AGP Executive Report

Tsunami Preparedness: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami advisories across much of the Pacific, including Kiribati, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels and coastal agencies urged to inform communities and follow local procedures. Climate & Sports: Kiribati’s push to qualify for the 2030 World Cup is framed as urgent as rising seas threaten the country’s future, with football leaders saying it may be “our last chance.” Regional Security & Policing: Pacific police officers from 22 nations, including Tokelau, are training in Brisbane under a Pacific-led program, while senior military leaders visit to strengthen shared regional stability and disaster response skills. Women in Global Governance: Kiribati Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing becomes the first Pacific Islander elected to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (2026–2030), highlighting priorities like economic empowerment and social protection amid climate shocks. Fisheries Compliance: EU food-safety rules are tightening for Pacific freezer vessels, with Kiribati among countries training to meet new temperature requirements to keep access to the EU tuna market. Sports Hosting: Kiribati secured the right to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the bid backed by the Micronesian Games Council.

Cybercrime & Justice: Legal experts from across the Blue Pacific, including Kiribati, are meeting in Fiji to finalise a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and boost defenses against growing digital threats. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 earthquake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories remain in force for multiple Pacific coasts including Kiribati, with officials urged to inform at-risk communities and stay out of the water. Sports & National Pride: Kiribati has secured the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the council endorsing the country’s proposal after evaluating facilities, transport, finances and long-term development goals. Women’s Rights Diplomacy: Kiribati Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing has become the first Pacific Islander elected to the UN Commission on the Status of Women for 2026–2030, aiming to elevate Pacific priorities on gender and climate impacts. Regional Fisheries Trade: Pacific fisheries authorities, including Kiribati, are training in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels. Climate Mobility: Pacific governments have adopted new regional guidance on planned climate relocation, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation.

Cybercrime Law Push: Legal experts from across the Blue Pacific met in Fiji to finalise a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses, with Kiribati among participating countries. Tsunami Watch for Kiribati: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories were issued for many Pacific coasts including Kiribati, urging coastal authorities to inform communities and stay out of the water where needed. Kiribati Sports Bid: Kiribati has been selected to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, a major regional milestone for the country’s youth and sport development. UN Gender Breakthrough: Kiribati Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing became the first Pacific Islander elected to the UN Commission on the Status of Women for 2026–2030, highlighting gender and climate-linked pressures on women. EU Tuna Rules Loom: Fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety requirements that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with compliance tied to colder freezing standards. Climate Mobility Framework: Pacific governments adopted new regional guidance on planned climate relocation, stressing it should be a last resort with rights, culture, and community decision-making protected. World Cup Dream Under Threat: Rising sea levels are putting Kiribati’s push for World Cup qualifying at risk, as leaders warn this could be a “last chance” to build football capacity before impacts worsen.

Tsunami Preparedness: A powerful 7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines, prompting Pacific-wide tsunami monitoring and advisories that include Kiribati; the US Tsunami Warning Centre forecast waves under 0.3 metres above tide levels and urged coastal authorities to inform communities and follow local procedures. Regional Sports: Kiribati has been selected to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the Micronesian Games Council endorsing Kiribati’s bid after evaluating facilities, transport, finances and long-term development alignment. UN Gender Diplomacy: Kiribati Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing became the first Pacific Islander elected to the UN Commission on the Status of Women for 2026–2030, highlighting a push for women’s economic empowerment and stronger social protection amid climate and economic shocks. EU Fisheries Compliance: In Suva, Kiribati and other Pacific fisheries officials trained on new EU freezer vessel food-safety rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at meeting stricter freezing standards that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels. Climate Mobility Policy: Pacific leaders adopted regional guidance on planned relocation as a last resort for communities facing unsafe climate impacts, stressing human rights, cultural identity and community participation.

UN Gender Seat: Kiribati Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing has become the first Pacific Islander elected to the UN Commission on the Status of Women for 2026–2030, calling it a “miracle” and saying her focus will include economic empowerment and stronger social protection as climate and economic shocks hit women hardest. EU Fisheries Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu met in Suva for training on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, which tightens freezer-vessel temperature rules and is expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Climate Mobility Framework: Pacific governments are using new regional guidance on planned relocation as a last resort when communities can no longer safely adapt, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. Weather Watch: The WMO says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño emerging before September, with rising odds later in the year—raising the risk of heat, drought and heavier rainfall patterns. Regional Capacity Building: Samoa forestry officers completed FAO-supported training in sustainable teak and pine production in Suva, aimed at building climate resilience through better seed propagation and harvesting practices.

UN Gender Seat for Kiribati: Kiribati Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing has become the first Pacific Islander elected to the UN Commission on the Status of Women for 2026–2030, with her priorities including economic empowerment and stronger social protection as climate and economic shocks hit women hardest. EU Tuna Rules Hit Kiribati Fisheries: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety requirements under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels, after auditors found inconsistent freezing to -18°C in brine. Climate Mobility Guidance: Pacific governments rolled out regional guidance on planned relocation, stressing it as a last resort and calling for community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural protection. El Niño Watch: The WMO says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September, with higher odds later, raising risks of heat, drought and heavy rainfall across parts of the Pacific and beyond. Pacific Diplomacy & Development: The Quad’s new agenda highlights ports, cables and minerals, while Australia–Japan talks also pledged support for Pacific anti–money laundering capacity-building.

UN Gender Seat: Kiribati has secured a seat on the UN Commission on the Status of Women for 2026–2030, a first for the atoll nation and a major diplomatic win for the Pacific, with Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing calling it “historic” and saying the focus will include women’s economic empowerment and stronger social protection against climate and economic shocks. EU Fisheries Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu met in Suva for training on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at keeping tuna frozen at required temperatures and protecting access to the EU market. Climate Mobility Guidance: Pacific governments rolled out regional guidance on planned relocation, stressing it as a last resort and prioritising human rights, Indigenous rights, cultural preservation and community decision-making as climate pressures intensify. Forum Women Leaders Push: Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa urged leaders to move from policy to practical gains for women, girls and vulnerable groups, linking gender equality to resilience and real outcomes. El Niño Watch: The WMO says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September, raising the risk of extreme weather impacts across the Pacific.

UN Gender Seat for Kiribati: Kiribati Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing has become the first Pacific Islander elected to the UN Commission on the Status of Women for 2026–2030, calling it a “historic” and “miracle” moment and saying the seat will help lift Pacific priorities on economic empowerment and social protection as gender and climate pressures intensify. EU Tuna Food-Safety Rules: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu met in Suva for training on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, which tightens freezer-vessel temperature requirements and could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged freezer vessels exporting to the bloc. Pacific Women Leaders Push for Action: Forum SG Baron Waqa urged leaders to move beyond commitments at the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting, stressing practical benefits for women, girls and vulnerable groups. Climate Mobility Framework: Pacific governments rolled out new regional guidance on planned relocation, stressing it should be a last resort with community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural protection. El Niño Watch: The WMO says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September, with likely impacts including heavier rainfall in some areas and drier conditions elsewhere.

UN Gender Seat for Kiribati: Kiribati secured a seat on the UN Commission on the Status of Women for 2026–2030, with Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing calling it a “historic” breakthrough and saying Pacific voices will be heard as the commission turns to gender and climate change. Regional Women’s Priorities: Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa urged leaders to move from commitments to real gains for women, girls and vulnerable groups, pointing to gender equality and social inclusion becoming standing agenda items. EU Tuna Rules Hit Pacific Fisheries: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-ship food-safety requirements, aimed at ensuring tuna is frozen to the required temperatures to prevent histamine risks. Climate Mobility Guidance: Pacific governments rolled out regional guidance on planned relocation, stressing it should be a last resort, with community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural protection. El Niño Outlook: The UN weather agency says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September, with knock-on risks for rainfall, drought and heat across the Pacific. Kiribati in Anti-Corruption Push: Kiribati is hosting a Pacific Regional Conference on Anti-Corruption, framing integrity and transparency as essential for managing crises and large climate-linked funds.

UN Gender Leadership: Kiribati Minister Ruth Maryanne Cross Kwansing has made history as the first Pacific Islander elected to the UN Commission on the Status of Women for 2026–2030, saying the seat will lift Pacific voices at a pivotal time as the commission turns to gender and climate change. Food Safety & Fisheries Access: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for EU food-safety training on new freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, after EU auditors found brine temperatures not consistently reaching -18°C. Climate Outlook: The WMO warns there’s an 80% chance El Niño will emerge before September, with impacts likely to intensify extreme weather risks across the Pacific and beyond. Regional Development & Trade: A Quad push is moving into Pacific infrastructure, with plans including port development in Fiji, alongside broader work on maritime surveillance and critical minerals. Health Cooperation: India says it has delivered a dialysis unit to Kiribati as part of FIPIC-III commitments, reinforcing regional support for healthcare systems.

FAO Capacity Building: Three Samoa Forestry Division officers completed hands-on training in Suva on sustainable teak and pine production, seed propagation and harvesting, with Fiji’s Ministry of Forestry and FAO supporting the South-South exchange aimed at closing technical and data gaps for climate resilience. Climate Outlook: The UN’s weather agency warns El Niño is likely to emerge with an 80% chance before September, rising to 90% later in the year, bringing knock-on risks for rainfall, drought and heat across the Pacific and beyond. Tourism Data for Policy: SPTO and Niue Tourism, under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide more resilient tourism planning across Pacific destinations including Kiribati. Regional Governance & Integrity: A Kiribati-hosted push on anti-corruption is framed as a leadership priority, arguing that integrity and transparency are essential to protect climate and development funding from abuse. Pacific Infrastructure Diplomacy: The Quad’s new port-in-Fiji plans are positioned as a shift toward resilient logistics and economic security, with port infrastructure named as a key priority for Indo-Pacific connectivity.

FAO Forestry Training: FAO reports three Samoa Forestry Division officers have completed a hands-on Suva programme on sustainable teak and pine production, seed propagation and harvesting—aimed at closing technical and data gaps to better handle climate shocks and ecosystem pressures. Tourism Data for Planning: SPTO and Niue’s tourism office, under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide regional tourism strategy (with New Zealand the top source market). El Niño Warning for the Pacific: The World Meteorological Organization says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September, with impacts likely to include heavier rain in some areas and drier conditions in others—on top of climate change risks. Mediation Push at One Year: The UN-backed International Organization for Mediation marks its first anniversary, noting growing signatories and early steps to make mediation a mainstream dispute-settling tool. Kiribati Anti-Corruption Focus: A Kiribati-hosted regional anti-corruption conference is framed as a key governance priority as leaders tackle corruption alongside climate funding and accountability risks. Kiribati in Regional Health Links: India’s FIPIC commitments continue, including a dialysis unit shipment to Tarawa, Kiribati, following earlier healthcare support to Samoa. Pacific Climate Media Skills: SPREP and partners are calling for journalists to join a September workshop to strengthen Pacific media coverage of weather and climate for community resilience.

Tourism Data & Markets: The Pacific Tourism Organisation, with Niue under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, released 2024 International Visitor Survey findings, showing New Zealand as the top source market (84%), followed by Australia (7%) and other Pacific islands (4%), with the report used to guide regional and local tourism planning. Climate Outlook: The World Meteorological Organization warns there’s an 80% chance of El Niño emerging before September, with impacts likely to intensify extreme heat and shift rainfall and drought patterns across the Pacific and beyond. Mediation & Governance: Hong Kong-based International Organization for Mediation marks its first year, reporting 43 signatories and 13 state parties to its convention, as it builds credibility for mediation in international disputes. Pacific Security & Infrastructure: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US) announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, alongside wider maritime and minerals initiatives, as strategic competition increasingly targets logistics and connectivity. Kiribati Links: India and Kiribati discussed strengthening cooperation in copra and coconut oil in Suva, while India’s earlier dialysis support to Kiribati remains part of the broader partnership. Anti-Corruption Push: A commentary highlights Kiribati hosting the Pacific Regional Conference on Anti-Corruption as a key governance priority amid climate-linked funding risks.

Tourism Data & SPTO: The Pacific Tourism Organisation, with Niue’s Tourism Office under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide regional tourism strategy. Climate Outlook: The World Meteorological Organization warns El Niño is likely to emerge soon, with an 80% chance before August and rising odds later, raising risks of heat, drought and heavy rain patterns across the Pacific and beyond. Australia–Japan–Pacific Security Cooperation: Australia and Japan agreed in Canberra to prioritise supply chains, energy and critical minerals, plus capacity-building to help Pacific islands tackle money laundering—while climate change was notably not on the agenda. Kiribati–India Cooperation: In Suva, Kiribati and India discussed strengthening ties in copra and coconut oil development, with India also previously sending a dialysis unit to Tarawa. Regional Infrastructure Push (Quad): India, Japan, Australia and the United States announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, signalling a wider focus on ports, maritime surveillance and connectivity. Pacific Media & Resilience: SPREP and partners announced a regional media workshop to boost Pacific journalists’ ability to report on weather and climate for community resilience.

Australia–Japan ties: Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi met in Canberra and agreed to push supply chains, energy, critical minerals, trade and security, plus capacity-building to help Pacific islands tackle money laundering—though climate change was notably absent. Urban resilience: A new push argues Pacific cities can’t treat climate and growth separately; resilience needs governance and systems that link land, housing, infrastructure and finance, not just “glossy plans.” Kiribati–India cooperation: In Suva, Kiribati and India discussed boosting copra and coconut oil links, while India highlighted earlier support including a dialysis unit shipment to Tarawa. Anti-corruption focus: A Kiribati-led regional anti-corruption conference is framed as a timely reminder that integrity is as urgent as climate funding. Quad infrastructure in Fiji: India, the US, Australia and Japan announced port infrastructure plans in Fiji, raising questions about wider Indo-Pacific influence and security spillovers. China surveillance export: Reporting highlights how China’s policing and surveillance model is being promoted in the Pacific, with privacy and legal concerns. Tourism and data: Fiji’s tourism exchange claims strong participation, while Kiribati’s visitor survey report updates spending and satisfaction to guide marketing and policy. Israel–Fiji diplomacy: Israel’s foreign minister attended the opening of a new embassy in Suva, with agreements on security cooperation and diplomatic training.

China Surveillance Exports: A new report says China’s AI-enabled “Fengqiao” policing model is being exported to authoritarian and weak-democracy states, raising fears of tighter control over dissent and personal data. Deep-Sea Mining Meets Geopolitics: A separate investigation into China’s deep-sea mining fleet alleges many oceanographic ships spend most time outside mining zones, including areas Western experts flag as strategically important for military use. Kiribati-India Cooperation: In Suva, India’s High Commissioner met Kiribati officials to discuss boosting copra and coconut oil ties, alongside earlier India support including a dialysis unit shipped to Tarawa. Regional Tourism Data: SPTO and Kiribati Tourism Authority released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey 2025 report, estimating tourism’s 2025 economic impact at about US$12.8m and detailing visitor spending and satisfaction. Pacific Infrastructure Push: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US) announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, a move seen as part of wider Indo-Pacific competition over logistics and connectivity. Anti-Corruption Spotlight: A Kiribati-led regional anti-corruption conference is framed as a timely governance push as climate and development funds raise corruption risks.