

Funding tops climate change agenda for Pacific ministers
Suva- Climate change issues are high on the agenda at this week's Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) where finance leaders are shaping a new climate fund to strengthen current structures of vulnerable nations impacted by global warming. The Forum Economic Ministers from Fiji, PNG, Palau, FSM, RMI, Australia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands,Nauru, Kiribati,, New Caledonia,Samoa. photo by Lisa Williams-Lahari David Adeang, Nauru Minister for Finance chair of the


Pacific Forum looks to unity in the face of China-Taiwan rivalry
Suva- China is an important economic partner in the Pacific and would be most welcome to contribute in the Pacific Island Forum countries, according to Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor. In the past decade Beijing has boosted its presence in the region and for Dame Meg, this should not be seen as a barrier against other Pacific allies. Six Pacific countries maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan – Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu. Pa


Pacific ministers set to establish a homegrown new climate fund
Suva- Pacific island nations are gearing up for the establishment of a “homegrown” regional initiative that will provide financing options for resilient infrastructure in response to the impacts of climate change. Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor told reporters ahead of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM), that Pacific ministers will decide on the fund - to be known as the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF). Climate change can unleash lands


Micronesian leaders to PIF: China and Taiwan are to be treated "equally"
Koror- Leaders of the Micronesian region “strongly encouraged” that Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and its Secretariat recognized equally the participation of China and Taiwan in regional meetings, amid the Chinese Communist Party’s alleged push to isolate the government of Taipei. “The presidents and heads of delegation strongly encouraged that the PIF and the Secretariat establish a more respectful and fair policy regarding the conduct of PIF activities relating to the part


Pacific nations condemn North Korea threats on Guam
Apia, Samoa- Pacific Islands leaders condemned North Korea’s nuclear threats to the United States territory of Guam and pledged to de-register North Korean fishing and trade vessels they've flagged. In a communique issued at the end of a week-long gathering in Apia, the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum said that North Korea’s threat to fire missiles on Guam “constitutes a threat to the wider Pacific Islands region.” PIF communiques are issued based on consensus rather than spe


Annual Regional Forum Opens With Emphasis on Blue Pacific
Apia, Samoa-The 48th Pacific Islands Forum officially opened Tuesday night as leaders from its 18 member countries were greeted with the traditional Samoan ritual--the ava ceremony--reflecting the summit’s theme of “The Blue Pacific.” Ava Ceremony Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, took over the chairmanship of the Forum from Federated States of Micronesia. President Peter Christian, The Samoa Prime Minister said that the member nations should work together


Palau's Vice President Heads Pacific Islands Forum Delegation
Apia, Samoa- Vice President Raynold Oilouch Palau is leading a delegation in the 48th Pacific Islands Forum, which is slated to open today until September 8. This year’s theme: The Blue Pacific: Our Sea of Islands-Our Security through sustainable development, management and conservation according to Oilouch is in line with Palau’s ocean conservation efforts. Palau is in the forefront of ocean management and conservation in the region as it prepares to close down 80 percent of


Ocean’s Management, Security issues are The Focus of This Year’s Pacific Islands Forum
Apia, Samoa- The annual 48th Pacific Islands Forum will again bring together 18 leaders of the Pacific for political discussions that will center on theme:The Blue Pacific: Our Sea of Islands-Our Security through sustainable development, management and conservation. Samoa is hosting this year’s forum from September 4 to 8, and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi told Pacific journalists here that the focus is to ensure that the region manages its fisheries, protec


New Caledonia, French Polynesia Now Members of the Pacific Islands Forum
Palikir, Pohnpei- French Polynesia and New Caledonia are now full-fledged members of The Pacific Islands Forum, opening the organization’s doors to French influence. New Caledonia President Harold Martin The addition of French Polynesia and New Caledonia has raised the number of member nations from 16 to 18. The membership expansion was announced in a single-line in the communique issued at the end of the forum, which made no mention of he discussions or criteria reached in


47th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting Starts Wednesday
Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia-- Starting tomorrow, The Federated States of Micronesia will host the 47th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting here. In Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia . Photo courtesy of Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat FSM Vice President Yosiwo George, in his keynote address during the first day of the jointly-sponsored Pacific Island News Association (PINA) and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) media workshop, stated that this yea