AGP Executive Report

Kiribati UN seat for women’s rights: Kiribati made history by winning a seat on the UN Commission on the Status of Women for 2026–2030, with Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing calling it a “miracle.” The move comes as Pacific leaders push for stronger recognition of how climate shocks hit women and girls hardest, and she plans to focus on women’s economic empowerment and social protection. Climate relocation planning: Pacific governments adopted the Pacific Regional Guidance on Planned Relocation (PAC-GIPR), building on earlier regional frameworks to help communities manage climate-related displacement with human rights, Indigenous rights, and cultural preservation—positioning relocation as a last resort when adaptation is no longer possible. EU rules tighten for Pacific tuna exports: National authorities from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel food safety requirements under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels. Kiribati-linked regional water and pollution risk: A separate report highlights how wastewater spills can quickly become an environmental and health issue, with officials describing an 8,000-gallon sewage overflow reaching a creek after sewer blockages. El Niño watch for the Pacific: The WMO says there’s an 80% chance El Niño will form before September, with impacts that can include heavier rainfall in some areas and drought and heat risks in others—on top of climate change pressures.

Climate Mobility Policy: Pacific governments rolled out the Pacific Regional Guidance on Planned Relocation (PAC-GIPR), a rights-focused framework for long-term community moves when adaptation is no longer possible—highlighting community participation, Indigenous rights, and cultural preservation. Kiribati in UN Spotlight: Kiribati secured a seat on the UN Commission on the Status of Women for 2026–2030, with Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing calling it historic and pointing to gender and climate change as a key focus. Ocean & Food Safety: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, and Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained to meet the new requirements. Health & Water Pollution: Camp Lejeune reported an estimated 8,000-gallon sewage spill into Northeast Creek after blockages caused untreated wastewater to overflow; samples are being reviewed. El Niño Watch: WMO says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September, with higher odds later—raising risks of heat, drought, and heavy rainfall across the Pacific. Forestry for Resilience: FAO supported Samoa and Fiji in a sustainable teak and pine production training to strengthen climate-resilient forestry management. Tourism Data & Markets: Niue and regional partners released visitor survey findings under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, supporting more sustainable tourism planning across Kiribati and other Pacific states.

Climate Mobility: Pacific governments rolled out the Pacific Regional Guidance on Planned Relocation (PAC-GIPR), urging relocation only as a last resort when communities can’t safely adapt—while protecting human rights, Indigenous rights, cultural identity, and local decision-making. Kiribati Diplomacy & Gender: Kiribati Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing became the first Pacific Islander elected to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (2026–2030), with climate-linked pressures on women and girls expected to be a key focus. Ocean & Food Safety: EU rules on freezer vessels under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449 are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained to meet the new -18°C brine requirement. Weather Watch: The WMO says El Niño has an 80% chance of forming before September, with higher odds later—raising risks of heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall patterns across the Pacific region. Water Pollution Incident: An estimated 8,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into Northeast Creek near Tarawa Boulevard at Camp Lejeune after sewer lift-station blockages, with samples taken and environmental authorities notified. Forestry for Resilience: FAO supported Samoa and Fiji in a sustainable teak and pine production training to close technical gaps and strengthen climate resilience.

Planned Relocation Framework: Pacific governments have adopted new regional guidance (PAC-GIPR) to manage climate-related planned relocation as a last resort, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights, and cultural preservation as sea-level rise and extreme weather push people to move. Kiribati at UN Gender Body: Kiribati secured a seat on the UN Commission on the Status of Women for 2026–2030, with Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing calling it historic and linking the role to advancing women’s economic empowerment and protection during climate and economic shocks. EU Tuna Export Rules: New EU freezer-ship food safety requirements are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific tuna exporters, after EU auditors found freezer vessels failing to consistently reach required brine temperatures. Sewage Spill in Tarawa: An estimated 8,000 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into Northeast Creek near Tarawa Boulevard on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune after blockages in a lift station; officials cleared the system, applied lime, and are sampling water. El Niño Warning: The UN weather agency says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September, with higher odds later, raising the risk of heat, drought, and heavy rainfall across the Pacific region.

EU Food Safety for Pacific Seafood: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for a two-week training on new EU freezer-vessel requirements under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at keeping Pacific Island exports to the EU open after EU auditors found vessels failing to reach -18°C in brine. Kiribati at the UN on Gender and Climate: Kiribati’s Ruth Maryanne Cross Kwansing became the first Pacific Islander elected to the UN Commission on the Status of Women, saying Pacific voices matter most as the commission’s focus heads into 2027 on gender and climate change. El Niño Warning for the Pacific: The WMO says there’s an 80% chance El Niño forms before September (rising to 90% later), with impacts that can mean heavier rain in some areas and drought and heat risk in others—on top of climate change. Samoa Forestry for Climate Resilience: FAO supported a hands-on exchange training for Samoa forestry officers on sustainable teak and pine production and management, targeting gaps in seed propagation and harvesting data. Marine Life and Fisheries Shock: A report on Super El Niño highlights how extreme warming can disrupt plankton productivity and marine food chains, threatening fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Kiribati-linked Ocean Governance: The week also flagged the WTO Fisheries Subsidies deal, with “Fish 1” already in force to curb harmful subsidies tied to IUU and overfishing, while “Fish 2” progress is still at risk.

Climate Risk Watch: The WMO says El Niño is now likely to form (80% chance before September, rising to 90% later), with knock-on effects across the Pacific—more extreme heat and shifting rainfall patterns on top of climate change. Marine Life & Food Security: A new analysis on “Super El Niño” warns that stronger-than-usual warming can disrupt plankton and upwelling, destabilizing fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Forestry for Resilience: FAO-backed training in Fiji helped Samoa’s forestry officers strengthen sustainable teak and pine production, including seed propagation and harvesting methods to better handle climate and ecosystem pressures. Water Pollution Alert: Officials report about 8,000 gallons of sewage spilled near Tarawa Boulevard in North Carolina after manholes overflowed; crews added lime and collected samples as regulators review. Tourism Data for Sustainability: SPTO and Niue Tourism released the 2024 International Visitor Survey to guide more resilient, strategic tourism growth across Pacific destinations including Kiribati. Fisheries Governance: The WTO’s Fisheries Subsidies deal is framed as an environmental win, but progress on the next phase (“Fish 2”) could stall if key countries delay. Pacific Media Capacity: SPREP is preparing a regional workshop to boost Pacific journalists’ ability to report weather and climate stories for community resilience.

Climate Resilience Forestry: FAO reports Samoa forestry officers completed hands-on training in Suva on sustainable teak and pine production and management, building seed propagation and harvesting skills to better handle climate change, extreme weather, and ecosystem pressures. Regional Tourism & Data: Fiji hosted SPTE 2026 for the third time, bringing Pacific tourism businesses together in Nadi, while SPTO and Niue shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey to guide more resilient, sustainable tourism planning across Kiribati and other Pacific states. El Niño Outlook: The WMO says there’s an 80% chance El Niño forms before September (rising to 90% later), warning of wider impacts like heavier rainfall in some regions and drier conditions elsewhere—on top of climate change risks. Marine Life & Fisheries: A new look at Super El Niño explains how extreme sea warming can disrupt plankton productivity, destabilize marine food chains, and hit fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Waste & Water Safety: Officials say about 8,000 gallons of sewage spilled at Camp Lejeune after manholes overflowed near a wastewater lift station, with water samples collected and environmental review underway. Ocean Governance: A reminder that the WTO Fisheries Subsidies deal is in force, but progress on the next phase could stall if key countries don’t move forward—important for protecting Pacific marine resources.

Sewage & Water Safety: About 8,000 gallons of sewage spilled from manholes at Camp Lejeune after blockages in the collection system overflowed into the Northeast Creek, with crews clearing lines, adding lime, and collecting water samples while the state environmental agency reviews the incident. Climate Outlook (El Niño): The WMO warns an El Niño is likely to emerge soon, with an 80% chance before September and rising odds later in the year—raising risks of heat, drought, and heavy rainfall across parts of the Pacific and beyond. Pacific Resilience & Media: SPREP is backing a regional workshop to help Pacific media report weather and climate stories for community preparedness, including coverage linked to upcoming meteorology meetings in Tonga. Marine Life & Food Security: A look at “Super El Niño” explains how extreme warming can disrupt plankton, fisheries, and coastal livelihoods—highlighting why adaptive fisheries management matters. Kiribati & Governance: Kiribati is hosting a Pacific anti-corruption conference, framing integrity and transparency as essential for protecting climate and development funding. Tourism Data (Kiribati in focus): SPTO and Niue released Pacific visitor survey findings under a regional data initiative that includes Kiribati, aiming to support more resilient, sustainable tourism planning.

Climate Watch: The WMO says there’s an 80% chance El Niño forms before September (rising to 90% from July–November), with impacts that can mean heavier rain in some places and drought/heat risk in others—an extra stress on already climate-changed Pacific islands, including Kiribati. Tourism & Sustainability: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey (via New Zealand-funded PTDI), highlighting visitor sources and preferences to help shape more resilient, sustainable tourism planning across Pacific destinations like Kiribati. Media for Resilience: SPREP is backing a regional media capacity push to help Pacific journalists report weather and climate for community preparedness, linking reporting skills with upcoming Pacific meteorology meetings in Tonga. Marine Protection: A new World Trade Organization Fisheries Subsidies deal (Fish 1) is already in force, targeting IUU fishing and overfished stocks—while the next phase (Fish 2) could be weakened if key countries stall, with big stakes for Pacific fisheries and livelihoods. Climate Mobility & Rights: A new analysis links climate change to statelessness risks, arguing governments must activate protections as climate-driven movement becomes more real.

Pacific Resilience & Security: Australia and Japan agreed to prioritize supply chains, energy, critical minerals, trade and security in Canberra, but climate change was notably left off the agenda—despite Pacific leaders calling it their biggest security threat. Urban Planning for Climate Impacts: A new look at Pacific SIDS warns that fast-growing cities are outpacing planning and governance, leaving communities exposed to cyclones, floods, sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion and land subsidence—so resilience has to be built as a whole system, not a “shelf” plan. Climate Reporting Capacity: SPREP is backing a regional media workshop in September to help Pacific journalists amplify weather and climate stories for resilience, including coverage tied to key meteorology meetings in Tonga. Climate Mobility & Statelessness: A Tuvalu-focused analysis highlights how climate-related migration is already happening under the Australia–Tuvalu Falepili Treaty, and argues governments must urgently address statelessness risks as mobility increases. Marine Life & Fair Fishing: The WTO fisheries subsidies deal is hailed as an environmental win for Pacific island fishers, but warns that the next phase (“Fish 2”) could be undermined if India, Indonesia and the United States stall talks. Tourism Data for Kiribati: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Kiribati’s tourism authority released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey 2025 report, estimating tourism’s 2025 economic impact at about USD 12.8 million and aiming to guide evidence-based marketing and development.

Deep-Sea Mining & Geopolitics: A new explainer details how a China deep-sea mining fleet investigation found most mining-linked research time spent outside seabed mining areas, raising both environmental concerns and security questions about dual-use ambitions. Climate Mobility & Rights: A Pacific-focused analysis links climate change to statelessness risks, arguing governments must urgently activate protections as climate-driven movement becomes real. Fisheries Subsidies Deal: The WTO’s Fisheries Subsidies Agreement is framed as an environmental win for Pacific marine resources, but warns that the next “Fish 2” phase could be undermined if key countries stall talks. Kiribati Tourism Data: Kiribati’s International Visitor Survey 2025 report (via SPTO) shares tourism spending and satisfaction snapshots to support evidence-based planning. Pacific Media for Resilience: SPREP backs a regional media workshop to boost weather and climate reporting capacity across Pacific newsrooms. Super El Niño on Oceans: A fisheries-focused piece explains how Super El Niño can disrupt plankton productivity and destabilize marine food chains, threatening coastal livelihoods. Quad Ports in Fiji: Australia, Japan, India and the US plan port infrastructure in Fiji, with observers flagging potential US-China flashpoints.

Pacific Climate Media Training: SPREP is backing a regional workshop to boost Pacific journalists’ ability to report on weather and climate, with selected reporters covering Tonga’s Pacific Meteorological Council and Ministers meetings—aimed at helping communities prepare for floods, cyclones and droughts. Climate Mobility & Statelessness: A new analysis flags how climate-driven displacement is already happening in the Pacific, but warns that risks like loss of nationality and statelessness are still too often overlooked in adaptation and risk-reduction planning. Fisheries Protection at the WTO: The WTO’s Fisheries Subsidies deal is hailed as a marine win, but the next phase (“Fish 2”) could stall if India, Indonesia and the United States don’t move forward—threatening progress against harmful subsidies and IUU fishing. Kiribati Tourism Data: Kiribati’s International Visitor Survey 2025 report (with SPTO and New Zealand support) estimates tourism’s 2025 economic impact at about USD 12.8 million and maps visitor spending and satisfaction. Regional Anti-IUU Patrols: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of coordinated surveillance across multiple Pacific EEZs, including Kiribati, to deter illegal fishing and other maritime crimes. Nuclear Justice Push: Kiribati and the Marshall Islands renewed calls at the UN for nuclear justice, citing the ongoing health and community impacts of South Pacific nuclear testing.

Climate mobility & rights: A new analysis links climate change to statelessness risks in the Asia Pacific, arguing governments must urgently activate measures to identify and prevent nationality loss as Pacific climate displacement becomes real. Australia–Japan ties & Pacific security: A commentary on Australia-Japan cooperation notes climate change wasn’t on the agenda, even as Pacific small states call it their biggest security threat. Fisheries protection at risk: The WTO Fisheries Subsidies deal is praised as an environmental win, but warns that India, Indonesia and the United States could stall the next phase, weakening safeguards for overfished stocks and IUU fishing. Kiribati tourism data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Kiribati’s tourism authority released the 2025 International Visitor Survey, reporting visitor spending and perceptions to guide more evidence-based tourism growth. Regional enforcement for marine life: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of coordinated surveillance with Kiribati among participating countries, targeting IUU fishing and maritime crimes. Nuclear justice push: Kiribati and the Marshall Islands renewed calls at the UN for nuclear justice, detailing ongoing health harms from past testing in the Pacific. Kiribati anti-corruption spotlight: An op-ed backs Kiribati’s leadership in hosting the Pacific Regional Conference on Anti-Corruption, warning corruption can “sink” climate and development funding. Super El Niño impacts: A report explains how Super El Niño disrupts marine ecosystems and fisheries, threatening food security and livelihoods across coastal islands.

Tourism & small business: Fiji’s tourism trade push is drawing scrutiny in Parliament over whether regional spending is delivering measurable support for smaller island enterprises, even as the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 reports record participation and a new Women in Business Showcase. Climate impacts on fisheries: A new look at Super El Niño warns that extreme warming can disrupt plankton productivity, destabilize marine food chains, and hit coastal livelihoods—an issue that matters for Kiribati’s food security. Regional infrastructure & geopolitics: India, the US, Australia and Japan (Quad) plan port infrastructure in Fiji, raising questions about Pacific priorities and whether ports could become another flashpoint in US-China rivalry. Fisheries protection: Pacific nations completed Operation Tui Moana 2026, a coordinated surveillance push against illegal fishing across multiple EEZs, with Kiribati among participants. Kiribati tourism data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Kiribati’s Tourism Authority released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey 2025 Annual Report, detailing visitor spending and satisfaction to guide greener, evidence-based tourism. Nuclear justice: Kiribati renewed calls for nuclear justice at the UN, highlighting the ongoing human cost of South Pacific nuclear testing.

Pacific Climate & Fisheries: A new analysis warns that Super El Niño can sharply disrupt marine ecosystems and fisheries by warming seas, weakening upwelling, and cutting plankton productivity—raising risks for coastal food security and livelihoods. Regional Security & Infrastructure: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) says it will jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, starting with Suva and Lautoka—an initiative that could also inflame US-China rivalry. Fisheries Protection in Action: Pacific nations completed Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week regional surveillance push (including Kiribati) to deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and other maritime crimes across EEZs and nearby high seas. Kiribati & Nuclear Justice: Kiribati renewed calls for nuclear justice at the UN, detailing the human cost of South Pacific nuclear testing and urging accountability for lasting health impacts. Tourism Data for Planning: Kiribati’s international visitor survey report (2025) was released, tracking visitor spending and satisfaction to support more evidence-based tourism development.

Super El Niño and fisheries: A new report warns that extreme Super El Niño conditions can disrupt plankton productivity, weaken upwelling, and destabilize marine food chains—hurting fish stocks, coastal livelihoods, and food security, with major implications for island nations like Kiribati. Fisheries governance in the Pacific: Pacific countries have wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week regional surveillance push to deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and other maritime crimes across multiple EEZs, with Kiribati among participating states. Fisheries subsidies at the WTO: The WTO’s Fisheries Subsidies Agreement is hailed as an environmental win, but the next phase (“Fish 2”) could stall if key countries drag their feet—raising the risk of continued harmful subsidies that drive overcapacity and overfishing. Kiribati tourism data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Kiribati’s Tourism Authority released the 2025 International Visitor Survey, estimating tourism’s 2025 economic impact at USD 12.8 million and offering fresh insights for greener, evidence-based tourism planning. Nuclear justice: Kiribati renewed calls for nuclear justice at the UN, detailing the ongoing human cost of 1957–1962 nuclear testing on Kiritimati, including severe illness and deaths. Regional security and tech: Reporting from the Solomon Islands highlights backlash to a Chinese policing surveillance system, raising questions about data collection and limits on external security models in the Pacific.