AGP Executive Report

COP31 Energy Talks: Australia’s Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is in Bonn, Germany, leading energy security negotiations ahead of COP31, pushing clean energy and electrification and working with Pacific partners to keep regional priorities front and centre. Fossil Fuel Scrutiny in Tuvalu: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo says AFP’s report that the Tuvalu Trust Fund—managed by Mercer—invested in oil and coal is “not a good look,” with Tuvalu now reviewing the holdings. EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, tightening temperature requirements for tuna exports. Climate Displacement Pressure: Pacific leaders are urging New Zealand to act on climate displacement, warning existing policies lag behind the scale of cross-border movement already driven by disasters. Jobs and Skills for Resilience: A renewable energy push in Fiji’s Ovalau is framed as both a transition and an employment pathway, with plans to upskill locals for operations and maintenance. Education Upgrade in Tuvalu: UNICEF-backed work to improve teaching quality in Tuvalu is underway, supporting teachers to meet new qualification requirements through a US$2.5m programme reaching outer-island educators.

Tuvalu Fossil Fuel Scrutiny: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo says AFP’s report that the Tuvalu Trust Fund—managed by Mercer—invested in oil and coal is “not a good look,” and the government is reviewing the holdings. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for training on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, tightening temperature requirements to reduce histamine poisoning risks. Climate Finance Push in Bonn: Amnesty says COP talks in Bonn (8–18 June) must turn fossil-fuel phaseout pledges into real action, building on the Santa Marta process and its focus on practical pathways. Planned Relocation Framework: Pacific governments adopted regional guidance on climate-related planned relocation, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation, and treating relocation as a last resort. Youth and Jobs Pressure in Tuvalu: A survey of young Tuvaluans finds unemployment is the top driver of poverty and that many feel development is concentrated in Funafuti, leaving outer islands behind. Australia–Tuvalu Mobility and Resilience: Tuvalu’s acting PM raised climate risk and challenges for people relocating to Australia under the Falepili pathway with Australia’s Governor-General, including housing and transport needs. Education Skills Upgrade: UNICEF-backed support is helping Tuvalu improve teaching quality, funding teacher upskilling to meet new qualification requirements.

Tuvalu Fossil Fuel Scrutiny: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo says AFP’s report that the Tuvalu Trust Fund—managed by Mercer—invested in oil and coal is “not a good look,” and the government is reviewing the holdings. EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel rules (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449) that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, tightening cold-chain requirements for tuna. Climate Displacement Pressure on NZ: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing a World Vision report that nearly one million people were displaced by climate disasters from 2010–2021 and warning that cross-border frameworks are still missing. Planned Relocation Framework: Pacific governments adopted regional guidance for climate-related planned relocation, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation, and treating relocation as a last resort. Tuvalu Digital Nation Push: Tuvalu is moving ahead with a “Digital Nation” plan to preserve state functions and support a diaspora as sea levels rise. Education Skills Boost: UNICEF-backed support is helping Tuvalu improve teaching quality, with a US$2.5m programme upgrading teachers’ qualifications and skills through 2029. Australia–Tuvalu Diplomacy: Australia opened a new renewable-powered High Commission chancery in Funafuti, reinforcing development and people-to-people ties.

Planned Relocation Framework: Pacific governments adopted the PAC-GIPR guidance to manage climate-related planned relocation as a last resort, with stronger focus on human rights, Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and community decision-making. Tuvalu Fossil Fuel Scrutiny: Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo hit back after AFP revealed the Tuvalu Trust Fund—managed by Mercer—invested in oil and coal, saying it’s “not a good look” and that Tuvalu is reviewing the holdings. EU Seafood Rules for Pacific Vessels: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels, tightening temperature standards to protect against unsafe fish freezing. Climate Displacement Pressure on NZ: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, warning current policies don’t match the scale of movement already driven by disasters. Australia-Tuvalu Partnership: Australia opened a new renewable-powered High Commission chancery in Funafuti, underscoring long-term diplomatic and development cooperation. Tuvalu Education Skills Push: UNICEF-backed support will help Tuvalu upgrade teachers’ qualifications through a US$2.5m programme reaching about 970 children, targeting outer-island training gaps. Falepili Mobility Talks: Tuvalu’s acting PM discussed climate risk and relocation support with Australia’s Governor-General, including housing and transport challenges faced by Tuvaluans under the Falepili pathway.

Fossil fuel scrutiny: Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo said it “is not a good look” after AFP revealed the Tuvalu Trust Fund, managed by Mercer, holds investments linked to coal mining, gas exploration and major oil refining—prompting a review. EU fisheries access: Pacific fisheries officials, including Tuvalu, trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at tighter cold-chain standards after concerns tuna wasn’t consistently frozen to -18°C in brine—rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels. Climate displacement planning: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing research that nearly one million Pacific people were displaced by climate disasters from 2010–2021 and calling for Pacific-led, dignity-focused frameworks. Jobs and skills for resilience: A renewable energy project in Fiji’s Ovalau is being pitched as both a transition and an employment pathway, with local hiring and maintenance training tied to the fish-cannery community’s needs. Australia-Tuvalu partnership: Australia opened a new High Commission chancery in Funafuti, powered by renewables, while Tuvalu’s acting finance minister also flagged climate threats and housing/transport challenges under the Falepili mobility pathway. Youth pressure on governance: A Tuvalu youth survey found unemployment and unequal development are driving poverty concerns, with many young people saying their voices aren’t being heard.

Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders, including Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo, used the Tokyo Island States Ocean Summit to frame ocean management as a matter of survival, calling for better access to finance, technology and scientific data. Tuvalu Digital Economy: Tuvalu’s “Digital Nation” push aims to keep the state functioning and support a diaspora as sea levels rise and land becomes less reliable. Budget & Mobility Pressure: Tuvalu’s Acting Prime Minister Panapasi Nelesone met Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn, stressing climate risk and the practical hurdles facing Tuvaluans relocating under the Falepili mobility pathway, especially housing and transport. Trust Fund Scrutiny: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m trust fund has fossil-fuel exposure via Mercer investments, prompting Tuvalu to review its holdings. Regional Energy Costs: UNCTAD warns oil-price spikes tied to Strait of Hormuz tensions could add about US$20.4bn a year to vulnerable economies’ fuel bills, with major impacts for Pacific SIDS. Education Investment: UNICEF-backed work to upgrade Tuvalu teachers (US$2.5m) targets formal qualifications and classroom learning improvements through 2029. Fiji Waste Project Blocked: Fiji’s environment department rejected an EIA for a proposed energy-from-waste plant and private port at Vuda Point, citing unresolved legal and technical risks. Fisheries Trade Rules: The WTO fisheries subsidies deal is in force, but benefits could be undermined if key countries stall the next phase.

Tuvalu Digital Nation Push: Tuvalu is moving to become a “Digital Nation” as sea-level rise threatens its land and state functions, aiming to preserve identity and governance even if physical territory is lost. Climate Finance Scrutiny: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund has exposure to coal, gas and major oil assets via Mercer investments, and Tuvalu says it is reviewing the “fossil fuel exposure.” Education Skills Boost: UNICEF reports a $2.5m programme to upgrade Tuvalu teachers’ qualifications and classroom practice, reaching about 970 children and running to end-2029, with blended learning support for teachers on outer islands. Australia–Tuvalu Partnership: Tuvalu’s acting PM and finance minister Panapasi Nelesone met Australia’s Governor-General to reaffirm cooperation under Falepili, climate resilience work, and support for Tuvaluans settling in Australia, including housing and transport challenges. Regional Climate Coordination for COP31: Pacific officials met to plan pre-COP31 engagements hosted by Fiji and Tuvalu (5–8 Oct 2026) ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. FAO Forestry Exchange: FAO backed a Samoa–Fiji forestry training exchange on sustainable teak and pine production to strengthen climate resilience through seed propagation and harvesting skills. Solomon Islands Security Review: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China after criticism over possible Chinese military access.

Tuvalu-Australia Partnership: Tuvalu’s Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Panapasi Nelesone met Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Funafuti, reaffirming cooperation under the Falepili Union, climate resilience support, and assistance for Tuvaluans settling in Australia—while stressing sea-level rise as a lived reality. Education & Skills Investment: UNICEF reports a US$2.5m programme (with GPE, USP and UNICEF support) to upgrade teacher qualifications and classroom practice in Tuvalu, targeting around 970 children and helping teachers meet new Bachelor of Education requirements through blended learning. Climate Finance Scrutiny: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m trust fund—managed by Mercer—has fossil-fuel exposure via stakes in coal, gas and major oil assets; Tuvalu says it is reviewing the exposure after the findings. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Pacific senior officials stepped up COP31 preparations, with Fiji and Tuvalu set to host pre-COP31 meetings from 5–8 October 2026 ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Fossil Fuel Transition Push: A Pacific Business Brief highlights fuel relief efforts and broader regional economic pressure, while separate reporting on the Santa Marta process shows countries building road maps to phase out fossil fuels and reform trade and finance systems.

Tuvalu–Australia Partnership: Tuvalu’s Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Panapasi Nelesone met Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Funafuti, reaffirming cooperation under the Falepili Union, climate resilience and development support, while raising practical challenges for Tuvaluans relocating to Australia—especially housing and transport—under the Falepili mobility pathway. Climate Finance Scrutiny: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m trust fund, managed by Mercer, has invested in coal mining, gas exploration and a major crude oil refinery; Tuvalu says it is reviewing the fund’s “fossil fuel exposure,” as activists question the fit with Tuvalu’s push for fossil fuel phase-out. Education for Resilience: UNICEF reports a $2.5m programme (with GPE support and USP involvement) to upgrade Tuvalu teachers’ qualifications and skills, targeting untrained teachers across outer islands and running to end-2029. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Pacific officials stepped up COP31 preparations, with Fiji and Tuvalu set to host pre-COP meetings in October 2026, ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Pacific Media Capacity: PNG’s National Broadcasting Corporation is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient regional storytelling and newsroom safety amid digital disruption. Security Pact Review in the Solomons: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with Beijing, after concerns it could enable a Chinese military presence—an issue that also affects regional economic and aid ties.

Fossil-fuel phaseout push meets legal friction: A “Santa Marta Coalition” of 57 mostly Global South countries is mapping pathways to transition away from fossil fuels, including roadmaps, emissions links, finance-system changes and trade reforms—while Colombia’s own shift is already facing an investor-state dispute after a Spanish firm sued for $198m. Tuvalu education upgrade: Tuvalu’s Ministry of Education is rolling out a US$2.5m UNICEF-backed programme (with USP and GPE) to upskill teachers, targeting fewer than half of primary and only a quarter of secondary teachers currently holding formal qualifications, with support running to end-2029. Tuvalu trust fund fossil exposure: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund, managed via Mercer, has investments tied to coal, gas and major oil refining; Tuvalu says it is reviewing its fossil-fuel exposure. Pacific media business: PNG’s National Broadcasting Corporation is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby on “Resilient Voices,” focusing on newsroom safety, misinformation and regional collaboration. COP31 coordination: Pacific senior officials met to align regional priorities for COP31, with Fiji and Tuvalu set to host pre-COP events 5–8 October 2026. Fisheries trade rules: The WTO fisheries subsidies deal is in force, but “Fish 2” talks could be undermined if India, Indonesia and the US stall progress.

Tuvalu Education: UNICEF-backed programme worth US$2.5m is set to lift teaching quality across Tuvalu, funding teacher upskilling and Bachelor of Education pathways for untrained staff, with support running to end-2029 and reaching almost all untrained teachers. COP31 Prep: Pacific senior officials are lining up for COP31, with Fiji and Tuvalu hosting pre-COP meetings from 5–8 October 2026, as leaders push a united Pacific climate agenda. Tuvalu Finance Under Scrutiny: An AFP investigation says the Tuvalu Trust Fund—managed via Mercer—has invested in fossil fuel-linked holdings, prompting Tuvalu to review its “fossil fuel exposure” after criticism from climate activists. Pacific Business Brief: The Asian Development Bank says it can provide hundreds of millions in fuel-crisis support to Pacific states, with Fiji already receiving a US$200m budget-support loan. Regional Trade Rules: A new push to protect Pacific fisheries from harmful subsidies is tied to the WTO’s fisheries-subsidy deal, with concerns that negotiations on the next phase could stall.

Education Investment: Tuvalu’s Ministry of Education is rolling out a US$2.5m teacher-skills programme (with GPE and UNICEF support) to help about 970 children, targeting the gap where many outer-island teachers lack formal qualifications and new reforms require at least a Bachelor of Education. Climate Finance Scrutiny: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s climate trust fund—managed by Mercer—has fossil-fuel exposure via stakes in coal, gas and major oil assets; Tuvalu says it is reviewing that exposure. COP31 Prep for Tuvalu: Pacific senior officials met to coordinate COP31 priorities, with Fiji and Tuvalu set to host pre-COP meetings from 5–8 October 2026 ahead of the Antalya summit. Regional Trade & Fisheries Rules: A WTO fisheries-subsidy deal is in force, but an op-ed warns that India, Indonesia and the United States could derail the next phase, risking benefits for Pacific fishers and exporters. Pacific Maritime Security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of surveillance across multiple Pacific EEZs, including Tuvalu, to deter illegal fishing and other maritime crimes. Diplomatic Health Aid: India updated it has delivered a haemo-dialysis machine with a portable RO unit to Samoa under FIPIC commitments.

COP31 Prep: Pacific senior officials met in a hybrid session to align regional climate priorities ahead of COP31, with Fiji and Tuvalu set to host pre-COP events from 5–8 October 2026. Climate Mobility & Rights: A new analysis links climate change to rising risks of statelessness in the Asia-Pacific, pointing to the Falepili Treaty’s real-world climate migration pathway for Tuvaluans. Tuvalu Finance Under Scrutiny: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund—managed by Mercer—has fossil-fuel exposure via stakes in coal, gas and major oil assets; Tuvalu says it is reviewing the exposure. Fisheries & Trade Rules: The WTO’s Fisheries Subsidies Agreement is in force, but “Fish 2” talks could stall if India, Indonesia and the United States don’t move forward—raising stakes for Pacific fishers and exporters. Regional Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of surveillance across Pacific EEZs and nearby high seas, with Tuvalu among participating countries to deter IUU fishing. Pacific Business Brief: The ADB is preparing fuel-crisis support for Pacific governments, with Fiji already receiving a US$200m budget-support loan. Education Funding: USP’s council in Tonga adopted audited 2025 accounts and reviewed 2026 forecasts, flagging rising costs and affordability pressures while appointing Tuvalu’s Governor-General as USP Chancellor from 1 July 2026.

WTO Fisheries Subsidies: The WTO’s Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (in force since Sept 2025) is a win for marine protection and fairer competition for Pacific fishers, but the second phase (“Fish 2”) could be derailed if India, Indonesia and the United States stall talks. Tuvalu Trust Fund Scrutiny: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund—managed via Mercer—has fossil-fuel exposure through stakes in coal, gas and major oil assets; Tuvalu says it is reviewing the risk. Pacific Business: The Pacific Business Brief flags ADB fuel relief planning for countries hit by the regional fuel crisis, with support ranging from $10m to $100m depending on need. Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of regional surveillance involving Tuvalu and other Pacific states, with Quad partners supporting patrols to deter IUU fishing. Visa Revenue Pressure: New Zealand is cutting Pacific visa fees and extending default multi-entry visas, with officials warning of a $1–2m annual revenue hit and added pressure on immigration funding. Education Finance: The University of the South Pacific council in Tonga adopted unqualified 2025 accounts and reviewed 2026 forecasts, including rising costs and affordability pressures, and named Tuvalu’s Governor-General as USP Chancellor from 1 July 2026.

UN Climate Ruling: More than two-thirds of UN members backed a resolution affirming an International Court of Justice finding that countries have a legal duty to limit global warming to 1.5°C—setting up a stronger basis for future climate lawsuits and appeals. Tuvalu Trust Fund Scrutiny: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund, managed by Mercer, is invested in funds tied to coal, gas and major oil assets, prompting Tuvalu to review its “fossil fuel exposure.” Pacific Fisheries Security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of patrols and surveillance across 10 Pacific EEZs, with Tuvalu participating and support including seconded personnel to strengthen enforcement against illegal fishing. Fisheries Subsidies at WTO: A new WTO fisheries subsidies deal is credited as an environmental breakthrough, but the next phase could stall if India, Indonesia and the United States don’t move forward. Regional Climate Finance Debate: Multiple reports highlight Pacific climate funds investing in fossil fuels, reigniting pressure for funds to align with phase-out goals. Higher Education Funding Watch: The University of the South Pacific council in Tonga adopted 2025 audited accounts and reviewed 2026 forecasts, flagging rising costs and student affordability pressures, with Tuvalu’s Governor-General set to become USP chancellor from 1 July 2026. Visa Fee Cuts: New Zealand plans to reduce Pacific visa fees and extend default multi-entry visas, with officials warning of a revenue hit of about $1–2m a year. Quad Port Push: A Quad plan to invest in Fiji port infrastructure aims to challenge China’s Pacific supply-chain dominance and boost regional logistics leverage.

Climate & Fisheries: A new report warns that Super El Niño events can destabilize marine food chains—warmer seas, weaker upwelling and lower plankton productivity—hitting fish stocks and coastal livelihoods, a direct risk for island economies. Pacific Trade & Security: The Quad’s plan to invest in Fiji port infrastructure is framed as a bid to loosen China’s supply-chain grip, with Suva highlighted as a regional logistics hub. Tuvalu Climate Finance Under Scrutiny: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s climate trust fund—managed by Mercer—has fossil-fuel exposure via investments tied to coal, gas and major oil assets; Tuvalu says it is reviewing the exposure. Fisheries Rules at the WTO: The WTO’s Fisheries Subsidies Agreement is hailed as an environmental win, but “Fish 2” talks could unravel if India, Indonesia and the US stall progress. Regional Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of patrols and surveillance across 10 EEZs, with Tuvalu among participants and partner support including fuel and seconded officers. Higher Education Finance: USP’s council in Tonga adopted 2025 audited accounts and reviewed 2026 forecasts, citing rising costs and affordability pressures; Tuvalu’s Governor-General is set to become USP chancellor from 1 July 2026. Visa Policy Shock: New Zealand’s Pacific visa fee cuts and longer default visas are projected to reduce revenue by about US$1–2m a year, raising pressure on immigration funding.