AGP Executive Report

Pacific security tensions: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to Palau for the 55th Leaders Meeting as foreign ministers struggle to agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test, with Reuters reporting Nauru and Kiribati did not endorse the proposed statement—showing how hard it is to keep regional unity when security interests diverge. SPREP governance and priorities: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting in Samoa is underway, with the Secretariat stressing work across the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and highlighting leadership, equity, transparency, and funding for Pacific-led solutions. Fisheries push: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva called for urgent action to protect fisheries and strengthen ocean governance, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and urging leaders to reaffirm fisheries’ role in food security, livelihoods, and sovereignty. Deep-sea mining rules stalled: The UN’s International Seabed Authority extended a deep-sea exploration contract tied to Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., while again failing to finalise commercial seabed mining rules—drawing criticism over precedent and rule-of-law concerns. Shipping emissions tightening: Tuvalu proposed tougher net-zero amendments for MEPC 85, including changes to fuel-intensity targets and higher remedial unit pricing, aligning with a wider Pacific push that includes Nauru. PNA leadership: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement opened applications for a new CEO to strengthen sustainable tuna fisheries and ocean resource management, with applicants needing senior tuna and commercial leadership experience.

Pacific security tensions: Pacific leaders head to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting with unity under strain after China’s July missile test. Foreign ministers in Suva couldn’t agree on a joint statement, and Reuters reports Kiribati and Nauru did not endorse the proposed wording—showing how hard it is to align on responses as militarisation grows. SPREP governance: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs the 5th SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Samoa, spotlighting how smaller territories’ environmental challenges feed into regional priorities. Ocean protection & fisheries: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva urged stronger fisheries protection, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and calling for better ocean governance and maritime boundary security. Climate policy at sea: Tuvalu proposed tougher net-zero shipping rules for MEPC 85, including changes that would start tightening from 2029 and raise remedial unit pricing. Deep-sea mining rules stalled: The UN’s International Seabed Authority extended a controversial exploration contract tied to Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., while still failing to finalise commercial mining rules. Nauru-linked tuna governance: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement opened applications for a new CEO to strengthen sustainable tuna fisheries and ocean resource management.

Pacific Islands Forum unity under strain: Leaders head to Palau for the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting, but disagreement over how to respond to China’s July missile test is still splintering consensus—Reuters reports Nauru and Kiribati did not back a proposed joint statement, even as ministers say no one is “blocking” the process. Ocean protection push: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva urged stronger fisheries protection, ocean governance, and clearer maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and calling for member-led, equitable management. SPREP leadership on the “triple planetary crises”: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting in Samoa, with SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra stressing climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risk as linked priorities. Deep-sea mining rules stall, contracts extend: The UN seabed regulator (ISA) extended a controversial exploration contract tied to Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., while still failing to finalise commercial mining rules—renewing concerns about governance and the rule of law. Shipping emissions tightening debated: Tuvalu proposed tougher amendments for MEPC 85, including changes that would make the net-zero fuel intensity framework more like a levy, with Nauru among the Pacific states backing the direction. Women and girls at the center of climate action: Pacific delegates urged urgent greenhouse gas cuts and highlighted how women’s and girls’ knowledge is vital for resilience at CSW66.

Pacific Islands Forum unity under strain: Leaders head to Palau for the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting, but foreign ministers still can’t agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test, with Reuters reporting Nauru and Kiribati did not endorse the proposed statement—showing how security pressures are fracturing consensus. Ocean governance and fisheries push: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva urged stronger fisheries protection, ocean stewardship, and clearer maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035. SPREP leadership on the “triple planetary crises”: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Samoa highlighted climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks as core priorities, with Wallis-et-Futuna chairing the Executive Board. Deep-sea mining rules stall, contracts extend: The UN seabed regulator (ISA) extended a controversial deep-sea exploration contract tied to Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., while rules for commercial mining still aren’t final—raising fresh concerns for Pacific waters. Shipping emissions tightening debate: Tuvalu proposed stricter net-zero amendments for MEPC 85, including shifting targets to start later and raising remedial unit prices, aligning with a proposal that includes Nauru. Tuna governance leadership: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement opened applications for a new CEO to strengthen sustainable tuna fisheries and ocean resource management.

Pacific Islands Forum unity under strain: Foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test, with Reuters reporting Nauru and Kiribati not endorsing the proposed statement—setting up a fresh test of consensus ahead of the 55th Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau. SPREP leadership on the environment: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs the 5th SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Samoa, focusing on climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks, and pushing for smaller territories’ concerns to be heard. Ocean protection and fisheries push: Pacific ministers backed stronger fisheries protection, ocean governance and maritime boundaries, supporting a regional fisheries strategy for 2026–2035. Deep-sea mining rules still stuck: The UN seabed regulator extended a controversial exploration contract tied to The Metals Company, while still not finalising rules for commercial mining—again raising concerns for the Pacific. Nauru in the deep-sea spotlight: The ISA renewal involved Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., keeping exclusive exploration rights in Pacific areas as legal and environmental fights continue. Shipping emissions tightening: Tuvalu proposed tougher net-zero fuel rules for ships at MEPC 85, including changes that would effectively make emissions pricing stricter. Women and girls at the climate table: Pacific leaders urged global action at CSW66, stressing women and girls’ central role in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The UN’s International Seabed Authority extended a controversial deep-sea exploration contract tied to Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., renewing The Metals Company’s rights in Pacific seabed areas while deep-sea mining rules still aren’t final—sparking fresh criticism about a “dangerous precedent” and the regulator’s ability to enforce compliance. Pacific Ocean Governance: Pacific foreign ministers met in Suva and pushed for stronger fisheries protection, ocean stewardship, and clearer maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035. Climate Policy at Sea: Tuvalu proposed tougher net-zero fuel rules for ships at MEPC 85, including dropping an early 2028 step and tightening compliance so emissions reductions are effectively priced. Security Pressure in the Blue Pacific: China’s nuclear-capable missile test exposed divisions as Forum foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint response; Reuters reports Nauru and Kiribati didn’t back the statement. Gender & Climate Resilience: Pacific leaders urged global action at CSW66 to put women and girls at the center of climate, environmental, and disaster risk reduction work. Tuna Governance: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement opened applications for a new CEO to strengthen sustainable tuna fisheries and ocean resource management.

Fisheries & Ocean Governance: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries and aquaculture, strengthen ocean stewardship, and secure maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and pushing Member-led, equitable management. Climate Gender Focus: At CSW66, Pacific leaders said women and girls must be at the centre of the global climate fight, linking resilience and disaster risk reduction to cutting greenhouse gases and limiting warming to 1.5°C. SPREP Leadership: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Samoa highlighted work tackling the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Stalled: The UN seabed mining regulator (ISA) extended a disputed exploration deal in the Pacific while failing to finalise commercial mining rules—sparking renewed calls for stronger safeguards. Shipping Emissions Push: Tuvalu proposed tougher net-zero shipping amendments for MEPC 85, including changes that would tighten compliance and raise remedial unit pricing. Nauru in Tuna Governance: The PNA opened applications for a new CEO to lead sustainable tuna fisheries and ocean resource management. Pacific Security Tensions: China’s nuclear-capable missile test into the Pacific exposed divisions at the Forum, with ministers unable to agree on a joint response. Taiwan’s Return: Taiwan will attend the Pacific leaders’ meeting in Palau after being barred last year, with China protests noted.

Shipping & climate policy: Tuvalu is pushing the IMO’s MEPC 85 to tighten net-zero rules for ships, proposing changes that would start the next emissions step in 2029 and raise remedial unit prices—turning the framework into something closer to a levy for non-compliance. Deep-sea mining fight: The UN’s International Seabed Authority extended a controversial exploration contract tied to Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., while Pacific leaders and groups warn the regulator is setting a “dangerous precedent” and delaying the rules needed to govern commercial seabed mining. Nauru-linked fisheries governance: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement opened applications for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the PNA Office, with a focus on sustainable tuna fisheries, ocean resource management, and stronger governance. Pacific security pressure: China’s nuclear-capable missile test into the Pacific has exposed divisions at the Pacific Islands Forum, with foreign ministers in Suva unable to agree on a joint response—leaving the issue for leaders in Palau. Regional climate justice for shipping: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu urged the IMO Net-Zero Fund to be treated as a “functional requirement,” arguing it’s essential so the transition doesn’t leave small island states behind.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The UN seabed mining regulator (ISA) extended a controversial exploration contract tied to Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., renewing Pacific seabed rights while rules for commercial mining still aren’t final—sparking fresh backlash over precedent and enforcement. Shipping Emissions Pressure: Tuvalu is pushing the toughest eligible changes at IMO’s MEPC 85, proposing tighter net-zero fuel rules and higher compliance costs—an issue that directly affects Pacific shipping costs and emissions. Nauru Identity & Adaptation Funding: Nauru has officially become the Republic of Naoero, restoring traditional naming, and it’s also running a “golden passport” citizenship-by-investment scheme aimed at financing climate relocation and adaptation. Pacific Security Tensions: China’s nuclear-capable missile test into the Pacific exposed deep splits at the Forum Foreign Ministers meeting, with no joint statement agreed—leaving the issue for leaders in Palau. Fisheries Leadership: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement opened applications for a new CEO to strengthen sustainable tuna fisheries and ocean resource management.

Deep-sea mining push meets backlash: The UN’s International Seabed Authority extended a controversial exploration deal tied to Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., while still failing to finalise seabed mining rules—sparking fresh warnings that the regulator is setting a “dangerous precedent.” Shipping emissions rules get tougher: Tuvalu proposed the strictest amendments for MEPC 85, including shifting net-zero fuel intensity steps and raising remedial unit prices, with Pacific states like Nauru backing the direction. Nauru’s climate funding via passports: Naoero (formerly Nauru) is linked to a “golden passport” programme aimed at raising money for climate adaptation, including relocating families and infrastructure inland as sea levels rise. Pacific security tensions rise: China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific drew criticism, but foreign ministers struggled to agree on a joint response—showing how hard it is to keep the region unified as militarisation grows. PNA leadership for sustainable tuna: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement opened applications for a new CEO to strengthen sustainable tuna fisheries and ocean resource management. Deep-sea mining auctions questioned by US territories: A US plan to auction nearby ocean for mining exploration drew “no consultations” complaints, with concerns about food security for Pacific communities. Nauru identity restored: Nauru officially became the Republic of Naoero, restoring traditional spelling and pronunciation and updating international codes.

Pacific Security: Fiji and Australia’s defence treaty backdrop sharpened divisions after China’s nuclear-capable missile test; Pacific foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint condemnation, with reports saying Nauru and Kiribati didn’t back the proposed statement. Ocean Governance: The UN seabed mining regulator (ISA) extended a deep-sea exploration contract tied to Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., while still not finalising the rules for commercial mining—sparking fresh criticism over compliance and the rule of law. Shipping Emissions: Tuvalu is pushing tougher MEPC 85 net-zero amendments that would tighten fuel rules and raise remedial unit prices, aligning with a Pacific push that includes Nauru. Nauru Climate Resilience & Identity: Nauru officially became the Republic of Naoero, restoring the traditional name and updating the country code; the change lands alongside Naoero’s “golden passport” push to fund climate relocation. Fisheries Jobs & Sustainability: PNA opened applications for a new CEO to steer sustainable tuna fisheries and ocean resource management.

Shipping Climate Rules: Tuvalu is pushing the IMO’s MEPC 85 to tighten net-zero shipping rules, including dropping an early 2028 step and raising remedial carbon pricing—moves that could make compliance costlier for fleets from 2029 onward. Nauru Identity & Climate Finance: Nauru has formally become the Republic of Naoero, updating its international code (NRU→NRO) and its people’s name (dei-Naoero), while also tying its “golden passport” citizenship-by-investment scheme to climate relocation funding. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Pacific communities are alarmed by a US plan to auction nearby seabed areas for mining, with leaders citing “no consultations” and fears for food security and ocean health. Pacific Unity Under Pressure: Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s missile test, showing how strategic competition is straining regional consensus. IMO Net-Zero Support for Small States: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu argue the IMO Net-Zero Fund is essential for a fair transition, calling it a “functional requirement” for mid-term shipping cuts. Governance & Oceans: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office (PNAO) is recruiting a CEO to lead tuna governance and ocean resource management for member states.

Pacific unity & security talks: Fiji’s foreign minister says Forum members are trying to “stand together” to strengthen the Pacific’s global voice, while ministers in Suva failed to agree on a unified response to China’s July missile test—leaving the issue for leaders in Palau. Taiwan access: Taiwan will attend the Palau leaders’ meeting after being blocked last year, with the Forum calling Taiwan an important development partner. Deep-sea mining backlash: A US plan to auction nearby ocean for deep-sea mining has sparked anger in Pacific territories, with leaders warning of food-security risks and saying there were “no consultations.” Nauru climate resilience funding: Naoero (formerly Nauru) is using its “golden passport” citizenship-by-investment scheme—priced at $90,000—to raise money for climate adaptation, including relocating most families and infrastructure inland. Shipping emissions push: Fiji, Kiribati, Naoero, Palau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu urge the IMO to make the Net-Zero Fund a “functional requirement” for fair mid-term shipping emissions cuts. Identity update: Naoero officially reinstated its traditional name and country code shift from NRU to NRO, with citizens now called dei-Naoero.

Citizenship-by-investment surge: Nauru—now officially Naoero—is seeing a spike in interest in its “golden passport” scheme, with officials linking demand to global conflict and political turmoil, and saying proceeds are meant to back climate resilience and sustainable development. Identity shift: The country has formally reclaimed its traditional name as the Republic of Naoero (code NRU → NRO; people dei-Naoero), framing it as restoring heritage after a colonial-era pronunciation change. Deep-sea mining backlash: Pacific leaders and communities are alarmed by moves to auction nearby ocean for deep-sea mining, warning of threats to food security and calling out “no consultations” before plans advance. Shipping climate finance: Six Pacific states, including Naoero, are pushing the IMO for an Net-Zero Fund as a “functional requirement” so mid-term shipping cuts don’t leave small islands behind. Regional security pressure: Pacific unity is strained as ministers fail to agree on a joint response to China’s missile test, with Nauru/Naoero and Kiribati reported as not backing a statement.

Citizenship surge tied to global instability: Naoero’s new “economic and climate resilience” citizenship-by-investment programme is drawing extra interest as wars, political turmoil, and broader insecurity push people to seek a second passport. Officials say the scheme offers visa-free travel to 89 countries and channels contributions into climate resilience and sustainable development for one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable states. Deep-sea mining backlash spreads across the Pacific: Pacific leaders and communities are alarmed by US plans to auction nearby seabed areas for deep-sea mining, with concerns raised about food security and a lack of consultation before exploration moves ahead. Pacific diplomacy and climate pressure: Taiwan is set to attend the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau after last year’s China-linked exclusion, while Forum ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint response to a China missile test—leaving the issue for leaders in Palau. Shipping emissions funding push: Fiji, Kiribati, Naoero, Palau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu argue the IMO Net-Zero Fund is essential for mid-term shipping greenhouse-gas cuts, calling it the “singular guarantee” that the transition won’t leave small states behind. Identity and climate finance in one week: Naoero officially reclaimed its traditional name and code (NRU→NRO), while the “golden passport” model continues to be framed as a way to fund relocation from rising seas.

Citizenship-by-investment surge: Nauru—now officially the Republic of Naoero—says global instability is driving more interest in its climate-linked “golden passport” scheme, with applicants citing insecurity in Europe and the US and a desire to support Naoero’s sustainable development and resilience work. Identity shift: Naoero formally reclaimed its traditional name and pronunciation (“Now-ero”), with the international code set to move from NRU to NRO and citizens to be known as dei-Naoero—framing it as restoring heritage rather than rebranding. Deep-sea mining backlash: Pacific leaders and communities are alarmed by US plans to auction nearby seabed areas for deep-sea mining exploration, warning of food security risks and saying there were “no consultations.” Shipping climate finance: Nauru joined other Pacific states urging the IMO to treat an “Net-Zero Fund” as essential for fair, just transition support in mid-term shipping emissions cuts. Regional diplomacy & climate stakes: Taiwan is set to attend the Pacific leaders meeting in Palau after China-related protests last year, while Nauru and others are watching how regional unity holds on security and climate priorities.