AGP Executive Report

Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu: World leaders and ministers head to Nadi from Oct 5–8, with a Tuvalu day trip to show the damage from rising seas and heat. Tuvalu frontline impacts: Scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave wiped out about 99.9% of Tuvalu’s reef-building coral, and leaders warn the archipelago could become unliveable this century. Climate diplomacy pressure: Amnesty and Greenpeace say the Pacific must not be sidelined by “double talk,” as Australia and Türkiye face criticism for hosting COP31 talks while still tied to coal. COP29 Presidency visit: Azerbaijan’s climate representative Mukhtar Babayev visits Fiji and Tuvalu to stress climate finance, adaptation and loss-and-damage for small island states. Tuvalu sovereignty and development: Prime Minister Feleti Teo says sea-level rise threatens land and maritime boundaries, while education and health remain the core of Tuvalu’s development. Connectivity update: Tuvalu announces cheaper, subsidised Fiji airfares and improved maritime and internet links. Local culture abroad: Tuvalu Language Week in Aotearoa highlights efforts to keep te ‘gana Tuvalu alive among children growing up in English-speaking communities.

Climate Frontline in Tuvalu: Leaders heading to Fiji’s Pre-COP31 will also tour Tuvalu, where scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave wiped out about 99.9% of the coral and sea-level rise is already reshaping whether the islands can remain liveable. Women in Leadership: Fiji’s Catanasiga says Fiji still has “a lot of catching up to do” after Tuvalu appointed its first woman Governor-General. Pacific Climate Push: Fiji’s Tabuya and Tuvalu’s PM Teo stress the Pacific must be at the centre of climate decisions, with sovereignty and maritime boundaries tied to urgent action. Pre-COP Priorities: Officials warn the region will not accept a weak deal, linking just transition to real finance, while ministers prepare to narrow gaps ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Faith Mobilisation: More than 700 people in Fremantle backed “Climate Justice Now,” urging Australia to phase out fossil fuels and strengthen loss-and-damage support. Tuvalu Connectivity: Tuvalu announced cheaper, subsidised Fiji airfares and improved maritime and internet links to keep families, education and essential services connected. Health Security: WHO and partners unveiled a $35.99m Pandemic Fund project to strengthen outbreak readiness across 12 Western Pacific countries, including Palau. US Visa Bond Rule: A new US $10,000–$20,000 refundable bond applies to B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries; India is not on the list.

Tuvalu in the spotlight for COP31 prep: World powers and Pacific leaders head to Fiji for Pre-COP31 (Oct 5–8), with a Tuvalu visit planned to show frontline sea-level impacts and land reclamation plans as negotiators push for 1.5°C, faster climate finance, and stronger ocean focus. Tuvalu’s Independence message: PM Feleti Teo says Tuvalu’s future depends on educated, healthy people, and that climate action must stay rooted in the “Tuvalu Way,” protecting land, sovereignty, and maritime boundaries. Connectivity upgrades: Tuvalu announced subsidised Fiji airfares (capped $600 return) plus improved maritime links and cheaper internet to strengthen transport and digital access between islands. First woman Governor-General: Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma was sworn in, making history as Tuvalu’s first woman Governor-General. Regional climate finance push: Kiribati backs a plan to “re-engineer” how climate money reaches frontline communities, aiming for reimbursement within 90 days after verified adaptation work. Health and resilience: WHO-backed partners unveiled a first Pandemic Fund multi-country project for Western Pacific preparedness, while Fiji highlights childhood cancer awareness and urges earlier diagnosis.

Pre-COP31 Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo used Independence Day to stress education and health as the core of development, and to reaffirm the “Tuvalu Way” on climate diplomacy—pointing to a UN sea-level rise declaration that protects statehood and maritime boundaries. Regional Climate Push: Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu are hosting Pacific Pre-COP31 talks in Fiji (Oct 5–8) with a Tuvalu day trip, aiming to lock in accessible climate finance, ocean protection and adaptation priorities ahead of COP31 in Antalya. Tuvalu Connectivity: Tuvalu announced cheaper, subsidised Fiji airfares and improved maritime links, reserving eight seats per flight for Tuvaluans at a capped return fare of $600. Leadership Milestone: Tuvalu inaugurated its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, pledging to empower women. Health & Resilience: WHO and partners showcased a first Pandemic Fund multi-country project for the Western Pacific, while Fiji warned childhood cancer cases are often detected late. Marine Life Setback: Tuvalu voted against a South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid at the IWC, which failed again.

COP31 Pre-COP Focus: World powers are sending delegates to Fiji and Tuvalu for talks on climate adaptation, ocean governance and finance ahead of COP31 in Turkey, with leaders pushing to keep 1.5°C within reach and to spotlight sea-level rise impacts on low-lying islands. Tuvalu Independence Priorities: Prime Minister Feleti Teo used Tuvalu’s 48th Independence Anniversary to stress that development means better education and health, and that climate action must stay rooted in the “Tuvalu Way” to protect land, sovereignty and maritime boundaries. Tuvalu Connectivity Boost: Tuvalu announced cheaper, subsidised Fiji airfares and improved maritime links, including expanded passenger capacity, to strengthen daily access to education, work and essential services. New Tuvalu Governor-General: Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma was sworn in as Tuvalu’s first woman Governor-General, pledging to empower Tuvalu’s people, especially women. Whale Sanctuary Setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Tuvalu among countries voting against. Health & Early Action: Fiji’s childhood cancer awareness push warned many cases are diagnosed late, urging parents to watch for warning signs and seek care early.

Tuvalu Connectivity Boost: Prime Minister Feleti Teo announced subsidised Funafuti–Fiji flights, with eight seats per flight capped at $600 return, plus upgrades to maritime links and cheaper internet access. Pre-COP31 Focus on 1.5°C: Pacific leaders are meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, pushing for global decisions that keep warming within 1.5°C and protect low-lying atolls. Climate Diplomacy Attendance Question: A Reuters report says the Tuvalu/Fiji pre-COP guest list from outside the Pacific is thin, despite hopes for bigger global participation. Tuvalu’s Historic Leadership Change: Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma was sworn in as Tuvalu’s first woman Governor-General ahead of Independence Day. Climate Justice Push: Civil society groups in Tuvalu are calling for an immediate stop to new coal, oil and gas expansion and stronger Pacific control over climate decisions. Health and Climate Link: WHO’s Pacific director urged climate action to be treated as a health emergency, with resilient services and aligned financing.

Tuvalu Independence & leadership: Tuvalu inaugurated its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, sworn in at Niutao Hall in Funafuti ahead of the 48th Independence anniversary, with Prime Minister Feleti Teo calling it a historic milestone and Hauma pledging a focus on empowering Tuvalu’s women. UAE diplomacy: UAE leaders sent congratulations to Tuvalu’s Governor-General and Prime Minister on Independence Day. Pre-COP31 push: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal is set to travel to Fiji for the Pre-COP Leaders’ event (Oct 5-6), where he will deliver remarks and hold meetings before returning home. Sea-level stakes: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo told the UN that sea-level rise is a present reality, highlighting land reclamation on Funafuti and welcoming the UN’s Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise for protecting statehood and maritime rights. Climate justice pressure: Pacific civil society issued the “Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” demanding an end to new coal, oil and gas expansion and stronger loss-and-damage action ahead of Pre-COP31. Health reminder: Fiji’s childhood cancer awareness drive noted children are often diagnosed late, including cases from Tuvalu receiving treatment in Fiji.

Tuvalu Leadership: Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma was sworn in as Tuvalu’s first woman Governor-General, beginning a four-year term on the eve of the 48th Independence anniversary, with Prime Minister Feleti Teo calling it a historic milestone. Climate Justice & Pre-COP31: Pacific civil society groups issued the “Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” urging an immediate stop to new coal, oil and gas expansion and stronger loss-and-damage action ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Sea-Level Alarm: A new international Antarctica research push highlights a major “blind spot” in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Subglacial Basin, warning it could drive metres of sea-level rise and raise fresh concerns for Pacific coastal futures. Health in the Pacific: Fiji health authorities say 20 to 30 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, with many arriving late for treatment, and urged parents to watch for warning signs. Culture & Storytelling: A documentary, “Saving Tuvalu,” is among Screen Australia’s funded projects, while “The Stolen Laevans of Tuvalu” heads to international film festivals after revisiting Nukulaelae’s 1863 blackbirding and the resilience that followed.

Tuvalu at the UN spotlight: Prime Minister Feleti Teo urged decisive global action on sea-level rise after the UN endorsed a Political Declaration that protects statehood continuity and the permanence of Tuvalu’s maritime zones. He also said Tuvalu is reclaiming land above flood levels, with 15.3 hectares already created on Funafuti and 10 more underway. Leadership milestones: Tuvalu inaugurated its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, on the eve of Independence. Climate diplomacy and momentum: Teo was honoured for climate leadership, and Tuvalu and Ireland outlined plans for a 2027 conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels. Pre-COP31 build-up: Pacific civil society, including Indigenous and women’s groups, issued “The Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” demanding an end to new coal, oil and gas expansion ahead of Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu. Health and climate link: WHO’s Pacific director called climate change a health emergency, pushing for climate and health financing to move together.

Tuvalu at UN: Prime Minister Feleti Teo told the UN General Assembly sea-level rise is “a present reality,” pointing to Tuvalu’s coastal adaptation work that has reclaimed 15.3 hectares of flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares underway, and welcoming a UN declaration that protects continuity of statehood and maritime rights. Pre-COP31 media push: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information and stronger support for Pacific journalists. Climate as health: WHO’s Pacific director said climate change must be treated as a health emergency, urging climate and health financing to be aligned and health facilities made climate-resilient. Voyaging delayed by weather: The Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia canoe visits to Fiji and Tuvalu were postponed due to unsafe conditions linked to El Niño. Regional climate coverage: Pasifika TV will broadcast Pacific Climate Change Week and pre-COP31 events across 30 TV channels, amplifying Pacific voices. Local human story: A Bougainville trio survived 69 days at sea on fish, cocoa and rain water after bad weather forced them to burn all fuel.

Sea-Level Rise Diplomacy: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo told the UN General Assembly rising seas are a “present reality,” pointing to Funafuti’s coastal adaptation that has reclaimed 15.3 hectares and more land in progress, and welcoming a new UN Political Declaration that protects continuity of statehood and maritime rights. Climate Finance & Resilience: Pacific leaders pressed UN chief António Guterres for climate funding to move from promises to delivery, with the Pacific Resilience Facility target of US$500m by end-2026. Fossil-Fuel Transition: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined a 2027 co-hosted conference vision focused on turning “pathways” into “delivery,” linking the shift to energy security, economic resilience, and sovereignty. Water, Gender & Voice: Pacific advocates say women are being shut out of water decisions, driving wider climate impacts; Pacific media leaders also adopted a Savusavu loss-and-damage declaration calling for better access to information and stronger accountability. Pre-COP31 Focus: Tuvalu and Fiji’s Pre-COP31 leader list remains undisclosed under security protocols, while a Virtual Island Summit highlighted the need for stronger finance and partnerships for island resilience.

West Papua at the UN: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to be allowed into West Papua for independent verification, calling it a transparency test for Indonesia. Pre-COP31 access in Tuvalu and Fiji: Tuvalu’s environment ministry declined to name visiting leaders for the Nadi and Tuvalu Pre-COP events, citing security protocols, with leaders arriving in stages from Oct 5. Sea-level rise and statehood: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo backed the UN Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, stressing “nationhood is not negotiable,” while Tuvalu also reported reclaiming 15.3 hectares on Funafuti and planning more. Climate finance push: Pacific leaders met UN chief António Guterres pressing for climate adaptation funding, including the Pacific Resilience Facility target. Gender and water decisions: Pacific advocates say women are excluded from water decision-making, driving wider climate impacts—an issue they want elevated ahead of COP31. Fossil-fuel transition plans: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined a 2027 “From Pathways to Delivery” conference vision to move from pledges to practical action. Media accountability: Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu declaration demanding timely loss-and-damage information and stronger support for journalists.

Sea-Level Rights at UN: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo told the UN General Assembly that sea-level rise is “a present reality,” welcoming a new UN Political Declaration that affirms continuity of statehood and permanence of maritime boundaries under UNCLOS. Adaptation on the Ground: Teo also said Tuvalu has reclaimed 15.3 hectares of flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares in progress, while using digital tools to safeguard sovereignty and heritage. Fossil-Fuel Transition Plans: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined a 2027 co-hosted “From Pathways to Delivery” conference to turn fossil-fuel phaseout pledges into practical action. Water, Gender, and Climate Justice: Pacific advocates and researchers say women are too often excluded from water decisions, and Pacific media leaders adopted a Savusavu declaration demanding better access to loss-and-damage information and stronger accountability. COP31 Setup: COP31 will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, with Australia overseeing negotiations, and a Fiji pre-COP meeting set for Oct 5–8. Regional Push for Finance: Pacific leaders pressed UN chief António Guterres for climate finance that moves from promises to implementation, targeting the Pacific Resilience Facility funding goal.

Tuvalu at UNGA: Prime Minister Feleti Teo told the UN General Assembly sea-level rise is “a present reality,” pointing to Funafuti’s coastal adaptation that has already reclaimed 15.3 hectares above flood levels, with more underway, and he welcomed a new UN Political Declaration that protects continuity of statehood and maritime boundaries. Sea-level rights declaration: World leaders approved a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, affirming island nations won’t automatically lose statehood or UN membership when coastlines become uninhabitable. Climate finance push: Pacific leaders pressed UN Secretary-General António Guterres on turning climate promises into action, with the Pacific Resilience Facility target of US$500 million by end-2026. Media accountability: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely access to loss-and-damage information and stronger support for Pacific journalists. COP31 groundwork: Australia and Türkiye set COP31 roles for Antalya, with Fiji hosting a pre-COP in early October; Tuvalu is also involved in fossil-fuel transition planning with Ireland for 2027. Pacific women’s climate voices: Research and advocates highlight what women want global climate advocates to hear before COP31—especially inclusion in decisions tied to water security and climate justice.

Pacific Climate Science: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) aboard RV Investigator, with Pacific researchers onboard, to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how that’s reshaping marine life. Tuvalu Culture & Storytelling: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Tuvalu for the first time, running eight days of writing workshops after weather postponed the national cultural festival. UN Sea-Level Rights: World leaders adopted a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, affirming continued statehood and sovereignty even if land becomes uninhabitable, and protecting maritime zones. Tuvalu at UNGA: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo told the UN sea-level rise is a present reality, pointing to reclaimed land at Funafuti and calling for climate finance as grants at scale. Pre-COP31 Travel Disrupted: The Moananuiākea voyage (Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia) to Fiji and Tuvalu was delayed again due to weather, with visits now potentially pushed to May 2027. Fossil-Fuel Transition Talks: Tuvalu and Ireland set out plans to co-host a 2027 conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, aiming to turn “pathways” into practical delivery.

Culture & Education: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh spent eight days in Tuvalu running creative writing workshops in Funafuti after severe weather postponed the national Cultural Festival, helping students and community members turn lived experience into stories. UN Climate Diplomacy: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua used the UN General Assembly to call for reform of the global system and stronger Pacific climate action, linking climate, ocean protection and Pacific security. Sea-Level Rights: World leaders unanimously approved a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, affirming continued statehood and maritime zones even if land becomes uninhabitable—while Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo said sea-level rise is already a “present reality.” Tuvalu in the Fossil-Fuel Transition: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined plans for a 2027 conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, framed as energy security and sovereignty. Weather Disrupts Voyages: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia’s trip to Fiji and Tuvalu was postponed again due to weather, with a possible May 2027 return. Regional Media Push: Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu Loss and Damage media declaration to improve reporting on the economic, cultural and social harms already hitting communities.