AGP Executive Report

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.

ICC & Sovereignty: At the UN General Assembly, Naoero (formerly Nauru) President David Adeang said the country will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, calling it increasingly irrelevant, after US President Donald Trump urged nations to quit the ICC. The US then congratulated Naoero on the move. Name Change: Adeang also pushed the world to use “Naoero,” saying the traditional name better reflects local heritage and pronunciation, with international identifiers set to shift. Seabed Mining Rules: In the same UN address, Naoero urged the International Seabed Authority to finish deep-sea mining rules, warning delays could push countries toward unilateral action. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders at the UN warned that climate-vulnerable states are being forced into debt for disaster recovery, demanding grants and faster access to climate funding.

Naoero Name Push at UN: President David Adeang formally returned the Pacific island’s traditional name, Naoero (formerly Nauru), urging the world to “say our name” and noting changes to international code and official demonym. ICC Withdrawal Sparks US-UN Tension: At the UN General Assembly, Adeang announced Naoero will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, after Donald Trump urged countries to quit the ICC; the US later congratulated Naoero’s decision. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Under Fire: Adeang also criticized the International Seabed Authority for delays on seabed-mining rules, while Naoero backs completing an international framework. Climate Finance Pressure: Pacific leaders at the UN warned climate-vulnerable states are being forced into debt for disaster recovery, calling for grants and faster access to climate funding. Regional Diplomacy & Capacity: India’s Jaishankar met Pacific leaders on renewable energy, climate action, and disaster resilience, and proposed tailored training for Pacific professionals in India.

Name Change at the UN: Naoero (formerly Nauru) officially returned to its traditional name at the UN General Assembly, with President David Adeang saying it reflects the country’s heritage, language, and how locals have always called it—along with new international identifiers (NRU to NRO) and the demonym “dei-Naoero.” ICC Withdrawal: At the same UN week, Naoero became the only country to follow Trump’s call to leave the International Criminal Court, announcing it will deposit its withdrawal documents and criticizing the court’s growing irrelevance. Deep-Sea Mining Clash: Naoero also used the UN platform to push for faster international rules on seabed mining, while a separate UN debate highlighted a split with American Samoa, which opposes commercial deep-sea extraction for now. Climate Finance Pressure: Pacific leaders at the UN warned that climate-vulnerable nations are being forced into debt for disaster recovery, demanding grants and faster access to climate funding. Regional Diplomacy: India’s Jaishankar met Pacific leaders in New York under the FIPIC framework, discussing renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, and capacity-building.

Name Change at the UN: Naoero (formerly Nauru) has formally returned to its traditional name at the UN General Assembly, with President David Adeang urging the world to “say our name.” The shift also updates the country’s international code (NRU to NRO) and changes how residents are officially referred to. ICC Withdrawal Push: At the same UN week, Adeang announced Naoero will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries to leave the ICC. Deep-Sea Mining Clash: Naoero also used its UN platform to criticize delays at the International Seabed Authority and argue for clearer rules on deep-sea mining. Climate Pressure from the Pacific: Pacific leaders, including Tuvalu and Solomon Islands, warned at the UN that climate impacts are already happening now and demanded stronger climate finance and resilience support. Regional Diplomacy: India’s Jaishankar met Pacific leaders in New York under the FIPIC framework, discussing training, climate action, and disaster resilience.

Name Change at the UN: Naoero (formerly Nauru) is asking the world to “say our name” after President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly the country is restoring its traditional identity and pronunciation, with the international code shifting from NRU to NRO and residents increasingly described as dei-Naoero. ICC Withdrawal Push: Adeang also announced Naoero’s voluntary withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, depositing withdrawal documents with the Rome Statute repository, after Donald Trump urged countries to leave the ICC and Europe signaled it will defend the court. Deep-Sea Mining Clash: At the UN, Naoero used the moment to criticize delays at the International Seabed Authority and argued for finishing seabed mining rules, while a separate Pacific debate showed opposition elsewhere. Climate Pressure in New York: Pacific leaders including Tuvalu’s PM warned sea-level rise is already here, calling for climate finance as grants and faster action on loss and damage. Regional Legal Action: Fiji’s AG opened a Pacific writeshop in Nadi for submissions to the ICJ climate advisory process, with Naoero among participating countries.

UN Climate Push: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to warn that climate impacts are already here, with Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo calling sea-level rise a “present reality” and urging climate finance as grants at the needed scale. Naoero Name Change: Nauru’s President David Adeang told the world the country is now officially Naoero, asking governments and the public to “say our name” and noting the shift restores the traditional pronunciation and identity. ICC Withdrawal: At UNGA, Naoero announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court after Trump urged countries to leave, while Europe signaled it will defend the court. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Adeang also criticized delays at the International Seabed Authority, arguing rules must be finished and warning that without them, countries may act on their own. Regional Diplomacy: Georgia and Naoero signed an agreement to establish diplomatic relations during UNGA. Pacific Legal Action: Fiji’s Attorney General opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the ICJ on climate change.

Naoero Name Change at UN: Nauru’s President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly the country is officially “Naoero,” saying it restores the traditional name and pronunciation and asking the world to “Say our name.” ICC Withdrawal: In the same UN push, Adeang announced Naoero will withdraw from the International Criminal Court after US President Donald Trump urged countries to quit the ICC, with Europe signaling it will defend the court. Deep-Sea Mining Clash: Adeang also criticized delays at the International Seabed Authority, while a separate UN spotlight showed a Pacific split, with American Samoa opposing commercial deep-sea mining. Diplomacy Moves: Georgia and Naoero signed an agreement to establish diplomatic relations after Naoero reversed recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Pacific Health & Climate: Economists noted rising life expectancy across Pacific islands, while Fiji’s attorney general opened a regional legal workshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the ICJ climate case. Regional Events: Tasmania announced it will host the 2026 Australian Transplant Games, with athletes including from Nauru/Naoero.

Name Change at the UN: Naoero’s President David Adeang (formerly Nauru) told the UN General Assembly the country is reclaiming its traditional name and pronunciation, urging the world to “Say our name,” with the international code shifting from NRU to NRO. ICC Withdrawal: Adeang also announced Naoero will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, after US President Donald Trump urged countries to leave the ICC; Europe signaled it will defend the court. Deep-Sea Mining Clash: At the UN, Naoero pressed for seabed-mining rules to be finished, while a UNGA debate highlighted a Pacific divide, including American Samoa opposing commercial deep-sea extraction for now. Regional Legal Push: Fiji’s Attorney-General opened a Pacific writeshop in Nadi for submissions to the ICJ climate-change advisory process, with Naoero among the participating states. Diplomacy: Georgia and Naoero established diplomatic relations after Naoero reversed recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Pacific Health & Work Links: New Zealand published its seasonal work visa eligibility list, including Naoero, and Nauru/Republic of Naoero also featured in regional development and capacity-building meetings.

UNGA Spotlight on Naoero: Nauru’s president David Adeang told the UN General Assembly the country is reclaiming its traditional name, “Naoero,” saying the shift is about identity and heritage—“Say our name.” ICC Withdrawal: Adeang also announced Naoero will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing the withdrawal documents with the Rome Statute repository, while criticizing the ICC’s growing irrelevance. Deep-sea Mining Push: He urged the International Seabed Authority to “adopt the rules” faster, warning delays could push countries to act without waiting for a multilateral mining code. Diplomacy in New York: Georgia and Naoero signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations after Naoero reversed recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. India–Pacific Outreach: India’s Jaishankar met Pacific and Caribbean leaders on UNGA sidelines, backing tailored capacity-building for Pacific states under the FIPIC framework. Local Impact Watch: A report renews scrutiny of Australia’s immigration detention system, noting offshore transfers to Nauru and rising incidents since a new operator took over.

Naoero Rebrand at UNGA: Naoero’s President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly the country is reclaiming its traditional name and pronunciation, saying “Say our name” as it moves away from “Nauru.” ICC Withdrawal: From the same UN podium, Adeang announced Naoero will withdraw from the International Criminal Court and deposit the withdrawal documents with the Rome Statute repository, while also urging the International Seabed Authority to finish deep-sea mining rules. New Diplomatic Ties: Georgia and Naoero signed a protocol in New York to establish diplomatic relations, with Georgia thanking Naoero for reversing recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. India–Pacific Support: India’s Jaishankar met Naoero’s president and pledged tailored capacity-building for Pacific island priorities, as he pushed broader multilateral cooperation during UNGA week. Regional Mobility: New Zealand published its RSE seasonal work visa eligibility list, including Nauru, with a stay cap of up to seven months. Pacific Media Summit: PINA opened its 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu with record attendance, highlighting stronger regional journalist networks.

UN Diplomacy: Naoero (formerly Nauru) President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly the country will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, saying the ICC has lost relevance, and said the withdrawal documents will be filed with the Rome Statute depository. Identity at the UN: Adeang also reiterated the name change, urging the world to “say our name” as Naoero, framing it as reclaiming heritage. New Partnerships: Georgia and Naoero signed a protocol in New York to establish diplomatic relations, with Georgia’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze thanking Adeang for Naoero’s earlier decision to revoke recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Regional Links: India’s Jaishankar met Adeang on UNGA sidelines, reaffirming India’s development support, while Jaishankar also pushed for stronger multilateralism amid global “stress.” Pacific Mobility: Australia published the full list of countries eligible for its PALM labour mobility scheme, including Naoero.