AGP Executive Report

Pacific Skills: Vanuatu Institute of Technology will host a regional skills competition from October 19–22, with contests including welding and electrical work. The event supports VIT’s bid to join the WorldSkills network and could help raise the profile of technical training across the Pacific. Children’s Health: A global report highlights the scale of childhood obesity, affecting 33% of children and adolescents aged 5–19 in Nauru, according to UNICEF. It points to factors beyond diet, including inactivity, sleep, social conditions and the widespread marketing of ultra-processed foods. Climate and Health: Ahead of COP31, Pacific voices are urging global leaders to learn from the region’s community-led approaches to climate resilience and health. At pre-COP talks in Fiji, leaders are also pressing for climate finance and support for adaptation in vulnerable island communities.

Child Health: Obesity affects 33% of Nauruans aged 5–19, among the highest rates reported globally. The crisis is linked not just to diet and activity, but also to food marketing and the wider environment. Climate Readiness: Pacific leaders at pre-COP31 talks in Fiji are pressing for climate finance and adaptation support. Australia pledged $7.29 million for the region’s shift to renewable energy. Pacific Solutions: Pacific health expert Collin Tukuitonga says the region’s community decision-making, resource stewardship and traditional knowledge offer lessons for tackling climate change and health inequity. Ocean Finance: Thailand’s Maya Bay showed that restricting tourism can help damaged reefs recover, raising questions about how ocean-based industries can help fund conservation.

Child Health: WHO data cited in a new report show obesity affects 33% of Nauruan children and adolescents aged 5–19, among the highest rates in the Pacific. The report points to factors including ultra-processed food, inactivity and aggressive marketing. Pacific Climate Talks: Leaders gathering for pre-COP31 discussions are pressing for climate finance and adaptation support, as island communities face rising seas, stronger cyclones and threats to food and water security. Whale Protection: Nauru voted against a proposed South Atlantic whale sanctuary at the International Whaling Commission meeting in Hobart. The proposal won 39 votes but fell short of the 75% majority required.

Child Health: WHO data cited in a new report puts obesity at 33% among Nauruan children and adolescents aged 5–19. The report points to factors including ultra-processed foods, marketing, activity and sleep, underscoring the scale of the health challenge. Whale Protection: Nauru voted against a proposed South Atlantic whale sanctuary at the International Whaling Commission meeting in Hobart. The bid won 39 votes but fell short of the 75% majority needed. Pacific Climate Science: Ahead of COP31, Pacific voices are urging global leaders to learn from the region’s approaches to climate and health, including community decision-making and stewardship of resources. Pre-COP talks in Fiji are also focusing on climate finance and support for vulnerable island communities.

Ocean Finance: Maya Bay’s recovery after Thailand restricted tourism shows how protecting reefs can sustain jobs, food security and coastal protection. The challenge is ensuring the benefits fund conservation. Pacific Climate: Cook Islands leaders at Pre-COP31 called for climate finance and adaptation support, as island communities face rising seas, stronger cyclones and threats to food and water security. Deep-Sea Mining: A report warns that Pacific nations could face costly international legal claims from mining investors, raising concerns as demand for minerals grows. Whale Protection: Nauru voted against a proposed South Atlantic whale sanctuary at the International Whaling Commission meeting, which failed to win the required majority.

Ocean Science: Thailand’s Maya Bay shows how limiting tourism can help damaged reefs recover: after a four-year closure, coral regrew and blacktip reef sharks returned. The case highlights the challenge of funding ocean protection while communities depend on marine tourism and fisheries. Pacific Climate: Cook Islands leaders joined Pre-COP31 talks in Tuvalu, pressing for climate finance and adaptation support as island nations face rising seas, stronger cyclones and threats to food and water security. Pacific Innovation: Ahead of the Fiji climate talks, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga urged the world to learn from Pacific approaches to climate and health, including community decision-making and resource stewardship. Nauru and Conservation: Nauru voted against a proposed South Atlantic whale sanctuary at the International Whaling Commission, which failed to reach the required majority. Deep-Sea Mining: A new analysis warns that Pacific states could face costly international arbitration claims linked to deep-sea mining, raising concerns about control over ocean resources and protection of marine livelihoods.

Ocean Finance: Thailand’s Maya Bay shows how reef recovery can underpin tourism and local livelihoods, but lasting gains depend on funding conservation and managing visitor pressure — a lesson relevant to Pacific island economies. Pacific Climate Talks: Leaders meeting in Fiji ahead of COP31 are pressing for fair climate finance and support for adaptation, while Pacific health expert Collin Tukuitonga says the region’s community knowledge and stewardship can offer solutions. Seabed Mining: Pacific nations face potential costly legal disputes as companies seek access to deep-sea minerals, raising concerns about environmental harm and national control. Whale Protection: A bid for a South Atlantic whale sanctuary failed at the International Whaling Commission; Nauru was among 18 countries voting against it.

Ocean Restoration & Tourism Lessons: Thailand’s Maya Bay shows how closing a damaged reef can let corals regrow and bring back blacktip reef sharks—then reopening with visitor caps and stronger rules. Pacific Climate Finance & Adaptation: Cook Islands leaders say Pre-COP31 is about getting small-island realities heard—rising seas, stronger cyclones, coastal erosion, and the costs of adapting—despite tiny emissions. Pre-COP31 in Fiji: Australia, Fiji and partners are convening Pacific climate talks ahead of COP31, with funding pledged for renewables transition and talk of fair climate governance for small states. Health Co-Benefits of Climate Action: University of Auckland’s Sir Collin Tukuitonga argues the world should look to Pacific solutions, linking climate action to better health and regional collaboration. Cyclone Displacement in the Pacific: Reporting from Fiji highlights how cyclones are forcing families into unsafe temporary tent settlements while rebuilding lags. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: A Pacific-wide debate continues over deep-sea minerals and investor protections that may weaken sovereignty; Cook Islands youth also question whether mining will truly deliver a safe economic future. Whale Sanctuary Vote: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed at the International Whaling Commission, with Nauru among countries voting against.

Climate Diplomacy for COP31: Australia and Fiji kicked off pre-COP31 climate talks in Fiji with leaders and delegates from across the Pacific, Germany and Nepal, aiming to push fair climate governance and guaranteed funding as COP31 nears in Türkiye. Health + Climate Co-benefits: University of Auckland’s Sir Collin Tukuitonga urged the world to learn from Pacific solutions, highlighting how climate action can improve health and reduce inequity, with WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health hosting discussions. On-the-Ground Climate Impacts: In Fiji, cyclone damage has left families living in temporary tents after Nabavatu was declared unsafe in 2021, showing how rising seas and heavier rainfall are driving displacement. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: A report warns “Big Ocean States” in the Pacific face sovereignty and legal threats as foreign deep-sea mining firms use investor-state dispute tools to bypass local courts. Nauru’s ICC Move: The US congratulated Naoero (formerly Nauru) after President David Adeang announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as standing up for sovereignty. Whale Sanctuary Setback: The South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Nauru among countries voting against.

Climate Diplomacy for Small Islands: Leaders and delegates from Australia, Germany, Nepal and Pacific nations began pre-COP31 climate talks in Fiji, with Australia and Fiji pushing for fair climate governance and guaranteed funding, alongside a promised $7.29 million for the region’s renewables transition. Pacific Health & Climate Links: University of Auckland’s Sir Collin Tukuitonga says the Pacific has solutions for both climate action and health inequity, urging closer regional collaboration ahead of COP31. Climate Displacement on the Ground: In Fiji, cyclone damage has left Nabavatu residents living in temporary tents for years, highlighting how rising seas and heavier rainfall are driving displacement across the Pacific. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: The Cook Islands’ youth debate deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules in its EEZ, while regional legal concerns grow over how offshore mining could sidestep local courts. Whale Protection Setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Nauru among the countries voting against. Sovereignty Move at the UN: The US congratulated Naoero (formerly Nauru) after it announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as standing up for sovereignty.

Climate & Health Diplomacy: University of Auckland professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga says Pacific leaders should be heard at pre-COP31 talks in Fiji, arguing the region offers practical solutions on climate action and health equity—not just stories of harm. Disaster Displacement in the Pacific: ABC News reports cyclone damage has left Nabavatu in Fiji unsafe, with families living in temporary tents while rebuilding is delayed, highlighting how rising seas and heavier rain are driving displacement. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Cook Islands youth are weighing the promise and risks of extracting polymetallic nodules in deep waters (4,000–6,000m), as leaders and communities debate jobs, culture, and environmental stewardship. Sovereignty & Ocean Governance: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. is profiled for pushing high-seas protections and marine sanctuaries while balancing conservation with local economic realities. Nauru/International Law: The US congratulates Naoero (formerly Nauru) after President David Adeang announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as standing up for sovereignty. Whale Protection Setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Nauru among the countries voting against.

Pacific Climate & Health Diplomacy: University of Auckland professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga says the world should learn from Pacific solutions as leaders meet in Fiji for pre-COP31 talks on climate and health, highlighting regional collaboration and health co-benefits of climate action. Cyclone Displacement Reality: In Fiji, families from Nabavatu—declared unsafe after cyclones cracked the ground—are still living in tent settlements, underscoring how rising seas and heavier rain are driving displacement across Pacific islands. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: A new Pacific debate is heating up over deep-sea minerals and rare earths, with legal concerns that foreign mining could bypass local courts via investor-state disputes; Fiji is also urging a precautionary pause. Cook Islands Mining Crossroads: Cook Islands youth are weighing deep-sea mining’s promise of jobs and minerals against cultural identity and environmental stewardship, with polymetallic nodules proposed from deep EEZ waters. Sovereignty & International Courts: The US has welcomed Naoero’s (formerly Nauru) withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as standing up for sovereignty. Whales Protection Setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Nauru among the countries voting against.

Whale Protection Setback: Nauru was among the countries voting against a South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid at IWC70, where the proposal fell short of the 75% threshold (39–18), despite growing pressure on the whaling moratorium. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure in the Pacific: A new report warns Pacific “Big Ocean States” face sovereignty risks as deep-sea minerals attract a corporate race, with disputes potentially pushed into offshore arbitration. Cook Islands Mining Debate: In the Cook Islands, youth and community voices are clashing over proposed deep-sea extraction of polymetallic nodules in the EEZ, weighing jobs and development against cultural and environmental concerns. Climate Finance Fight: Climate-vulnerable leaders told the UN they want grants and faster support, saying disasters are too often met with loans that deepen debt for countries that didn’t cause the damage. Sovereignty vs Courts: The US welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as a stand for sovereignty.

Climate Finance Push: Climate-vulnerable leaders told the UN General Assembly they shouldn’t be forced deeper into debt after disasters, calling for grants and faster access to support instead of loans that divert money from education, health, water, and social protection. Pacific Deep-Sea Mining: Across the Blue Pacific, “Big Ocean States” are weighing deep-sea mineral extraction, with concerns that foreign mining firms could use investor-state dispute rules to bypass local courts. Nauru/Whales: Nauru voted against a South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid at the International Whaling Commission, where the proposal fell short of the required supermajority. Naoero (Nauru) and ICC: The US welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court after President David Adeang announced the move at the UN, framing it as defending sovereignty. Cook Islands Deep-Sea Debate: In Rarotonga, youth voices are pushing back on deep-sea mining plans for polymetallic nodules, arguing the country’s future, culture, and ocean stewardship are at stake.

Climate Finance Push: Climate-vulnerable leaders told the UN General Assembly they shouldn’t be forced into deeper debt for disaster recovery, arguing the world should shift from loans to grants and faster access to support. Deep-Sea Mining Debate (Cook Islands): In Rarotonga, youth voices are weighing the promise of polymetallic nodules in the EEZ against risks to the environment and cultural identity, as the country weighs whether deep-sea mining can deliver a real economic future. Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty (Pacific): A new legal critique warns that foreign deep-sea mining investors could use dispute mechanisms to bypass local courts, raising the stakes for Pacific nations trying to protect ocean resources. Whale Sanctuary Vote (South Atlantic): A Brazil-led bid for a South Atlantic whale sanctuary failed again at the International Whaling Commission, falling short of the required supermajority, with Nauru among the countries voting against. Sovereignty & Courts (Naoero/Nauru): The US welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as a stand for sovereignty after the announcement at the UN.

Climate Finance & Debt: Climate-vulnerable leaders told the UN General Assembly they shouldn’t be pushed deeper into debt after disasters, urging grants and faster access to support instead of loans. Deep-Sea Mining Debate (Cook Islands & Fiji): Cook Islands youth and communities are weighing polymetallic nodule mining in deep waters, while Fiji is calling for a precautionary pause as concerns grow over environmental risk and cultural loss. Ocean Conservation (South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary): A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, falling short of the required 75% vote despite broad support for whale protection. Sovereignty & Courts (Naoero/Nauru): The US welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as a stand for sovereignty. Regional Governance & Rights (Solomon Islands): Solomon Islands backed most UN human rights recommendations but noted sensitive items, citing capacity limits for implementation. Pacific Minerals & Sovereignty Risks: A Pacific-focused report warns deep-sea mining could expose island states to costly arbitration risks and weaken domestic court control.