AGP Executive Report

Climate Science & Adaptation: Fiji’s climate response is getting a science boost, with Pacific Community work highlighting oceans, fisheries, agriculture, geoscience and climate finance—and even an interactive sea-level rise model showing how Tuvalu can plan for adaptation. Shipping Decarbonisation: Six Pacific states (including Tuvalu) tell the IMO the Net-Zero Fund is essential for fair mid-term shipping emissions cuts, alongside fuel and technology guidelines. Early Warning & Resilient Infrastructure: The GEF backs Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu with grants to strengthen planning and design for floods, rising seas, cyclones and coastal erosion. GIS for the Environment: GIS and spatial professionals from across the Pacific train in Nadi to better manage environmental data and connect science to policy action. Renewables for Disaster Response: Fiji Solar Scholars install a solar PV system at FCOSS in Suva so civil society disaster coordination can keep running during power outages. Tuvalu Climate Migration: Over 80% of Tuvaluans register for Australia’s climate visa, with 280 visas offered—raising urgent questions about who gets access. Marine Protection Research: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a Samoa expedition to survey biodiversity across newly protected marine areas, feeding Samoa’s ocean protection plan. Pacific Tech & Inclusion: PTC sponsors Pacific Women in Telco, expanding a regional platform for youth and women in STEM and digital infrastructure.

Climate diplomacy in the spotlight: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says it would be “a sad thing” if world leaders skip Australia’s COP31 pre-meeting in Fiji, arguing leaders need to see climate impacts firsthand in places like Tuvalu. Tuvalu climate migration surge: Australia’s climate visa ballot drew 8,750 registrations—over 80% of Tuvalu’s population—with only 280 visas offered this year. Pacific clean energy finance push: Palau is fundraising to pull more renewable investment into the Pacific, where diesel still dominates energy and imported fuel costs bite hard. Early-warning funding for resilience: The GEF approved NZ$24.2m for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning and climate-resilient infrastructure ahead of floods, cyclones and sea-level rise. GIS skills for environmental action: SPREP-led training in Nadi brought together GIS and spatial practitioners from across the Pacific, including Tuvalu, to improve environmental data management. Solar for disaster response: Fiji Solar Scholars installed a new solar PV system at FCOSS in Suva, giving the disaster coordination hub backup power during outages. Regional tech and STEM support: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco (PacificWiT) to expand opportunities in digital infrastructure and emerging tech across the Pacific. Visa policy ripple effects (not Tuvalu-specific): The US made its visa bond programme permanent, allowing consular officers to require up to USD 20,000 for certain business and tourism visa applicants.

Climate diplomacy push: Tuvalu’s high commissioner urged world leaders to attend pre-COP31 events in the Pacific so they can see climate impacts firsthand, not just read about them, as Fiji and Tuvalu host the lead-up in October. Climate migration stakes: Australia’s climate visa ballot shows 8,750 Tuvalu registrations—over 80% of the population—while only 280 visas are offered this year, underscoring how fast options are shrinking. Clean energy financing gap: Palau is fundraising to pull more renewable investment into the Pacific, arguing most “green” money is landing elsewhere while island states remain dependent on imported diesel. Disaster resilience tech: Fiji Solar Scholars helped install a solar PV system at Fiji’s disaster-response coordination hub (FCOSS) to keep critical power during outages. GIS for the environment: Pacific GIS and spatial professionals met in Nadi to strengthen mapping and environmental data management for biodiversity, pollution, and climate action. Early warning funding: The GEF approved NZ$24.2m for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to plan climate-resilient infrastructure and upgrade forecasting ahead of floods, cyclones, and sea-level rise. Digital inclusion in STEM: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco to expand opportunities for women and youth in Pacific digital infrastructure and emerging tech.

Climate Migration: More than 80% of Tuvalu’s population has registered for Australia’s “world-first” climate visa ballot (8,750 registrations for a 10,643 population), with only 280 visas offered this year—raising stakes as Tuvalu faces sea-level threats. Clean Energy for Resilience: Fiji Solar Scholars installed a solar PV system at the Fiji Council of Social Services to keep disaster coordination running during outages and cut electricity costs. GIS for the Environment: Pacific GIS and spatial professionals met in Nadi for training to better manage environmental data and support action on the region’s biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. Climate Finance for Early Warning: The GEF approved NZ$24.2m for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning and climate-resilient infrastructure ahead of floods, cyclones, and coastal erosion. Pacific Tech & Skills: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco to expand opportunities in STEM, digital infrastructure, and emerging tech across the Pacific. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s high commissioner urged leaders to see climate impacts firsthand at pre-COP events in October, aiming to turn research into real commitments. Energy Transition Politics: Colombia’s Santa Marta coalition faces a setback as a far-right, pro-fossil fuel government prepares to take office and reverses hydrocarbon exploration limits.

Community Resilience via Solar: Fiji’s Solar Scholars trained FCOSS staff to install a solar PV system that keeps disaster-coordination running during outages and cuts high electricity bills. Pacific Environment & GIS Skills: SPREP convened GIS and spatial practitioners across the region in Nadi to strengthen environmental data management for biodiversity, climate, and pollution action. Climate Finance for Early Warning: GEF approved NZ$24.2m for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to fund planning and resilient infrastructure—aimed at floods, rising seas, cyclones and coastal erosion before disasters hit. COP31 Pre-COP in the Pacific: Tuvalu is pushing leaders to see climate impacts firsthand ahead of COP31, with Fiji and Tuvalu hosting pre-COP events in October. Tuvalu Identity & Tech/Heritage Links: Tuvalu’s name change coverage is in the wider Pacific news mix, while Tuvalu also appears in regional tech and STEM initiatives. Regional Tech & Security Policy: Australia’s ADSTAR 2026 address flagged AI, cyber and space as shaping future security, while Pacific partners keep pressing for practical, science-led policy. Diplomacy Signals: PNG’s closure of Taiwan’s trade office points to deeper economic alignment with China. Small-State Spotlight: Nauru officially became the Republic of Naoero, updating its international code and identity. Sports Tech Angle: Tuvalu’s first Commonwealth Games medal story highlights how small delegations can still land big outcomes.

Climate Resilience Funding: The Global Environment Facility approved NZ$24.2m (US$14.23m) for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, with more co-financing expected for flood, sea-level rise, cyclone and coastal erosion planning. Disaster-Ready Solar: Fiji Solar Scholars installed a new solar PV system at the Fiji Council of Social Services in Suva, paired with hands-on training so staff can keep key disaster coordination running during power cuts. GIS for Biodiversity Action: More than 20 Pacific GIS and spatial practitioners met in Nadi for a five-day training to improve environmental data management and support policy decisions across biodiversity, climate and pollution priorities. Digital Skills in the Pacific: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco, expanding a regional platform for women and youth in STEM, digital infrastructure and emerging tech. Tuvalu Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s High Commissioner urged leaders to attend pre-COP events in the Pacific to see climate impacts firsthand, not just in reports. Identity & Tech-Adjacent Governance: Nauru changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, updating international codes and aligning the country’s identity with its language and pronunciation.

Solar & Disaster Readiness: Fiji Solar Scholars installed a new solar PV system at the Fiji Council of Social Services in Suva, pairing it with July 30–31 training so staff can run and maintain it during power cuts—keeping disaster coordination and community support online. GIS for Biodiversity Action: GIS and spatial practitioners from across the Pacific (including Tuvalu) met in Nadi for a five-day GIS and environmental data management training, aimed at better turning biodiversity, climate, and pollution data into policy action. Pacific Climate Planning Money: The GEF approved NZ$24.2m for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning and climate-resilient infrastructure, with more co-financing expected—focused on floods, sea-level rise, cyclones and coastal erosion. Digital Skills for the Pacific: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco, expanding a regional platform for women and youth in STEM and digital infrastructure, with a soft launch at the Pacific Fiber Conference in Nadi. Tuvalu Climate “Human Face” Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s High Commissioner urged leaders to see climate impacts firsthand via pre-COP events in October, highlighting frequent flooding and the country’s low elevation. Tuvalu Tech-in-Action Moment: Tuvalu’s first Commonwealth Games medal story is also a reminder of how small nations still show up—despite distance and limited resources.

Pacific climate resilience funding: The Global Environment Facility approved NZ$24.2m for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, with NZ$74.3m more expected via co-financing—aimed at floods, sea-level rise, cyclones and coastal erosion. Biodiversity policy push: Pacific priorities are being amplified ahead of COP17, with a Nairobi meeting focused on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including monitoring, synthetic biology, marine protection and marine/coastal biodiversity. Digital skills for the Pacific: India’s partnership with Vanuatu highlights an operational Centre of Excellence in IT, supporting digital skills and youth capacity building. STEM and telecom support: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco, expanding a regional platform for women and youth in STEM, digital infrastructure and emerging tech across the Pacific. Ocean and trade pressure: A World Bank report warns East Asia and the Pacific needs nearly USD 900b in maritime investment through 2040 to modernize ports and fleets as trade grows and alternative fuels pressure shipping networks. Tuvalu at the Commonwealth Games: Tuvalu boxer Tarona Taafaki secured the country’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in Glasgow without winning a bout, due to a small field and competition rules. Virtual Island Summit: The free Virtual Island Summit returns Sept 15–17, 2026, with a three-day focus on adapting to change, transforming systems and mobilising action. Country name change: Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, including new international codes and identity terms.

Climate Resilience Funding: The Global Environment Facility approved NZ$24.2m for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, with more NZ$74.3m expected in co-financing to cut risks from floods, rising seas, cyclones and coastal erosion. Pacific Tech & Skills: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco (PacificWiT), moving the initiative onto a formal regional platform to expand opportunities for women and youth in STEM, digital connectivity and emerging tech across the Pacific. COP31 Prep in the Pacific: Tuvalu’s High Commissioner urged leaders to see the “human face” of climate change at pre-COP events, after Fiji and Tuvalu were named hosts for October activities ahead of COP31. Biodiversity Policy Track: Pacific delegations are pushing priorities at Nairobi’s CBD COP17 science and implementation meetings, including monitoring, synthetic biology, wildlife management and marine/coastal biodiversity. Digital Summit for Islanders: The Virtual Island Summit returns Sept 15–17, 2026, with a three-day focus on adapting to change, transforming systems, and mobilising action—free to attend online. Commonwealth Games (Tuvalu): Tuvalu’s Tarona Taafaki won the country’s first Commonwealth Games medal in Glasgow despite not fighting for it, due to competition draw rules that guaranteed bronze for semifinal losers. Cultural Heritage Link: The Marshall Islands and New Taipei City formalised a sister museum partnership to boost Austronesian heritage through research, exhibitions, education and professional exchanges.

Visa rules, Pacific relevance: Finland says citizens of about 60 countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but only two African nations are on the list—another reminder that mobility rules can shift fast. US travel compliance: The U.S. is making its visa bond programme permanent, letting consular officers require certain B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries to post refundable bonds up to $20,000 before a visa is issued. Tuvalu climate tech + resilience funding: The Global Environment Facility approved NZ$24.2m (about US$14.2m) for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, with more co-financing expected. Biodiversity policy in the Pacific: Pacific priorities are being pushed at the CBD COP17 science and implementation meetings in Nairobi, including monitoring, marine and coastal biodiversity, and synthetic biology. Digital inclusion in the region: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco to expand STEM and digital infrastructure opportunities across the Pacific. Island community online convening: The Virtual Island Summit returns Sept 15–17, 2026, with a free three-day programme on adapting, transforming systems, and mobilising action. Tuvalu on the Commonwealth podium: Tuvalu boxer Tarona Taafaki secured the country’s first Commonwealth Games medal in Glasgow after organisational issues left her guaranteed a bronze via byes into the semi-finals.

Climate Resilience Funding: The Global Environment Facility approved NZ$24.2m (US$14.23m) for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, with NZ$74.3m more expected in co-financing to cut damage from floods, rising seas, cyclones and coastal erosion. COP31 Prepping in the Pacific: Expressions of interest are open for Australia’s COP31 Pre-COP Stakeholder Program in Fiji (5–8 Oct 2026), aiming to bring community groups, industry, UN agencies, academics and youth to shape climate priorities ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Tuvalu’s “Human Face” Climate Push: Tuvalu’s High Commissioner Samuelu Laloniu urged leaders to see climate impacts firsthand via pre-COP events, saying Tuvalu’s low elevation means frequent flooding is already reshaping daily life. Digital Skills for the Pacific: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco, expanding a regional platform for youth and women in STEM and digital infrastructure, including AI and quantum computing. Virtual Island Summit Returns: The free Virtual Island Summit (15–17 Sept 2026) shifts to a three-day narrative on adapting to change, transforming systems, and mobilising action. Tuvalu Commonwealth Games Medal (Tech & Systems Angle): Tuvalu boxer Tarona Taafaki secured the nation’s first Commonwealth Games medal via competition rules after organisational issues left only five entrants in her weight class. US Visa Bond Policy: The US State Department made its visa bond programme permanent, allowing bonds up to USD 20,000 for certain B-1/B-2 applicants in 50 countries.

Climate Resilience Funding: The Global Environment Facility approved NZ$24.2 million (US$14.23m) for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, with more money expected through co-financing. COP31 Prep in the Pacific: Expressions of interest are open for Fiji’s COP31 Pre-COP Stakeholder Program (5–8 Oct 2026), aiming to bring community groups, industry, UN agencies, academics and youth together around Pacific priorities. “Human Face” Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s High Commissioner urged leaders to see climate impacts firsthand via pre-COP events in the region, highlighting frequent flooding and sea-level pressure on low-lying islands. Digital Skills for the Pacific: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco, expanding a regional platform for women and youth in STEM and digital infrastructure. Maritime Investment Gap: A World Bank report warns East Asia and the Pacific needs nearly US$900b in maritime investment by 2040 to modernize ports and fleets as trade grows and alternative fuels pressure shipping networks. Virtual Island Summit Returns: The free Virtual Island Summit (15–17 Sept 2026) will run as a three-day program on adapting to change, transforming systems, and mobilising action. Tuvalu Commonwealth Games Medal Twist: Tuvalu boxer Tarona Taafaki secured the country’s first Commonwealth Games medal in Glasgow after organisational issues left her guaranteed a semi-final spot, with bronze awarded to both semi-final losers. US Visa Bond Policy: The US State Department made its visa bond programme permanent, allowing consular officers to require certain B-1/B-2 applicants to post bonds up to USD 20,000. Earhart Search Expedition: Purdue’s Taraia Object Expedition is set to depart in October after Kiribati cabinet approval, to investigate a visual anomaly on Nikumaroro linked to Amelia Earhart’s disappearance.

Tuvalu Commonwealth Games: Tarona Taafaki secured Tuvalu’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in Glasgow without winning a bout, because only five women’s 75kg entrants were registered and competition rules awarded bronze to both losing semi-finalists. Climate resilience funding: The Global Environment Facility approved NZ$24.2m (US$14.23m) for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, with more co-financing expected for flood, sea-level rise, cyclone and coastal erosion planning. Biodiversity talks for the Pacific: Pacific priorities are being pushed at the lead-up to CBD COP17, including monitoring, marine and coastal biodiversity, synthetic biology, and protected areas, as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s first global review looms. Digital inclusion in the Pacific: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco, formalizing a regional push for youth and women in STEM and digital infrastructure, with a soft launch tied to the Pacific Fiber Conference in Nadi. COP31 planning in Fiji: Expressions of interest are open for Australia’s COP31 Pre-COP Stakeholder Program in Fiji (5–8 Oct 2026), aiming to shape negotiations and connect community, industry, UN, government, academics and youth. Ocean-focused research and policy: A broader ocean conservation roundup highlights momentum from the High Seas Treaty entering into force and new fisheries subsidy rules, alongside calls for stronger ocean governance. Tuvalu “human face” climate diplomacy: Tuvalu’s High Commissioner urged leaders to see climate impacts firsthand via pre-COP events, pointing to frequent high-tide flooding and land loss. Virtual Island Summit: The free Virtual Island Summit returns 15–17 Sept 2026 with a three-day agenda on adapting to change, transforming systems, and mobilising action. Maritime investment pressure: A World Bank report warns East Asia and the Pacific needs nearly USD 900b in maritime investment through 2040 to modernize ports and fleets as trade grows and alternative fuels pressure shipping networks. Amelia Earhart search: Purdue’s Taraia Object Expedition is set to depart in October after Kiribati cabinet approval, aiming to investigate a lagoon anomaly on Nikumaroro linked to Earhart’s disappearance.

Maritime Infrastructure: A new World Bank report says East Asia and the Pacific need nearly USD 900 billion in maritime investment by 2040 to modernize ports and replace aging fleets as trade grows and alternative fuels pressure shipping networks. Biodiversity Diplomacy: Pacific priorities are being pushed at the CBD COP17 lead-up in Nairobi, with Pacific delegations urging stronger monitoring and implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Climate Readiness Funding: The GEF approved NZ$24.2m (US$14.23m) for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to plan climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems ahead of floods, rising seas, cyclones and coastal erosion. Digital Inclusion in Telco: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco, expanding a regional STEM and digital infrastructure network across the Pacific. Tuvalu at the Human Level: Tuvalu leaders are asking global decision-makers to see climate impacts firsthand ahead of COP31 pre-events, highlighting frequent flooding and sea-level pressure. Virtual Island Summit: The free Virtual Island Summit returns Sept 15–17 with a three-day focus on adapting, transforming systems, and mobilising action. Earhart Search: Purdue and partners say the Taraia Object Expedition will depart in October from Kiribati to investigate a lagoon anomaly on Nikumaroro linked to Amelia Earhart’s disappearance.

Biodiversity & COP prep: Pacific delegations are pushing priorities at the CBD COP17 lead-up in Nairobi, with a focus on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework—monitoring, marine and coastal protection, protected areas, and even synthetic biology—after global review findings showed countries are still off track for 2030 goals. Climate resilience funding: The GEF has approved NZ$24.2m for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to plan and design flood, sea-level, cyclone and coastal-erosion projects, aiming to strengthen early warning and resilience before construction starts. Digital inclusion in telecoms: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco, formalizing a regional push for youth and women in STEM and digital infrastructure, with a soft launch tied to the Pacific Fiber Conference in Nadi. Human face of climate change: Tuvalu is urging leaders to attend pre-COP events so they can see impacts firsthand—Tuvalu’s low elevation and frequent high-tide flooding are already reshaping daily life. Virtual Island Summit: The free Virtual Island Summit returns Sept 15–17 with a three-day flow on adapting to change, transforming systems, and mobilising action. Tuvalu under pressure: Separate reporting highlights how rising seas are eroding land and infiltrating crops, raising the question of whether Tuvalu can remain habitable. Amelia Earhart search: Purdue/ALI’s Taraia Object Expedition is set to depart in October from Kiribati to investigate a lagoon anomaly on Nikumaroro tied to Earhart’s 1937 disappearance.

Climate Resilience Funding: Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu have secured NZ$24.2m from the Global Environment Facility to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, with more co-financing expected, targeting floods, rising seas, cyclones and coastal erosion. Tuvalu Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s High Commissioner Samuelu Laloniu urged leaders at Australia’s Clean Energy Summit to see climate impacts in person ahead of pre-COP events, saying Tuvalu’s low elevation and frequent high-tide flooding make the “human face” of warming impossible to ignore. Pacific Climate Coordination: Pacific Climate Ministers met in Sydney to push a united agenda for Pre-COP31 and COP31, including coordination of Pacific positions and a leaders’ side visit to Tuvalu. Digital Skills in the Pacific: India’s EAM S Jaishankar marked Vanuatu’s Independence Day and highlighted an India-supported Centre of Excellence in IT that has been operational for two years, building youth digital capacity. Virtual Island Summit (VIS): The free online Virtual Island Summit returns Sept 15–17, 2026, with a three-day program on adapting to change, transforming systems, and mobilising action for island communities. Ocean & Policy Watch: A roundup notes major ocean governance momentum, including the High Seas Treaty entering into force and new fisheries subsidy rules. Earhart Search Update: Purdue/ALI’s Taraia Object Expedition is set to depart in early October after Kiribati cabinet approval, aiming to investigate a lagoon anomaly on Nikumaroro linked to Amelia Earhart’s disappearance. Commonwealth Games Moment: Tuvalu’s Tarona Taafaki is guaranteed a historic Commonwealth Games boxing medal in Glasgow without fighting a bout after her semi-final spot was secured by the draw.