AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security Funding: Tonga is set to receive a new wave of US and Australian investment for maritime security, including measures targeting illegal fishing and other cross-border crime, with shiprider-style cooperation to extend enforcement far offshore. Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: Naoero (Nauru) President David Adeang says his country will withdraw from the ICC and criticises the International Seabed Authority for slow rules on deep seabed mining, while noting Kiribati and Tonga remain strong mining backers. Climate & Energy Transition: UN chief António Guterres urged countries to break fossil-fuel dependency, calling for credible national roadmaps to end coal, oil and gas production and consumption. Kiribati & Social Protection: A UN DESA policy brief warns Pacific SIDS—including Kiribati—have low social protection coverage, leaving households exposed to climate disasters and price shocks, and says systems can be built step-by-step. Tourism & Data: The Pacific launches a regional yachting strategy (2026–2030) to grow high-value tourism, but flags a key gap: inconsistent data on yacht arrivals and economic impact. Labour Mobility: New Zealand published eligibility for its RSE Limited Visa (including Kiribati), allowing up to seven months of seasonal work in horticulture and viticulture.

Pacific Skills & Jobs: India’s EAM Jaishankar says FIPIC will offer customised capacity-building for Pacific Island professionals, with focused training modules designed around each country’s priorities. Maritime Security: Tonga is set to benefit from a new US and Australia push on maritime enforcement, including funding to tackle illegal fishing and other cross-border crime across its vast EEZ. Deep-Sea Mining & Governance: Naoero President David Adeang says Naoero will withdraw from the ICC and criticises delays at the International Seabed Authority, while reaffirming support for deep seabed mining. Climate & Energy: UN chief António Guterres urges countries to end fossil-fuel dependence, calling for credible national roadmaps and faster renewable build-out as climate impacts intensify. Agriculture Labour Mobility: New Zealand publishes the 13-country list eligible for its RSE Limited Visa for seasonal horticulture and viticulture work, with a usual stay cap of seven months in an 11-month period. Social Protection for Resilience: A UN DESA brief warns Pacific SIDS—including Kiribati—have major gaps in social protection coverage, leaving households exposed to climate and economic shocks. Tourism & Data: The Pacific launches a yachting strategy for 2026–2030, aiming to grow high-value tourism while improving regulation, community benefits, and yacht-arrival data. Kiribati in the spotlight: Kiribati is named among Pacific proponents of deep seabed mining, and also appears in UN DESA’s list of countries with low social protection coverage.

Seasonal Work Visas: New Zealand has published the 13 countries eligible for its Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa, including Kiribati, allowing workers to take short-term jobs in horticulture and viticulture with a stay of up to seven months within an 11-month period. Climate Risk for Small Islands: A UN push at the UN General Assembly highlights sea level rise as a lived “existential threat,” noting accelerating global ocean rise and warning that impacts will hit coastal communities and heritage hard. Kiribati and Regional Security: At a Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ summit, 16 of 18 Pacific states backed a joint statement after a major missile test overflew the region without adequate notice; Kiribati was among the two that did not sign, reflecting the island’s close ties to Beijing. Social Protection Gap: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS—including Kiribati—have low social protection coverage (below 30% in several states), leaving households exposed to climate disasters and economic shocks. Tourism & Marine Industry: The Pacific Tourism Organisation launched a Pacific Tourism Yachting Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to grow sustainable yachting while improving regulation and data on yacht arrivals and local economic benefits.

Climate Risk & Coastal Industry: A UN-backed push is set to adopt a declaration warning sea level rise is an “existential threat,” already reshaping economies and cultures as oceans rise faster than in at least 3,000 years. Social Protection for Resilience: UN DESA says Pacific SIDS—including Kiribati—need stronger social protection to cut poverty and better absorb climate and price shocks, noting coverage is below 30% in several countries. Pacific Tourism & Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and partners launched a 2026–2030 yachting strategy to grow high-value tourism, but admit the region still lacks consistent data on yacht arrivals and economic impact. Agriculture Labour & Migration: Australia’s immigration changes are driving fresh debate with farmers worried about backpacker shortages; the government points to the PALM scheme to recruit Pacific workers for regional agriculture. Maritime Safety: Vanuatu’s MV Matui ferry sank in bad weather after a harrowing voyage story highlighted how rough seas can turn inter-island travel into disaster. Regional Security & China: Pacific leaders reacted to China’s missile test, with Kiribati among the few states that did not sign a joint concern statement. Energy & Private-Sector Push: The US says it will deepen Pacific engagement with more private-sector investment, maritime security, and energy shock support.

Sea Level Rise Watch: A UN General Assembly push is set to adopt a declaration warning sea level rise is an “existential threat” already reshaping economies, livelihoods and heritage, with oceans rising faster than in at least 3,000 years and projections pointing to major additional global rise by 2100. Pacific Tourism & Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and MDF launched a 2026–2030 Pacific yachting strategy to grow high-value tourism, but key work is improving inconsistent yacht arrival and spending data with Fiji’s statistics bureau. Labour for Agriculture: Australia’s immigration changes are driving debate with farmers worried about backpacker shortages; the government points to the PALM Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme as a replacement pathway for regional farm work. Social Protection for Resilience: A UN DESA brief says Pacific SIDS—including Kiribati—need stronger social protection coverage to better handle climate and economic shocks, noting coverage is below 30% in several countries. Security & Sovereignty: Pacific leaders reacted to recent missile testing, with most states backing a joint concern statement while Kiribati and Nauru declined to sign. US–Pacific Trade Shift: The US says it will deepen Pacific engagement with more private-sector-led growth and maritime security, moving “trade over aid” and highlighting new support funding.

Pacific Tourism & Yachting: The Pacific Tourism Organisation, with the Market Development Facility, launched a Pacific Tourism Yachting Strategy 2026–2030 to grow high-value yachting while tightening regulation, improving sustainability, and boosting community benefits. A key focus is fixing weak data on yacht arrivals and economic impact, with work underway alongside Fiji’s Bureau of Statistics to track departures, length of stay, vessel types, and spending. Pacific Labour & Food Supply: Australia’s immigration changes are pushing farmers to seek Pacific island labour via the PALM scheme as backpacker visa extensions face caps, raising concerns about fruit and crop harvests. Climate Finance & Resilience: UN DESA says Pacific SIDS—including Kiribati—need stronger social protection to better handle climate and economic shocks, noting coverage is below 30% in several countries. Kiribati & Climate Diplomacy: Kiribati is also in the climate spotlight, with reporting on climate finance concerns raised with the UN Secretary-General. Security & Sovereignty: At the Pacific Islands Forum, most states backed a statement after a long-range missile test overflew the region; Kiribati was among those that declined to sign. Energy & Maritime Economy: The US says it will deepen Pacific engagement with more private-sector-led growth, maritime security, and energy shock support, including over US$150m announced around the PIF meeting.

Climate Action & Energy: Australia’s PM opened Climate Group’s Climate Week NYC 2026, stressing that extreme weather is becoming more frequent and intense and arguing the world can’t “freeze in time” as renewables accelerate. Pacific Social Protection: UN DESA says Pacific SIDS, including Kiribati, need stronger social protection to cut poverty and help households withstand climate and economic shocks; coverage is below 30% in several states. Pacific Security & Sovereignty: At the Pacific Islands Forum, 16 of 18 endorsed concern over a recent China missile test overflying the region without adequate notice; Kiribati was among the two that did not sign. US Pacific Engagement: The US says it will deepen Pacific ties with a shift toward private-sector-led growth, trade over aid, and support for energy security and maritime cooperation. Regional Labour for Food Production: Australia’s Labor government tells farmers to use Pacific labour mobility schemes to offset backpacker shortages under its immigration changes. Vanuatu Transport Safety: A ferry sinking (MV Matui) after a harrowing voyage highlights ongoing risks for inter-island shipping in bad weather.

Pacific Security & Sovereignty: Pacific leaders backed a joint statement after a nuclear-capable missile test overflew the region, but Kiribati (and Nauru) declined to sign—highlighting how Beijing ties can shape regional positions. Social Protection & Resilience: A UN DESA brief says Kiribati and several Pacific SIDS have social protection coverage below 30%, leaving households exposed to climate disasters and price shocks; it urges expanding coverage step-by-step. Shipping & Safety in the Pacific: A Vanuatu ferry tragedy is tied to a “harrowing” voyage story after the MV Matui later sank in bad weather, with deaths confirmed and many still missing—raising pressure on inter-island transport reliability. Weather & Early Warning: Pacific nations report progress under Weather Ready Pacific, including Kiribati securing funding to upgrade weather stations and independence in forecasting, while Tonga and Tuvalu push faster warning systems. Digital Economy: Vanuatu’s fintech push shows how mobile money and regulation are adapting to island geography—relevant for regional financial inclusion.

Maritime Safety & Transport: A Vanuatu inter-island ferry, the MV Matui, sank in bad weather after failing to reach Ambae’s port; two deaths were confirmed, 14 rescued, and 39 still missing—highlighting ongoing risks for Pacific shipping and passenger movement. Social Protection for Resilience: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS, including Kiribati, have social protection coverage below 30% and need stronger systems to cut poverty and better absorb climate and economic shocks. Pacific Security & Sovereignty: At the Pacific Islands Forum, 16 of 18 states backed a joint statement condemning a recent nuclear-capable missile test overflying the region without notice; Kiribati was among the two that declined to sign. Weather & Early Warning Capacity: Pacific meteorological leaders reported progress under Weather Ready Pacific and the Pacific Meteorological Council, including Kiribati’s funding to upgrade weather stations and Tonga’s multi-hazard early warning centre. Digital & Financial Inclusion: A Vanuatu fintech report notes mobile money and digital financial services are key for outer-island access, with regulation and telecom upgrades supporting broader inclusion. AI Governance: Pasifika AI creators warn that Pacific-focused AI must not speak for communities without formal mandate.

Maritime Safety in the Pacific: A ferry tragedy in Vanuatu has turned deadly after the MV Matui sank in bad weather, with 2 confirmed dead, 14 rescued and 39 still missing—highlighting how rough seas and unreliable inter-island transport can quickly become a major risk for passengers and crews. Social Protection for Resilience: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific Small Island Developing States need stronger social protection to cut poverty and help households withstand climate and economic shocks; coverage is especially low in Kiribati and several other countries. Kiribati in the Security Spotlight: At a Pacific Islands Forum summit, 16 of 18 states backed a joint statement over a recent missile test overflying the region without notice, but Kiribati was among the two that declined—underscoring how security and sovereignty debates still split Pacific partners. Weather and Early Warning Capacity: Pacific leaders and meteorological services are pushing ahead on early warnings, with progress reported across the region including Kiribati’s upgrades to weather stations and observation systems. Digital Economy & Inclusion: Vanuatu’s fintech push shows how mobile money and digital services can expand access across remote islands—an approach Kiribati can watch as it plans for wider financial inclusion.

Maritime Safety & Recovery: A Vanuatu inter-island ferry, the MV Matui, sank in bad weather after failing to reach Ambae’s port; one report says 55 passengers and crew were aboard, with 2 confirmed dead, 14 rescued, and 39 missing—highlighting how transport risk can quickly become an industry and supply-chain crisis across the Pacific. Social Protection & Resilience: A UN DESA policy brief urges Pacific Small Island Developing States to expand social protection; coverage is above 90% in Cook Islands and Palau but below 30% in Kiribati, Tonga, the Marshall Islands, Samoa, FSM, Solomon Islands and PNG—key for coping with climate shocks and price volatility. Pacific Security & Sovereignty: At the Pacific Islands Forum, 16 of 18 states backed a joint statement after a recent China missile test overflew the region without notice; Kiribati was among the two that declined to sign, underscoring how security decisions can split regional alignment. Weather & Early Warning Capacity: Pacific Meteorological Council updates show progress under Weather Ready Pacific, including Kiribati’s independence in forecasting and funding to upgrade surface stations and upper-air systems.

Maritime Safety & Transport: A Vanuatu inter-island ferry, the MV Matui, sank in bad weather while carrying an estimated 55 passengers and crew; two deaths are confirmed, 14 rescued, and 39 still missing, after one Ambae traveller described a “harrowing” voyage with rough seas and a wall of water. Social Protection & Resilience: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS—including Kiribati—need stronger social protection systems to cut poverty and better handle climate and economic shocks; coverage is below 30% in Kiribati and several neighbours. Pacific Security & Sovereignty: At the Pacific Islands Forum summit, 16 of 18 states backed a joint statement condemning a recent China missile test overflying the region without notice; Kiribati was among the two that did not sign. Weather & Early Warning Capacity: Pacific leaders and meteorological services report progress under Weather Ready Pacific, including Kiribati’s independence in forecasting and funding to upgrade weather stations. Digital Economy & Inclusion: Coverage highlights how Vanuatu is pushing fintech and mobile money to reach outer islands where traditional banking is hard to deliver. Industry & Labour: Australia’s farm sector is being told to use Pacific labour mobility schemes to manage backpacker shortages under new immigration rules.

Vanuatu Ferry Disaster: A ferry in Vanuatu, the MV Matui, sank in bad weather after a harrowing 12-hour ordeal for passengers—two deaths confirmed, 14 rescued, and 39 still missing—highlighting ongoing transport and safety risks across Pacific island routes. Camp Lejeune Claims: Camp Lejeune water contamination claimants are asking a federal judge to keep settlement offers open as they challenge how the Justice Department calculated exposure categories, with a key September 27 deadline looming. Kiribati Social Protection Gap: A UN DESA policy brief says social protection coverage is below 30% in Kiribati and several other Pacific SIDS, leaving households highly vulnerable to climate and economic shocks. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum, 16 of 18 states backed a joint statement over China’s missile test overflying the region without notice; Kiribati was among the two that did not sign. Weather & Early Warning: Pacific nations are strengthening weather and early warning services under the Pacific Meteorological Council, with Kiribati noted for upgrading surface stations and upper-air observation systems. Coral “Super Reefs”: New research points to more climate-resilient reefs than expected, with “super reefs” mapped across places including Kiribati, offering hope for marine protection planning.

Pacific Resilience & Social Protection: A new UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS must expand social protection to cut poverty and better handle climate and economic shocks, noting coverage is under 30% in Kiribati, Tonga, the Marshall Islands, Samoa, FSM, Solomon Islands and PNG. Pacific Security & Missile Fallout: At the Pacific Islands Forum summit, 16 of 18 states backed a joint statement criticizing China’s July intercontinental ballistic missile test overflying members without notice; Kiribati and Nauru declined to sign, underscoring how security and sovereignty concerns are splitting alignments. Kiribati in the Spotlight (Forum Presence): Kiribati sent a foreign service director to the Palau meeting but was initially omitted from acknowledgements, with officials calling the protocol “not good,” reflecting the country’s close ties to Beijing. Weather & Early Warning for All: Pacific meteorological leaders highlighted progress under Weather Ready Pacific, including Kiribati’s independence in forecasting and funding to upgrade 14 surface stations and add upper-air systems. Regional Trade & Energy Diplomacy: The US says it will deepen economic, energy and security engagement by promoting private-sector-led growth and “trade over aid,” with support for energy security, maritime security and digital connectivity across Pacific island states. Agriculture Labour Pressure: Australia’s immigration changes are pushing farmers to use Pacific island and Timor-Leste workers via the PALM scheme as backpacker access tightens.

Constitution Watch (Fiji): Fiji is targeting a new Constitution by 24 December 2026, with the constitutional review process moving into a decisive phase. Weather & Early Warning (Pacific): Pacific ministers and meteorology leaders renewed commitments to stronger, more integrated weather, climate and early warning services, with Kiribati highlighted for upgrading 14 surface weather stations and upper-air observation systems under Weather Ready Pacific. Climate Action & Finance (Pacific): Pacific leaders pushed for climate finance that is justice, not charity, while discussions at the Pacific Meteorological Council stressed practical delivery over promises. Trade & Aviation (Kiribati): Australia’s treaty committee cleared air services deals with Kiribati, a boost for connectivity that can support tourism, freight and business travel. Tuna & Fisheries (Fiji): Fiji demanded fairer returns from global tuna trade, keeping pressure on how value is shared across the supply chain. Health & Regional Care (Fiji): Fiji continues to receive patients from the region, including Tongan heart patients treated in Nadi for care not available at home. Security & Crime (Fiji): Fiji Police are probing missing cocaine bars linked to Suva High Court exhibits, a reminder of ongoing enforcement work. Ocean Heat & Reefs (Pacific): New reporting points to rising ocean heat and growing interest in “super reefs” that may offer hope for coral resilience in places like Kiribati.

Pacific Weather & Early Warning: Pacific Ministers renewed their push for stronger, more integrated weather, climate and early warning services, with Kiribati highlighted for independence in forecasting and funding to upgrade 14 surface stations plus upper-air systems. Climate Resilience for Industry: Research on “super reefs” points to more climate-resilient coral areas across the Marshall Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu—useful for coastal protection and fisheries planning. US Pacific Economic Shift: The U.S. says it will deepen engagement with Pacific island countries by prioritizing private-sector development over direct aid, backing energy security, maritime security and digital connectivity. Kiribati Security & Infrastructure: A Kiribati–New Zealand operation safely disposed of about 300 WWII-era UXO items in Betio, moving shells to an isolated sandbar and evacuating residents when needed. Regional Diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders addressed a “complex and challenging strategic environment,” including pushback on China’s conduct after a July ballistic missile test. Kiribati Business/Trade: Australia’s treaty committee cleared air services deals with Kiribati and Naoero, a boost for connectivity that can support tourism and trade.