AGP Executive Report

Disability Rights in Focus: Fiji’s National Council for Persons with Disabilities advocate Kolinio Cagi Laisenia says laws are improving, but stigma and inaccessible transport and buildings still block children with disabilities from reaching their dreams. Deep-Sea Pollution: A new study finds microplastics in snails and mussels living around hydrothermal vents in the North Fiji Basin and the Indian Ocean, with plastics detected in 11 of 12 animals tested. FRCS Tech for Compliance: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service is using data analytics, third-party information and intelligence-led systems to target tax evasion and suspicious refunds, reporting $3.485b net revenue for 2024–2025. Post Fiji Goes Fully Automated: All 58 Post Fiji offices are now online and automated, with plans for digital parcel sign-for and parcel lockers. Climate Science for Policy: Fiji’s environment minister highlights Pacific Community research on oceans, fisheries, crops and sea-level rise to strengthen climate responses ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Pacific Ocean Protection: Samoa begins a four-week biodiversity survey across new marine protected areas to build a scientific baseline for protecting 30% of its ocean. Shark Social Lives: Fiji-based research suggests bull sharks show a slight preference for associating with relatives, hinting at “kinfluence” in their social choices.

Digital Services in Fiji: Post Fiji says all 58 offices nationwide are now fully automated, with transactions online since Dec 2025, and plans for parcel lockers and digital parcel sign-for via scanners and smartphones. Border Tech & Training: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service reports new narcotics detection equipment, chemical analyzers, and specialist training, plus stronger links with Australia, New Zealand, and the World Customs Organisation to speed cargo clearance and tackle fraud. Ocean Science in the Pacific: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a Samoa expedition to survey biodiversity across new marine protected areas, aiming to build a scientific baseline for protecting 30% of the ocean. Climate Science for Policy: Fiji’s Environment Minister highlights Pacific Community research on oceans, fisheries, agriculture, geoscience, and sea-level rise impacts to support Pre-COP31 and COP31 planning. Marine Biology Discovery: A Fiji deep-sea encounter shows a nautilus swimming up to a submersible, while separate research finds bull sharks show a slight preference for socializing with relatives. Inclusive Tech for Growth: A Pacific-focused brief argues AI and Digital Public Infrastructure can help guide digital transformation toward inclusive growth.

Border Tech & Trade Security: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service says it’s upgrading drug detection with new narcotics equipment, chemical analyzers, specialist training, and tighter international information-sharing to stop illegal goods and fraud. Digital Services at Post Fiji: All 58 Post Fiji offices are now fully automated, with real-time online transactions; the next push includes parcel lockers and digital signing for EMS. Smart Surveillance in Suva: Suva City Council reports facial-recognition CCTV is already shifting street dwellers away from monitored areas, with the council planning to verify the trend before further action. Ocean Research in the Region: A deep-sea nautilus encounter near Rotuma highlights how Pacific expeditions are still finding surprises, while Samoa’s Pristine Seas survey will build science baselines for its new marine protection plan. Climate Science for Policy: Fiji’s environment minister says Pacific Community research on oceans, fisheries, crops and sea-level impacts is key for Pre-COP31/COP31 planning. Inclusive Learning in Fiji: FNU opens a Literacy and Numeracy Centre in Labasa to support children, adults and returning learners with practical assessment-led help. Disability Support Beyond Cash: Fiji’s human rights body warns allowances won’t fix barriers like inaccessible transport and limited care services. Pacific Shipping Emissions Funding: Six Pacific states argue the IMO Net-Zero Fund is essential for fair mid-term shipping emissions cuts. Fiji–PNG Trade Snapshot: A PNG-Fiji Business Council report shows trade growth momentum, with Fiji’s 2025 imports dominated by kava. Sugar Industry Tech & Inputs: Bagasse and mill mud are being pushed as higher-value resources to revive Fiji’s sugar sector and improve farm productivity. Biology in Fiji: A study using six years of observations at Shark Reef Marine Reserve suggests bull sharks show a slight preference for socializing with relatives. Education & Skills Pipeline: Polytech Pacific graduates are urged to use work-ready technical skills to meet Fiji’s demand in construction, renewables, IT and more.

Climate Science for COP31: Fiji’s Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says science is Fiji’s strongest tool for climate action after touring SPC’s regional office in Narere, where work on oceans, fisheries, agriculture, geoscience and climate finance is shaping Pacific resilience plans. Marine Research: A six-year Fiji study finds adult bull sharks show a slight preference to socialize with relatives, adding “kinfluence” to how shark social life works. Shipping Emissions Funding: Six Pacific states, including Fiji, argue the IMO Net-Zero Fund must be a “functional requirement” for mid-term shipping cuts so the transition doesn’t leave small states behind. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: American Sāmoa is pulled into the deep-sea mining fight as Pacific governments and communities weigh uncertain science against potential jobs and revenue. Fiji Education Tech: FNU opens its first Literacy and Numeracy Centre in Labasa to support children, adults and returning learners with practical learning support. Safe City Tech: Suva says facial recognition CCTV is already pushing street dwellers away from monitored areas, with council plans to verify impacts before next steps. Local Industry Innovation: Cane growers hear bagasse could revive Fiji’s sugar sector by powering electricity and improving farm productivity, while PM Rabuka reassures farmers the industry will be revitalised, not discarded.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: American Samoa is pushing back in the growing Pacific fight over whether to mine the seabed, as Fiji and other supporters call for a moratorium while some states weigh economic gains. Sugar Tech for Farms: Cane growers in Labasa say bagasse and mill mud could revive Fiji’s sugar industry by powering mills, improving soils, and creating value-added products. Fiji Capital Markets: SPX-listed companies have declared $55M in dividends by July 2026, with record investor sign-ups and higher trading activity. Sugar Industry Assurance: PM Rabuka tells cane farmers the government will revitalise sugar, not abandon it, and warns against panic over any privatisation talk. Fiji Learning Access: FNU opens a Literacy and Numeracy Centre in Labasa to support children, adults and returning learners, linking assessment to classroom support. Smart City Surveillance: Suva’s facial recognition CCTV rollout is already shifting street dwellers away from monitored areas, with council and police checking the impact. Biotech & Health Sector Moves: Fiji-linked biotech and health updates include a regional kava supply deal expansion and new biotech research coverage from the Pacific. Marine Life Science: A Fiji-based study finds bull sharks show a slight preference for associating with relatives, adding to how we understand shark social behaviour. Microplastics in the Deep: New research reports microplastics in deep-sea mussels and snails from hydrothermal vent ecosystems, even in remote ocean areas.

HIV Response Under Pressure: A global meeting warns the AIDS fight is being undermined by coordinated anti-rights and anti-gender backlash just as funding collapses, threatening progress toward 2030 targets. Marine Science in Fiji: New research using genetic data and six years of observations at Shark Reef Marine Reserve suggests bull sharks show a slight preference for socialising with relatives. Fiji Tech & Learning Access: FNU opened a Literacy and Numeracy Centre in Labasa to support children, adults and returning learners, linking assessment with classroom support. Smart Surveillance in Suva: Suva City Council says facial recognition CCTV is already pushing street dwellers away from monitored areas, with the council planning to verify impacts before next steps. Bio-based Materials for Garment Cutting: Krishna Lamicoat says it has developed a plant-based biofilm for CAD-CAM garment cutters, aiming to replace plastic film as bans tighten. Digital Border Screening: Fiji is rolling out Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Records with SITA to improve risk checks before travellers arrive. Solar for Disaster Response: Fiji Solar Scholars installed a solar PV system at FCOSS in Suva, giving backup power for civil society disaster coordination. Deep-Sea Pollution Signal: A study reports microplastics in nearly all sampled deep-sea mussels and snails from hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean and southwestern Pacific.

Education & Skills: FNU opened its first Literacy and Numeracy Centre in Labasa, aiming to boost foundational learning for children, adults and returning learners, with LANA used to guide support. Northern Hub Expansion: FNU also launched its Foundation Northern Hub at the Naiyaca Campus in Labasa to widen access to higher education across Fiji’s North. Tech for Public Safety: Suva’s facial recognition CCTV rollout is already changing street behaviour, with police and council reporting fewer people staying in monitored areas. Border & Digital Systems: Fiji is rolling out an Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Records system with SITA to assess travel risks before arrival, strengthening intelligence-led border management. Connectivity & Networks: Vodafone Fiji says 5G rollout is costly and depends on power utilities, so it’s pairing 5G obligations with upgrades from 2G/3G to 4G LTE. Workforce Development: Polytech Pacific graduates (350) were urged to use work-ready skills in sectors like infrastructure, renewables, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and IT. Clean Energy for Disaster Response: Fiji Solar Scholars installed a solar PV system at FCOSS in Suva, giving backup power for civil society disaster coordination. Environment & Research: A study found microplastics in deep-sea hydrothermal vent mussels and snails, adding to concerns about pollution reaching even remote ecosystems. Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand and Fiji signed a refreshed five-year strategic pact in Auckland, reinforcing cooperation on stability and prosperity. Business & Innovation: FIJI Water renewed its Supreme Award sponsorship for PMIBA 2026, backing Fiji’s top business excellence.

Biodiversity Diplomacy: Fiji’s climate chief Dr Sivendra Michael is in Nairobi pushing the Pacific’s case at the Convention on Biological Diversity, urging real delivery on reef, fisheries and mangrove protection with stronger finance and support. National Milestone: The Fiji National Provident Fund marks 60 years, growing to $12.1b in assets and rolling out more tech and financial literacy via platforms like the MyFNPF App. Security & Tech: Fiji Police is set for a major boost under a Fiji–Australia security pact, with more intelligence and cybercrime capacity, plus upgrades to headquarters and ICT systems. Border Modernisation: Fiji is introducing SITA’s Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Records system to screen travellers before arrival and strengthen risk-based border decisions. Connectivity: Vodafone Fiji says 5G rollout is costly and depends on power utilities, so it’s also modernising older 2G/3G areas to 4G LTE. Solar for Resilience: Fiji Solar Scholars installed a solar PV system at FCOSS in Suva so disaster coordination can keep running during outages. Ocean Conservation: Fiji is part of a plan for a Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves linking marine protected areas to protect migration routes and spawning grounds. Health & Care: Fiji’s Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission calls for better support for families raising children with disabilities, including respite care and disability allowance options. Research Watch: A genetic study traces how invasive longhorned ticks spread across Oceania, including samples from Fiji.

Telecom Leadership: Digicel Fiji CEO Farid Mohammed will step down after 20 years, citing a new overseas move; the company credits him with driving network modernisation and major upgrades. Border Tech: Fiji is rolling out a digital passenger screening system with SITA—Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Records—to improve risk checks before travellers arrive. Connectivity & Costs: Vodafone Fiji says 5G rollout is constrained by high deployment costs and power/utility dependencies, so it’s pairing 5G expansion with upgrades from 2G/3G to 4G. Digital Skills: Experts urge a digital literacy push as trust and confidence in online services still lag, with education struggling to keep pace. Energy for Resilience: Fiji Solar Scholars installed a new solar PV system at FCOSS in Suva, giving disaster-response backup power and cutting electricity bills. Education Access: FNU opened its Foundation Northern Hub in Labasa to expand higher education access for Northern students. Environment & Data: GIS professionals gathered in Nadi to strengthen environmental data management and action across the Pacific. Ocean Protection Plans: Fiji is part of a growing Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves linking marine protected areas across multiple countries. Public Health & Safety: Health workers’ safety gaps are being flagged in Fiji’s 2026–2031 strategic plan, with calls for stronger protections.

Microplastics in the deep: A new study reports microplastic particles in almost all sampled deep-sea snails and mussels from hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean and southwestern Pacific, adding to growing proof that plastic pollution reaches even the most isolated ecosystems. Fiji-linked marine science: Another DNA-based study settles a 176-year oyster mystery, confirming two historically named oyster species from Western Australia and Fiji are genetically distinct—useful for conservation planning across the Indo-Pacific. Fiji health tech & research: A pilot trial explores platelet-rich plasma fibrin glue plus a novel repair gel for hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers, aiming to tackle stalled healing. Digital literacy push: Vodafone Fiji and NiuPay highlight a Pacific digital skills gap and low trust in online services, calling for stronger digital literacy and confidence-building. Fiji public safety: Fiji Meteorological Service issues a Strong Wind Alert for parts of the country, warning of rough seas and gusty conditions from Wednesday. Health worker protection: Fiji’s 2026–2031 health strategy faces calls to better protect frontline workers, including an independent unit to address risks. Regional security education: PNG and Timor-Leste discuss security cooperation for PNG elections and a joint scholarship programme. Fiji HIV update: Fiji is flagged as facing a fast-growing HIV epidemic, driven mainly by meth injection, with major increases in new diagnoses.

Weather & Safety: Fiji Meteorological Service issued a Strong Wind Alert for Yasawa, parts of Rakiraki/Sigatoka, Lau/Lomaiviti, Taveuni, Kadavu, and southern Bua—winds up to 25 knots at sea and gusts near 55 km/h on land, with rough seas and cooler conditions from Wednesday. Digital Skills: Vodafone Fiji and NiuPay say digital literacy is the missing link for wider adoption, as trust and confidence in online services still lag. Education Access: Namalata MP Ilaitia Savai urges urgent road, bridge and water upgrades after flooding blocks about 20 students from reaching school. Health Workforce Protection: Fiji’s 2026–2031 health plan is criticised for not clearly protecting health workers; officials say the plan will be reviewed. Engineering Regulation: Engineers Fiji warns the Engineers Registration Act 1976 hasn’t been enforced, pushing for better control of who can practise. Jobs & Tech Retail: Nadi Chamber backs Damodar’s $80m Damodar City, citing nearly 680 jobs and new tech/fashion outlets. Science & Environment: Curtin-led DNA work confirms Fiji and Western Australia oysters are distinct species; separate research finds microplastics in deep-sea hydrothermal vent animals. UN Peacekeeping: UN praises Fiji’s Black Rock Camp training quality while Rabuka presses for outstanding peacekeeping reimbursements.

UN Peacekeeping Finance: PM Sitiveni Rabuka urged the UN to clear Fiji’s outstanding peacekeeping reimbursements, warning unpaid funds could have gone to health, transport and education, as UN peace operations chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix praised Fiji’s Black Rock Camp training. Research Integrity Probe: Utrecht University is investigating a pharmacology professor after reports he was personally paid by Red Bull and Sen-Jam Pharmaceuticals for research published under the university name, raising conflict-of-interest concerns. Pacific Health Breakthrough: Fiji and Solomon Islands saw major scabies drops after nationwide ivermectin campaigns, showing mass treatment can cut transmission at country scale. Climate Tech for Heat: The REFLECT project is trialling white, solar-reflective roof paint to reduce extreme heat stress, including trials in Fiji. Digital Connectivity Push: PTC is sponsoring Pacific Women in Telco to expand regional opportunities in STEM and digital infrastructure, aligned with the Pacific Fibre Conference in Nadi. Fiji Tech & Business: Vodafone Fiji says provider collaboration is helping manage rising fibre-optic costs that are pressuring network expansion across the region. Local Innovation: A new Verve Lounge skin clinic in Suva is launching advanced dermal therapies, bringing Australian skin health expertise to Fiji. Global Policy Watch: The US made its visa bond programme permanent, with bonds up to USD 20,000 for applicants from 50 countries. Rare Surgery Funding Gap: RNZ reports conjoined twin surgery in Fiji was delayed because multiple countries demanded USD 1m upfront, before help was found.

UN Peacekeeping Training: The UN praised Fiji’s Black Rock Camp as a high-quality peacekeeping training centre, while urging funding contributors to meet obligations as missions grow more complex. Career Resilience: Captain Tevita Robanakadavu turned a failed Fiji Junior Examination into a decades-long maritime career, sharing his “setback to stepping stone” message. Deep-Sea Pollution: Researchers report microplastics in snails and mussels around deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the North Fiji Basin, showing plastic contamination reaches even the most isolated ecosystems. Workplace Leadership: Minister Agni Deo Singh told teachers that strong workplace leadership—not just laws—drives better conditions, safety, and wellbeing. Fiji’s HIV Surge: Fiji’s HIV epidemic is accelerating, with meth injection linked to rising infections and major strain on diagnosis and prevention efforts. New Skin Clinic: The Verve Lounge Fiji in Suva launched advanced dermal therapies, including vegan exosomes and PDRN salmon DNA therapy. Connectivity Costs: Rising fibre-optic prices are pressuring network expansion across the region, with Fiji noting provider collaboration to manage costs. Pacific Women in Telco: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco alongside the Pacific Fibre Conference in Nadi. Climate Readiness Funding: GEF grants (including for Fiji) will strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient planning before disasters hit. Scam & Trafficking Warning: IOM and Fiji officials warn traffickers increasingly use social media and fake job offers, pushing digital literacy and stronger reporting systems. Nadi Investment: Damodar City Nadi plans an $80m mixed-use precinct expected to create 680+ jobs and boost tourism and retail.

NRL Media Rules: The NRL plans a “media cop” to police rugby league commentators over conflicts of interest and overly negative coverage, with potential removal decided by an independent legal figure. Pacific Health Impact: Fiji and Solomon Islands cut scabies rates through nationwide ivermectin rounds, showing mass treatment can significantly reduce the mite at country scale. Climate Readiness Funding: The GEF approved NZ$24.2m for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure ahead of floods, cyclones and coastal erosion. Connectivity Costs: Rising fibre-optic cable prices are pressuring network expansion across the Asia-Pacific, with Fiji noting provider collaboration to manage costs. Digital Safety & Scams: IOM and Fiji officials warn traffickers increasingly use social media and fake job offers, stressing the gap between digital access and digital literacy. Fiji Tech & STEM Leadership: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco to expand regional opportunities in digital infrastructure and emerging tech. Local Business Tech Growth: Damodar City Nadi plans an $80m mixed-use hub expected to create 680+ jobs across retail, hospitality, technology and logistics. Voyaging & Weather: Polynesian canoes Hokule‘a and Hikianalia rerouted and extended the Moananuiākea Voyage due to higher weather risks, with Fiji visits planned for October.

Climate & Early Warning: The Global Environment Facility approved NZ$24.2m for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient planning before construction—aimed at floods, rising seas, cyclones and coastal erosion. Digital Safety & Scams: IOM warns Fiji and the Pacific are seeing more online exploitation as traffickers use social media and fake job offers; the gap between digital connectivity and digital literacy is leaving young people exposed. Connectivity Costs: Fibre prices are rising across Asia-Pacific, pressuring network expansion; Vodafone Fiji says provider collaboration is helping manage costs and access. Health at Scale: Nationwide scabies treatment campaigns in Solomon Islands and Fiji cut rates sharply after mass ivermectin rounds, showing country-wide control is possible. Medical Breakthrough (Fiji): RNZ reports Fiji’s rare conjoined twins case where multiple countries demanded US$1m upfront—highlighting barriers to specialized surgery access. STEM & Women in Telco: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco alongside the Pacific Fibre Conference in Nadi. Local Tech/Business: Damodar City Nadi plans an $80m mixed-use precinct expected to create 680+ jobs across retail, hospitality, technology and logistics.

Climate & reefs: Coral reef scientists and community leaders from 90+ countries met in Auckland to push climate action, better coral mapping for the Pacific, and stronger Indigenous-led approaches. Disaster readiness: The GEF approved NZ$24.2m for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to plan climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems ahead of floods, cyclones, sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Connectivity & tech policy: PTC is sponsoring Pacific Women in Telco, boosting regional STEM and digital infrastructure opportunities alongside the Pacific Fibre Conference in Nadi. Digital safety & trafficking: IOM warns traffickers are targeting Fijians via social media and fake job offers; the gap between digital access and digital literacy is leaving families exposed. Health & society: Fiji is being urged to treat domestic violence as a public health issue, with prevention and coordinated responses across health, justice and social services. Jobs & development: Damodar City Nadi plans an $80m mixed-use precinct expected to create 680+ permanent jobs. Local climate adaptation: A white, solar-reflective paint trial (REFLECT) is being tested to cool homes in extreme heat, including in Fiji.