AGP Executive Report

Pacific Climate Summit: Representatives from California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno wrapped up the inaugural Pacific Climate Summit with a joint commitment to boost climate adaptation and resilience through deeper regional cooperation. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders also warned at UN climate talks in Bonn that attempts to weaken climate science put Pasifika lives and livelihoods at risk, with Kiribati and other low-lying states pushing back on changes to agreed language. El Niño Readiness: SPREP urged Pacific communities to start preparing now as an El Niño event is underway, saying knowledge and early action are key to protecting families. Micronesian Games 2030: The Micronesian Games Council selected Kiribati as host of the 2030 Micronesian Games after a competitive bidding process. Cybercrime Alert: INTERPOL warned cybercrime is surging across Fiji and the Pacific, highlighting scams, ransomware, phishing and AI deepfakes, and pointing to limited preparedness in small island states. Digital Governance: Kiribati’s youth and women’s minister flagged the need to manage AI and digital risks while using social media for positive change, as Pacific leaders discussed peace and security impacts of technology. Tuna Market Access: Fisheries and health officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on EU rules for freezing tuna onboard vessels, aimed at protecting access to the EU market.

Micronesian Games 2030: The Micronesian Games Council has selected Kiribati to host the 2030 Micronesian Games after a competitive bidding process, with the Northern Mariana Islands withdrawing following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Climate Summit Commitments: Kiribati joined California, Fiji, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Vanuatu and Weno at the First Pacific Climate Summit, backing deeper regional cooperation to strengthen adaptation and resilience. El Niño Preparedness: SPREP is urging Pacific communities to prepare now as El Niño is declared underway, warning impacts will vary by country and stressing early action. Cybercrime Alert: INTERPOL says cybercrime is surging across Fiji and the Pacific, with scams, phishing, ransomware and AI deepfakes growing as small island states face limited cybersecurity capacity. Digital Risks for Youth: Pacific leaders at a peace and security dialogue warned that AI and digital tools bring both opportunity and threats like misinformation and online harm, including effects on young people. Regional Sports Pathway: A BYU–Hawaii career conference brought together Pacific students and employers, including Kiribati, to connect youth with internships and jobs. Banaba Concerns: Rabi leaders and social services groups are disputing plans for pinnacle extraction on Banaba, calling it a “quick fix” amid ongoing trust fund governance concerns.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: California, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno reaffirmed a shared push for climate adaptation and resilience after the First Pacific Climate Summit, with a joint statement warning rising temperatures are driving more frequent, costly hazards. 2030 Micronesian Games: The Micronesian Games Council has selected Kiribati as host for the 2030 Micronesian Games, after bids from Chuuk, Kiribati, the Northern Mariana Islands and Palau (the latter withdrew after Super Typhoon Sinlaku). Tuna, Trade and Compliance: Pacific exporters are training on new EU tuna freezing rules, a reminder that technical standards can make or break access to the EU market. Cybersecurity Alarm: INTERPOL says cybercrime is surging across Fiji and the Pacific, with scams, ransomware and AI deepfakes growing—prompting calls for stronger regional cooperation, including Tonga’s participation in a joint operations program that also lists Kiribati. El Niño Pressure: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare as El Niño is declared underway, while Papua New Guinea faces severe food shortages from frost and drought impacts.

2030 Micronesian Games Host Confirmed: The Micronesian Games Council has selected Kiribati as host for the 2030 Micronesian Games after a competitive bidding process, with Chuuk, Kiribati, the Northern Mariana Islands and Palau submitting bids; the Northern Mariana Islands withdrew after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Climate & Nationhood: A new commentary argues sea-level rise is reshaping what “nation” means for low-lying island states like Kiribati, as territory and identity come under pressure. El Niño Food Shock in the Pacific: Papua New Guinea’s Highlands face depleted harvests and hunger risk as El Niño brings frost and prolonged drought, with Oxfam warning millions could be affected. Pacific Jobs & Skills Link-Up: Students and Pacific employers met at BYU–Hawaii’s Oceania 2026 career conference, including Kiribati participation. Regional Tuna Governance: Ministers meeting under the Nauru Agreement in Majuro backed progress on PNA tuna management and a tuna development pathway. Cybercrime Alert: INTERPOL warns cybercrime is surging across Fiji and the Pacific, with Tonga joining a regional cybercrime initiative that also includes Kiribati. Climate Adaptation Cooperation: California, Guam, Hawai’i, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno pledged deeper climate adaptation and resilience work.

PNA Fisheries Talks: Ministers from Kiribati and other Pacific members met in Majuro for the 21st PNA Ministerial Meeting, backing progress in tuna management and endorsing a tuna development pathway aimed at boosting value-chain benefits. Cybersecurity Alarm: INTERPOL warns cybercrime is surging across Fiji and the Pacific, with scams, ransomware, phishing and AI deepfakes targeting under-resourced states; Tonga has joined an INTERPOL joint operations programme that also includes Kiribati. Climate Prep Push: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after it was declared underway, stressing early action and staying informed. Blue Pacific Cooperation: California, Guam, Hawai’i and Kiribati (among others) reaffirmed plans to strengthen climate adaptation and resilience through deeper regional cooperation. Fuel Crisis Pressure: Pacific leaders continue responding to fuel shortages under the Biketawa Declaration framework, with tough measures still being considered across island economies. Banaba Extraction Concerns: Banaban leaders on Rabi are questioning proposed pinnacle extraction, saying it risks becoming a “quick fix” amid ongoing trust fund governance problems. Youth & Democracy: A regional forum in Fiji urged stronger youth participation in governance, noting young people remain underrepresented in formal political systems.

PNA Fisheries Diplomacy: Ministers from Kiribati and other Parties to the Nauru Agreement met in Majuro for the 21st PNA Ministerial Meeting, with Kiribati’s outgoing chair handing over to the Marshall Islands and ministers backing progress on tuna management plus the PNA Collective Pathway to Tuna Development. Cybersecurity Alarm: INTERPOL warns cybercrime is surging across Fiji and the Pacific, with Tonga joining a regional joint operations push that includes Kiribati and other island states to boost intelligence-sharing, training, and cyber resilience. Digital Risks for Youth: Kiribati’s Ruth Cross-Kwansing says the Pacific’s fast digital shift is bringing both opportunity and serious threats, from misinformation to online manipulation, especially for young people. Climate Prep for El Niño: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare as El Niño is declared underway, stressing early action and staying informed. Blue Pacific Partnerships: California, Guam, Hawai’i, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno reaffirm cooperation on climate adaptation and resilience after a Pacific-focused summit. Banaba Governance Tension: Rabi leaders face mounting criticism over plans for pinnacle extraction on Banaba, with concerns it’s being used as a “quick fix” amid trust fund mismanagement. Fisheries Workforce Boost: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency opens nominations for its Certificate IV in Fisheries Enforcement and Compliance (Cohort 12) starting 7 September 2026. Court Appointment: Tafaoimalo Tologata Justice Leilani Tuala-Warren is appointed to the Kiribati Court of Appeal for a three-year term.

Digital Health Leadership: A new Asia-Pacific digital health centre leadership team is set, with Sameer Kanwar to lead APAC work in India and regional pilots including Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands. Cybercrime Alarm: INTERPOL warns cybercrime is surging across Fiji and the Pacific, with scams, ransomware, phishing and AI deepfakes targeting small island states; Tonga has joined an INTERPOL joint operations push that also includes Kiribati. Kiribati Online Misinformation: Kiribati’s youth and women’s minister Ruth Cross-Kwansing says digital transformation is reshaping community life fast, and misinformation is distorting how young people see reality. Climate Adaptation Push: California, Guam, Hawai’i, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Weno (FSM) back deeper regional cooperation to build climate resilience. Fuel Crisis Fallout: Pacific leaders are responding collectively to fuel shocks under the Biketawa Declaration, but tough choices remain. Fisheries & Training: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency opens more scholarships for fisheries enforcement and compliance, backing frontline officers across member states. Banaba Extraction Debate: Banaban leaders on Rabi warn proposed pinnacle extraction could be a “quick fix” tied to trust fund mismanagement.

Cybersecurity in the Pacific: INTERPOL says cybercrime is surging across Fiji and the region, with scams, phishing, ransomware and AI deepfakes rising fast—small island states like Kiribati are seen as especially exposed due to limited skills and resources. Regional cyber response: Tonga has joined an INTERPOL joint operations push against cybercrime, alongside countries including Kiribati, with support for intelligence sharing, training and coordinated enforcement. Climate talks pressure: Pacific leaders at UN climate negotiations in Bonn warned that attempts to weaken climate science will not be tolerated, with Kiribati and other atoll states pushing to defend the 1.5°C science in official texts. Blue Pacific health push: A new U.S. Pacific engagement bill, the Blue Pacific Act, highlights the gap in clean water and sanitation across the Pacific, noting rural communities and places like Kiribati still struggle to meet SDG 6. Fuel crisis solidarity: Pacific leaders invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate responses to the region’s fuel crunch, as households and services face tough conservation choices. Banaba extraction row: Banaban leaders on Rabi are questioning proposed pinnacle extraction as a “quick fix” tied to ongoing Banaban Trust Fund mismanagement. Kiribati digital risks: Kiribati’s youth and women’s minister Ruth Cross-Kwansing warned that digital transformation is reshaping community life—faster misinformation and online manipulation are now a peace-and-security concern.

Fuel Crisis Watch: Pacific governments are coordinating under the Biketawa Declaration as fuel shocks bite hard, with some already warning of rationing and tough public trade-offs even if a US-Iran peace deal brings no quick relief. Climate Talks in Bonn: Pacific leaders at UN climate meetings hit back at efforts to weaken climate science language, saying attempts to remove key references put Pasifika lives and livelihoods at risk. Kiribati Youth, Democracy & Online Harm: A Kiribati minister warned that digital change is reshaping community life fast—bringing opportunities but also misinformation and manipulation that can destabilise youth and public safety. El Niño Prep: SPREP urged communities to start preparing now after an El Niño event was declared underway, stressing practical steps and staying informed. Fisheries & Training: FFA opened more scholarships for fisheries enforcement and compliance, while Tokelau’s removal from the Nauru Agreement threatens revenue tied to tuna access days. Health & Cooperation: India’s High Commissioner met Kiribati’s health minister to discuss drugs, dialysis machines and sea ambulance support. Governance Online: Palau’s National Congress took ownership of a new parliamentary website to boost transparency and public access.

Digital Safety & Youth: Kiribati’s Ruth Cross-Kwansing says fast digital change is reshaping daily life, with misinformation and online manipulation hitting young people hardest, at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue. Cybercrime Alert: Interpol reports a dramatic rise in cybercrime across Asia and the South Pacific, with many countries facing major financial losses and weak preparedness. Climate Readiness (El Niño): SPREP urges Pacific communities to start preparing now that El Niño is underway, stressing practical steps to protect families as impacts vary by country. Climate-Smart Training (Kiribati included): A Solomon Islands-led 14-day seminar in China trained youth and MRD officers from Kiribati, Tonga and others on climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries, including smart aquaculture and fisheries management. Fisheries Workforce: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency opens nominations for a new scholarship cohort for fisheries enforcement and compliance training starting September 2026. Governance & Transparency: Palau’s National Congress takes ownership of a new joint parliamentary website to boost public access to legislation and hearings, supported by Japan and UNDP. Health Watch (Dengue): Dengue activity is increasing across the Pacific, with Kiribati among countries reporting outbreaks. Regional Security & Peace: Pacific leaders issue a renewed global appeal for peace, urging dialogue and support for the UN Charter. Maritime Cooperation: The U.S. Coast Guard launches Operation Blue Pacific to deter illegal fishing, drugs and people smuggling across Oceania, including patrols to Kiribati. Judicial Appointment (Kiribati): Waikato law dean Tafaoimalo Tologata Justice Leilani Tuala-Warren appointed to the Kiribati Court of Appeal for a three-year term.

Security & Youth Mobility: President Wesley W. Simina congratulated 17 young FSM recruits at a U.S. Embassy enlistment ceremony, highlighting how Compact of Free Association service keeps ties strong while recruits act as ambassadors abroad. Cybercrime Alert: Interpol reports a dramatic rise in cybercrime across Asia and the South Pacific, with many countries facing major financial losses and limited capacity to respond. Digital Peace & Misinformation: Kiribati’s Ruth Cross-Kwansing warned Pacific leaders that AI and social media are reshaping daily life fast—spreading misinformation quicker than governments can react and increasing risks for youth. Health Watch: Dengue activity is rising across the Pacific, with outbreaks reported in Kiribati and several other island states. Maritime Security: The U.S. Coast Guard expands Operation Blue Pacific to deter illegal fishing, drugs and people smuggling across Oceania, including patrols to Kiribati. Law & Governance: Waikato’s Tafaoimalo Tologata Justice Leilani Tuala-Warren was appointed a judge of Kiribati’s Court of Appeal for three years.

Agriculture Exports: Fiji’s fresh and frozen agricultural exports (excluding sugar) hit a record $187.2m in 2025, up 17.1%, with kava leading at $79.1m and the U.S. buying 44.7% of the total. Digital Safety in Kiribati: Kiribati’s Ruth Cross-Kwansing warned Pacific leaders that AI and social media are moving faster than governments can respond, fueling misinformation and online harm for youth and communities. Coral “Super Reefs” Research: Scientists are searching the Central Pacific for heat-tolerant “super reefs” that could help repopulate damaged coral areas as bleaching worsens. Fisheries Workforce: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency opened nominations for Cohort 12 of its Fisheries Enforcement and Compliance scholarship, starting 7 September 2026. Dengue Update: Dengue activity is rising across the Pacific, with outbreaks reported in Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu, and New Caledonia the most affected. Maritime Security: The U.S. Coast Guard launched Operation Blue Pacific to deter drug and people smuggling and illegal fishing, including patrols to Kiribati and other Oceania partners.

Coral Resilience Research: Scientists at Woods Hole are racing to find “super reefs” in the Central Pacific—coral communities that can survive extreme heat—using reef surveys, heat-testing, and a robotic camera vessel to build a network that could help repopulate damaged areas. Digital Safety in Kiribati: At the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue, Kiribati’s Ruth Cross-Kwansing warned that AI and fast-spreading social media are reshaping daily life, with misinformation and online harm hitting youth hardest. Fisheries Skills Boost: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency opened scholarship nominations for its Certificate IV in Fisheries Enforcement and Compliance, aiming to strengthen frontline enforcement across the region. Health Cooperation: India’s High Commissioner to Fiji met Kiribati’s health minister to discuss deeper healthcare ties, including affordable drugs, dialysis machines, and a sea ambulance. Regional Security & Preparedness: The UN urged Pacific countries to step up disaster response planning, stressing pre-positioning supplies and community-led coping mechanisms. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard launched Operation Blue Pacific to deter illegal fishing, drugs, and people smuggling across Oceania, including patrols to Kiribati. Dengue Update: Dengue activity is rising across the Pacific, with outbreaks reported in Kiribati and several other island countries.

Digital Safety & Youth: Kiribati’s Ruth Cross-Kwansing says the Pacific’s fast digital shift is a “paradox” — boosting education and connection while also accelerating misinformation, online abuse and identity risks for young people. Fisheries Skills: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency is opening nominations for Cohort 12 of its Certificate IV in Fisheries Enforcement and Compliance, starting 7 September 2026, to strengthen frontline enforcement across member states. Coral Resilience Research: Scientists in the Marshall Islands report “super reef” sites that seem to withstand heat better, offering hope for reef recovery as bleaching worsens across the tropics. Health Watch: Dengue activity is rising across the Pacific, with outbreaks reported in Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu, and New Caledonia the most affected. Maritime Security: U.S. Coast Guard launches Operation Blue Pacific to curb drug and people smuggling and illegal fishing, including patrols reaching Kiribati and other Oceania partners. Governance Online: Palau’s National Congress takes ownership of a new joint parliamentary website to boost transparency and public access to legislation and hearings.

Sports & Women’s Development: FIVB Coaches Courses in Palestine, Bolivia, Albania, Kiribati and Barbados trained 195 coaches, including 75 women, as volleyball and beach volleyball coaching expands across four continents. Digital Safety: Kiribati’s Minister for Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs, Ruth Cross-Kwansing, warned that AI and social media are reshaping Pacific life fast—bringing misinformation and online harm that governments struggle to respond to quickly. Fisheries & Jobs: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) opened nominations for Cohort 12 of its Certificate IV in Fisheries Enforcement and Compliance, starting 7 September 2026, to strengthen frontline skills for offshore fisheries protection. Health Watch: Dengue activity is rising across the Pacific, with outbreaks reported in Kiribati and several other countries and territories, and thousands of cases recorded region-wide since January. Disaster Response: RNZAF and Fiji Navy teams rescued eight i-Kiribati after two boats went missing, with engine trouble cited as the cause. Regional Governance: India’s High Commissioner in Fiji met Kiribati’s health minister to discuss deeper cooperation, including affordable drugs, dialysis machines and a sea ambulance.

Digital Security & Youth: Kiribati’s Ruth Cross-Kwansing warned at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue that AI and social media are moving fast—bringing chances for education and connection, but also misinformation, online harm and mental-health pressure, with the “threat and the solution” often on the same device. Coral Bleaching Hope: In the Marshall Islands, scientists are racing to understand why a few reefs near Majuro appear to resist the worst heatwave bleaching seen since 2023, a finding that matters for fish, coastlines and the sand that makes atolls. Disaster Readiness: The UN’s Pacific coordinator urged communities, civil society and the private sector to be ready before disasters, backing drills and pre-positioning supplies so help arrives quickly. Health Alert—Dengue: Dengue activity is rising across the Pacific, with outbreaks reported in Kiribati and several neighbours, and thousands of cases already logged this year. Maritime Safety: RNZAF and Fiji Navy rescues saved eight people from two missing boats, after engine trouble triggered searches in both Fiji and Kiribati waters. Fisheries Skills: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency opened scholarship nominations for its fisheries enforcement and compliance training, targeting frontline officers across member states.