How will the US government shutdown affect Pacific?

President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Hilda Heine, and President of the Federated States of Micronesia David Panuelo, US President Donal Trump and President of the Republic of Palau Tommy E. Remengesau. Photo: Faceook/ US Embassy...

Pacific islands bound by climate change, divided by deep-sea mining: Nauru…

“The climate crisis is not up for debate,” Micronesian President Wesley Simina said. “The only question is whether we will act with the urgency it demands.” Pacific island leaders agreed. At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly...

Palau senator’s son on Fiji drug charge

THE sun dips low over Fiji’s western coast as a fisherman hauls his catch ashore. Hours at sea under the scorching sun have yielded bundles of fish, but when he sells them at the market, much of the profit slips away into the hands of middlemen....

Pacific Islands News Roundup – September 26 – October 2, 2025

Editor’s Note: We are undergoing a web host migration process and may need to make necessary modifications to our format and frequency over the next several weeks. Thank you in advance for your understanding. Political Leadership and Regionalism,...

Artists Showcase Culture and Identity at Palau’s Independence Day Art Exhibit

Palau’s 31st Independence Day celebration was not only marked by parades and festivities but also by a powerful showcase of creativity and cultural reflection. The third annual Display of Art and Visual Expressions (D.A.V.E.) Art Show brought...

Pacific news in brief for 3 October

Bougainville commemorated the 24th Anniversary of the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) on 30 August 2025. The BPA is a historic accord signed between the people of Bougainville and the Papua New Guinea government 2001. Photo: Autonomous...

Community celebrates Palau’s 31st Independence Day with Olchotel Belau Fair

By: Faith Chen KOROR, Palau (Oct. 2, 2025) — Palau marked its 31st Independence Day on Oct. 1 with the Olchotel Belau Fair, a cultural event featuring traditional performances, food, and artisan displays that drew large crowds throughout the day....

The Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program (PHWP) Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Journey: What are we doing differently?

The Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program (PHWP), being implemented across 15 participating countries1, provided a rare opportunity to reimagine how MERL can meaningfully contribute to ensuring sovereign warehouse storage and response...

World leaders extend congratulations as Palau marks 31st Independence Day

Palau marked its 31st Independence Day on Oct. 1 with congratulatory messages from global leaders, highlighting the island nation’s growing role in climate action, ocean conservation, and regional security. From the United States and European...

Simulation Dog Strengthens Veterinary Emergency Training in Palau

KOROR, Palau — Osebelel A Charm Animal Hospital staff received advanced emergency training on Sept. 30 using the Diesel Dog, a realistic veterinary simulation model introduced through Pacific Partnership, to strengthen their ability to provide...

Pacific makes powerful impact at World Expo

The Pacific region is making a strong impression at this year's World Expo in Japan. Countries represented include Papua New Guinea, Sāmoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Palau, the Marshall Islands, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, the Solomon...

Pacific Islands focus: health and gender inequities, climate updates, and some hope for marine biodiversity

Introduction by Croakey: In breaking news on Thursday, Papua New Guinea’s cabinet has approved a landmark defence agreement with Australia. PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape said the agreement, known as the PukPuk treaty, “will elevate the two...

Pacific islands bound by climate change, divided by deep-sea mining: Nauru swimming against the tide

Deep-sea mining equipment. Photo courtesy of Impossible Metals “The climate crisis is not up for debate,” Micronesian President Wesley Simina said. “The only question is whether we will act with the urgency it demands.” Pacific island leaders...

These countries require a 6-month passport validity for travellers

The rules are in place so that foreign travellers do not stay beyond the period specified on their visas, unintentionally due to sudden passport expiration. Sudden expiration results in unnecessary complications if they get stranded in a foreign...

USS Pearl Harbor returns to San Diego after Pacific Partnership mission

Families of sailors assigned to the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor wait on the pier as the ship arrives at its homeport of San Diego, Oct. 01, 2025 after she participated in Pacific Partnership. (Ulrika...

Polynesia squad gears for Oceania Cup at Teufaiva

Team Polynesia will take to the track in Nuku‘alofa with a powerhouse roster at the Oceania Cup. Anchored by record-breakers and regional champions, the squad will compete at Teufaiva Stadium from 29 October to 1 November. Samoan sprinter Johnny...

Guam at the Pacific Islands Forum: ‘Business as Usual’ Despite External Partner Ban 

At this year’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting, the story that seemed to capture headlines was the decision by this year’s host, Solomon Islands, to disinvite all external partners from attendance. The reporting around this decision...

Palau President calls for Climate Justice, Ocean Protection and UN reform…

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has told the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) that small island states are “at war” with climate change, warning that 1.5 degrees is now a binding global obligation and calling for urgent reforms to deliver...

Palau President Whipps warns against war, Calls out China on Taiwan

Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr told the United Nations General Assembly last week that peace, justice, and inclusivity must guide the international community, warning that wars and political exclusions threaten global stability. “Palau...

Micronesia’s exit from the Pacific Islands Forum

By Graeme Dobell The slow-motion crash of Micronesia’s break with the Pacific Islands Forum has reached the one-year mark. Back on 8 February 2021, the Micronesia five—the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru and...