AGP Executive Report

El Niño warning for Kiribati and the Pacific: With fuel shortages already squeezing water, food and children’s health, Pacific agencies warn a strengthening El Niño could bring drought in some places and heavier rain in others—raising risks of unsafe drinking water and crop failure. Pacific Islands Forum climate and ocean push: At the 55th PIF in Palau, leaders backed urgent climate action to keep 1.5°C within reach and tightened regional positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution. Missile-test fallout and Kiribati absence: PIF leaders “registered concern” over China’s July ICBM test overflying members without adequate notice, calling for 24-hour advance warning; Nauru dissented and Kiribati’s President skipped the leaders retreat. EU-UNICEF school resilience for Kiribati: A €17m EU-UNICEF programme will upgrade climate-resilient water, sanitation, renewable power and maintenance so schools can stay open during disasters, including in Kiribati. India-Kiribati green and people-focused cooperation: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa and held talks on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation and renewable energy—aimed at building a more resilient Blue Pacific. Tuna for food security: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” to celebrate World Tuna Day and highlight tuna’s role in Pacific livelihoods and nutrition, including in Kiribati.

Pacific climate risk: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau “registered concern” over China’s July missile test, but the bigger message for Kiribati and neighbours was climate survival—leaders backed urgent, inclusive action to keep 1.5°C within reach and pushed stronger ocean, fisheries and marine pollution positions. El Niño warning for Kiribati: With fuel shortages already straining water and food, forecasts point to a 100% chance El Niño continues through late 2026, bringing heavier rain in parts of Micronesia (including around Kiribati) and drought elsewhere—raising risks for drinking water, sanitation and children’s health. Safer schools funding: The EU and UNICEF launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to upgrade schools in Kiribati and other islands with climate-resilient water/sanitation, renewable power and disaster-ready maintenance. Kiribati–India livelihoods: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa to boost higher-value coconut processing and training for farmers and women’s groups. Kiribati at the forum: Kiribati was notably absent from key leader retreat moments and was “snubbed” at the closing list, while India–Kiribati talks also focused on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and digitisation. Tuna and food security: The FFA and SPC rolled out “Tuna Bites” to celebrate tuna’s role in Pacific diets and livelihoods, with Kiribati among participating countries.

Pacific Islands Forum wrap-up: Leaders in Palau “registered concern” over China’s July ICBM test after it overflew parts of the region without adequate notice, urging at least 24 hours’ advance warning and transparency. Kiribati absence: Kiribati’s President skipped the leaders’ meeting and the country was omitted from the closing list, while Naoero (Nauru) dissented—highlighting how geopolitics is splashing into regional decision-making. Ocean & marine protection: The forum backed stronger Pacific positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, and pushed coordinated work for the BBNJ talks. Climate-resilient schools: A new EU–UNICEF €17m programme will upgrade water, sanitation, renewable power and maintenance so schools in Kiribati and other Pacific states can stay open during disasters. Local livelihoods: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in Tarawa to boost higher-value coconut processing and training, aiming at jobs for farmers and women’s groups.

Pacific climate resilience: The EU and UNICEF launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme in Palau to help schools in Kiribati, Fiji, FSM and the Solomon Islands stay open during cyclones, floods and sea-level impacts, with climate-proof water and sanitation, renewable power, better connectivity, and training for teachers and school leaders. Ocean and fisheries push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders wrapped with a stronger stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, calling for coordinated Pacific action and backing preparations for the 2027 BBNJ talks. Nuclear fallout and victim support: A Kiribati-linked UN meeting on victim assistance and environmental remediation highlighted the long health and environmental costs of nuclear weapons testing, with nuclear-armed states notably absent. Kiribati diplomacy and climate finance: Kiribati was absent from parts of the PIF leaders retreat and was left out of the closing list, while the forum also advanced climate funding and community resilience through the Pacific Resilience Facility. Food and livelihoods: The FFA and SPC kicked off “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day, spotlighting tuna’s role in Pacific food security, including in Kiribati. Local economy with sustainability: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa, backing processing plants and training to turn coconut resources into higher-value products.

Pacific Islands Forum fallout (Kiribati): Kiribati was “disappointing[ly]” snubbed at the PIF closing in Palau and was also absent from the Leaders Retreat, with President Taneti Maamau not attending and a special envoy left unannounced during the ceremony; the move follows Kiribati’s refusal to back a regional statement condemning China’s missile test. Regional stance on missiles: PIF leaders registered concern over China’s July ICBM test for overflying members “without adequate notice,” urging at least 24 hours’ advance transparency; Naoero dissented, and Kiribati’s absence kept the issue politically charged. Oceans and marine protection: Leaders tightened positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, pushing coordinated Pacific action and preparing for the 2027 BBNJ talks. Climate-resilient schools (Kiribati included): A new EU–UNICEF €17m programme will upgrade school infrastructure and maintenance, add climate-resilient water/sanitation, renewable power and better connectivity, directly benefiting about 15,000 children in Kiribati and training teachers and administrators. India–Kiribati cooperation: India and Kiribati held talks on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, infrastructure and renewable energy, reinforcing partnership on a “Blue Pacific” agenda. Geopolitics shadow: China warned of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence at PIF, while leaders argued local priorities like climate and security must not be hijacked.

Pacific Islands Forum wrap (Palau): Leaders closed the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with the Belau Declaration calling for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep 1.5°C within reach, while also registering concern over China’s July missile test that overflew members without adequate notice and urging 24-hour advance warning. Oceans & biodiversity: The final communiqué strengthened the Pacific stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, pushing coordinated action on climate, biodiversity and illegal fishing and preparing for the BBNJ talks in 2027. Kiribati in the spotlight: Kiribati was not represented at the leaders’ retreat, with reports noting its absence amid the wider China–Taiwan tensions. Climate-resilient schools (Kiribati included): A new EU–UNICEF €17m programme will upgrade schools across Kiribati, Fiji, FSM and the Solomon Islands, adding climate-resilient water and sanitation, renewable power and stronger maintenance so classrooms stay open during disasters. Community resilience funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility is backing community projects—from water security to coastal restoration—including support for traditional farming practices that help protect coastal reefs. India–Kiribati cooperation: India and Kiribati held talks on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, education and renewable energy, reinforcing partnerships for a more resilient “Blue Pacific.”

Climate-resilient education: The EU and UNICEF launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme in Palau, aiming to upgrade schools in Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands so classrooms can keep operating during and after cyclones, floods, sea-level rise and other disasters. Local resilience funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to global climate events, with work focused on water security, food production, coastal restoration, sanitation, renewable energy and community resilience. Kiribati diplomacy for sustainability: India and Kiribati held talks in Tarawa on deepening cooperation in infrastructure, renewable energy and sustainable development, reinforcing a “Blue Pacific” partnership. Pacific Islands Forum nuclear warning: PIF leaders concluded with concern over China’s July nuclear-capable missile test, urging advance notice and transparency. 1.5°C reality check: A UN report highlighted that the world has lost the chance of holding warming to 1.5°C, raising stakes for Pacific climate action. PIF politics spill over: The summit has been overshadowed by China–Taiwan tensions, with “consequences” warnings and notable leader absences, including Kiribati not represented at a key retreat.

Kiribati–India Cooperation: In South Tarawa, India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met Kiribati’s Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy minister to explore deeper ties on infrastructure, renewable energy and sustainable development, with Mehta also visiting Kiribati’s dialysis centre tied to India’s 2023 FIPIC health push. Climate-Resilient Schools: A new EU–UNICEF €17m programme will help about 15,000 children in Kiribati (plus Fiji, FSM and Solomon Islands) by upgrading schools for cyclones, floods and sea-level impacts, including climate-resilient water and sanitation, renewable power, better connectivity, and training for teachers and administrators. Pacific Leaders’ Priorities Under Pressure: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Smaller Island States leaders (with Kiribati’s chair handover to Palau) set priorities on transport, fisheries, health workforce support, procurement and climate finance access—while the summit is overshadowed by Taiwan–China tensions and leader absences. El Niño Water Worries: With El Niño likely across the Pacific through Christmas, warnings focus on unsafe drinking water and disease risk for children, and Kiribati is flagged as having little margin for climate shocks. Nuclear Ban Message: A UN conference co-chaired by Kazakhstan and Kiribati’s Hidankyo partner Masako Wada said there is “no means” to provide relief if nuclear weapons are used, and called for environmental restoration.

Climate Resilience for Schools: The EU and UNICEF will fund a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme for Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, upgrading classrooms and water/sanitation, adding renewable power and disaster-prep training so schools can stay open through cyclones, floods and sea-level impacts. Pacific Islands Forum Priorities: At the Smaller Island States meeting in Palau, Kiribati’s Taneti Maamau handed the SIS chair to Palau’s Surangel Whipps Jr, with leaders pushing practical action on transport, fisheries, health workforce support, regional procurement and climate finance access. El Niño Water and Food Risks: Pacific islands brace for El Niño, with warnings that drought and heavy rain can quickly turn into unsafe drinking water, crop losses and disease—especially for children in places like Kiribati already facing high rates of unsafe water. Community Climate Projects to COP31: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to regional pre-COP events and COP31, including water security, sanitation, coastal restoration and renewable energy, with Palau selecting a youth-led water project and traditional planting revival. Nuclear Harm and Environmental Restoration: Kiribati co-chaired a UN conference on support for victims of nuclear weapons use and testing, stressing there is “no means” of relief if nuclear weapons are used and calling for environmental restoration. PIF Geopolitics Over Taiwan: The PIF in Palau is overshadowed by China’s “consequences” warning over Taiwan’s presence and by missing leaders, even as climate and regional security remain on the agenda.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting opened under B.E.L.A.U. with climate action, fisheries, transport, health workforce, and climate finance on the agenda, but geopolitics over Taiwan-China and leader absences are already overshadowing talks. Kiribati diplomacy: In Tarawa, India and Kiribati held high-level meetings to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, reinforcing partnership ties. Climate reality check: A UN-backed report says the world has lost the chance to hold warming to 1.5°C, with Pacific leaders using the moment to press Australia to stop expanding fossil fuels. Pacific resilience funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility is moving into operations, with US$173m pledged and community projects focused on water security, food production, coastal restoration, sanitation, renewable energy, and resilience heading to regional and global showcases. El Niño risks: Pacific islands, including Kiribati, face worsening water and food insecurity as El Niño brings drought and flooding threats. Nuclear harm warning: A UN conference co-chaired by Kazakhstan and Kiribati heard that no relief is possible after nuclear weapons use, alongside calls for environmental restoration.

Pacific climate finance in action: The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) is taking 14 community projects to Pacific pre-COP meetings in Fiji and COP31, with each PRF member able to nominate projects up to US$20,000—covering water security, food production, coastal restoration, sanitation, renewable energy and community resilience, including Kiribati-linked work such as water and traditional planting revival in Palau and women-led water resilience in Tuvalu. Kiribati at the Pacific Islands Forum—at a distance: As the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting gets underway in Palau, Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau is absent in person, sending a virtual handover for the Smaller Island States (SIS) chair to Palau’s Surangel Whipps Jr, while the SIS leaders push for stronger advocacy and better access to funding. Climate accountability push: Pacific Elders delivered a Declaration on Climate Change calling for an end to fossil fuel subsidies, no new exploration, stronger national commitments, and adaptation finance as grants—pointing to binding climate obligations under international law. Geopolitics threatens unity: The summit is overshadowed by China-Taiwan tensions and reports of leader pullouts, with China warning of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence—raising concerns that climate and resilience priorities could get sidelined.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting is underway, but unity is fraying fast as several heads of government—including Kiribati President Taneti Maamau (represented virtually), Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale (left after a no-confidence motion), and leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa—skip in person, raising alarms about foreign interference and whether climate and regional security decisions can hold. China–Taiwan pressure: China’s envoy warned Taiwan’s presence at the opening ceremony could bring “consequences,” while Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese said the forum decides who takes part; Taiwan is back as a development partner, and Beijing is pushing back hard. Small Island States priorities: Kiribati handed the Smaller Island States chair to Palau, with a focus on stronger advocacy and clearer shared priorities for economies and livelihoods. Climate accountability push: Pacific Elders’ Voice urged a shift from asking for help to demanding climate accountability—ending fossil fuel expansion, protecting maritime zones, and backing grant-based adaptation finance. Resilience funding moves: The Pacific Resilience Facility entered its operational phase, with countries collecting pledged funds (US$173m) and seeking more (US$327m). Ocean and shipping climate talks: Separate from Palau, UN shipping carbon pricing negotiations are resuming in London, a reminder that pollution and emissions rules are still on the global agenda.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders’ talks are underway in Koror, but a big chunk of heads of government are missing, raising doubts about unity on climate action and regional security. Kiribati-SIS chair shift: Palau took the Small Island States chair from Kiribati, with Kiribati President Taneti Maamau calling for stronger advocacy and better access to funding for the smallest island economies. China-Taiwan flare-up: China warned of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence at the summit, while Palau insists Taiwan is a development partner—fueling geopolitical pressure that risks drowning out island priorities. Climate accountability push: Pacific Elders’ Voice delivered a declaration urging an end to fossil fuel expansion, grant-based climate finance, and protection of Pacific maritime zones, citing recent international legal findings. Resilience funding moves: The Pacific Resilience Facility is now operational, with countries focused on collecting US$173m pledged and raising more. Kiribati adaptation data: Fugro completed ground surveys across Kiribati Line Islands to build high-resolution coastal and topographic baselines for sea-level rise planning. Shipping climate talks: UN negotiations on carbon pricing for international shipping are back on the table in London, with the outcome likely to shape global warming cuts.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, but unity is fraying: Leaders’ talks are underway with a likely third of heads of government absent, including Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale (who left after a no-confidence motion). Geopolitics over climate: Australia and New Zealand are playing down the pullouts, some blamed on Chinese pressure, as Taiwan-China tensions risk overshadowing Pacific priorities. Climate accountability push: Pacific Elders’ Voice delivered a declaration urging an end to fossil fuel subsidies and new exploration, stronger national climate plans, and grant-based adaptation finance—framing climate action as rights under international law. Resilience funding moves forward: The Pacific Resilience Facility has entered its operational phase, with countries focused on collecting US$173m pledged and raising another US$327m. Water crisis response in Kiribati: Kiribati’s President’s Office says a charter vessel will ship fresh water and even a desalination plant to Banaba for about 300 residents. Oceans and energy stakes: Leaders are also set to discuss ocean stewardship and energy security as the region faces fuel and food pressures.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders are gathering in Koror, but unity is strained by major no-shows, including Kiribati President Taneti Maamau and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale, with several countries sending ministers instead. Climate accountability push: Pacific Elders’ Voice is urging the region to shift from asking for help to demanding fossil-fuel accountability and stronger protection of maritime zones ahead of COP31. Kiribati’s climate-and-water reality: Kiribati moved fast to charter a vessel to deliver fresh water to Banaba after a crisis, while Fugro completed coastal and topographic surveys in the Line Islands to support sea-level rise planning. Ocean protection vs deep-sea mining: The deep-sea mining race is heating up, with Nauru and Kiribati among those facing major ecological risks as big powers push seabed minerals. Illegal wildlife trade crackdown: Kiribati detained a Chinese vessel for shark fin violations in its waters, showing enforcement against ongoing biodiversity loss. Regional politics spill over: Taiwan’s participation and China’s pressure are adding geopolitical noise as leaders also plan to tackle renewable energy, food security, and transnational drug crime.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders are gathering in Koror for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, with climate resilience, ocean stewardship, and energy security on the agenda—but geopolitics is already crowding the room. Kiribati President Taneti Maamau won’t attend, sending Director of the Foreign Service David Teaabo instead, while tensions over Taiwan and China risk overshadowing priorities like renewable energy and climate action. Security and unity under strain: Solomon Islands’ PM Matthew Wale also won’t attend the leaders meeting after a no-confidence motion, highlighting how regional unity is being tested as major powers compete for influence. Kiribati water emergency response: In Banaba, Kiribati’s President’s Office moved quickly to charter a vessel to deliver fresh water and ship a desalination plant for the island’s 300 residents. Climate adaptation data for Kiribati: Fugro completed ground surveys across Kiribati’s Line Islands, using LiDAR to build baseline coastal and topographic data to support sea-level rise planning. Fuel and food pressure: A NZ-backed climate mobility programme was launched to help Pacific islands plan for climate-driven displacement, as fuel shocks and El Niño risks compound water and food stress. Deep-sea mining alarm: Commentaries warn that the rush for deep-sea “battery metals” could damage Pacific ecosystems and livelihoods, just as climate impacts intensify.