati, the FSM and the Solomon Islands stay open during cyclones, floods and sea-level impacts—upgrading water and sanitation, adding renewable power, improving connectivity, and training about 2,000 teachers and administrators. Food & Culture: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and SPC kicked off “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with a country-by-country tuna dish competition in Kiribati and other Pacific states to celebrate tuna’s role in food security and livelihoods. Women’s Empowerment & Education Links: In Tarawa, India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met Kiribati’s Minister for Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs Ruth Cross Kwansing to discuss women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and digitisation, and also met education officials on scholarships and skills for youth. Regional Ocean Priorities: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed an ocean-focused statement tying maritime sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution to Pacific culture and identity, and pushed coordination ahead of the 2027 BBNJ talks. Local Safety & Accountability: New Zealand reporting on Gloriavale’s school closure push highlights concerns about student safety and the Ministry of Education’s efforts to cancel the school’s registration after an Education Review Office report. Pacific Forum Politics: Coverage around the Palau summit notes tensions over Taiwan’s return and missing leaders, with Kiribati absent from key retreat discussions amid wider great-power rivalry. Blue Pacific Connectivity: A landmark East Micronesia Cable project is set to bring faster internet to Naoero and Tarawa in Kiribati, supporting digital resilience across the region.

Pacific Food & Culture: The FFA and SPC kick off “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with Kiribati among the countries running a one-day tuna dish contest judged by chefs and broadcast to spotlight tuna’s role in Pacific food security and culture. Women’s Empowerment & Education: In Tarawa, India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met Kiribati’s Minister for Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs Ruth Cross Kwansing to discuss women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and digitisation, while earlier talks with Kiribati’s education minister focused on scholarships and skills for youth. Climate-Resilient Schools: A new EU–UNICEF €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme launches in Palau, aiming to help Kiribati and other Pacific states keep schools running during disasters through safer water and sanitation, renewable energy, better connectivity, and training for teachers and administrators. Regional Diplomacy & Security: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is marked by missing leaders and big-power rivalry over Taiwan, but Kiribati’s absence from a key retreat is being questioned as leaders push unity on oceans, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution. Blue Pacific Connectivity: A landmark East Micronesia Cable system is set to bring faster internet to Tarawa and Naoero, supporting essential services and community links across Micronesia.

Women & Youth Empowerment: India’s High Commissioner to Kiribati, Suneet Mehta, met Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing in Tarawa to discuss women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and digitisation, with education and youth skills also on the agenda. Education Resilience: A new EU–UNICEF €17m programme, Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems, will upgrade schools in Kiribati and other Pacific states so classrooms can stay open during and after cyclones, floods and sea-level impacts—adding climate-resilient water and sanitation, renewable power, better connectivity, and training for teachers and school leaders. Regional Oceans & Culture: Pacific Islands Forum leaders backed a stronger push for ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution action, framing the ocean as central to Pacific identity and culture. Pacific Islands Forum Politics: The 55th Forum in Palau is already tense, with missing leaders and renewed debate over Taiwan’s participation—while Kiribati’s absence from key discussions is noted amid wider great-power rivalry. Blue Pacific Connectivity: Australia-backed work is delivering the East Micronesia Cable, bringing faster internet to Tarawa and supporting a more digitally resilient Blue Pacific.

Women & Youth Empowerment: In South Tarawa, India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met Kiribati’s Minister for Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs Ruth Cross Kwansing to discuss women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and digitisation, alongside broader bilateral cooperation. Education & Skills: Mehta also met Kiribati’s Education Minister Ruateki Tekaiara, reaffirming support for education, capacity building, scholarships and youth skills. Climate-Resilient Schools: A new EU–UNICEF €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme is set to help about 15,000 children in Kiribati (plus Fiji, FSM and Solomon Islands) keep learning during disasters, with upgrades to water and sanitation, renewable energy and stronger maintenance. Blue Pacific Oceans Focus: Pacific Islands Forum leaders backed an oceans statement linking maritime sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution to culture and identity, and set up work for the 2027 BBNJ talks. Regional Politics & Taiwan: Kiribati’s absence from a PIF leaders retreat drew attention amid Taiwan–China diplomatic pressure, while Kiribati is also considering constitutional changes to make future recognition switches harder. Climate Risk for Families: With El Niño looming, reports warn Kiribati and other Pacific islands face higher drought and flood risks that can quickly hit safe water and children’s health.

Climate-Resilient Schools: A new €17m EU–UNICEF programme will help Pacific governments upgrade schools so they can keep teaching during cyclones, floods and sea-level impacts, with climate-proof water/sanitation, renewable power and better maintenance planning for about 15,000 children in Kiribati, Fiji, FSM and the Solomon Islands. Education Safety & Accountability: In New Zealand, a former Gloriavale Christian School student says the possible closure feels like “the bare minimum” after an Education Review Office report found the school wasn’t providing a physically and emotionally safe place for students. Kiribati–India Cooperation: In Tarawa, India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met Kiribati officials to deepen ties on infrastructure, renewable energy, sustainable development and healthcare, including a visit to Kiribati’s dialysis centre. Pacific Forum Tensions: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders’ absences and China–Taiwan disputes are stirring controversy, even as climate resilience, ocean stewardship and security remain top priorities. Kiribati Diplomatic Shift: Kiribati is considering a constitutional change that could make it harder for future governments to switch diplomatic recognition away from China. Climate Risk for Families: With El Niño likely across the Pacific, groups warn water and food safety could worsen for children, especially where households already face unsafe drinking water. Sports & Youth Development: Australia announced $15.6m to support Pacific athletes and officials toward Brisbane 2032 and other major events. Culture in Motion: South Island rangatahi are finding their Pacific voice through Māfana, a cross-region youth arts project featuring Kiribati among other cultures.

Climate-Resilient Education: A €17m EU–UNICEF programme will help about 15,000 children in Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands by upgrading schools to better withstand cyclones, floods and rising seas, with training for around 2,000 teachers and school leaders plus community disaster-prep work. Blue Pacific Energy & Infrastructure: India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met Kiribati officials in Tarawa to explore deeper cooperation in infrastructure, renewable energy and sustainable development, and also visited a dialysis centre tied to India’s FIPIC health support. Pacific Connectivity for Daily Life: Australia-backed funding helped deliver the East Micronesia Cable, bringing faster internet to Naoero and Tarawa in Kiribati and supporting more reliable communications for communities and services. Kiribati Diplomacy Shift: Kiribati is considering a constitutional change that could make it harder for future governments to restore ties with Taiwan, tightening recognition to UN member states. Forum Politics vs Local Priorities: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is underway amid leader absences and Taiwan–China tensions, while climate resilience, ocean stewardship and security remain the stated focus. Kiribati in the Spotlight: The week’s coverage also flags Kiribati’s role in the wider regional debate over influence, alongside growing climate and health pressures.

Climate & Education: The EU and UNICEF are rolling out a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme for Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, aiming to keep schools running through cyclones, floods and sea-level rise by upgrading water/sanitation, adding renewable energy and training teachers, administrators and communities in disaster preparedness and school maintenance. Regional Diplomacy: India’s High Commissioner to Kiribati, Suneet Mehta, met Kiribati officials in Tarawa to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, reaffirming the long-running partnership. Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting is underway but off to a shaky start, with missing leaders and a big diplomatic fight over Taiwan’s participation—while leaders say climate resilience, ocean stewardship and security (including drug trafficking) must stay front and centre. Kiribati–China/Taiwan Policy: Kiribati is considering a constitutional change that could make it harder for future governments to switch diplomatic recognition back to Taiwan, tightening relations to UN-recognised states. Climate Risk for Families: With El Niño expected across the Pacific, ChildFund warns drought and flooding could quickly worsen unsafe drinking water and food shortages—especially for children already facing high water safety risks in Kiribati. Connectivity for Daily Life: A landmark East Micronesia Cable is set to bring faster, more reliable internet to Naoero and Tarawa in Kiribati, supporting services and community links.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th leaders meeting is underway, but unity is strained as several top leaders skip the summit and China pushes back over Taiwan’s participation, turning the agenda into a tug-of-war over influence while climate, ocean stewardship, and drug crime remain urgent. Kiribati diplomacy at home: Kiribati is considering a constitutional change that would make it harder for future governments to switch diplomatic recognition away from China, tightening ties to UN-recognised states. India–Kiribati cooperation: India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met Kiribati officials in Tarawa to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, reinforcing the relationship. Climate pressure on daily life: Pacific communities are bracing for El Niño impacts—drought, flooding, and unsafe water—on top of existing fuel and health stress. Blue Pacific connectivity: A landmark East Micronesia Cable project is delivering faster internet to Tarawa and Naoero, supporting essential services and resilience. Sports and youth: Australia announced funding to help Pacific athletes and officials prepare for Brisbane 2032, with Kiribati among the supported communities. Culture spotlight: South Island rangatahi used the Māfana show to connect Pacific youth through dance, music, and storytelling—featuring Kiribati performers.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders’ talks are underway in Koror, but the mood is tense—several heads of state are missing, and China is reportedly unhappy about Taiwan’s presence, raising fresh questions about unity and outside influence. Blue Pacific unity vs rivalry: Commentators frame the “Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration” as a centripetal pull for peace and prosperity, while warning that great-power competition keeps creating centrifugal pressure. Taiwan back at the table: Taiwan is set to participate again after last year’s exclusion controversy, with Beijing urging the Forum to stick to the “one-China principle.” Kiribati diplomacy shift: Kiribati is considering a constitutional change that could make it harder for future governments to switch recognition away from China, tightening rules around ties with non-UN-recognised states. Connectivity for everyday life: A landmark East Micronesia Cable is now delivering faster, more reliable internet to Tarawa and Naoero, supporting services and community connections. Sports and culture: Australia announced $15.6m to help Pacific athletes reach Brisbane 2032, and South Island rangatahi are using the Māfana show to strengthen Pacific cultural identity through dance and music.