AGP Executive Report

Fiji Tuna Symposium: Fiji’s Minister for Fisheries Kalaveti Vodo Ravu has launched the inaugural Fiji Tuna Symposium, pushing partners to work together “in one room” to boost the domestic tuna industry using a triple bottom approach—environment, economic gains, and social outcomes. Health & Tech Training: GC Labs says it has finished a 7-week infectious disease diagnostics and research training under the Lee Jong-wook Fellowship, with participants from Fiji and other countries returning home with new lab know-how. Media & Digital Innovation: Fiji’s government has provided $27,000 to the Fiji Media Association to support the Pacific Media Summit 2026, themed “Reaching the Remote: Media and Digital Innovation for a Connected Blue Pacific.” Public Health Risk: A study presented in Fiji highlights how HIV and non-sterile injecting equipment are driving severe infections and high mortality among people who inject drugs. Climate Resilience: Fiji Meteorological Service warns of very dry conditions in parts of the country through late September into November as El Niño strengthens.

Health & HIV: Fiji logged 260 TB-HIV co-infection cases last year, with 70% of TB diagnoses in children under five also living with HIV—often detected late and sometimes clinically without lab confirmation. Public Health & Drugs: A study from Lautoka warns HIV is compounding the dangers of non-sterile injecting drug use, with high inpatient mortality and continued risk after discharge. Education Safety: UFSA says cracks at USP’s Samabula nursing campus make continued occupation unacceptable until independent engineering assessment confirms safety. Civic Rights: CIVICUS rates Fiji’s civic space “narrowed,” citing restrictions on peaceful assembly and concerns around police and military reforms. Climate as a Health Issue: Fiji and Pacific partners launched a health-climate action plan, stressing disasters, disease outbreaks, and disrupted services are already hitting health systems. Weather Watch: Fiji Meteorological Service issues an Early Action Rainfall Watch pointing to very dry conditions in multiple divisions through late September. Tech & Training: GC Labs completed infectious disease diagnostic training for fellows from eight countries, including Fiji. Regional Security: Fiji’s justice minister urges faster, coordinated action against transnational organised crime, warning networks exploit borders and financial systems. Agritech Research: A USP PhD project targets pests affecting eggplant exports by studying weeds and thrips in agroecosystems. Sports Coaching: Olympian Venice Traill becomes Fiji Taekwondo’s first coach selected for an international coaching enrichment programme in the US.

Coaching & Sport Tech: Fiji Taekwando Olympian Venice Traill becomes the first Fiji Taekwondo coach selected for the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program, with modules covering coaching leadership, sport psychology, nutrition, physiology, biomechanics and sport technology before in-person training in the US. Disaster Warning Systems: A new study says the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption broadcast an underwater acoustic signal 17 minutes before the wave reached Tonga, but no code existed to turn it into an alert—highlighting a major gap in volcanic tsunami warning. Aviation Innovation: EHang showcased its Global Fast Track Program at ICAO DGCA/61, pushing regulators to use sandbox pathways to speed up advanced air mobility across Asia-Pacific. Child Safety & Justice: Fiji’s government says children made up 100% of High Court rape victims recorded in 2025, as officials call for a whole-of-society response to child sexual abuse. Climate & Health: Fiji’s health minister says climate change is already damaging health facilities and disrupting services, urging stronger health systems and dedicated climate funding for the health-climate link. Dry Season Watch: Fiji Meteorological Service warns of very dry conditions through November in many divisions, with ENSO driving below-normal rainfall risk. Education & Skills: USP graduation tops 800 students, including PhD work in climate change and more graduates in engineering and business. Digital Transport Payments: Fiji launches QR Pay for bus fares via the eTransport app, enabling cardless payments and offline wallet support for areas with weak coverage. Border & Crime Tech: Fiji’s justice minister warns criminal networks exploit borders and financial systems, calling for faster regional intelligence sharing and stronger correctional coordination.

Climate & Disaster Watch: Fiji is bracing for very dry conditions through November as an ENSO pattern takes hold, with Fiji Meteorological Service warnings of very dry to seriously dry spells across multiple divisions. Health & Climate: A Pacific health conference in Nadi heard that climate change is already damaging health facilities and disrupting essential services, with calls for stronger, disaster-ready health systems and better climate-health funding. HIV Response: New Zealand is urged to step up its response to Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, with researchers warning it’s now a regional health security issue and highlighting gaps in awareness, continuity of care, and long-term investment. Digital Transport: Fiji’s eTransport system now supports QR code payments on smartphones for bus fares, including offline wallet support and easier top-ups via mobile money options. Renewables in Focus: Energy Fiji and EPC Renewables are pushing ahead with a solar-plus-storage buildout (Yaqara), aiming to cut reliance on imported diesel and create local training and jobs. Agritech & Sugar: Fiji Sugar Corporation is rolling out spray drone tech for cane farming, while government scrutiny continues over delays affecting non-sugar crop contractors. Border Systems: FRCS says it’s building Fiji’s border capability to operate independently if treaty partnerships change, including plans for surveillance and customs intelligence continuity. Influenza Alert: Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports rising influenza-like illness and acute respiratory infections, with lab testing confirming increased seasonal influenza activity. Education Data: A Pacific learning report (PILNA 2025) shows progress in numeracy and literacy, but stresses targeted action to keep improving outcomes. Science at UN Talks: Fiji’s lead negotiator criticized a “polluted narrative” around climate science at UN talks, as “Friends of Science” warned science is under attack. Sports Tech Angle: Fiji’s Extra Battle of the Giants semi-finals are set, with Ba hosting Suva in the first match.

Digital Public Infrastructure & AI: A Fiji Times editor saw how China’s smart substations use AI robot-dog inspections to cut checks from hours to minutes, highlighting Asia-Pacific tech cooperation. Climate & science at UN talks: Fiji’s lead negotiator says climate science is being attacked in Bonn, warning against “polluted” narratives that undermine the science behind climate action. Health research & prevention: Fiji and the Pacific are spotlighting gender-based violence at a regional health research symposium, while Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports rising influenza-like illness and acute respiratory infections, with lab-confirmed seasonal influenza activity. Education outcomes: A new Pacific learning report (PILNA 2025) shows gains in numeracy, reading and writing, but calls for continued targeted action. Transport payments: Fiji’s eTransport platform now supports QR-code bus fare payments from smartphones, including offline wallet options. Energy transition: EPC Renewables and Energy Fiji Ltd back the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project (22MW/40MWh first stage, then 120MW/200MWh), plus Fiji’s Rabi Island communities are turning to solar as fuel costs bite. Agritech: Fiji Sugar Corporation begins spray-drone trials/training to help cane farmers apply inputs faster, especially in hard-to-reach areas. HIV alert: New Zealand researchers urge stronger regional response to Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic. Governance & borders: Parliament scrutinises Fiji’s border system independence under the Vuvale Union, plus coordination gaps between Immigration and FRCS after a major tax-liability case left Fiji.

Renewables & Storage: Energy Fiji is moving ahead with the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project, backed by EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra, aiming to cut diesel reliance and lift renewable power from ~49% to 60% by 2029 and 90% by 2035. Smart Transport Payments: Fiji’s eTransport platform now lets bus riders pay by scanning QR codes on their phones, with offline wallet support and transfers via myCash/M-PAiSA and bank options. Agritech Drones: Fiji Sugar Corporation is rolling out spray drone tech for cane farming, with officers trained to use DJI drones for herbicide, nutrition, drought mitigation and ripener applications. Health Watch: Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports rising influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections, with lab testing confirming earlier-than-usual seasonal influenza activity. HIV Alarm: New Zealand is urged to strengthen its response to Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, framed as a regional health security issue. Education Data: A new Pacific learning report shows gains across numeracy, reading and writing, but calls for continued targeted action. Border Systems: FRCS says it’s building capability to keep Fiji’s border operations running independently under the Vuvale partnership, addressing coordination gaps and departure controls.

Renewables & Energy Security: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra have signed MoUs with Energy Fiji Ltd for the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project: Stage 1 (22MW solar + 40MWh BESS) and Stage 2 (120MW + 200MWh), targeting commercial operations by Q1 2029 and cutting diesel reliance. Digital Transport Payments: Fiji’s eTransport platform now supports QR code fare payments via the mobile app (including offline wallet support), with Digicel myCash and Vodafone M-PAiSA transfers/top-ups integrated. Public Health Watch: Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports rising influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections, with lab testing confirming earlier-than-usual seasonal influenza activity. Border Tech & Sovereignty: Parliament scrutinises the Vuvale Union/Ocean of Peace treaties as Fiji builds independent border capability, including MERIT system upgrades and data/storage questions. Agritech for Cane: Fiji Sugar Corporation is rolling out spray drones for precision crop treatment in steep and flood-prone areas. HIV Alarm: Researchers urge New Zealand to strengthen its response to Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, calling it a regional health security issue.

Renewables & Storage: Energy Fiji is moving ahead with the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project, with EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra set to deliver Stage 1 (22MW solar + 40MWh BESS) and Stage 2 (120MW + 200MWh), aiming for commercial operations by Q1 2029. Transport Payments: Fiji’s eTransport system now supports QR code fare payments from smartphones (with offline wallet support), adding cardless convenience for bus riders. Border Tech & Sovereignty: Fiji Revenue and Customs says it’s building the ability to run border systems independently under the proposed Vuvale Union, while lawmakers question data control, departure controls, and coordination gaps. Health Watch: Fiji reports rising influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections, with lab-confirmed seasonal influenza activity increasing earlier than last year. Public Health Digital: PATISPlus is being rolled into maternal and child health clinics to track high-risk pregnancies and improve follow-up, including disaster and outbreak support. Agritech for Sugar: Fiji Sugar Corporation is trialling spray drones for cane fields, targeting faster input application where tractors struggle. GBV Focus: Fiji’s GBV prevalence rate is prompting renewed calls for men and communities to take a stronger prevention role. HIV Alert: Researchers urge New Zealand to strengthen its response to Fiji’s fast-growing HIV epidemic as a regional health security issue. Workplace Tech Skills: Leadership Fiji highlights that younger staff bring strong technology skills, but leaders need to understand their expectations rather than label them “difficult.”

Non-sugar farming delays: Minister Tomasi Tunabuna admitted contractors have delayed land prep for non-sugar crop farmers for over 12 months, calling for tighter monitoring and evaluation and warning contractors they could lose jobs. Precision sugar tech: Fiji Sugar Corporation is moving toward spray drone support for steep, wet, flood-prone cane areas, with officers training before commercial rollout. Border control coordination: Parliament is scrutinising gaps between Immigration and FRCS after a major tax-liability case reportedly left Fiji, as a new departure-order system and Vuvale treaty-linked upgrades aim to strengthen controls. Vuvale data and sovereignty: Officials say Fiji will keep government data in local centres for now while considering disaster-recovery options, and they’re developing data protection safeguards as concerns grow about where sensitive systems and cyber units could end up. Solar-plus-storage for Fiji: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra have signed MOUs with Energy Fiji Ltd for the Yaqara project—22MW solar + 40MWh battery first, then 120MW + 200MWh—targeting operations by 2029. Maternal health digital upgrade: PATISPlus is being introduced to maternal and child health clinics to track high-risk pregnancies and connect care across stages, with pilots expanding to other divisions. Climate resilience push: Pacific leaders at Palau reaffirmed the 1.5°C goal and backed urgent climate action, climate finance access, and ocean-climate priorities. Reef protection commitment: Tonga, FSM and French Polynesia joined a climate-resilient coral reefs pledge, including community-led approaches like rāhui. Online safety debate: Fiji’s Law Reform Commissioner says any child social media restrictions need more consultation, especially on practical enforcement and privacy.

Renewables Rollout: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra have signed an MOU with Energy Fiji Ltd for the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project—22 MW solar with 40 MWh storage in stage one, then 120 MW with 200 MWh—aiming for a PPA by Q1 2027 and commercial operations by Q1 2029. Border Tech & Sovereignty: Fiji’s Vuvale Union talks are sparking scrutiny over gaps between Immigration and FRCS, plus concerns about whether systems, surveillance and sensitive data could become dependent on Australia; officials say Fiji will build long-term capability and keep data under local control while options for disaster recovery are considered. Online Safety & Kids: Fiji’s Law Reform Commission says a social media age restriction could be part of online safety law changes, but warns monitoring, privacy and practical enforcement need more consultation—especially with children. Health Digital Systems: PATISPlus is being rolled into Fiji maternal and child health clinics, linking patient info across pregnancy to postnatal care to track high-risk cases and support care during outbreaks and disasters. Climate Resilience: Pacific leaders at Palau reaffirmed urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive, boost climate finance, and protect climate-resilient reefs—highlighting reefs as food and coastline lifelines. GBV Focus: Fiji’s gender assessment shows GBV prevalence at 64%, prompting calls for men and communities to take a stronger prevention role.

Border Tech & Sovereignty: Fiji’s Vuvale Union plans deepen Australia’s role in border management, including MERIT systems, passenger data sharing and document forensics—while officials face tough questions on where sensitive government data and recovery infrastructure could be stored and how Fiji keeps control. Digital Health: Fiji is rolling out PATISPlus to maternal and child health clinics, linking patient info across pregnancy to postnatal care and helping track high-risk cases, with pilots expanding to the Northern, Western and Eastern divisions. Online Safety & Kids: Fiji’s online safety review may consider limits on children’s social media use, but lawmakers say more consultation is needed—especially on practical enforcement and privacy. GBV Prevention: New GBV prevalence figures (64%) are driving calls for men, fathers, churches and communities to take a stronger role in prevention. Flood Reality: Nadi residents say warnings aren’t enough—drainage maintenance and long-term flood protection are key. COVID Update: Fiji reports 274 new cases and warns the next virus wave could hit in 4–5 days.

Online Safety Law Review: Fiji’s Law Reform Commissioner says any social media ban for children would need more consultation, especially with kids, and warns policing is hard if children use parents’ accounts/devices; age-assurance tech also raises privacy and Pacific-fit concerns. Border Tech & Sovereignty: Fiji Revenue and Customs and immigration officials say Australia will fund and train staff for a new MERIT border system and forensic document tools, but FRCS stresses the expansion must protect Fiji’s sovereignty and customs/revenue tech as critical national infrastructure. Maternal Health Digital Upgrade: PATISPlus is being rolled into Fiji maternal and child health clinics, linking care from pregnancy to postnatal follow-up and helping prioritise high-risk patients during outbreaks and disasters. COVID Update: Fiji reports 274 new COVID-19 cases; Health PS Dr James Fong warns the next wave could hit in 4–5 days and urges masks, distancing and handwashing alongside vaccine protection. Climate & Food/Water Pressure: Pacific leaders reaffirm climate change as the biggest threat at PIF, while El Niño warnings point to drought in some areas and heavier rain in others—raising risks for drinking water, food and children’s health. Health Research: FNU and UNSW research finds older Fijians often eat high carbs/low protein, while Fiji’s scabies prevalence nearly halved after a 2022 mass drug campaign.

Climate & Nature Solutions: NatureFiji-MareqetiViti director Nunia Thomas-Moko says Pacific communities must lead biodiversity, climate and pollution responses—using local knowledge plus access to technical tools and funding via Fiji’s GFSGP “Country Hub” with SPREP. Treaty Tech & Borders: Fiji’s proposed Vuvale Union treaty won’t guarantee visa-free travel; officials say the priority is strengthening identity and border management systems first, with data protection legislation being developed and biometric options discussed. Data Privacy Scrutiny: Parliament submissions question whether treaty work could make Fiji dependent on Australian cybersecurity; Fiji says sovereignty will be protected while building a local data protection framework. Inclusive Education: Teachers urge Fiji to prioritise sign language and Braille in the mainstream curriculum from Year 1–13, arguing it should be universal—not limited to special programmes. Health & Nutrition: A study with UNSW and FNU finds many older Fijians eat high carbs and fats but too little protein, raising concerns for healthy ageing. Pacific Climate Push: PIF leaders in Palau reaffirm 1.5°C as the key goal, calling for faster fossil-fuel cuts, more climate finance, and stronger ocean-climate action ahead of COP31. Digital for Sugar: SCGF launches a Digital Management System, chatbot and GEDSI framework in Lautoka with ADB support to improve transparency and access for growers.

Climate & COP31 Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive, calling for faster fossil-fuel cuts, more climate finance, and stronger ocean-climate work ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Coral Protection: Palau and other Pacific members endorsed a climate-resilient coral reefs commitment, urging reef protection using best available science and funding. Fiji Data Privacy: Fiji’s proposed Vuvale Union treaty has sparked questions on whether Fiji can protect citizens’ data rights; officials say a data protection framework is being developed with Council of Europe support. Border Tech: Fiji may introduce biometric checks and digital border screening as it upgrades airport and port entry systems under treaty discussions. Inclusive Education: Teachers want sign language and Braille prioritised in Fiji’s mainstream curriculum from Year 1 to Year 13, citing gaps highlighted by a recent USP incident. Health & Nutrition: Older Fijians are still eating too little protein; meanwhile Fiji is seeing an early rise in influenza-like illnesses, with health authorities urging precautions. Digital Access: Digicel Fiji and TAF signed a USO deal to connect remote Lau communities with mobile and digital services using satellite Wi‑Fi powered by Starlink.

Nutrition & Health: A University of New South Wales and FNU study at the Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium found many older Fijians eat high carbs and fats but not enough protein, raising concerns for muscle and healthy ageing. Public Health: Fiji’s Ministry of Health says influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections are rising earlier than last year, urging people to stay home when sick and seek care for severe symptoms. Digital Connectivity: Digicel Fiji and TAF signed a Universal Service Obligation deal to extend mobile and digital services to remote Lau Group communities using Starlink-powered satellite Wi‑Fi. Border Tech: Fiji is considering biometric checks and digital screening upgrades at airports and ports under the Fiji–Australia Vuvale Union treaty work. Marine Science: Research shows the “blue-green chromis” sold for reef tanks is actually two species, reshaping how aquarium and reef studies identify fish. Climate & Oceans: Pacific leaders at the PIF renewed calls to keep 1.5°C alive, push more climate finance, and strengthen ocean and reef protection ahead of COP31. GBV Focus: FNU’s vice-chancellor says Fiji must rethink GBV responses after decades of laws and spending, stressing men’s involvement and ending community “silence.”

Climate & COP31 Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed urgent global action to keep 1.5°C within reach, boost climate finance, and strengthen ocean-climate and disaster preparedness ahead of COP31. Renewables Investment: On the eve of the Forum, leaders launched a $2b “100% Renewable Blue Pacific” investment prospectus to cut fossil fuel dependence. Digital Inclusion: Bank South Pacific says digital payments are key to financial inclusion, highlighting growth in internet and mobile banking and its USSD “Wantok Wallet.” Border Tech for Security: Fiji is moving toward biometric checks and more digital border screening under the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union treaty, alongside plans for better data integration. Health Alerts: Fiji’s Ministry of Health warns of an early rise in influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections, urging precautions and prompt care. Food & Tech for Resilience: Fiji’s sugar sector is rolling out a Digital Management System and chatbot to improve transparency and inclusion, while school meals research suggests local sourcing could add $25m for farmers. Aquaculture Upgrade: Fiji’s Naduruloulou fisheries station is set for a $548k aquaculture boost, upgrading a prawn hatchery and rehabilitating ponds.