AGP Executive Report

Tuvalu in UN peacekeeping: Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to the UN mission in South Sudan, with three departing last week and the team led by Petaia Aitopele, as PM Feleti Teo backed the move while noting concerns for their wellbeing. Pacific diplomacy on missiles: Pacific foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific, with Tuvalu among those pushing for a stronger response after the July launch near the region. Fisheries and ocean governance: Forum fisheries leaders are urging stronger protection of fisheries and maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and a value-retention push for tuna economies. Climate finance push: Forum foreign ministers called for urgent capitalisation of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) ahead of Pre-COP31 meetings, linking climate action to economic independence. Tuvalu migration link: New Zealand says only four Pacific nations—Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu—are eligible for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot, with 650 spots total. US visa bond shock: The US has made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, and Pacific leaders are warning it could hit tourism and travel, including concerns raised by Papua New Guinea.

Missile Notice Push: The US and more than 40 partners, including Australia, are calling for at least 24 hours’ advance notice for nuclear-capable ballistic missile tests after China’s July launch near Tuvalu drew sharp criticism and exposed cracks in Pacific unity. Fisheries Strategy: Forum Fisheries Agency leaders are shifting toward “value retention” and development for tuna-dependent economies, rolling out the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035. Tuvalu UN Role: Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, a major step for the small force. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger COP31 push, including more climate finance and Pacific-led momentum through Pre-COP31 meetings. Shipping Emissions: Tuvalu is urging tougher IMO Net-Zero rules, proposing higher compliance costs and tighter timelines for ships. Tuvalu & Water Security: Rising El Niño risks are already pressuring water and food supplies across parts of the Pacific, with Fiji warning of possible drastic measures.

Missile Transparency Push: The US and 40+ partners, including Australia, are calling for at least 24 hours’ advance notice before ballistic missile tests, after China’s July launch into the Pacific drew sharp criticism and raised fears of miscalculation. Tuvalu in the Spotlight: The missile reportedly landed near Tuvalu’s region, and Tuvalu has demanded a collective response and questioned the lack of proper notice. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, urging more climate finance and renewable investment, with Tuvalu, Fiji and Australia hosting Pre-COP meetings. Shipping Emissions Rules: Tuvalu is proposing tougher IMO Net-Zero Framework amendments, including higher compliance costs, as governments weigh whether to protect or reopen the deal. Tuvalu UN Role: Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. El Niño Pressure: Across the Pacific, El Niño is already stressing water and food supplies, with Fiji warning of possible drastic measures. Regional Connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked by undersea cables, including new connections reaching Tuvalu. Tuvalu Lagoon Cleanup: Operation Render Safe recovered over 11 tonnes of WWII unexploded munitions from Nanumea lagoon.

Pacific Security: Australia has joined a US-led push for countries to give at least 24 hours’ notice of nuclear-capable missile launches, after China’s submarine-launched test was widely criticised and believed to have landed near Tuvalu. Local Peacekeeping: Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to serve in a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, a milestone for the Tuvalu Police Service. Climate Pressure: El Niño is already squeezing water and food supplies across the Pacific, with Fiji warning of “drastic measures” and PNG preparing for water shutdowns. Tuvalu at the Front: Tuvalu is also proposing tougher net-zero rules for shipping at MEPC 85, including higher compliance costs, as global talks head toward November. Regional Connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked by undersea cables, with Tuvalu among the connected countries. Diplomacy on Taiwan: China has warned the Pacific Islands Forum over Taiwan’s planned attendance in Palau, with Tuvalu among Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic partners. Safety & Travel: The US has made its US$20,000 visa bond permanent for travellers from Tuvalu and other Pacific Islands Forum nations. Unexploded WWII Ordnance: Operation Render Safe recovered more than 11 tonnes of WWII munitions from a lagoon in Tuvalu.

Pacific Security Rift: China’s July 6 nuclear-capable missile test into the Pacific has exposed deep splits among Pacific leaders, with foreign ministers in Suva unable to agree on a joint condemnation despite alarm from several states; Papua New Guinea called the launch “totally inappropriate,” while Beijing urged countries not to “over-interpret” the move. Taiwan at Palau Summit: China warned the Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general after Taiwan was confirmed to attend the Palau leaders meeting, with Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands among Taiwan’s remaining partners. Climate Pressure on Water & Food: El Niño is already stressing supplies, with Fiji warning of “drastic measures” and Papua New Guinea preparing for partial water shutdowns. Tuvalu in Focus: Tuvalu proposed tougher IMO net-zero rules, including higher remedial pricing, and an Operation Render Safe mission recovered 11 tonnes of WW2 unexploded munitions from a Tuvalu lagoon. US Visa Bond: PNG (and other Pacific visa-bond countries including Tuvalu) faces a permanent US$20,000 refundable bond for B1/B2 travel. Digital Connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked by undersea cables for the first time.

Climate Displacement in Tuvalu: Sisters Poeva (18) and Akesa (13) say rising seas, stronger winds and saltwater are pushing families to leave “beautiful” Tuvalu for Australia, with Funafuti forecast to flood further by 2050. Shipping Net-Zero Rules: Tuvalu is urging tougher MEPC 85 amendments for the IMO net-zero framework, including dropping a 2028 step, tightening direct compliance from 2029, and raising remedial unit prices—moves that could sharply increase costs for fleets. Tuvalu in the Spotlight After China Missile Test: Tuvalu officials say China’s July missile test felt “like someone invaded your home,” and they pushed for a strong Pacific response—yet foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint condemnation, with Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru) reported as holdouts. Tuvalu’s Lagoon Cleared of WWII Munitions: Operation Render Safe recovered more than 11 tonnes of unexploded WWII ordnance from Nanumea lagoon, including ammunition and 500-pound bombs. Pacific Connectivity Boost: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members—including Tuvalu—are now linked by undersea cables, a major step for digital access and services.

Pacific Security Transparency: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says his government will review its 2022 China security deal with “no more secrecy,” insisting Parliament must be fully informed on any agreements that bind sovereignty. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July ballistic missile test near Tuvalu’s waters, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing Kiribati and Naoero of blocking action to appease “outsiders.” Digital Connectivity: Australia marked a major milestone by helping connect all 18 PIF members to undersea telecommunications cables for the first time, including new links to Tuvalu and Naoero. US Visa Bonds: The US has made permanent a refundable visa bond scheme for B1/B2 travellers from Tuvalu, PNG, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu, set at about US$20,000 to curb overstays. Tuvalu Safety & Recovery: Operation Render Safe recovered more than 11 tonnes of World War II unexploded munitions from Nanumea lagoon. Climate Push: Australia’s Penny Wong urged world leaders to attend pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, saying the Pacific must be heard firsthand.

US Visa Bond Made Permanent for Pacific Travellers: Papua New Guineans (and citizens of Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) must now post a refundable US$20,000 (about K88,200) bond for B-1/B-2 business and tourism visas, with officials stressing it’s not a travel ban and visas can still be issued if applicants meet requirements. Tuvalu Security Cleanup: More than 11 tonnes of World War II unexploded munitions were recovered from the Nanumea lagoon, ranging from small arms ammo to 500-pound bombs. Pacific Digital Leap: Australia says all 18 Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to undersea cables, including new links reaching Tuvalu, Tarawa and others, backed by over 10,300km of new infrastructure. China Missile Row Splits the Forum: Foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July missile test near Tuvalu’s waters, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing holdouts of siding with “outsiders.” Climate Diplomacy Push: Pacific “Climate Champions” met in Nadi to align ahead of COP31 pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, urging world leaders to “come to the Pacific” and see impacts firsthand. Bahrain Outreach: Pacific ambassadors met Bahrain’s envoy in Abu Dhabi, backing Bahrain and condemning Iranian attacks.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Climate Champions met in Nadi, Fiji, to push Pacific priorities into COP31 in Antalya, with Pre-COP meetings planned in Fiji and Tuvalu and Baron Waqa stressing the need for sustained political leadership. Missile Test Fallout: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu’s region, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing Kiribati and Naoero of using consensus as a veto and Tuvalu warning it felt like an “invasion” and asking Beijing for help locating the dummy warhead. Regional Security Push: Penny Wong backed Pacific-led security talks, saying security should be “provided from within the Pacific,” while Australia’s recent defence treaties with Fiji keep geopolitical pressure on China in the background. Digital Connectivity Milestone: Australia marked completion of a $500m-plus project delivering 10,300km of undersea cables so all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected, including new links for Tuvalu and Naoero. Shipping Emissions Rules: Tuvalu is pushing a tougher IMO net-zero approach for shipping, including higher remedial unit prices and changes to the 2028 step, as the IMO weighs competing proposals. Tuvalu in the Spotlight: Tuvalu also faces climate urgency ahead of COP31, with leaders urged to “come to the Pacific” and see impacts firsthand.

Pacific Security: Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July ballistic missile test near Tuvalu’s region, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing holdouts Kiribati and Naoero (Nauru) of using consensus as a veto and appeasing “outsiders.” Tuvalu said it was like an invasion and asked China to help locate the dummy warhead. Regional Connectivity: Australia marked a major milestone by helping connect all Pacific Islands Forum members to undersea cable networks for the first time, delivering 10,300km of new cables and backing links for Tuvalu and others. Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s Penny Wong urged world leaders to attend Pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, saying the Pacific must be heard ahead of COP31. Just Transition: A UNEP report says countries are moving beyond “just transition” promises by embedding them in laws, policies, institutions and court decisions. Tuvalu & Shipping: Tuvalu is pushing the IMO’s net-zero shipping rules toward higher early costs and a bigger role for the Net-Zero Fund as MEPC revisits options. Travel Rules: The US makes a $20,000 visa bond requirement permanent for selected travellers from several Pacific states including Tuvalu.

Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing Kiribati and Nauru of using consensus as a veto and siding with “outside” interests; Tuvalu officials said the missile landed dangerously close to its waters and warned it felt like an “invasion,” pushing for a strong collective response. Regional Security: Australia’s Penny Wong backed Pacific-led security talks as ministers met, while Australia also marked progress on connectivity and continues signing defence arrangements across the region. Digital Connectivity: Australia says all 18 Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked to global undersea cable networks, including first connections for Tuvalu and other states, aiming to boost resilience and digital access. Climate Push: Wong urged world leaders to attend Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, arguing leaders must see climate impacts firsthand; meanwhile Tuvalu is pressing hard positions in IMO shipping net-zero talks, including higher remedial unit pricing and a bigger role for the Net-Zero Fund. Identity & Travel: Nauru officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, updating its country code, while separate coverage highlights how jus soli and passport rules are shifting globally.

Pacific Security Deadlock: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing “outsiders” of swaying holdouts—understood to be Kiribati and Naoero—using consensus as a veto. Tuvalu’s Tsunami Fears: Tuvalu officials said the missile landing felt like an invasion and raised fears it could trigger a tsunami, pushing for a strong collective Pacific response. Regional Connectivity Boost: Australia marked a major milestone by completing 10,300km of undersea cables so all 18 PIF members are now connected to global networks, including new links for Tuvalu and Naoero. Climate Push for Pre-COP31: Australia’s Penny Wong backed world leaders attending the Fiji and Tuvalu pre-COP meetings, urging them to see climate impacts firsthand ahead of COP31. Shipping Emissions Debate: Tuvalu is among countries pressing the IMO’s net-zero shipping rules, proposing higher fuel-cost pressure and a larger role for the IMO Net-Zero Fund. Identity Update in the Pacific: Naoero (formerly Nauru) officially changed its name and international code, reflecting indigenous pronunciation and heritage. Tuvalu Migration Pressure: More than 80% of Tuvaluans registered for Australia’s climate visa ballot, with 280 visas offered this year.

Missile diplomacy stumbles: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members blocked consensus—reported as Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru). Tuvalu’s fear: Tuvalu officials said the test felt like an “invasion” and that Tuvalu had no warning, urging a strong Pacific response. Connectivity milestone: Australia says all 18 PIF members are now linked to global undersea telecommunications cables for the first time, including new links for Tuvalu and Naoero. Regional security push: Penny Wong backed Pacific-led security talks as Forum ministers discuss how to keep stability “from within the Pacific.” Climate pressure on the agenda: Australia and Fiji/Tuvalu pre-COP31 planning is framed as urgent, with leaders urged to come see climate impacts firsthand. Tuvalu migration demand: Australia’s climate visa ballot drew 8,750 registrations—about 82% of Tuvalu’s population—though only 280 visas are offered this year.

Pacific Diplomacy on China Missile: Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji pressed for a joint statement condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu, but consensus is still missing, with Tuvalu saying it received no advance notice and New Zealand’s Winston Peters calling it a “missed chance.” Tuvalu’s Direct Concern: Tuvalu’s officials say they want a strong Pacific message to deter future intimidation, even as debate continues over whether to name China directly. Pre-COP31 Push: Australia’s Penny Wong and Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka urged world leaders to “come to the Pacific” for the Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, arguing leaders must see climate impacts firsthand. Climate Science in the Region: Fiji’s environment minister highlighted science support for Pacific climate planning, including Tuvalu sea-level rise modelling. Pacific Connectivity Milestone: Australia marked completion of a $500m undersea cable project linking Pacific forum members, including Tuvalu. Fisheries Funding: The US-Pacific Tuna Treaty delivered a second 2026 payout of $50.42m to Pacific parties via the FFA. Tuvalu Migration Pressure: More than 80% of Tuvaluans entered Australia’s climate visa ballot, with only 280 visas offered. Sports Spotlight: Tuvalu’s Tarona Taafaki won the country’s first Commonwealth Games medal, despite not winning a bout. Identity Update Elsewhere: Nauru officially renamed itself the Republic of Naoero, changing its country code from NRU to NRO.

Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu and Fiji are pushing for faster action ahead of Pre-COP31, with Fiji hosting talks in October and Tuvalu set to welcome leaders for a special visit as Pacific officials warn warming is “on the edge” of breaching 1.5°C. Australia–Pacific Climate Push: Foreign Minister Penny Wong backs PM Rabuka’s call for world leaders to “come to the Pacific” and see impacts firsthand. Tuvalu Migration: Australia’s Falepili Union climate visa has drawn massive demand—over 80% of Tuvalu’s population registered—while only 280 visas are offered this programme year. Energy Transition: Palau is fundraising to cut diesel dependence and attract renewable investment, highlighting how fuel imports still dominate Pacific energy bills. Local Identity & Names: Nauru has officially become the Republic of Naoero, changing its international code from NRU to NRO and its people to dei-Naoero. Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) urges wider use of emergency locator beacons to speed up sea rescues, citing Tuvalu and Kiribati as examples. Security & Region: PNG’s closure of Taiwan’s trade office is linked by experts to deeper economic ties with China.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says it would be “a sad thing” if world leaders skip Tuvalu-focused pre-COP31 talks in Nadi this October, warning low attendance would rob leaders of a rare chance to see climate impacts firsthand, including planned leader visits to Tuvalu. Climate Migration: New figures show more than 80% of Tuvaluans have applied for Australia’s world-first climate visa, with 8,750 registrations against 280 visas for the year. Regional Fisheries: The US-Pacific Tuna Treaty remains vital as the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency reports a second 2026 distribution worth US$50.42m to member states. Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) Trust urges wider use of emergency locator beacons to cut sea search times, citing Tuvalu and Kiribati as examples. Local Environment Skills: GIS and spatial practitioners from across the Pacific trained in environmental data management in Nadi, including Tuvalu delegates. Identity & Governance: Nauru officially renamed itself the Republic of Naoero, changing its code from NRU to NRO and its people to dei-Naoero.