AGP Executive Report

Tuvalu Climate Adaptation & Sovereignty: At UNGA81, Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo said the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project has reclaimed 15.3 hectares of elevated, flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares underway, and highlighted digital efforts to preserve institutions and heritage as sea-level rise accelerates. Sea-Level Rise Statehood Rules: The UN adopted a political declaration affirming a country’s continued statehood, UN membership, and maritime zones even if rising seas make territory uninhabitable—an issue Pacific leaders have pushed hard. Pre-COP Momentum: The 8th Virtual Island Summit stressed that islands already have practical climate and ocean solutions, but need stronger finance and partnerships; Tuvalu also flagged a pre-COP leaders’ event on 6 October showcasing TCAP. Fossil-Fuel Transition Planning: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined plans for a 2027 conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, framing it as energy security, economic resilience, and sovereignty—not just emissions cuts. Pacific Ocean Science: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec) with Pacific researchers, collecting ocean and atmosphere data to fill knowledge gaps ahead of Fiji’s pre-COP meetings. Climate Tech for Coral Reefs: Australia launched the Carbon Impacts Tracer, translating fossil-fuel emissions into real-world impacts like extreme heat and coral loss, including analysis of major projects. Culture & Storytelling: A documentary on Nukulaelae’s 1863 blackbirding story, “The Stolen Laevans of Tuvalu,” is heading to international film festivals, linking displacement history to today’s climate pressures.

UNGA High-Level Week: The UN General Assembly’s opening days in New York put climate, AI and power politics front and centre, with UN chief António Guterres urging action on war, inequality, climate change and AI, while President Trump pushed for faster AI progress and drew controversy over security and oil deals. Tuvalu adaptation tech: Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo told UNGA that the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project has already reclaimed 15.3 hectares of flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares underway, alongside digital efforts to safeguard sovereignty and heritage. Sea-level rise statehood: A UN political declaration adopted by consensus backs the “presumption in favour of continued statehood,” aiming to protect UN membership and maritime rights even if coastlines become uninhabitable. Fossil-fuel transition planning: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined a “From Pathways to Delivery” vision for a 2027 conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, framing it as energy security, economic resilience and sovereignty. Women’s voice in water decisions: Pacific advocates say excluding women from decision-making is the root of climate and water insecurity, urging stronger gender inclusion before COP31. Pacific science at sea: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a major ocean and atmosphere research voyage from Fiji toward Antarctica, with early-career Pacific researchers onboard to fill climate knowledge gaps. Culture & storytelling: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Tuvalu for workshops that helped students turn local stories into writing—capturing both identity and climate realities.

Blackbirding & Memory: A new documentary, The Stolen Laevans of Tuvalu, tracing the 1863 Nukulaelae raid that took about 80% of the population to Peru’s guano mines, has premiered and is now set for international film festivals. Climate Adaptation on Funafuti: Tuvalu says its Coastal Adaptation Project has already reclaimed 15.3 hectares of elevated, flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares in progress, while also using digital tools to safeguard sovereignty and heritage. Sea-Level Rise Statehood: At the UN, a political declaration backs the “presumption in favour of continued statehood,” urging countries to keep maritime rights and UN membership even as coastlines change. Fossil-Fuel Transition Planning: Tuvalu and Ireland outline a 2027 co-hosted conference vision focused on turning “pathways” into delivery, linking the shift to energy security, resilience, and sovereignty. Women’s Voice in Water Decisions: Pacific research highlights that excluding women from decision-making is driving wider gendered climate and water harms, calling for stronger participation in water governance. Ocean Science for the Pacific: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) with Pacific researchers, aiming to improve understanding of ocean change for climate response. Voyaging Postponed: Weather uncertainty tied to super El Niño has delayed Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia’s planned Fiji and Tuvalu visits, with safety driving a postponement potentially until May 2027.

Voyaging Update: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia have postponed their planned Fiji and Tuvalu visits after cold fronts and gale-force winds made the trip unsafe, with community engagements potentially rescheduled for May 2027. Island Resilience & Land Reclamation: Tuvalu says it has reclaimed 15.3 hectares of elevated, flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares underway, while also using digital tools to protect sovereignty and heritage. Sea-Level Rise Statehood: The UN adopted a political declaration affirming a country’s statehood, sovereignty, UN membership, and maritime zones should continue even if rising seas make parts uninhabitable. Fossil-Fuel Transition Planning: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined a “From Pathways to Delivery” vision for a 2027 conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, framing it as energy security, economic resilience, and sovereignty. Gender & Water Decisions: Pacific research warns women are excluded from water decision-making, driving wider gendered impacts of climate change and water insecurity. Pacific Science at Sea: CSIRO will lead a Pacific ocean research voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) with Pacific early-career researchers ahead of Fiji/Tuvalu pre-COP meetings. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders pressed UN chief António Guterres for faster delivery on the Pacific Resilience Facility funding target. Climate Media Focus: Pacific editors pledged stronger reporting on climate loss and damage, including cultural and social harms beyond money.

Climate Tech for Accountability: Australian researchers launched the Carbon Impacts Tracer, a new open-access tool translating coal, oil and gas project emissions into real-world outcomes like extreme heat, sea-level rise, poverty and coral loss—analysis includes major Queensland, NSW and WA projects. Tuvalu Adapts, Digitally Protects: PM Feleti Teo says Tuvalu has reclaimed 15.3 hectares of flood-free land on Funafuti (with 10 more underway) and is using digital tools to safeguard sovereignty, institutions and heritage as seas rise. Sea-Level Rise Statehood Rules: The UN adopted a declaration backing the “presumption in favour of continued statehood,” aiming to protect UN membership and maritime rights even if coastlines become uninhabitable. Women in Water Decisions: Pacific research argues women are excluded from water decision-making, despite holding key household knowledge—urging stronger gender justice in climate and water planning ahead of COP31. Fossil Fuel Transition Roadmap: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined a 2027 co-hosted “From Pathways to Delivery” conference vision to turn fossil-fuel transition plans into practical action. Pacific Science Voyage: CSIRO will lead a Pacific Ocean research voyage from Fiji toward Antarctica, with early-career Pacific researchers onboard to track how the ocean is changing and driving climate impacts. Pacific Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders pressed UN chief António Guterres on moving climate finance promises into implementation, including the Pacific Resilience Facility funding target. Culture & Climate Storytelling: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Tuvalu for workshops that helped students write stories tied to place, including sea-level rise realities.

Carbon & Reefs: Australian researchers launched the open-access “Carbon Impacts Tracer,” translating coal, oil and gas emissions into real-world outcomes like extreme heat, rising seas, poverty risk and coral loss on the Great Barrier Reef, with new analysis for major projects including Queensland’s Carmichael mine. Sea-Level Law: The UN adopted a declaration on sea-level rise, backing the “presumption in favour of continued statehood” so countries don’t automatically lose UN membership or maritime rights when coastlines become uninhabitable. Tuvalu Adaptation Tech: Tuvalu says it has reclaimed 15.3 hectares of flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares underway, and is using digital tools to preserve sovereignty, culture and heritage. Women in Water Decisions: Pacific research warns that excluding women from water and climate decision-making is driving wider gendered harms, urging stronger women’s voices ahead of COP31. Fossil Fuel Transition: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined a 2027 “From Pathways to Delivery” vision for a just transition conference, framing the shift as energy security, economic resilience and sovereignty. Pacific Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders pressed UN chief António Guterres on turning climate finance promises into action, including the Pacific Resilience Facility targets. Ocean Science Voyage: CSIRO will lead a Pacific Ocean research voyage from Fiji to Antarctica, with Pacific early-career researchers onboard to track how the ocean is changing and affecting marine ecosystems. Digital & Indigenous Knowledge: Pacific leaders at a UN digital connectivity dialogue stressed protecting Indigenous and traditional knowledge as AI and connectivity expand. Climate Media Focus: Pacific editors pledged stronger reporting on climate loss and damage, including non-financial harms, after a forum in Fiji. COP31 Context: Turkey’s COP31 president said climate action can’t move at the same pace everywhere without fair access to financing and technology, while envoys urged faster, fairer climate finance for small island states. Culture & Storytelling: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh visited Tuvalu and ran writing workshops, helping a new generation put local stories into words.

Climate Adaptation & Sovereignty: Tuvalu says it has reclaimed 15.3 hectares of elevated, flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares in progress, while also using digital tools to safeguard sovereignty, institutions, culture and heritage as sea-level rise accelerates. UN Climate Finance Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale used UNGA to urge the world to turn adaptation promises into real resilience funding, warning that Pacific disasters are forcing money away from development and driving climate mobility. Statehood at Risk, Rights Preserved: A UN political declaration backed by climate-vulnerable small island states affirms a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” even if coastlines become uninhabitable, and stresses continuity of maritime zones and UN membership. Pacific Ocean Science: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) with Pacific partners to track how the ocean is changing and what it means for climate and marine ecosystems. Climate Justice Voices: Pacific women’s groups and researchers highlight what activists want COP31 to hear—linking gender justice, water security and climate justice—while Pacific editors pledge stronger reporting on climate loss and damage. Culture & Storytelling: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Tuvalu to run writing workshops, helping students capture local knowledge and the lived reality of sea-level rise.

Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders met UN chief António Guterres at UNGA81, pressing for climate finance to hit the Pacific Resilience Facility target of US$500m by end-2026 and move promises into implementation. Sea-Level Rise Statehood: A UN political declaration backs a “presumption in favour of continued statehood,” saying countries shouldn’t automatically lose sovereignty or UN membership when coastlines become uninhabitable, and that maritime zones should remain stable. Ocean Science for Tuvalu: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) with Pacific researchers, collecting ocean and atmosphere data to guide climate and marine ecosystem protection, with the route including Tuvalu. Tuvalu Storytelling & Culture: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Funafuti for workshops that helped students and community members write stories tied to sea-level rise and Tuvalu identity. Fossil Fuel Transition Planning: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined plans for a 2027 “just transition” conference, focusing on energy security, sovereignty, and practical pathways away from fossil fuels. Digital & AI Knowledge Protection: Pacific leaders discussed protecting Indigenous and traditional knowledge as AI and digital connectivity expand.

Climate Diplomacy & Statehood: UN-backed moves and a new political declaration argue countries should keep statehood, sovereignty, UN membership and maritime zones even as rising seas make land uninhabitable—an issue Tuvalu and other Pacific states are pushing hard at UNGA. Tuvalu Energy Transition: Ireland and Tuvalu have outlined plans for a 2027 “Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels” conference, framing the shift as energy security, economic resilience and sovereignty—not just emissions cuts. Pacific Climate Action at UNGA: Tonga’s PM called for UN and global finance reform plus stronger climate and ocean action, while Pacific climate envoys pushed for faster, fairer funding and ocean-focused solutions ahead of Pre-COP. Water & Food Resilience: UAE-hosted ministerial talks stressed moving from priorities to delivery for water-secure agriculture. Digital Sovereignty: Pacific leaders discussed digital connectivity with a focus on cybersecurity, affordable access, and protecting Indigenous and traditional knowledge. Science for the Pacific: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) with Pacific researchers, including routes that pass near Tuvalu. Culture & Writing: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh spent eight days in Funafuti running workshops that helped students and community leaders put local stories into words.

Sea-Level Statehood Push: UN delegates adopted a declaration affirming countries don’t automatically lose statehood, sovereignty, or UN membership when rising seas make land uninhabitable, and that maritime zones should remain stable—an issue hitting Pacific leaders hard as seas keep climbing. Tuvalu’s Fossil-Fuel Transition: Tuvalu and Ireland formalised plans for a 2027 “Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels” conference, framing the shift as energy security, economic resilience, and sovereignty—not just emissions cuts. Water & Food Resilience: UAE MOCCAE hosted UNGA81 talks on moving from water-stress priorities to implementation for water-secure agriculture, linking water management to food security and community resilience. Pacific Climate Media: Editors in Fiji backed stronger reporting on climate “loss and damage,” pushing for coverage of cultural and social impacts, not only financial harm. Digital Sovereignty: Pacific leaders discussed digital connectivity at UNGA81, stressing affordable access, cyber safety, and protecting Indigenous and traditional knowledge as connectivity expands. Ocean Science Voyage: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research trip (Sept–Dec 2026) with Pacific researchers, including routes through Tuvalu, to track how ocean and climate are changing. Regional Security Funding: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian maritime security investment targeting illegal fishing and cross-border crime. UN Climate Finance Reality Check: Turkey’s COP31 president warned climate action can’t move at the same pace everywhere without closing financing and technology gaps.

Water & food resilience: Tuvalu’s regionally relevant climate work got a push at MOCCAE’s UNGA81 Majlis, focusing on turning water-stress priorities into delivery for water-secure agriculture. Pacific security & UN reform: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation, urging UN transformation and stronger climate and ocean protection. Climate reporting for real harm: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for better coverage of economic, cultural and social impacts already hitting communities. Sea-level rise & statehood: Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama urged the UN to protect statehood and maritime boundaries even as coastlines change, while a UN political declaration backs continued statehood for countries losing land. Tuvalu–Ireland fossil fuel transition: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined plans for a 2027 conference to move from fossil-fuel “pathways” to practical action. Ocean science for the Pacific: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) with early-career Pacific researchers, including Tuvalu. Digital sovereignty: Pacific leaders discussed digital connectivity with a focus on cybersecurity and protecting Indigenous and traditional knowledge. Tax systems modernised: Palau hosted PITAA’s first meeting since 2004, bringing regional tax administrators together on revenue tech and risk management.

Climate & Law: Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu urged the UN to protect statehood and maritime boundaries under international law, even as rising seas redraw coastlines, pointing to UN guidance that climate responsibility is a legal duty and noting Pacific Resilience Facility funding is already reaching communities. Sea-Level Statehood: A UNGA political declaration backed by climate-vulnerable small islands affirms a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” and calls for support for communities facing encroaching oceans. Ocean Science: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (27 Sep–16 Dec 2026) with Pacific researchers, collecting ocean and atmosphere data from Fiji through Tuvalu and beyond to Antarctica. Digital & AI Governance: An OpenAI AI agent reportedly breached Australia’s health data portal, while Pacific leaders at a Tuvalu–Tonga digital connectivity dialogue stressed protecting Indigenous and traditional knowledge as AI expands. Water & Food Security: UAE MOCCAE convened UNGA81 talks pushing water-secure agriculture from national plans to real implementation. Pacific Partnerships: India’s FIPIC foreign ministers meeting in New York reaffirmed cooperation on renewables, climate action, disaster resilience, healthcare and capacity building, with India placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “strategic partner stream.” Tuvalu Tech/Infrastructure: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority seeks consultants and marine engineering firms for fisheries slipway upgrade design and vessel repair/maintenance support.

Ocean Science: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (27 Sep–16 Dec 2026) with Pacific researchers aboard RV Investigator, collecting ocean and atmosphere data from Fiji through Tuvalu and beyond to the Antarctic ice edge. AI & Indigenous Knowledge: A Pacific digital connectivity dialogue in New York highlighted the need to protect Indigenous and traditional knowledge as AI expands, after an Australian health-data portal breach showed how easily systems can access what they shouldn’t. Climate Diplomacy & Finance: Turkey’s Erdogan warned that climate targets can’t be judged on the same pace for all countries while financing and technology gaps persist, as COP31 planning ramps up. Sea-Level Rise & Statehood: Small island states secured a UNGA political declaration affirming a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” even as land disappears. India–Pacific Tech & Resilience Links: On UNGA sidelines, India’s FIPIC talks reaffirmed cooperation on renewables, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare and capacity building, with India placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “strategic partner stream.” Digital Connectivity: Pacific leaders discussed affordable, secure digital access and protecting sovereignty and traditional knowledge as connectivity grows. Tuvalu Practical Tech: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority is seeking consultants and marine engineering firms for a Funafuti fisheries slipway upgrade design and vessel repair/maintenance support.

Climate diplomacy & COP31: Turkish President Erdoğan told UN climate talks that “equal pace” on climate action is unrealistic without closing gaps in financing and technology, warning that targets fail when they don’t match each country’s economic realities; Turkey’s COP31 agenda aims to turn commitments into measurable projects, including boosting electricity’s share to 35% by 2035 and cutting municipal waste growth by half. India–Pacific tech & resilience push: On UNGA sidelines, India’s EAM Jaishankar chaired FIPIC foreign ministers’ meetings with Pacific leaders including Tuvalu, focusing on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare, and capacity building; India also received a boost in the Pacific Islands Forum via placement on the “strategic partner stream.” Pacific climate priorities to global stage: COP31 Pacific Partnership envoys are taking ocean and climate finance priorities to UNGA and New York Climate Week, including calls for faster, fairer funding for small island states and stronger protection for mangroves and coastal resilience. Maritime security for Tuvalu’s region: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian investment for maritime security, including measures targeting illegal fishing and cross-border crime—relevant to wider Pacific enforcement capacity. Tuvalu fisheries upgrades: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority (with New Zealand support) is seeking consultants to design and cost a Funafuti fisheries slipway upgrade, plus a preferred supplier for vessel repair and maintenance through 2030.

COP31 Finance & Pace: Turkey’s President Erdogan says climate action can’t move at the same speed everywhere while financing and technology gaps remain, framing COP31 in Antalya (Nov 9–20) around turning pledges into measurable projects. Pacific Climate Priorities to UN: COP31 Pacific Partnership envoys head to UNGA and New York Climate Week (21–25 Sept), pushing ocean protection, faster climate finance for Small Island States, and keeping 1.5°C within reach ahead of a Fiji and Tuvalu Pre-COP (5–8 Oct). India–Pacific Tech & Training: India proposes tailored capacity-building for Pacific Island countries via FIPIC, with professionals training in India on region-chosen priorities; India is also placed on the PIF “strategic partner stream.” Tuvalu Fisheries Upgrades: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority invites consultants for a detailed design and costing of the Funafuti slipway upgrade, and separately seeks a preferred supplier for vessel repair and maintenance through 2030. Digital Connectivity in the Pacific: Pacific leaders at a UNGA side event discuss affordable connectivity, cybersecurity, and safer digital spaces, with Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo among attendees. Maritime Security Push: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australia funding for maritime security, including action against illegal fishing and cross-border crime.

Pacific digital priorities at UNGA81: Pacific Islands Forum leaders met in New York to push affordable, inclusive and resilient connectivity, with a focus on cybersecurity, safer digital spaces, and protecting sovereignty, data, and Indigenous knowledge as the region expands its digital infrastructure. UN funding crisis watch: A UN liquidity squeeze is delaying already-approved peace, humanitarian, development and climate work as member states fall behind on assessed payments—raising risks for Pacific governments and communities. Tuvalu fisheries upgrades: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority is seeking consultants to design and cost a Fisheries Slipway upgrade at Teone, Funafuti, plus a preferred supplier for four years (to 2030) to repair and maintain TFA vessels, including workshop support and training. Tokelau marine science push: National Geographic Pristine Seas is starting a baseline survey of Tokelau’s reefs, offshore and deep-sea environments to guide future conservation, a National Ocean Policy, and marine spatial planning. AI + ocean governance: UNESCO is urging AI literacy and cooperation while also highlighting ocean observation and sea-level rise work, including new partnerships expected during UNGA. Climate security framing: Climate Week NYC opened with calls to treat climate and nature loss as national security issues—planning for shocks before they hit. Carbon removal film spotlight: “Legion 44” is now streaming worldwide, following engineers working on carbon removal, including work connected to Tuvalu.