AGP Executive Report

Pacific Climate Diplomacy in Fiji: Only two non-Pacific leaders are attending Australia–Fiji–Tuvalu’s PACT Pre-COP31 in Nadi, as Australia faces pressure over the event’s $20m+ cost and whether it can keep focus on climate risks ahead of COP31. Natural Capital for Jobs: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale told leaders the Pacific’s oceans, forests, reefs and fisheries can drive jobs and resilience, pointing to the PNA Vessel Day Scheme and pushing climate finance reform and new investment funds. Ocean Protection vs Livelihoods: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says countries must invest in both conservation and “production,” citing Palau’s High Seas Treaty ratification and marine sanctuary approach. Nauru in International Legal Crosswinds: Naoero (formerly Nauru) withdrew from the ICC, with the US praising the move as sovereignty-focused. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Fight: A Nauru-linked seabed dispute highlights how companies are racing to shape seabed-mining rules as Pacific states weigh economic opportunity against environmental risk. Regional Security Talk: Pacific defence ministers met in Fiji, with critics warning the agenda is about strengthening alliances amid wider great-power tensions.

Pacific climate push in Fiji: Leaders and delegates from Australia, Germany, Nepal and Pacific nations have started pre-COP31 talks in Fiji, with Australia’s PM Albanese and Climate Minister Chris Bowen backing renewables funding and a possible Pacific declaration on fair climate governance and guaranteed finance. Jobs from “natural capital”: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale told the PACT Pre-COP31 event that Pacific oceans, forests, reefs and fisheries can be turned into jobs and resilience, pointing to the PNA Vessel Day Scheme and new ideas like climate resilience and sovereign wealth funds. Only two non-Pacific leaders at the table: Australia’s Bowen says the Fiji meeting is a key diplomatic focus, despite criticism over the cost and concerns it could distract from domestic cost-of-living pressures. Ocean protection vs livelihoods: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. argues the region must balance conservation with production, citing Palau’s marine sanctuary and traditional “bul” stewardship. Deep-sea mining debate: Cook Islands youth are weighing whether deep-sea mining can deliver real economic gains without damaging cultural and environmental interests. Nauru in the spotlight: A separate report notes Nauru’s role in Australia’s offshore processing “Pacific Solution,” while another story highlights Nauru-linked legal action in seabed mining disputes. ICC pressure spreads: The US has welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the ICC, as the court faces mounting US sanctions and contract changes.

Pacific Climate Push: Nauru’s region is in the spotlight at Fiji’s PACT Pre-COP31 talks, where PM Matthew Wale is urging leaders to turn the Pacific’s oceans, forests, reefs and fisheries into jobs and resilience, pointing to PNA’s Vessel Day Scheme as a model for Pacific-led resource management. Fiji Meeting Pressure: Only two leaders from outside the Pacific are attending, as Australia defends the high cost of the summit and stresses it’s vital for keeping global attention on Pacific climate needs ahead of COP31. Climate-to-Health Message: Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga says the world should look to Pacific solutions, not just vulnerability, linking climate action to health equity and urging closer regional collaboration. Ocean Rules vs Mining Rush: A new debate is heating up over deep-sea minerals, with warnings that companies are racing to secure access and bypass local courts as Pacific states seek better safeguards and climate finance reform. ICC Fallout Touches Nauru: The US has praised Naoero (formerly Nauru) after it announced withdrawal from the ICC, as Washington escalates pressure on the court.

Pacific Climate & Health: University of Auckland’s Prof. Sir Collin Tukuitonga says pre-COP31 talks in Fiji should spotlight Pacific solutions, not just vulnerability, linking climate action to health gains and regional collaboration. Climate Displacement: ABC reports Nabavatu in Fiji remains unrebuilt after cyclones made it unsafe, leaving residents living in ballooning tent shelters while communities wait for recovery. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: A commentary argues the race for seabed minerals is really a fight over who writes the rules, with Nauru-linked legal moves against the International Seabed Authority and pressure for national permits. Ocean Conservation vs Jobs: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. urges Pacific leaders to protect oceans while investing in production so communities benefit. Regional Security: Defence ministers in Fiji met to coordinate responses to “shared challenges,” amid concerns about strengthening alliances in a China-focused security climate. ICC Fallout (Nauru): The US praised Naoero’s withdrawal from the ICC, as Washington escalates pressure on the court.

Climate Displacement in Nauru: ABC reports Nabavatu residents in Nauru (now Naoero) are still living in 37 temporary tents in Savadrua after the area was declared unsafe in 2021 following cyclones, with families describing the harsh conditions and the slow wait for rebuilding. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: A new analysis argues the race for Pacific seabed minerals is really a fight over who gets to set the rules, pointing to Nauru-linked legal action at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea involving the International Seabed Authority. ICC Pressure on Pacific States: The US congratulated Naoero after it announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, as Washington escalates criticism of the Hague-based court and sanctions loom. Ocean Protection vs Jobs: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific nations must balance marine conservation with economic development, citing conservation measures alongside the need for “production” that benefits communities. Whale Sanctuary Vote Fails: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid again fell short at the International Whaling Commission, with Nauru among the countries voting against.

ICC & Naoero: Naoero (formerly Nauru) formally announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court at the UN, depositing its withdrawal documents with the Rome Statute repository, after US President Trump urged countries to quit the ICC; the US has since praised Naoero for “standing up for sovereignty,” while the ICC faces broader US pressure including contract changes. Ocean governance & seabed mining rules: A key fight over who sets the rules for deep-sea minerals is heating up, with Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. involved in International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea proceedings tied to the International Seabed Authority and the push to secure commercial permits. Whales in the South Atlantic: A second attempt to create a South Atlantic whale sanctuary failed at the International Whaling Commission, with Nauru among the countries voting against. Pacific climate finance pressure: Pacific leaders are urging COP31-era reforms so climate-vulnerable states aren’t forced into deeper debt for disaster recovery. Regional security talk: South Pacific defence ministers met in Fiji, with critics warning the agenda is about strengthening alliances amid wider great-power tensions.

Nauru identity & sovereignty: Nauru has formally returned to its traditional name, Naoero, at the UN General Assembly, with President David Adeang saying the change reconnects the country to its language and heritage; the move also comes as Naoero announced its withdrawal from the ICC, and the US has publicly congratulated the decision as standing up to “illegitimate overreach.” Pacific climate finance: Climate-vulnerable island leaders at the UN pushed back against being forced into deeper debt for disaster recovery, arguing for grants and faster access to climate money. Ocean policy debate: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says the Pacific must balance marine conservation with economic development, while deep-sea mining remains a live flashpoint across the region. Regional security: Pacific defence ministers met in Fiji to prepare for suppressing civil unrest, as broader alliance-building continues. Local relevance: Fiji’s Graham Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law focus amid elections and constitutional review.

Nauru Identity & Sovereignty: Naoero (formerly Nauru) has formally returned to its traditional name at the UN, with President David Adeang saying it reconnects the country to its history and language. ICC Withdrawal Fallout: The same UN week also brought Naoero’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, after US President Donald Trump urged countries to quit; the US has since congratulated Naoero, framing it as standing up for sovereignty. Regional Ocean Debate: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific nations must balance ocean conservation with economic development as seas rise and marine resources face pressure. Pacific Security Posture: Pacific defence ministers met in Fiji to prepare for suppressing civil unrest, alongside broader moves to strengthen regional security cooperation. Human Rights Review: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, while noting 41 on sensitive legal and social issues. Environment & Trade Pressures: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Naoero among the countries voting against. Disaster & Conflict (Elsewhere): Myanmar’s Dawei floods and landslides reportedly killed 41, while fighting and shelling in Yebyu and other areas left civilians dead and injured.

ICC Pressure on Small States: Naoero (formerly Nauru) has formally announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court at the UN, after US President Trump urged countries to leave; the US then praised the move as “sovereignty” and met Naoero’s deputy foreign minister in New York. Identity and Renaming: Naoero also used the UN platform to push the world to adopt its traditional name, with international codes shifting from NRU to NRO and residents to be called dei-Naoero. Ocean Protection vs Politics: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Naoero among the countries voting against, as the moratorium faces renewed pressure. Pacific Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders at the UN General Assembly warned that climate impacts are already here and demanded grants and faster support instead of debt-fueled recovery. Regional Governance Focus: Solomon Islands urged public institutions to prioritize merit over connections, a reminder of how governance choices shape trust and stability across the Pacific.

ICC vs. the US and Europe: The ICC has ended its contract with French insurer AXA as US pressure and possible financial restrictions grow, with Washington already sanctioning ICC judges and officials and preparing further steps that could disrupt court operations. Nauru becomes Naoero: At the UN General Assembly, President David Adeang formally announced the country’s return to its traditional name, Naoero, including a shift in international code from NRU to NRO and “dei-Naoero” for residents. ICC withdrawal backed by Washington: The US congratulated Naoero after it announced withdrawal from the ICC, framing the move as standing up for sovereignty, while Trump continues urging other countries to leave the court. Ocean policy debate: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific nations must balance ocean conservation with economic development as climate impacts and marine pressures intensify. Deep-sea mining pressure: Across the Pacific, leaders and communities are weighing rare minerals and jobs against environmental risks and the push for stronger rules.

ICC & Naoero Name Push: At the UN General Assembly, Naoero (formerly Nauru) formally announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, with the US praising the move as a stand for sovereignty after President David Adeang said withdrawal documents would be filed with the Rome Statute repository. Identity & International Recognition: Adeang also urged the world to use “Naoero,” saying the traditional name reflects local language and heritage; the country’s international code is set to shift from NRU to NRO and “dei-Naoero” will replace “Nauruan.” Deep-Sea Mining Divide: Naoero called for seabed mining rules to be finished, while other Pacific voices at the UN highlighted the risks and gaps in understanding impacts on ocean ecosystems and fisheries. Pacific Climate Finance: Across UN speeches, leaders warned climate-vulnerable states are being pushed into debt for disasters they didn’t cause, calling for grants at the scale needed for loss and damage. Governance & Merit: In Solomon Islands, a senior university leader urged public institutions to prioritize merit and accountability over connections to rebuild public trust.

Naoero Reclaims Identity: Nauru officially returned to its traditional name, Naoero, at the UN General Assembly, with President David Adeang urging the world to “say our name” and noting the shift from NRU to NRO and “dei-Naoero” for residents. ICC Exit Gets US Backing: After Adeang announced Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, the US State Department praised the move as sovereignty “standing up” against the ICC, following a meeting in New York. Ocean Policy Debate in the Pacific: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific nations must balance ocean protection with economic development, pointing to conservation efforts rooted in traditional “bul” practices while reviewing how marine resources are managed. Regional Security Posture: South Pacific defence ministers met in Fiji, with the meeting framed around shared security challenges but also reflecting wider great-power rivalry and concerns over China’s missile activity. Human Rights Review: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, while noting 41 on sensitive social and legal issues.

ICC Shake-Up in the Pacific: The U.S. welcomed Naoero’s (formerly Nauru) decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court after President David Adeang announced it at the UN, framing it as a sovereignty move while Washington weighs wider pressure on the Hague court. Identity at the UN: Adeang also urged the world to “say our name,” formally restoring Naoero and changing international codes and how residents are referred to. Regional Governance & Rule of Law: Fiji’s former Attorney-General Graham Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law approach as Fiji faces a constitutional review and an election. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders at the UN General Assembly warned that climate-vulnerable states are being forced into debt for disasters they didn’t cause, calling for grants and faster access to climate money. Deep-Sea Mining Divide: At the UN, Naoero called for seabed mining rules to be finished, while American Samoa opposed commercial extraction for now.

ICC Withdrawal & US Reaction: Naoero (formerly Nauru) has formally announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal documents after President David Adeang’s UN General Assembly speech, with the US praising the move as a stand for sovereignty. UN Name Reclaiming: Adeang also used the UN podium to press the world to “say our name,” restoring the traditional “Naoero” spelling and pronunciation, with international code changes expected. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: In the same UN address, Naoero urged the International Seabed Authority to finish seabed mining rules, warning delays could push countries toward unilateral action. Pacific Climate Push: Pacific leaders at the UN warned climate finance must come as grants, not loans, as sea-level rise and disasters threaten development gains. Regional Governance Note: Solomon Islands’ Attorney-General conference heard calls for merit-based public service over connections, warning that favoritism weakens institutions.

Naoero Identity Push at UN: Nauru has officially reclaimed its traditional name, Naoero, with President David Adeang urging the world to “say our name” and noting the shift will also affect the country’s international code and how residents are referred to. ICC Withdrawal: Adeang also announced Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, following US President Trump’s call to leave the ICC; the US has since praised the move. Deep-Sea Mining Split: At the UN, Naoero pressed for seabed mining rules to be finished, while American Samoa opposed commercial deep-sea extraction for now. Regional Governance & Trust: In the Pacific, Solomon Islands’ Dr Aqorau said public institutions must prioritize merit over connections to build public trust. Climate Finance Demands: Pacific and other vulnerable states told the UN they shouldn’t be forced into debt for disaster recovery, calling for grants and faster access to climate funds. Travel Rules Update: Australia published its 2026 Transit Without Visa list (70 nationalities) with strict conditions.

ICC & Sovereignty: At the UN General Assembly, Naoero (formerly Nauru) President David Adeang announced the country will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, calling it increasingly irrelevant, and said it will deposit its withdrawal papers before leaving New York. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: In the same address, Adeang urged the International Seabed Authority to finish the mining code, warning delays could push countries toward unilateral action. Name Reclaimed: Naoero also used the UN platform to press the world to “say our name,” saying the change restores traditional language and identity. Diplomatic Moves: Georgia and Nauru/Naoero established diplomatic relations after Naoero withdrew recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Regional Climate Pressure: Pacific leaders at the UN warned climate finance must come as grants, not loans, as sea-level rise and disaster recovery keep hitting small island states hardest.