AGP Executive Report

Digital Governance: Fiji’s Government says the Natadola Google ICT Facility followed all consultations, approvals and legal steps, defending the project amid public debate. Education Tech: DP World and LiteHaus International donated 450 laptops to Fiji schools, including 30 for Suva Grammar, to boost digital learning and research. AI Skills for Work: Women in Tech Fiji ran a free AI for Women Professionals workshop, teaching practical tools like prompt use and responsible AI for everyday workplace tasks. Early Warning Systems: Fiji and UNDP convened a CAP workshop and national dialogue to strengthen Fiji’s multi-hazard early warning system under EW4ALL, improving coordination and standards. Police Tech Funding: Fiji Police body-worn cameras remain paused due to funding, with gaps in the legislative and digital storage setup still noted. Forensics in Court: A forensic scientist confirmed drugs in the Lateef and Maharaj case were methamphetamine and marijuana, as trial testimony continues. Scam Prevention: Fiji’s Consumer Council launched National Scams Awareness Week 2026 to help people spot and report digital fraud. Connectivity for the Pacific: Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference (July 30–31) to push stronger digital infrastructure across island states. Fisheries Monitoring: Fiji completed phase one of an electronic monitoring system for offshore fishing, using cameras and trained analysts, with more funding set to expand it. Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu urged leaders to see climate impacts in person ahead of pre-COP events, aiming to put a “human face” on warming.

Global Health & Tech for Good: At the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio, Karolinska Institutet is debuting “HIV Unwrapped,” pairing HIV researchers with fashion designers to turn complex science into wearable art and tackle stigma. Fiji Justice & Forensics: Fiji Police forensic chemistry confirms drugs in the Lateef and Maharaj case were methamphetamine and marijuana; the Suva trial resumes 28 August. Pacific Tourism & Connectivity: SPTO says Fiji National University’s hospitality conference highlighted the need for stronger cross-sector collaboration and better air and maritime links to grow resilient tourism. Fiji Fisheries Monitoring: Fiji has completed phase one of an electronic monitoring system for offshore fishing, installing cameras on selected vessels and training analysts, with more funding to expand next year. Digital Safety: Fiji’s Consumer Council and partners launch National Scams Awareness Week 2026, pushing practical tips and community outreach to fight digital fraud. Agriculture Tech for Imports: A Taiwan mission urges Fiji to boost commercial farming using technology like irrigation and controlled lighting to improve standards and reduce food import dependence. Tech Infrastructure Event: Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference (30–31 July) to discuss digital connectivity and AI-ready infrastructure across the region.

Forensic Update (Fiji Courts): Fiji Police Forensic Chemistry confirms drugs in the Lateef and Maharaj case were methamphetamine and marijuana, as the Suva Magistrates Court trial begins. Digital Connectivity (Pacific): Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference (July 30–31) to push stronger digital infrastructure for an AI-ready future. Marine Tech (Fiji Fisheries): Fiji completes phase one of an electronic monitoring system for offshore fishing, using cameras and trained analysts, with more funding to expand next. Scam Safety (Fiji): The Consumer Council launches National Scams Awareness Week 2026, rolling out practical scam-prevention sessions beyond Suva. Tourism Collaboration (SPTO/FNU): SPTO urges cross-sector partnerships to strengthen regional connectivity and resilience at Fiji National University’s hospitality conference. Agriculture & Imports (Fiji): A Taiwan mission says Fiji’s food import reliance can be cut by turning farming into a profitable, tech-supported industry with better standards and consistent supply. Youth & Tech (Fiji): A software engineering student develops a community website, while Fiji Taekwondo calls for electronic scoring tech to match international competition. Climate Action (Pacific): Pacific climate ministers meet ahead of COP31, stressing a united negotiating voice and coordinated Pre-COP planning.

Digital Connectivity & AI Readiness: Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference (July 30–31), aiming to strengthen Pacific digital infrastructure and partnerships for an AI-powered future. Fiji Fisheries Tech: Fiji has completed phase one of an electronic monitoring system for offshore fishing, using cameras on selected vessels, trained analysts, and new server/back-end support—plus $515,000 more to expand. Scam Safety: Fiji’s Consumer Council launched National Scams Awareness Week (NSAW 2026) to push safer digital habits and faster scam reporting across Suva, Lautoka and Labasa. Health Tech for Remote Areas: Fiji rolled out 65 solar-powered vaccine carriers to protect the cold chain (2°C–8°C) for up to 12 hours in remote and maritime communities. Climate & Nature Solutions: Mangrove restoration is being urged as a coastal resilience and carbon-savings strategy, while Pacific climate ministers coordinate a united COP31 agenda ahead of Pre-COP31 in Fiji. Regional Security Tech Links: A PNG–New Zealand defence cooperation deal points to more maritime surveillance and training—key for Pacific-wide monitoring needs. Global Trade: A new Future of Trade and Investment Partnership (FIT-P) is gaining momentum, focusing on supply chains, non-tariff barriers, and tech-enabled investment.

Pacific Connectivity & AI Readiness: Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference 2026 on July 30–31, bringing together regulators, operators and investors to plan the next wave of digital infrastructure for an AI-powered future. Offshore Fisheries Tech: Fiji has completed phase one of an electronic monitoring system for offshore fishing, installing cameras on selected vessels and training analysts, with more funding to expand next year. Scam Safety Push: Fiji’s Consumer Council launches National Scams Awareness Week 2026, rolling out community sessions in Lautoka and Labasa to help people spot and report digital fraud. Health Tech for Remote Areas: Fiji is rolling out 65 solar-powered vaccine carriers to keep vaccines at safe temperatures for up to 12 hours during transport to remote and maritime communities. Sports Tech Gap: Fiji Taekwondo says local athletes are disadvantaged without electronic scoring systems and is seeking sponsors to bring sensor-based scoring to future competitions. Regional Security Cooperation: PNG and New Zealand signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement focused on maritime surveillance, training and disaster response. Climate Policy Momentum: Pacific climate ministers met in Sydney to coordinate a united COP31 position ahead of Pre-COP31 in Fiji.

Scam Defense Rollout: Fiji’s Consumer Council launched National Scams Awareness Week 2026, pushing practical tips on spotting digital fraud and reporting scams, with roadshows planned for Lautoka and Labasa. Fisheries Tech Upgrade: Fiji has completed phase one of an electronic monitoring system for offshore fishing, installing cameras on selected vessels and training analysts, with more funding to expand next year. Sports Tech Gap: Fiji Taekwondo says local competitions need electronic scoring sensors to match international rules, and is seeking sponsor support ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games. Health Tech for Remote Areas: Fiji’s Ministry of Health rolled out 65 solar-powered vaccine carriers to keep vaccines at safe temperatures during transport to isolated communities and disasters. Digital Safety Challenge: Tonga and Fiji universities are taking part in a Pacific digital inclusion and online safety innovation challenge in Papua New Guinea, aiming for community-focused cybersecurity solutions. Climate & Nature Focus: Pacific climate ministers met in Sydney to coordinate a united COP31 push, while Fiji advocates highlight mangrove restoration as key coastal protection. Governance & Justice: The UN General Assembly opened a special session against corruption, urging stronger action on money laundering and illicit financial flows.

Fisheries Tech & Governance: Fiji has started building a new National Monitoring, Control and Surveillance strategy to tackle illegal fishing, with modern tools and systems to boost monitoring and enforcement in Fiji waters. Offshore Monitoring Upgrade: Fiji also completed the first phase of an Electronic Monitoring System for offshore vessels, installing high-tech cameras, setting up server and analysis systems, and training data analysts, with more funding to expand. Digital Skills for Youth: A USP software engineering student helped launch a new Kaloka Youth Association website, turning community support into a practical tech project. Sports Tech Gap: Fiji Taekwondo says local athletes are disadvantaged without electronic scoring systems and is seeking sponsor support to bring the tech to upcoming competitions. Health Tech in Remote Areas: Fiji’s Solar Vaccine Carrier Pilot Programme is rolling out 65 solar-powered units to keep vaccines at safe temperatures for deliveries to remote and maritime communities. Climate Resilience: Mangrove restoration is being pushed as a key nature-based solution for protecting Fiji’s coasts and supporting livelihoods as sea levels rise. EV & Northern Access: FMF is expanding in Vanua Levu with a new warehouse and electric vehicle showroom in Labasa to reduce stock shortages and let customers test EVs locally. Forensics Capacity: Police say a Racagi investigation is delayed because Fiji lacks specialised forensic lab equipment, so samples are being sent to New Zealand for analysis.

Fisheries Tech: Fiji has completed the first phase of an electronic monitoring system for offshore fishing, installing high-tech cameras on selected vessels and setting up servers, back-end services and trained data analysts to review footage for more transparent, accurate catch data. Sports Tech: Fiji Taekwondo says local athletes are disadvantaged by the lack of electronic scoring tech, and is seeking sponsor support to bring sensor-based scoring to future competitions. Health Logistics Tech: Fiji’s Ministry of Health has launched 65 solar-powered vaccine carriers to keep vaccines at 2°C–8°C for up to 12 hours, improving delivery to remote maritime communities and strengthening cold-chain resilience during disasters. Digital Inclusion & Safety: Tonga and Fiji are among universities competing in a Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in Papua New Guinea, aiming to build practical solutions for cybersecurity and safer online spaces. Climate & Nature Tech: Fiji is starting its 2026 State of the Environment Report to track indicators across reefs, forests, waste, pollution and climate impacts, while mangrove advocates push restoration as a coastal protection and carbon-sink strategy. Security & Connectivity: Satellite internet is expanding across the Pacific, but power remains the missing link, with pilots pairing Starlink with solar generators to keep schools and basic devices running. Scam Warning: The UN warns scam syndicates are using tech and AI to target the Asia-Pacific, with Pacific islands increasingly at risk as enforcement tightens elsewhere.

Electronic Monitoring for Fisheries: Fiji has completed phase one of an electronic monitoring system for offshore fishing, installing high-tech cameras on selected vessels and training data analysts, with $515,000 more funding to expand next financial year. Sports Tech Gap: Fiji Taekwondo says local athletes are disadvantaged by the lack of electronic scoring tech, and is seeking sponsor support to bring sensor-based scoring to its next competition. Remote Health Tech: Fiji’s Ministry of Health launched 65 solar-powered vaccine carriers to keep vaccines at 2°C–8°C for up to 12 hours, improving access for remote and maritime communities and strengthening disaster readiness. Environment Data Push: Fiji has started work on its 2026 State of the Environment Report, a “report card” covering forests, reefs, waste, climate impacts and more, using 37 indicators across 21 areas. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific climate ministers met in Sydney to coordinate a united COP31 position, including preparations for Pre-COP31 in Fiji. Digital Safety & Scams: The UN warns scam syndicates are using tech and AI to target vulnerable people across the Asia-Pacific, with Pacific islands increasingly in their sights. Business Connectivity: Telecom Fiji renewed Platinum sponsorship for TOPEX 2026, backing business leadership and digital transformation discussions.

Amelia Earhart Search: Purdue Research Foundation and the Archaeological Legacy Institute say the “Taraia Object Expedition” is cleared to depart in early October for Nikumaroro Island, aiming to investigate a human-made anomaly in a lagoon that could be Earhart’s Lockheed Electra. Forensics & Justice: Fiji Police say the Racagi death investigation is delayed because Fiji lacks specialised forensic lab equipment, so samples are being sent to New Zealand for analysis. Business & Digital Growth: Telecom Fiji renews TOPEX 2026 platinum sponsorship, backing leadership, innovation and digital transformation for Fiji’s business community. Climate Law to Action: Pacific leaders and student campaigners mark one year since the ICJ climate advisory opinion, urging governments to turn legal obligations into real funding and delivery ahead of COP31. Power for Connectivity: A key barrier to remote Pacific internet is reliable electricity, with Starlink-linked solutions using portable solar generators to keep schools and health services online. Health Tech in Remote Areas: Fiji launches 65 solar-powered vaccine carriers to protect the cold chain for maritime and remote communities during transport and disasters. Environment Monitoring: Fiji begins work on its 2026 State of the Environment Report to track forests, reefs, waste, air quality, climate impacts and oceans. Youth, Education & Tech Skills: Tonga and Fiji universities take part in a Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in PNG, building solutions for cybersecurity, inclusion and safer digital finance.

ICJ Climate Anniversary: Pacific leaders and student campaigners marked one year since the ICJ’s unanimous climate advisory opinion, urging governments to turn legal obligations into real action ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. COP31 Prep: Pacific Climate Ministers met in Sydney to push a united regional agenda, coordinating positions for Pre-COP in Fiji and COP31 in Türkiye. Remote Connectivity Fix: Satellite internet is spreading, but power is the missing link; Lightspeed says it’s pairing Starlink with portable solar generators to keep schools and basic services running. Health Tech for Islands: Fiji launched 65 solar-powered vaccine carriers to protect the cold chain for remote and maritime communities, including during disasters. Fiji Environment Data: Fiji has started its 2026 State of the Environment Report to track forests, reefs, waste, pollution and climate impacts using 37 indicators. Digital Safety & Scams: UNODC warns scam syndicates are using tech and AI to target the Asia-Pacific, with Pacific countries at risk as enforcement tightens elsewhere; Fiji’s Online Safety Commission also welcomed Meta’s crackdown on fake accounts. Local Tech/Business: Telecom Fiji reaffirmed Platinum support for TOPEX 2026, while Fiji’s Miss Bula contestant Saukuru is using the platform to promote education and youth empowerment.

Agriculture & Energy Partnership: Fiji’s Deputy PM Viliame Gavoka says a growing relationship with Israel could help tackle Fiji’s water, desalination and renewable energy gaps, with Israel’s ag-tech expertise flagged as a boost for tourism and farming. Environment Reporting: Fiji has started work on its 2026 State of the Environment Report, a “report card” covering reefs, forests, air quality, waste, climate impacts and oceans, using 37 indicators across 21 areas. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific climate ministers agreed to push a united position into Pre-COP31 in Fiji and COP31 in Türkiye, aiming to strengthen regional influence and coordination. Security Cooperation: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation framework covering exercises, exchanges and training as regional strategic competition intensifies. Digital Inclusion & Safety: Tonga universities are joining a Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in PNG, with teams designing solutions for cybersecurity, inclusion and safer online spaces. Scam Warning: UNODC warns Pacific Island countries are increasingly targeted by interconnected scam networks using tech and AI, after losses of up to $114.1b across Asia-Pacific in 2025. Online Safety Tech: Fiji’s Online Safety Commission welcomed Meta’s crackdown on fake accounts and sextortion, stressing platform action plus community and law enforcement effort. Water Pollution Controls: Fiji’s Lands Ministry wants stronger penalties and clearer offences in a proposed Public Health Bill to better protect water sources, including groundwater recharge zones. Medical Waste Upgrade: Lautoka Hospital commissioned two new $1.2m medical waste incinerators to improve safe disposal for the Western Division.

Climate Justice Milestone: One year after the ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, Pacific youth-led legal advocacy is credited with reshaping global climate justice conversations. Digital Inclusion in the Pacific: Two Tongan university teams are competing in Papua New Guinea’s Bridge the Gap challenge, aiming for practical fixes for online safety, cybersecurity, and digital financial access. Scam Threat Escalates: The UN warns Asia-Pacific scam syndicates are using tech and AI to target vulnerable people, with Pacific islands increasingly seen as weaker enforcement targets. COP31 Unity Push: Pacific climate ministers meeting in Sydney stress speaking “one voice” ahead of Pre-COP and COP31, including work on shared positions and climate finance. Fiji Research & Clean Cooking: FNU physics researcher Dr Ravita Devi Prasad wins major research honours for community-focused work improving access to clean cooking energy. Online Safety Tech Moves: Fiji’s Online Safety Commission welcomes Meta’s crackdown on fake accounts and sextortion, saying platform action must pair with community and enforcement efforts. Medical Waste Upgrade: Lautoka Hospital commissions two new incinerators to improve safe disposal of clinical waste across Fiji’s Western Division. Public Service After Coups: Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission hears how coups stalled reforms, fueled brain drain, and left universities failing to document governance impacts. Police Body Cameras: A parliamentary committee urges Fiji Police to fast-track body-worn cameras, citing missing laws, secure storage, and policies.

Defence & Security: China says its growing defence cooperation with Fiji is meant to work alongside existing security partners, citing capacity building, maritime security and anti-crime efforts. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific climate ministers meeting in Sydney backed a “speak with one voice” approach ahead of Pre-COP and COP31, calling unity a strategic necessity. Water Tech & Resilience: ADB and Japan launched a $10m Water Security fund (WISER) to strengthen water systems and disaster resilience, including digital solutions. Online Safety & AI Abuse: Fiji’s Online Safety Commission welcomed Meta’s crackdown on fake accounts and sextortion, while PNG prepares laws targeting deepfakes and digital impersonation. Scams: Fiji reports over $1.3m lost to scams since 2017, with police warning syndicates increasingly use AI and deepfakes. Public Tech in Policing: A parliamentary committee urged Fiji Police to fast-track body-worn cameras, but says laws and secure digital storage are still missing. Health Infrastructure: Lautoka Hospital commissioned two new medical waste incinerators to improve safe disposal across Western Division. Water Pollution Rules: Fiji’s Lands Ministry wants stronger penalties and clearer offences in the Public Health Bill to better protect water sources. Education Inclusion: A report highlights ongoing barriers for children with disabilities, even as inclusive education expands. Skills & Training Funding: Fiji’s Higher Education Commission defended a funding formula after Polytech’s allocation reportedly dropped sharply.

AI Scams & Online Safety: Fiji’s Online Safety Commission welcomed Meta’s crackdown on fake accounts and sextortion, as Fiji and the region face growing AI-driven impersonation risks. Cybercrime in the Pacific: A PNG case shows how AI deepfakes are being used to clone identities and run fake giveaways, while Fiji reports over $1.3m lost to scams since 2017 and police plan a national scam response centre. Public Service & Governance: Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission heard how coups stalled reforms, triggered brain drain, and left universities criticised for not studying long-term impacts on governance. Policing Tech: A parliamentary committee urged Fiji Police to fast-track body-worn cameras, but said laws and secure digital storage are still missing. Water Protection: Fiji’s Lands Ministry wants tougher penalties and clearer offences in a Public Health Bill to better protect water sources from pollution. Health Infrastructure: Lautoka Hospital commissioned two new medical waste incinerators to improve safe disposal across the Western Division.

Inclusive Education: Fiji’s Rights of Children with Disabilities report says barriers remain for students with disabilities, from transport and inaccessible schools to discrimination and limited specialist support—though more learners are now in mainstream settings (1,867 vs 1,285 in special schools). Health & Environment: Lautoka Hospital has commissioned two new $1.2m medical waste incinerators, creating a safer, centralized disposal hub for much of the Western Division with modern emissions controls. Road Safety Upgrade: Suva’s Ratu Sukuna Road and Extension Street link are being upgraded to cut accident risk and congestion, with revised scope focused on essential safety and reliability. Cyber & AI Scams: Fiji has lost over $1.3m to scams since 2017, as police warn fraudsters increasingly use AI and deepfakes; a national scams response centre is planned. Waste Data Digitalisation: The Pacific Recycling Foundation is starting to digitalise Fiji’s recycling data to improve accuracy and decision-making. AI Governance: UN bodies stress stronger AI governance as the digital divide widens, calling for guardrails and transparency. Women in Tech: KPMG Fiji highlights the need for women’s equal roles in AI development to reduce bias and improve fairness.