AGP Executive Report

Clean Shipping Pact: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro, with Kiribati among the signatories, aiming to coordinate a fair shift away from fossil-fuel shipping. The plan targets low-carbon vessels, climate-resilient port upgrades, and trained workers to keep long-distance island routes connected. Health & Education Staffing Pressure: A new U.S.-funded performance audit warns that out-migration and economic decline are making it hard for Micronesian governments to staff and maintain schools and medical facilities, raising questions for future funding and regional ties. Agriculture Boost for Rabi: Kiribati’s neighbor Vanuatu commissioned a dedicated Ministry of Agriculture office on Rabi Island, backing commercial farming of kava, dalo, cassava and ginger and supporting community processing projects. Sports Infrastructure: Kiribati secured the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans for new facilities and a Games Village, including reconstruction of the R K Uatioa National Stadium. Maritime Patrol Link: The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, calling at Kiritimati, Kiribati, and supporting maritime safety and law enforcement with regional partners. Heritage Resilience Training: UNESCO supported a Pacific course on managing World Heritage for disaster and climate resilience, including Kiribati heritage professionals working with Pacific case studies.

Clean Shipping Pact: Fiji, FSM, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu have signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro, aiming to coordinate a fair shift away from fossil-fuel shipping with low-carbon vessels, climate-resilient ports and trained workers. Skills Shortage Hits Services: A new U.S.-funded performance audit warns that out-migration and population loss are making it hard for Micronesian governments to staff schools and medical facilities, raising questions for future funding and relations. Agriculture Boost on Rabi: Kiribati-linked regional focus continues as Rabi Island in Fiji commissions a dedicated Ministry of Agriculture office, with support for kava, cassava, ginger and coconut oil processing. Kiribati Sports Infrastructure: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans for new facilities and a Games Village. Maritime Patrol in Kiribati: The U.S. Coast Guard’s USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including a port call in Kiritimati, Kiribati, and law-enforcement support in Tonga. Sea-Level Rise & Climate Accountability: UN member states backed an ICJ climate obligations advisory opinion, strengthening the legal push for climate action and reparations—an issue that directly shapes Pacific island planning.

Sports & Infrastructure: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the Micronesian Games Council citing Kiribati’s facilities, transport and financial plans; preparations now include new sports venues and a Games Village, alongside reconstruction of the R K Uatioa National Stadium and work on the Kiribati Institute of Sport. Agriculture & Value Chains: Rabi Island farmers have gained a dedicated Ministry of Agriculture office after years of operating from shared space, with the new setup expected to strengthen support for commercial kava, dalo, cassava and ginger, plus links to community processing projects. Maritime & Safety: The US Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, including port calls in Kiritimati and assistance to Tonga’s maritime law enforcement with fishing vessel safety checks. Climate, Law & Risk: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, reinforcing that climate inaction is a breach of international law—an issue with direct relevance for Pacific states facing rising seas and reef stress. Energy & Minerals: A report flags growing competition for seabed minerals tied to clean-energy demand, noting agreements already in place with Kiribati and the Cook Islands and new interest from major powers.

Climate & Fisheries: Coral researchers in the Marshall Islands are using unmanned surface robots to track reef survival as record marine heat waves drive the worst bleaching on record, with many reefs still struggling to recover. Agriculture & Food Systems: Rabi Island in Fiji has commissioned a dedicated Ministry of Agriculture office to support commercial farming of kava, dalo, cassava and ginger, plus community processing projects. Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly endorsed an International Court of Justice advisory opinion backing climate obligations, strengthening the legal push for emissions action and possible reparations. Pacific Sports & Infrastructure: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans for new sports facilities and a dedicated Games Village. Maritime Operations: The US Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, including port calls in Kiribati and law-enforcement support in Tonga. Regional Development & Trade: A new Fiji kava platform is moving farmers toward direct global buyers using verified profiles and QR codes, aiming to cut out middlemen. Nuclear Legacy & Decolonisation: Pacific leaders renewed calls that nuclear testing legacies still leave unresolved issues tied to colonialism, self-determination and decolonisation. Blue Economy & Mining: Deep-sea mining deals are expanding across the Pacific as seabed minerals become tied to clean-energy demand and wider power competition, including agreements involving Kiribati.

Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed an International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate obligations, with over 140 countries voting in favor—signaling stronger political support for legal duties to cut emissions and consider reparations. Agriculture & Value Chains: A new Ministry of Agriculture office was commissioned on Rabi Island to boost support for commercial farming of kava, dalo, cassava and ginger, alongside tours of community projects like virgin coconut oil and kava processing. Sports Infrastructure: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans for new sports facilities and a dedicated Games Village, following a competitive process and the withdrawal of Northern Mariana Islands after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Maritime Operations: The US Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after a 42-day Operation Blue Pacific patrol, including port calls in Kiritimati and Kiribati and assistance with fisheries safety checks in Tonga. Regional Resources & Geopolitics: Pacific seabed mining is heating up as the race for critical minerals links to major-power naval and investment moves, with agreements involving Kiribati and other island states. Anti-Corruption & Governance: UNODC is backing a Pacific push to strengthen anti-corruption journalism, aiming to improve accountability through better reporting capacity.

Agribusiness & Food Systems: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale (EU/FAO STODAS) spotlighted new agrifood entrepreneurs, while Fiji opened a virtual SIDS Solutions Forum focused on digitalisation and resilient agrifood systems. Local Agriculture Support: Rabi Island farmers got a dedicated Ministry of Agriculture office, with officials also touring a virgin coconut oil operation and a kava processing setup. Sports Infrastructure: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans for new facilities and a Games Village. Maritime Operations & Connectivity: USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including port calls in Kiribati and Tonga and support for maritime law enforcement. Climate & Legal Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, strengthening the push for emissions responsibility and reparations. Pacific Nuclear Legacy: Leaders renewed calls to finish decolonisation after nuclear testing, citing unresolved contamination and self-determination issues across the region. Seabed Minerals & Geopolitics: Deep-sea mining plans are accelerating as major powers pursue seabed minerals, with Kiribati and other Pacific states named in existing agreements. Food Safety for Exports: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules to protect access to the EU seafood market.

Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed a landmark International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate obligations, with over 140 countries voting to support the idea that failing to act is a breach of international law and may open the door to reparations. Agriculture & Value Chains: Rabi Island in Fiji received a dedicated Ministry of Agriculture office, boosting support for commercial crops like kava, dalo, cassava and ginger, plus community processing projects. Sports Infrastructure: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans for new facilities and a Games Village, following a competitive process and regional typhoon impacts. Maritime Operations & Connectivity: The USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, including port calls in Kiribati and support for maritime law enforcement and safety checks. Food Safety for Exporters: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules, aimed at keeping access to the EU seafood market. Deep-Sea Minerals Race: Pacific seabed mining is increasingly tied to geopolitics, with new interest and agreements involving islands such as Kiribati and the Cook Islands. Pacific Anti-Corruption Journalism: UNODC is backing a push to strengthen anti-corruption reporting across the Pacific.

Agriculture & Rural Development: Kiribati’s farming support gets a boost as a dedicated Ministry of Agriculture office was commissioned on Rabi Island, replacing years of staff working out of a room at the Rabi Council of Leaders—Assistant Minister Inosi Kuridrani also toured a virgin coconut oil operation and a kava processing machine to link policy with on-island production. Sports & Youth: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans for new sports facilities and a dedicated Games Village, following a competitive process and the withdrawal of the Northern Mariana Islands after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Fisheries & Trade Compliance: Pacific fisheries officials, including Kiribati, trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at keeping EU access by tightening refrigeration requirements for tuna exports. Maritime Operations: The USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, making port calls including Kiritimati, Kiribati, and supporting maritime law enforcement and safety checks. Climate & Governance: Regional voices renewed calls that decolonisation and nuclear-era harms remain unresolved, including impacts tied to nuclear testing across places such as Kiribati and Banaba.

Agriculture & Rural Development: Rabi Island farmers in Kiribati have a dedicated Ministry of Agriculture office at Nuku, commissioned by Assistant Minister Inosi Kuridrani after years of operating from a room in the Rabi Council of Leaders building; the visit also highlighted local value-adding projects including a Banaban Women’s Organisation virgin coconut oil operation and a ministry-supported kava processing machine. Sports & Infrastructure: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans underway for new sports facilities and a dedicated Games Village, alongside reconstruction of the R K Uatioa National Stadium and development of the Kiribati Institute of Sport. Fisheries & Food Safety: Pacific fisheries officials, including Kiribati, are training in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at tighter refrigeration requirements that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Maritime Operations: The USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, calling at Kiritimati (Kiribati) among other ports and supporting maritime law enforcement and safety checks in the region.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for training on the EU’s tighter freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing cold-chain performance after auditors found tuna not consistently reaching -18°C in brine; the changes could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Sports & Infrastructure: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with preparations now underway for new sports facilities and a Games Village, including rebuilding the R K Uatioa National Stadium and developing the Kiribati Institute of Sport. Maritime Operations: The USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, covering 7,500 nautical miles and port calls including Kiritimati, Kiribati, while supporting maritime law enforcement and safety checks. Climate Governance: Pacific states pushed a UN General Assembly resolution endorsing an ICJ advisory opinion that failing to protect the climate system breaches international law—an issue with direct stakes for low-lying island economies. Climate Relocation Planning: New regional guidance on planned relocation (PAC-GIPR) is rolling out across the Pacific to manage displacement while protecting human rights, culture and community decision-making. Agrifood Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale highlighted EU/FAO-backed support for agrifood MSMEs and entrepreneurship to strengthen resilient local supply chains. Tuvalu Statehood at Sea: Tuvalu reiterated at UN talks that sea-level rise must not extinguish statehood or maritime rights as a September UN declaration on sea-level rise is negotiated.

Sports Infrastructure & Regional Industry: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans for new sports facilities and a dedicated Games Village, alongside reconstruction of the R K Uatioa National Stadium and development of the Kiribati Institute of Sport—an opportunity to boost local construction, services, and youth sport ecosystems. Maritime & Logistics: The US Coast Guard’s USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, covering more than 7,500 nautical miles and making port calls including Kiritimati, Kiribati—highlighting ongoing regional maritime support and law-enforcement cooperation. EU Seafood Compliance (Kiribati Impact): Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on the EU’s Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, which tightens freezer-vessel requirements and could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Climate Policy for Small Islands: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, reinforcing that climate protection duties are a matter of international law—relevant for Pacific planning, risk management, and industry continuity. Agrifood Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale showcased EU/FAO-backed agribusiness innovation under STODAS, supporting MSMEs and resilient food systems across Pacific states. Decolonisation & Nuclear Legacy: Pacific leaders renewed calls to address unresolved nuclear-era colonial legacies, including environmental harm and self-determination—an issue that still shapes regional governance and resource debates.

Sports Infrastructure Boost: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the Micronesian Games Council citing Kiribati’s facilities, transport, finances, and long-term development plan; preparations are already underway for new sports venues and a dedicated Games Village, including reconstruction of the R K Uatioa National Stadium and a Kiribati Institute of Sport push. Maritime Operations & Local Ports: The USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, covering 7,500 nautical miles and making port calls including Kiritimati, Kiribati, while supporting maritime law enforcement and community engagement. EU Seafood Compliance for Kiribati Fisheries: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for training on new EU freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at keeping tuna frozen at required temperatures to protect EU market access. Climate Policy Through Pacific Diplomacy: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, a move tied back to Pacific-led legal action that frames climate protection as a breach of international law, not just politics. Decolonisation & Nuclear Legacies: Pacific leaders renewed calls to finish decolonisation after nuclear testing, pointing to unresolved contamination, self-determination issues, and disputes over who benefits from natural resources. Agrifood Innovation in the Region: EU-funded FAO work continues to back agrifood entrepreneurs and resilience efforts across Pacific islands, including Samoa’s Agri-Innovate competition finale.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva on the EU’s tighter freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at stopping tuna from being frozen above -18°C in brine—an issue that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Maritime Operations in Kiribati: The US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, covering 7,500 nautical miles in 42 days with port calls including Kiritimati, Kiribati, and supporting maritime law enforcement and safety checks. Regional Sports Hosting: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the Micronesian Games Council backing Kiribati’s proposal after evaluating facilities, transport, finances and alignment with long-term development goals. Climate Mobility Framework: Pacific governments adopted regional guidance on planned relocation, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation as sea-level rise and extreme weather push some communities to move. Agrifood Innovation (Samoa): EU-funded FAO STODAS supported Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale, backing agrifood entrepreneurs and agribusinesses through training and business pitches. Forestry Capacity Building (Samoa): FAO and Fiji helped Samoa forestry officers complete training on sustainable teak and pine production and management to strengthen climate resilience. Fintech for Kiribati: A new look at Kiribati’s fintech potential focuses on using digital finance to overcome distance and improve access to services for dispersed communities and businesses. Deep-Sea Mining Race: Pacific seabed minerals are increasingly tied to geopolitics, with agreements involving Kiribati and the Cook Islands alongside new moves by the US and others. Nuclear Legacy & Decolonization: Pacific leaders and advocates renewed calls to address unresolved nuclear testing harms and colonial legacies, including in places like Banaba and Kiribati.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for a two-week technical training on the EU’s tighter freezer-vessel rules (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449), aimed at fixing cold-chain gaps after auditors found some tuna failed to consistently reach -18°C in brine—an issue that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Regional Sports & Youth: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the Micronesian Games Council backing Kiribati’s plan after evaluating facilities, transport, finances and alignment with long-term development goals. Agrifood Innovation: Samoa’s agrifood entrepreneurs wrapped up the 2026 Agri-Innovate Competition finale under the EU-funded FAO STODAS project, supporting agribusiness MSMEs across Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands. Climate & Displacement Planning: Pacific governments rolled out regional guidance for planned relocation (PAC-GIPR), stressing community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation as a last-resort option when adaptation can no longer keep people safe. Fisheries & Food Systems: FAO also supported Samoa and Fiji through forestry capacity-building on sustainable teak and pine production to strengthen climate resilience. Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey to guide more resilient tourism strategies across the Pacific. Weather Watch: WMO says El Niño has an 80% chance to form before September, with rising odds later in the year—raising the risk of heat and shifting rainfall patterns across the Pacific.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu met in Suva for a two-week technical training on the EU’s new freezer-vessel food-safety rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at keeping access to the EU market after auditors found vessels sometimes missed the required -18°C in brine; the changes could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels, with higher standards for tuna frozen for direct human consumption. Climate & Mobility: Pacific governments rolled out regional guidance on planned climate relocation, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation, as sea-level rise and extreme weather push low-lying islands toward long-term movement. Digital Finance for Kiribati: A look at how fintech can help Kiribati overcome distance and service delivery gaps across its widely spread atolls, shifting focus from “startup hubs” to practical access to financial services. Agrifood Innovation: FAO-backed Samoa Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 showcased agribusiness entrepreneurship under an EU-funded STODAS project supporting agrifood system transformation. Regional Sports Hosting: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, following a council evaluation of facilities, transport, finances and development alignment. Weather Watch: WMO warns there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September, with likely impacts across the Pacific and beyond.

Sports & Hosting: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the Micronesian Games Council endorsing Kiribati’s proposal after reviewing facilities, transport, finances and alignment with long-term development goals. Fisheries & Food Safety: Pacific fisheries officials, including Kiribati’s National Competent Authority, are training in Suva on the EU’s tighter freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing cold-chain performance after auditors found tuna not consistently reaching -18°C in brine; the change is expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Climate Risk & Weather: The WMO warns El Niño is likely to emerge soon (80% chance before September), with impacts that can mean heavier rainfall in some areas and drought and heat risks in others—an added pressure point for Kiribati’s already climate-stressed economy. Digital Finance & Inclusion: A look at how fintech can matter for Kiribati’s dispersed atolls—less about building big hubs, more about overcoming distance to expand access to financial services for people and businesses. Blue Economy & Relocation Policy: New regional guidance on planned climate relocation highlights community participation and cultural protection, relevant for low-lying nations facing long-term displacement.