AGP Executive Report

Pacific Climate Action at PIF: Leaders wrapped up the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau with the Belau Declaration, pushing urgent, inclusive climate action to keep global warming within reach of 1.5°C, while also registering concern over China’s July missile test. Disaster Preparedness in Samoa: Samoa and Australia tested joint readiness in Exercise Longreach in Apia, running tsunami emergency simulations to strengthen tsunami response, coordination, and rapid support for coastal communities still mindful of the 2009 disaster. Climate Finance Pressure: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments and may approve another US$1 billion, but demand is straining resources—so it’s reforming to simplify access and cut barriers. Renewables Push: Palau launched a US$2 billion prospectus for energy projects aimed at powering the region with renewables, as the PIF agenda keeps circling back to energy security. Samoa at the Leaders Dialogue: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister highlighted practical regional priorities: digital and AI governance, renewable energy transition, climate leadership, and stronger support mechanisms. Marine & Tuna Sustainability: Samoa-based WCPFC work continues, with MMR backing science-led decisions to support sustainable tuna fisheries. Local Environment Incident: Firefighters worked to extinguish a blaze at Faleata Golf Course, believed to have started from burning rubbish, with windy conditions raising the risk of spread. Climate Science Event: Solomon Islands will host the POPCCC climate science conference at SINU (Sept 14–18), aiming to amplify Pacific-led research and action. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoa’s traditional healers are collaborating with government agencies to build a national framework to safeguard traditional healing knowledge.

Climate Finance Push: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments to about US$1b and may approve another US$1b, but rising demand is straining resources as Pacific leaders press for faster, simpler access to climate money. Pacific Climate Science: Solomon Islands will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference at SINU (Sept 14–18), with universities across the region including Samoa’s, focusing on action to stay within 1.5°C. Samoa at PIFLM55: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister held bilateral talks with partners including New Zealand, EU, Japan, Canada, Singapore, UK and China, aligning cooperation with the 2050 Blue Pacific agenda and climate leadership. Blue Pacific Funding: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged backers to fund the Pacific Resilience Facility so climate adaptation money reaches communities, not just treaties. Tuna Sustainability: Samoa-linked fisheries work continues ahead of WCPFC decisions, with MMR supporting science for sustainable tuna management. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoan traditional healers and government agencies are drafting a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways between doctors and healers. Local Environment Incident: Firefighters tackled a Faleata Golf Course blaze believed to have started from burning rubbish, with windy conditions raising fears of spread. EU Partnership: Pacific ACP leaders in Palau urged ratification of the Samoa Agreement to unlock practical outcomes with the European Union.**

Faleata Golf Course Fire: Firefighters worked to fully extinguish a blaze at Faleata Golf Course in Tuanaimato after rubbish collected during cleaning caught alight, with windy conditions raising fears of spread; the cause is still under investigation. Samoa at PIFLM55: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister led bilateral talks with partners including New Zealand, Chile, Spain, Japan, Singapore, the UK, Canada, the EU and China, reaffirming support for the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and people-centred regional priorities. Climate Finance Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown backed the Pacific Resilience Facility, saying it has moved from idea to funding and now needs money to reach communities hit hardest by climate change. Tuna Sustainability in Samoa: Samoa’s Ministry of Marine Resources returned from WCPFC Scientific Committee SC22 in Apia, supporting science-led management for sustainable tuna fisheries ahead of the next commission session. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoan Traditional Healers are working with government agencies to develop a national framework to safeguard traditional healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways between doctors and healers. PIF Geopolitics Overshadow: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau opened amid missing leaders and China’s “consequences” warning over Taiwan’s presence, while Samoa and others stressed climate and resilience remain urgent.

Pacific Climate Science: Solomon Islands’ SINU will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) Sept 14–18, bringing Pacific-led research to the spotlight under the theme “Amplifying One Pacific Voice for Action on 1.5°C to Stay Alive,” with SPREP and the National University of Samoa among key organisers. Samoa at PIFLM55: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister led bilateral engagements with partners including New Zealand, Chile, Spain, Japan, Singapore, the UK, Canada, the EU and China, tying cooperation to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and priorities like resilience and climate leadership. Blue Pacific Finance Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged backers to fund the Pacific Resilience Facility so adaptation money reaches communities, not just treaties. Tuna Sustainability: Samoa-based WCPFC Scientific Committee work continues to feed better tuna management decisions, with MMR reporting on the SC22 meeting in Apia. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoan traditional healers and government agencies are drafting a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways between doctors and healers. Water Security: French Polynesia hosts the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and PWWA Expo (Aug 31–Sept 4) to strengthen climate-resilient water and wastewater services across the region. Biodiversity/Marine Conservation: The Waitt Foundation’s $70 million ocean-conservation push highlights long-term marine protection and research support.

Pacific climate science: Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) Sept 14–18, bringing Pacific-led research to the theme “Amplifying One Pacific Voice for Action on 1.5°C to Stay Alive,” with SPREP and the National University of Samoa among key partners. Samoa at the Pacific Leaders’ Dialogue: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister says the country is pushing practical regional cooperation on digital and AI governance, renewable energy transition, climate leadership, and stronger support mechanisms for Pacific communities. Tuna sustainability in Samoa: Samoa-based WCPFC Scientific Committee work continues, with MMR reporting progress on turning robust science into stronger tuna management decisions. Traditional knowledge protection: Samoan Traditional Healers are working with government agencies to build a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways between doctors and traditional healers. EU partnership push: Pacific ACP leaders in Palau urged ratification of the 20-year Samoa Agreement with the EU, framing it as a route to tangible outcomes for sustainable development. Water security planning: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and expo (Aug 31–Sept 4), focusing on sustainable, climate-resilient water and wastewater services.

Blue Pacific Partnerships: Pacific ACP leaders met in Palau to push stronger, more effective EU partnerships, urging ratification and real outcomes from the Samoa Agreement under the 2050 Blue Pacific strategy. Samoa’s Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoan Traditional Healers are working with government agencies to build a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways between doctors and traditional healers. Tuna Sustainability in Samoa: Samoa-based WCPFC SC22 work saw MMR support the push for better tuna science and management ahead of the December commission session. Pacific Islands Forum Tensions: The 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting opened with major absences and a China-Taiwan flare-up after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended, with China warning of “consequences” and leaders questioning outside interference. Energy and Cost Pressure: A regional peace and security report flags fuel shocks and rising living costs as a growing threat, urging faster shifts away from imported fossil fuels—an issue Samoa feels directly. Samoa at PIF: Samoa’s delegation is in Palau under the BELAU theme, focusing on ocean and fisheries governance, climate resilience, and regional security cooperation.

Pacific Islands Forum tensions: China warned of “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the PIF opening in Palau, as Beijing also questioned the “appropriateness” of Taiwan’s presence. Regional unity under strain: Multiple Pacific leaders are missing or sending deputies, with Samoa among those not attending at head-of-government level, raising fresh questions about outside influence and the forum’s consensus process. Samoa’s diplomatic updates: Samoa’s Head of State accepted Canada’s new High Commissioner, Keith Smith, highlighting shared priorities like climate resilience and regional cooperation. Energy and cost pressure: A Pacific peace and security report flags fuel shocks and rising living costs as a growing threat to stability, urging faster moves toward renewable energy—an issue directly relevant to Samoa’s import-dependent economy. Water security meeting: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting, focusing on sustainable service delivery and climate resilience. Health security: Samoa and partners continue strengthening preparedness, with WHO-linked evaluations expanding across the region. Local education ties: NUS and Massey University renewed their MOU to expand exchanges and joint research. Environment-adjacent science: National Geographic Pristine Seas held an interactive ship day in Apia Harbour, spotlighting ocean conservation.

Pacific Islands Forum fallout: Samoa is sending a delegation to the 55th PIF leaders meeting in Palau, but several heads of government are missing, including Samoa’s PM La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, with concerns rising over outside interference and China–Taiwan tensions. Energy and climate pressure: A new regional peace-and-security report warns fuel shocks and rising costs can spill into wider instability, with Samoa urged to speed up the shift away from imported fossil fuels. Water security meeting: French Polynesia will host the Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and expo, focusing on sustainable water services and climate resilience. Public health watch: WHO is urging Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) and strengthen One Health coordination across human, animal, and environmental health. Samoa education partnership: NUS and Massey University renewed their MOU to expand exchanges, joint research, and professional development. Conservation-adjacent science: National Geographic’s Pristine Seas hosted an interactive ship day in Apia Harbour, spotlighting ocean stewardship.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau (Samoa at the table): The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is underway in Koror, with Samoa participating under the “B.E.L.A.U.” theme and its delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo, focusing on ocean and fisheries governance, climate resilience, and regional security. Regional unity under strain: A third of leaders are missing, including Samoa’s PM La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, as pullouts and “outside interference” concerns shadow talks amid Taiwan–China tensions. Fuel shocks and climate pressure: A Pacific peace-and-security report warns fuel price spikes and job constraints can spill into wider instability; Samoa’s environment and renewable energy officials say the crisis should speed up the shift to renewables. Water security push: French Polynesia will host a Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting, aiming to strengthen sustainable water and climate-resilient services across island communities. Bird flu preparedness: WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for avian influenza (H5N1) as detections in Australia and New Zealand raise the risk of spillover to people. Samoa environment science support: National Geographic Pristine Seas hosted an interactive ship day in Apia Harbour, spotlighting ocean conservation. Health security link: Samoa and partners are highlighted for strengthening national health security capacity through WHO-supported evaluations.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau under strain: Leaders are gathering in Koror, but a big chunk of the region’s top political faces are missing, including Samoa’s Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, with officials pointing to health, politics and travel limits. Geopolitics and outside pressure: Reporting says some pull-outs are linked to Chinese pressure, while debates over Taiwan, security and missile tests hang over the summit. Fuel shocks and security risk: A new Pacific peace and security report warns that rising fuel and living costs can spill into wider social and political instability—pushing Samoa and neighbours to speed up renewable energy. Health security push: Papua New Guinea joined Samoa and others in strengthening preparedness after a WHO-led Joint External Evaluation, bringing environment and other sectors into emergency planning. Avian flu warning: WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) and strengthen “One Health” coordination across human, animal and environmental health. Samoa-focused wins: Japan approved a grant to expand the Samoa Victim Support Group school facilities, and five Samoans received JICA SDG scholarships for study in Japan.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders’ talks in Koror kick off amid last-minute attendance problems, including uncertainty around Kiribati and Naoero, and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale leaving after a no-confidence motion—showing how regional unity is being tested by geopolitics. Health security across the Pacific: Papua New Guinea joins Samoa and others in strengthening national health security after its first-ever WHO Joint External Evaluation, aimed at faster detection and response to public health risks. Bird flu preparedness: The WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for avian influenza (H5N1) as detections in Australia and New Zealand raise the risk of spillover to humans, calling for strong “One Health” coordination. Invasive species control: Fiji researchers are testing two biological control agents—an African tulip gall mite and a leaf-mining flea beetle—under strict containment to stop the invasive African tulip tree spreading. Climate and food security: Communities in Vanuatu report worsening heat, drought, cyclones and flooding damaging crops and livelihoods, with El Niño conditions adding pressure on rainfall and harvests. Samoa capacity building: Five Samoans win JICA SDG scholarships for study in Japan, including environmental science and public policy tracks. Regional climate finance push: Pacific voices at climate-biodiversity meetings ahead of COP31 stress that support must translate into funded, practical action.

Pacific climate & security diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are set to kick off in Koror, Palau, with last-minute attendance doubts and renewed focus on unity amid outside pressure, as energy security and fossil-fuel dependence loom large on the agenda. Bird flu preparedness: The WHO is urging Pacific countries to step up readiness for avian influenza (H5N1), warning that animal outbreaks could spill into humans and stressing “One Health” coordination across human, animal and environmental health. Invasive species control: Fiji is testing two biological control agents—an African tulip gall mite and a leaf-mining beetle—under strict containment to curb the invasive African tulip tree, with no field releases reported so far. Samoa education for sustainability: Japan’s JICA has awarded five Samoans SDG scholarships, including an environmental science track, as well as support for the Samoa Victim Support Group’s school expansion. Flood risk with culture at the centre: A New Zealand flood model for Wairau Bar is blending science with mātauranga Māori, projecting up to 75% of low-lying areas could be affected in a major storm while tracking cultural loss alongside physical damage.

Bird flu preparedness: The WHO is urging Pacific countries to step up readiness for avian influenza (H5N1) as detections in Australia and New Zealand raise the risk of spillover to humans, stressing “One Health” coordination across human, animal and environmental health. Invasive species control: Fiji’s Agriculture and Waterways Ministry is testing two biological control agents—an African tulip gall mite and a leaf-mining flea beetle—in strict containment, aiming for a long-term, safer way to curb the invasive African tulip tree. Health transparency and Samoa: New records about US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2019 Samoa trip are drawing fresh scrutiny after letters reportedly used “vaccine” language, contradicting his earlier claims to Congress—an issue tied to the wider measles outbreak debate. Domestic governance: Samoa’s Cabinet approved about $360,000 tālā for a minister’s overseas medical treatment in New Zealand, following reporting that the costs were covered under an overseas medical scheme. Education and capacity building: Japan’s JICA announced five Samoans receiving SDG scholarships for study in Japan, including environmental science and public policy tracks, with recipients expected to return and contribute to Samoa. Regional climate leadership: Pacific climate leaders are calling for big nations to fund and deliver concrete action at upcoming global climate and biodiversity meetings, warning that rising seas and extreme weather are already displacing communities.

Invasive Species Control: Fiji is testing two biological control agents—a gall-forming mite and a leaf-mining flea beetle—to curb the invasive African tulip tree, with both kept under strict containment and no uncontrolled field releases reported. Biodiversity & Climate Finance: Pacific leaders are pushing for COP31 to move beyond promises toward funded, practical action for biodiversity and climate impacts, with lived experience from islands facing rising seas and extreme weather front and centre. Flood Risk & Cultural Loss: A New Zealand flood model for Te Pokohiwi o Kupe (Wairau Bar) blends science with mātauranga Māori, projecting up to 75% of low-lying areas could be affected by 2130 while also mapping risks to whakapapa and wāhi tapu. Samoa Environment Governance: Samoa’s Cabinet approved about $360,000 tālā for its Natural Resources and Environment Minister’s medical treatment in New Zealand, after he reported an amputation following the overseas care. Waste & Community Voice: The Pacific Recyclers Alliance is calling for grassroots recycling groups—including Samoa’s representatives—to have a stronger say in decisions shaping the recycling sector, not just be treated as “stakeholders.” Education for Sustainability: Japan’s JICA is funding five Samoans with SDG scholarships, including an Environmental Science track via Samoa Meteorological Services.

Japan-Samoa Education Boost: Japan approved a grant of SAT 357,797 for the Samoa Victim Support Group to expand its school facilities, adding a new classroom, livelihood training room, library and toilets—aimed at meeting growing demand and creating a safer learning environment. JICA SDGs Scholarships: Five Samoans were selected for JICA’s SDG Global Leader Programme to study in Japan, including environmental science and public policy tracks—recipients say they’ll return to help solve issues at home. Invasive Species Control (Fiji): Fiji researchers are testing two biological control agents—an African tulip gall mite and a leaf-mining flea beetle—under strict containment to curb the invasive tree without harming non-target plants. Climate & Culture Flood Risk (NZ): A New Zealand flood model is blending science with mātauranga Māori, mapping how sea-level rise could threaten not just land and homes but whakapapa and wāhi tapu. Pacific Recycling Voices: Grassroots recyclers across the Pacific are pushing for a stronger say in recycling decisions, warning they’re often treated as “stakeholders” despite decades of on-the-ground work.

Education & Environment Capacity: Five Samoans won JICA SDG Global Leader scholarships to study in Japan, including a Senior Scientific Officer pursuing Environmental Science—aimed at building skills and returning to support Samoa’s development. Climate & Cultural Risk: New Zealand research blending science with mātauranga Māori is mapping flood risk at Te Pokohiwi o Kupe (Wairau Bar), warning sea-level rise could affect up to 75% of low-lying areas in a one-in-100-year storm—measuring not just damage, but threats to whakapapa, wāhi tapu and mahinga kai. Pacific Climate Leadership: Pacific climate and biodiversity leaders are urging COP31 to move beyond promises toward funded, practical action, using lived experience and science to protect island communities and ecosystems. Food Security Under Heat: In Vanuatu, extreme heat, drought and cyclones are damaging crops and arable land, disrupting planting and harvesting and raising food insecurity as El Niño conditions develop. Recycling Voices: The Pacific Recyclers Alliance is calling for grassroots recyclers to have a stronger say in recycling decisions, warning they’re often treated as “stakeholders” instead of partners. Regional Environment Governance: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Apia backed its 2027 work programme and budget, reaffirming that Pacific environmental challenges need shared action.