AGP Executive Report

Commonwealth Games: Fiji, Niue and Vanuatu have named teams for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games starting 23 July, with Fiji so far confirming 58 athletes across athletics, basketball 3×3, bowling, boxing, judo, para athletics, swimming and weightlifting. Everyday security and public health: At a Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Fiji, Niue’s Home Affairs, Police, Corrections and National Disaster Management minister Richie Mautama said security threats aren’t only geopolitical—he pointed to Niue’s unmanaged dog population as a recurring community safety and health concern. Niue budget scrutiny: Niue MPs are questioning the government’s first budget since the election, flagging a growing deficit and asking why community development and social welfare are no longer listed as stated priorities despite major ongoing spending. Ocean and health link: Pacific officials are also advancing a climate-driven tuna “advanced warning system” to help governments prepare as tuna shifts threaten food security and income that supports services like schools and hospitals.

Everyday Security: Niue’s Minister Richie Mautama told the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Fiji that threats aren’t only geopolitical—roaming dogs, community safety, climate change, and illegal fishing in Niue’s waters all keep leaders “awake at night,” reframing security as public health and wellbeing. Niue Budget Scrutiny: Niue MPs are questioning the new government’s first budget since the election, pointing to a growing deficit and concerns that community development and social welfare are missing from stated priorities, even though they’ve been major recurrent spending lines. Climate & Food Security for Fisheries: Pacific countries are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven shifts in tuna, with early work presented in Wellington—aimed at protecting incomes, schools, hospitals, and food security as tuna moves beyond national waters. Ocean Conservation Funding Gap: Leaders at the Our Ocean conference are being urged to close a major ocean conservation financing shortfall, with advocates linking better marine protection to stronger ecosystem services and long-term economic gains.

Niue Budget Watch: Niue MPs are questioning the government’s first post-election budget, pointing to a widening deficit and shifting priorities. The 2026/27 Appropriation Bill proposes $83.4m in spending against $65.8m in expected revenue, now heading to the Public Accounts Committee. Social Welfare & Education Gaps: MPs say community development and social welfare—major recurrent spending areas—have been dropped from the stated budget priorities, and they’ve flagged a drop in education funding. Everyday Security Concerns: Niue’s Minister of Home Affairs, Police, Corrections and National Disaster Management, Richie Mautama, highlighted that “security” includes community safety and climate change, not just geopolitics, during a Pacific peace and security dialogue in Suva. Climate & Food Security: Pacific countries are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, warning that skipjack may move beyond Pacific EEZs—affecting income that supports schools, hospitals and services.

Ocean Conservation Funding: Ahead of the Our Ocean conference in Mombasa (16–18 June), a new push is underway to close a widening ocean conservation funding gap, with estimates saying only 14% of needed international conservation money is reaching the seas—at a time when countries are working toward “30 by 30” biodiversity goals. Climate & Food Security (Tuna): Pacific nations are strengthening climate readiness for tuna as skipjack stocks are projected to shift beyond national waters; a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System is being developed to help governments plan for impacts on economies, food security, and livelihoods. Local Agrifood Innovation (Samoa): Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 wrapped up in Apia, backed by an EU-funded FAO project, spotlighting new agribusiness ideas and training for micro, small and medium enterprises to support more resilient agrifood systems. Health Note (PNG): Papua New Guinea’s Media Council reports the death of Genesis Ketan after rheumatic heart disease and mitral valve stenosis, highlighting ongoing heart health burdens and the importance of care and prevention.

Ocean Funding Gap: Ahead of the Our Ocean conference in Mombasa (16–18 June), a major concern is that only about 14% of international conservation funding reaches the ocean—despite the push to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal framework. Marine Protection & Food Security: The financing shortfall matters for everything from designing marine protected areas to long-term management, with experts linking stronger ocean protection to big economic and ecosystem-service gains. Pacific Tuna & Climate Readiness: Pacific countries are also moving to protect food and livelihoods as tuna shifts beyond national waters—early work on a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System is helping governments anticipate changes and plan for impacts on economies, schools, hospitals, and coastal communities. Regional Agrifood Innovation: In Samoa, the EU- and FAO-supported STODAS project wrapped up the Samoa Agri-Innovate Competition 2026, backing agribusiness entrepreneurs through training and pitch-based awards. Health Note (PNG): Papua New Guinea’s media community mourns Genesis Ketan, who died after rheumatic heart disease and mitral valve stenosis—highlighting the ongoing burden of heart conditions.

Ocean conservation funding gap: Ahead of the Our Ocean conference (16–18 June) in Mombasa, a major shortfall is highlighted: ocean conservation gets only about 14% of needed international funding, even as countries aim to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal framework. Climate & nutrition security for tuna: Pacific nations are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with early work presented in Wellington; the goal is to help governments protect food security and income that supports services like schools and hospitals. Food safety for EU seafood access: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained regulators in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel requirements (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449), after EU audits found vessels not consistently reaching -18°C in brine—aimed at keeping Pacific seafood exports compliant. Agrifood entrepreneurship: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale (EU/FAO STODAS project) showcased agribusiness innovation, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises to strengthen local food systems. Health note (regional): Papua New Guinea media trainer Genesis Ketan died after rheumatic heart disease and mitral valve stenosis, prompting tributes from the media council.

Ocean conservation funding: Ahead of the Our Ocean conference (16–18 June) in Mombasa, a major gap is highlighted: only about 14% of international conservation money reaches the ocean, even as countries aim for “30 by 30” biodiversity targets. Climate & nutrition security: Pacific nations are moving to protect tuna-dependent food and livelihoods as skipjack increasingly shifts beyond EEZs; a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System is being developed to help governments plan for climate-driven changes. Food safety & exports: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel requirements (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449), meant to keep Pacific seafood exports meeting standards after concerns about reaching required temperatures. Local agribusiness innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale (EU/FAO STODAS project) showcased new agrifood entrepreneurs, supporting MSMEs that can strengthen local food systems and resilience.

Ocean Conservation Funding: Ahead of the Our Ocean conference in Mombasa (16–18 June), a major gap remains: ocean conservation gets just 14% of needed international funding, even as countries push for “30 by 30” biodiversity goals. Climate & Nutrition Security: Pacific nations are strengthening climate response for tuna as stocks shift beyond national waters, with a new Advanced Warning System under the Green Climate Fund-funded Regional Tuna Programme aiming to help governments protect food security and livelihoods. Food Safety for Health & Trade: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu took part in EU food-safety training for freezer vessels, after new EU rules (in force from 27 Jan 2026) highlighted cold-temperature shortfalls that could affect access to the EU seafood market. Agrifood Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale (5 June) showcased agribusiness ideas supported by an EU-funded FAO project, focused on strengthening local agrifood systems that underpin community health through better food supply.

Food Safety & Seafood Exports: National competent authorities from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu met in Suva for training on new EU food safety rules for freezer vessels under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at keeping Pacific Island-flagged vessels compliant and able to export to the EU after concerns about reaching required -18°C in brine. Climate & Nutrition Security: Pacific countries are strengthening climate response for tuna as stocks shift beyond national waters, with an Advanced Warning System under the Green Climate Fund Regional Tuna Programme (GCF-FP259) to help governments plan for impacts on economies, food security and livelihoods. Local Health Capacity (Regional): Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale highlighted agrifood entrepreneurship supported by the EU-funded STODAS project—relevant to long-term nutrition and food system resilience. Health Leadership (PNG): Papua New Guinea’s Media Council mourned Genesis Ketan, who died after rheumatic heart disease and mitral valve stenosis, reflecting ongoing community focus on heart health and care.

Rheumatic Heart Disease & Mitral Valve Stenosis: Papua New Guinea’s Media Council mourns the death of Genesis Ketan, its Treasurer and a long-time trainer/mentor, after a courageous battle with rheumatic heart disease and mitral valve stenosis. Climate & Food Security: Pacific countries are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, warning that skipjack may move beyond national waters—affecting government revenue, schools, hospitals, and community livelihoods. Food Safety & Exports: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to impact about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, and Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu are training national authorities to meet new temperature requirements and keep market access. Agrifood Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale highlighted EU/FAO support for agribusiness entrepreneurs under STODAS, aiming to strengthen local food systems and livelihoods. Forestry Resilience: Samoa Forestry officers completed FAO-supported training in sustainable teak and pine production, focused on seed propagation and harvesting to better withstand climate and ecosystem pressures.

Heart Health & Community Loss: Papua New Guinea’s Media Council mourns the death of Genesis Ketan, its Treasurer and a long-time trainer, after a battle with rheumatic heart disease and mitral valve stenosis. Climate & Food Security: Pacific countries are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed advanced warning system to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with early findings warning skipjack may move beyond Pacific EEZs—affecting government revenue that supports services like schools and hospitals. Food Safety & Access to Markets: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, and Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu have just completed training to help national authorities meet the new requirements and keep seafood exports viable. Agrifood Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale highlighted EU/FAO-supported agribusiness innovation under STODAS, aiming to strengthen local agrifood enterprises and, indirectly, nutrition and resilience.

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific countries are moving to protect tuna-dependent health and livelihoods as skipjack tuna is projected to shift farther beyond Pacific Island exclusive economic zones, with a new Advanced Warning System (AWS) under the Green Climate Fund-funded Regional Tuna Programme (GCF-FP259) sharing early modelling outputs with officials in Wellington. Food Safety & Exports: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, after EU auditors found brine temperatures not consistently reaching -18°C; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu are training national competent authorities to meet the new Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449 requirements and keep access to the EU seafood market. Agrifood & Wellness Pathways: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale, backed by the EU and implemented by FAO under STODAS, spotlighted agrifood entrepreneurs and MSMEs—supporting local innovation that can strengthen food security and healthier diets.

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific countries are rolling out a new Advanced Warning System under the Green Climate Fund Regional Tuna Programme to track climate-driven shifts in tuna, with early results suggesting skipjack may move increasingly beyond Pacific island waters—affecting government revenue, food security, and services like schools and hospitals. Food Safety & Trade: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, after EU auditors found brine temperatures not consistently reaching -18°C; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu officials trained to meet the new requirements and keep market access. Agribusiness & Nutrition Pathways: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition Finale (EU/FAO STODAS project) spotlighted agrifood entrepreneurs and MSMEs, aiming to strengthen local agribusiness innovation that can support healthier, more resilient food systems. Capacity Building for Resilience: Samoa Forestry Division officers completed FAO-supported training in sustainable teak and pine production in Fiji, focused on seed propagation and sustainable harvesting to better withstand climate and ecosystem pressures. Health Sector Note: A regional roundup also flagged concerns about oral cavity cancer as a future health challenge in PNG, alongside broader Pacific health-sector coverage.

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific countries are rolling out a new Advanced Warning System to help governments prepare for climate-driven tuna shifts, with preliminary results shared at the Forum Fisheries Committee meeting in Wellington. The focus is on skipjack tuna moving increasingly beyond Pacific exclusive economic zones, which could affect government revenue and services like schools and hospitals. Food Safety & Trade: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, after auditors found brine temperatures not consistently reaching -18°C; a Suva training for national competent authorities (Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu) aims to keep access to the seafood market. Agrifood Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 finale (EU/FAO STODAS project) showcased and supported agribusiness entrepreneurs, backing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with training and business pitches. Climate Resilience Funding: Niue and other vulnerable countries are set to receive over USD 67 million through Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund projects, targeting flood and coastal risks plus food and water security.

Climate & Resilience Funding: Niue is among countries set to receive over USD 67 million in new support through the Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund, with projects aimed at reducing flood and coastal risks, boosting food and water security, and protecting ecosystems, alongside nearly USD 218 million in co-financing. Food Safety for Pacific Exports: EU officials and Pacific national authorities met in Suva for training on new EU freezer-vessel food safety requirements, expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, after EU auditors found freezer vessels failing to consistently reach required brine temperatures. Regional Agrifood Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 wrapped up in Apia, backed by EU funding via FAO’s STODAS project, supporting agrifood entrepreneurs and agribusinesses across Fiji, Samoa, and Solomon Islands. Forestry Capacity for Climate Resilience: Samoa forestry officers completed FAO-supported training in Suva on sustainable teak and pine production, focusing on seed propagation and sustainable harvesting to close technical and data gaps linked to climate pressures.

Dialysis Support for Samoa: India’s external affairs minister says a haemo-dialysis machine with a portable RO unit has been delivered to Samoa, fulfilling a Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC-III) commitment. Food Safety for Pacific Seafood Exports: EU-backed training in Suva for Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu prepares national authorities for new EU freezer-vessel requirements, expected to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Climate Resilience Funding via GEF: Niue and other vulnerable countries are set to receive over US$67 million in new funding through the Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund to reduce flood and coastal risks and bolster food and water security. Regional Agrifood Innovation in Samoa: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale (EU/FAO-supported) showcased agribusiness innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting small and medium enterprises under the STODAS project. Forestry Capacity Building: FAO reports Samoa forestry officers completed hands-on training in sustainable teak and pine production and management in Fiji, aimed at strengthening resilience to climate and ecosystem pressures.