AGP Executive Report

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are sending delegates to Nadi for Oct 5–8 talks to set the course for COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pushing for 1.5°C, better climate finance, and stronger ocean focus. Weather Readiness: Pacific meteorological services say they’ve raised only part of a Weather-Ready Pacific funding target, warning that shrinking budgets are eroding forecast and cyclone-warning networks. El Niño Impacts: A Pacific Ocean officer cautions that the same El Niño pattern won’t hit every country the same way, with sea-level and tuna shifts varying locally. Skills for Local Jobs: Fiji’s Higher Education Commission says training must match local demand to cut reliance on overseas workers, including updates for electric vehicles and new construction methods. Agritech Research: SPC research found big drought-response differences across seven Fiji taro varieties, pointing to candidates for more water-stress-tolerant crops. Tuvalu Connectivity: Tuvalu is expanding transport and digital links, including subsidised Fiji airfares from 2 Oct and improved maritime services. Health & Tech Access: A Westpac grant will help a Bua woman study online with a laptop and modem, while a Jaipur prosthetics camp plans 3D-printed socket trials. Governance & Media: Fiji’s Online Safety Act is under review, raising concerns for journalism and free expression. Security & Courts: Fiji’s judiciary says it’s upgrading exhibit security after major cocaine went missing from the High Court exhibit room.

Climate Finance Gap: New analysis says Pacific countries need about US$3.3b a year for climate adaptation, but current commitments cover only ~a third—and just 26% on actual disbursements—pushing debt pressure as disasters hit and grant funding shrinks. Pre-COP Integrity Push: Ahead of Fiji’s Pre-COP (5–8 Oct), Transparency International urges Pacific governments to strengthen COP31 integrity with an independent ethics adviser/committee, conflict-of-interest rules, and participant disclosure. 1.5°C Focus: Pacific leaders in Fiji and Tuvalu are rallying to keep 1.5°C within reach, warning there’s no “safe” future above it and calling for implementable finance and support. Aviation Training in Fiji: Aviation Australia and the Oceania Institute of Technology sign an MoU to expand training in remotely piloted aircraft systems and ground operations. Maritime Powers Bill: Fiji’s Maritime Powers Bill passes, giving authorised officers power to board, search and detain suspected ships in Fiji waters and, with conditions, beyond. Online Safety Act & Journalism: A new explainer argues Fiji’s Online Safety Act still poses risks to journalism and freedom of expression, calling for better safeguards. Health Staffing Shortfall: Fiji reports 69 vacant senior medical positions (56 acting), and says talks are underway about recruiting from the Philippines. Prosthetics Upgrade: Jaipur camp (6 Oct–27 Nov) will assess and fit prosthetics for 650 amputees, with trials of 3D-printed sockets. Drug Case Update: Police say nearly 40kg of cocaine exhibits went missing from the Suva High Court registry during an appeal process, with investigations into the timeline ongoing.

Maritime Security: Fiji’s Maritime Powers Bill passed unanimously, giving the RFMF Navy and authorised enforcement officers power to board, search and detain suspected ships in Fiji waters and, with conditions, beyond. Online Safety & Media: A new look at Fiji’s Online Safety Act flags risks to journalism and freedom of expression as the Act faces review. Public Service Cooperation: Fiji and Serbia will cooperate via FLIPS and Serbia’s public administration academy, focusing on training, exchanges and depoliticising the civil service. Health Workforce Crunch: Fiji reports 69 vacant senior medical posts (56 acting), with early discussions on recruiting from the Philippines. Prosthetics Access: A Jaipur camp (6 Oct–27 Nov) aims to fit prosthetic limbs for 650 amputees, with trials of 3D-printed sockets. Agriculture Tech & Soil: Poor, acidic, low-organic soil is slowing sugarcane progress; India-backed mobile soil labs will expand testing. Climate & Ocean Policy: Pacific leaders push stronger, implementable global plastics and climate action ahead of COP31, while island communities share practical adaptation and ocean governance plans.

Health & Staffing: Fiji’s Health Ministry says 69 senior medical positions are vacant across public hospitals, with 56 covered by acting staff, and it’s exploring recruitment options including possible health workers from the Philippines. Climate & COP31 Prep: Pacific SIDS are in Nadi finalising plans for COP31, urging “follow the science” and stronger, implementable climate finance and support to keep 1.5°C alive. Plastics Treaty: PSIDS leaders met in Bangkok pushing for a strong, legally binding global plastics treaty that protects health, vulnerable communities, and the full product lifecycle. Blue Economy: A new Pacific-focused brief argues the Blue Economy’s growth must be measured to avoid worsening marine impacts and inequality. Women & Markets: M4C Fiji Pacific Women Makete connects artisans across Fiji and the region with new business opportunities through exchanges and entrepreneurship. Research & Tech (Global): Fiji’s tech audience also gets a glimpse of cutting-edge lab work on lipid dynamics imaging and how PI(3,5)P2 controls key cell signalling. Governance & Records: Fiji’s National Archives faces funding gaps and IT server upgrade delays, slowing digitisation of national records.

Health Workforce: Fiji says 69 senior medical positions are vacant across public hospitals, with 56 covered by acting staff, and it’s exploring recruitment options including medical professionals from the Philippines. Climate Policy: Fiji is pushing a “hold the line on 1.5°C” four-pillar plan for Pre-COP31 in Nadi, stressing science-led decisions, faster climate finance access, oceans on the agenda, and support for climate displacement. Plastics Treaty: Pacific SIDS leaders in Bangkok are calling for a strong, implementable legally binding global plastics treaty, with Fiji delivering the opening statement on lifecycle impacts, health, and chemicals of concern. Ocean & Fisheries Tech: Pacific nations at FAO’s COFI37 in Rome urged stronger international support for ocean solutions, including youth and women moving into value-adding, processing, technology, and fisheries businesses. Geospatial & Digital Governance: Cook Islands adopted a geospatial information framework to improve decision-making for infrastructure, climate resilience, and ocean governance. Science & Education Funding: Fiji National University says it will carefully account for Government grant funding under its 2026–2027 agreement. Security & Evidence Systems: Police say cocaine exhibits tested positive twice before being stored in Fiji’s High Court vault, as investigators try to reconstruct the timeline.

ICC & Sovereignty: The US welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court after President David Adeang announced the move at UNGA 81, with officials framing it as standing up for sovereignty. Pre-COP31 Climate Science: Fiji is pushing a four-pillar plan for Nadi (Oct 5–8): keep 1.5°C within reach, climate finance, oceans, and Pacific leadership—also warning some countries want to sideline IPCC-led science. Climate & Community Voices: Women and elders from four Fijian communities will share lived relocation experiences at a Pre-COP31 side event in Nadi, with a documentary screening feeding into policy discussions. Health & Harm Reduction: A report highlights “bluetoothing/flashblooding” as a dangerous drug practice that can rapidly spread HIV and hepatitis—an urgent concern amid Fiji’s HIV emergency. Digital Public Services: Fiji’s National Archives says it’s underfunded with no regular revenue and faces delays upgrading IT servers, slowing digitisation. Agriculture Tech Push: Cabinet endorsed Fiji’s National E-Agriculture Strategy 2026–2031 to expand mobile services, farmer registries, geospatial tools, remote sensing, AI, and online markets. Regional Security: Pacific defence ministers agreed to deepen cooperation in Nadi, expanding the Pacific Response Group and exploring a regional military role against transnational crime. Aviation & Tech Careers: Fiji Airways’ flight simulator engineer profile spotlights how electronics and simulator tech support pilot training and aviation safety.

Climate Action at UNGA 81: UN leaders warned emissions are still rising as the 2026 Climate Summit pushed for faster mitigation, adaptation and climate justice. Geospatial Governance: Cook Islands agreed national priorities to strengthen geospatial information management for infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean planning. Fiji Pre-COP31 Science & Finance: Fiji urged the world to “hold the line” on 1.5°C, calling out threats to IPCC-led science, faster climate finance access, and stronger oceans focus. National Archives Underfunding: Parliament heard Fiji’s National Archives lacks regular revenue, needs IT server upgrades, and is struggling to digitise records. E-Agriculture Push: Cabinet endorsed Fiji’s National E-Agriculture Strategy 2026–2031 to expand digital farmer services, geospatial tools, remote sensing and online markets. Pacific Security Cooperation: Defence ministers in Nadi backed deeper regional military coordination, including expanding the Pacific Response Group and exploring maritime security contributions. Media & AI Capacity: PINA’s new president Neville Choi called for stronger, accountable Pacific newsroom support as AI adoption outpaces policy. Health & Tech Services: Fiji flagged low medical imaging technologist numbers affecting x-ray services, while Firebrick expands its Nasodine antiviral spray into US pharmacies. Climate Mobility Voices: Women and elders from four Fijian communities will share lived relocation experiences at a Pre-COP31 side event in Nadi. Regional FinTech Supervision: Palau’s regulator joined Pacific peers in Fiji to strengthen cyber resilience and fintech oversight.

Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Fiji says it will “hold the line” on 1.5°C at Nadi talks, urging stronger science led by the IPCC, faster climate finance access for communities, and oceans on the negotiating agenda. Fiji’s Grant Accountability: FNU vows tight accounting for Government grant funding, promising benefits for students and communities through support, infrastructure, teaching and research. Fossil Fuel Costs for Reefs: A new Australian tool translates coal, oil and gas emissions into real impacts like extreme heat, sea rise, poverty and coral loss—timed ahead of key decisions and Pacific pre-COP meetings. Financial Crime Focus: Parliament hears tax crimes make up about 86% of financial intelligence value, with concerns about gaps between intelligence sharing and outcomes like prosecutions and asset recovery. Regional Security Tech: Fiji and Australia ramp up defence cooperation using high-tech maritime surveillance to tackle drugs, illegal fishing and transnational crime. Digital Agriculture: Cabinet backs Fiji’s National E-Agriculture Strategy 2026–2031 to expand digital services, farmer tools and climate-smart farming. Pacific Media & AI: Research warns Pacific newsrooms are adopting AI without strategy, calling for safer, region-led policies and stronger verification. HIV Preparedness: Samoa boosts HIV readiness after Fiji’s emergency declaration, increasing testing, prevention and public engagement. India–Fiji Tech for Sugar: India gifts Fiji 12 agricultural drones to improve sugarcane production efficiency and sustainability. Maritime Skills: Fiji marks World Maritime Day with calls for more women and youth in a tech-changing maritime sector.

Climate & resilience at UNGA: Fiji PM Matthew Wale urged faster adaptation and resilience finance as rising seas and disasters hit Pacific communities harder than global promises. Maritime tech & security: Fiji and Australia are ramping up defence collaboration with high-tech maritime surveillance aimed at tackling drugs and illegal fishing, while IMO stresses policies must translate into safer, cleaner shipping. Digital agriculture: Cabinet endorsed Fiji’s National E-Agriculture Strategy 2026–2031 to expand digital services for farmers, including apps, registries, remote sensing and online markets. Health workforce strain: Low staffing of medical imaging technologists is disrupting x-ray services at CWM Hospital, with the Ministry pointing to shortages and roster issues. FinTech & cyber supervision: Palau’s FIC joined Pacific regulators in Fiji to strengthen FinTech risk oversight, cyber resilience and consumer protection. Pacific media & AI: Research finds Pacific newsrooms are using AI without enough strategy or safeguards, while Fiji’s media summit pushes stronger, independent reporting. Sugar tech boost: India gifted 12 agricultural drones to Fiji Sugar Corporation to support more efficient sugarcane production. Ocean science: CSIRO’s RV Investigator voyage will return to Pacific study sites to track ocean change and El Niño impacts.

Climate Justice & Water Security: Pacific women’s groups, via WaterAid and UTS-ISF, are urging COP31 pre-talks to connect gender equality, climate justice and water security as El Niño strains water supplies across the region. Youth Voice in Climate Policy: Vanuatu has signed a declaration backing children and young people’s greater say in climate decisions, with UNICEF saying it should shape how governments put children’s best interests first. Pacific Climate Finance Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders met UN chief António Guterres to press for climate finance delivery, targeting US$500m for the Pacific Resilience Facility by end-2026. Fiji Sugar Gets Drones: India has gifted 12 agricultural drones to Fiji Sugar Corporation to boost sugarcane production, with training planned for local operators. Ocean Science for Fiji: CSIRO’s RV Investigator voyage will revisit Pacific study sites to track ocean change, El Niño impacts and effects on fisheries, with Fiji researchers onboard. Maritime Skills & Safety: IMO is calling for practical maritime policy improvements, plus more training and fair opportunities—especially for women and youth—in Fiji’s shipping sector. Online Safety for Women: Fiji is urging parents to monitor children’s online activity and creating safer reporting spaces, while separate coverage highlights how online abuse can push women out of politics. Security Strategy 2026–2030: Fiji launched a new counter-terrorism strategy focused on online radicalisation and preparedness while stressing rule of law and human rights. Solar Farms Under Scrutiny: Energy Fiji is exploring agro-PV—raised solar panels that could support crops or livestock—while planning for cyclone resilience.

Pacific Health & Tech: Pacific Specialist Healthcare in Nadi highlights how “clinical eyes” in outpatient care can spot emergencies fast, after a blood-clot case was treated with a stent within about an hour. Ocean Science: CSIRO’s RV Investigator voyage will return to the same Pacific sites surveyed a decade ago to track ocean circulation, climate variability and fisheries-relevant changes, with early-career Pacific researchers onboard. Sugar Tech: India donates 12 agricultural drones to Fiji Sugar Corporation to introduce drone spraying and train local operators. Maritime Skills: IMO’s Pacific coordinator urges Fiji and the region to turn maritime policy into safer, cleaner shipping by investing in training for new fuels and digital systems, with more women and youth in the sector. Climate Finance & Media: Fiji hosts Pre-COP discussions on investing in natural capital, while Pacific editors pledge stronger reporting on climate loss and damage. Online Safety & Politics: Fiji’s Women’s Minister calls for parents to monitor children’s online activity and for action against online abuse that pushes women out of public life. Security Strategy: Fiji launches its Counter Terrorism Strategy 2026–2030, stressing online radicalisation and principled, rights-based responses.

Pacific Security & Governance: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation or major-power rivalry, urging UN reform and stronger climate and ocean protection. Maritime Policy in Practice: The IMO says Fiji and Pacific states should measure maritime reforms by real outcomes—safer vessels, better-trained crews, simpler port clearance, and cleaner seas. Agro-Tech for Sugar: India has donated 12 agricultural drones to Fiji Sugar Corporation, with trainers set to help local operators boost sugarcane monitoring and spraying efficiency. Climate Finance & Media: Fiji National University and Monash are hosting a Pre-COP push on turning forests, reefs and oceans into climate finance, while Pacific editors pledged stronger reporting on climate loss and damage at a Savusavu forum. Research Voyage: CSIRO’s RV Investigator is returning to the same Pacific sites surveyed a decade ago to track ocean circulation and climate variability, with Fiji researchers joining. Local Tech & Skills: CATD Nadave graduated 140 trade students, including a new electrical fitter mechanic intake, aiming to feed local jobs and overseas opportunities.

Agro-technology for sugar: India has donated 12 agricultural drones to Fiji Sugar Corporation, with trainers expected to help local operators use drone spraying to boost sugarcane yields and monitoring. Energy planning: Energy Fiji Limited is exploring agro-PV solar farms in Ovalau, raising panels so crops or livestock can continue underneath, while designs aim to withstand Category Five cyclones. Maritime safety that actually changes lives: The IMO says Fiji and Pacific states must turn maritime policies into practical improvements—safer vessels, better-trained crews, simpler port clearance, and cleaner seas. Pacific climate finance push: Fiji National University and Monash University will host a Pre-COP event in Nadi on investing in forests, mangroves, reefs and oceans to unlock more climate resilience funding. Media and climate loss reporting: Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu declaration to strengthen coverage of climate-related loss and damage, including cultural and social impacts. Security and research partnerships: Opposition MP Virendra Lal questioned whether Fiji-Australia treaty changes could lead to security vetting of university research, while the Higher Education Commission says safeguards remain within education mandates. Ocean science voyage: Australia’s RV Investigator will return to the same Pacific sites surveyed a decade ago to track ocean circulation, El Niño impacts, and long-term environmental change. Regional tech cooperation: India has been placed on the Pacific Islands Forum’s Strategic Partner Stream, with projects spanning healthcare, renewable energy, connectivity, technology and capacity building.

Marine restoration: Fiji is breeding giant clams in captivity and releasing them back to help reverse near-extinction driven by habitat loss, harvesting, and reef decline. Security strategy: Fiji launched its Counter Terrorism Strategy 2026–2030, stressing online radicalisation, individual risk, and countermeasures grounded in rights and due process. Climate law for small states: Fiji’s president urged the UN to protect statehood and maritime boundaries even as sea levels shift coastlines, backing international legal continuity. Agritech for sugar: India gifted Fiji 12 agricultural drones to boost sugarcane monitoring and input efficiency, with training and support tied to the Fiji Sugar Corporation. HIV emergency readiness: Samoa moved to strengthen HIV preparedness after Fiji declared a national emergency, focusing on surveillance, labs, prevention, and risk communication. Pacific media push: Fiji hosted the 8th Pacific Media Summit, with calls to reach remote communities, keep journalism independent, and train reporters in stronger storytelling and accountability. Maritime surveillance idea: Fiji is considering Australian Bluebottle autonomous vessels to get early information on drugs and other transnational crime. Regional leadership: Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo was elected PINA vice-president, and Neville Choi became PINA president. Tech & travel: Qantas confirmed nonstop Sydney–New York flights from mid-2028.

Pacific Media Summit: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka urged Pacific journalists to verify facts and stay independent as AI and synthetic content speed up misinformation, while speakers stressed reaching remote communities through local networks and practical resourcefulness. Ocean & Climate Science: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) with Pacific early-career researchers onboard, docking in Fiji and New Zealand and supporting climate response ahead of Fiji’s pre-COP meeting. HIV Emergency Response: Fiji’s HIV emergency is driving regional action—Samoa and Fiji’s MOH are ramping up surveillance, labs, prevention, treatment pathways and risk communication, with warnings that stigma and unsafe practices are fueling new infections. Maritime Security Tech: Fiji is considering Australian-designed Bluebottle autonomous surveillance vessels to help track drugs and transnational crime earlier. Skills for Work: CATD Nadave graduates (including new electrical fitter mechanic cohorts) received trade test certificates and toolboxes, with pathways to jobs in Fiji and Japan. Trade & Tourism: Fiji’s High Commission will host a Fiji–PNG Trade and Tourism Expo in Port Moresby (Oct 7–9).

HIV Response: Samoa urges safe sex, correct condom use and never sharing needles after Fiji declared an HIV emergency, warning the region could be at risk as preparedness ramps up. Media & AI Literacy: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka and Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica push for independent, responsible journalism as AI and synthetic content spread fast, backing frameworks like SAUTU and calling for media literacy. Pacific Media Summit Tech: Fiji launched the Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism (FNU + Fijian Media Association) to strengthen training, research and digital skills for a “connected Blue Pacific.” Payments Modernisation: BRED Bank Fiji migrated Visa and private-label cards to BPC’s cloud SmartVista issuing platform, adding fraud management and improving international and e-commerce acceptance. UN Climate & Oceans: Pacific climate envoys take ocean protection and 1.5°C priorities to UNGA, while a UN sea-level rise declaration targets coordinated, funded action. Fiji Research/Education: Fiji universities can’t reliably detect AI-written work, so supervisors rely more on interviews; meanwhile a new Suva library (10,000+ books) aims to pull children back to reading and culture. Mining Update: Lion One reports high-grade gold hits at Tuvatu; Kalo Gold extends a 4.3km Wainikoro corridor with gold results.