AGP Executive Report

Education & Gender: A new global map shows women leading tertiary enrolment in most countries, with Kiribati topping the list for the Pacific—women’s college rates are 56% higher than men’s. Regional Politics & Diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, Taiwan had a strong presence and China pushed back hard over “one China,” while Kiribati’s attendance and protocol details sparked extra attention. Women in Leadership: Australia’s AU$195m boost for Pacific Women Lead is welcomed, but the PIF leaders’ table still had no women among national leaders—highlighting the gap between cultural acceptance and political selection. Migration & Community Life: New Zealand First announces a two-year clemency window for Pacific visa overstayers, aiming to help people regularise their status before deportation. Culture on Screen: A Pacific human rights film festival at USP in Fiji used movies and talanoa to spotlight women’s empowerment and human rights stories across the region. Sports & Youth Pathways: Pickleball is growing in New Zealand with Pasifika-led clubs building pathways for young players. Visa Access for Pacific People: Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa lists Kiribati and 11 other countries as eligible for a permanent residence pathway.

Jerusalem Embassies & Faith: Pacific nations are opening embassies in Jerusalem, and experts say it’s driven less by strategy and more by Christian conviction—Nauru already opened, with Fiji and Papua New Guinea among the early movers and Samoa set to follow. US–Kiribati Engagement: A senior US official visited the Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands and Kiribati, linking disaster recovery support (including after Typhoon Sinlaku) with broader America First economic and security priorities. PIF Leaders in Palau: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting returned to Palau after 12 years, with attendance surprises and sharp focus on the region’s strategic environment, including how Taiwan’s presence played out amid China–Taiwan tensions. Women in Leadership Funding, Still a Male Table: Australia’s AU$195m boost for Pacific Women Lead backs more women into leadership, but the PIF leaders’ retreat still had no women among the 13 national leaders. Pacific Human Rights on Screen: A human rights film festival at USP Labasa used movies and talanoa discussions to spotlight women’s empowerment and gender-based violence through stories like women’s rugby and ocean-themed human rights films. Immigration Policy for Pacific Overstayers (NZ): New Zealand First announced a two-year clemency period for Pacific visa overstayers to apply to stay legally, with stricter consequences for those who don’t. Culture & Community Support: A Samoan community leader in New Zealand received a district award for building a Samoan society that helps people keep culture while supporting Kiribati and other migrant families with schooling and settlement. Sports Pathways: Pacific-led pickleball clubs in New Zealand are growing fast, with church and community centres helping create new pathways for young players. Pacific Engagement Visa (Australia): Australia published the eligible list for its Pacific Engagement Visa, including Kiribati, as a permanent residence pathway to deepen ties with participating Pacific nations. El Niño Warnings: ChildFund NZ warns Pacific communities to prepare now for El Niño impacts—drought in some places, heavier rain in others, and rising pressure on drinking water, food and children’s health.

Jerusalem Embassies (Faith & Identity): Pacific nations are opening embassies in Jerusalem, and diplomats say it’s driven less by strategy and more by Christian conviction—Nauru already opened, with Fiji and Papua New Guinea among the early movers and Samoa set to follow. US–Kiribati & Pacific Partnerships (Culture & Community Ties): A senior US official visited the Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati, highlighting disaster recovery support, cultural preservation funding for Solomon Islands’ Bloody Ridge, and renewed cooperation like the return of Peace Corps. Pacific Women Lead Funding (Gender & Leadership): Australia’s AU$195m boost will back Pacific women into leadership, but the PIF leaders’ table in Palau still had no women among the heads of government—pushing debate toward how political systems select and support women. PALM Welfare in Practice (Lifestyle & Worker Wellbeing): A policy brief says PALM welfare support is extensive on paper but poorly understood and not well connected in real life, with welfare officers tied to employers—raising concerns for workers who want to speak up. Human Rights on Screen (Film & Talanoa): A Pacific human rights film festival at USP Labasa used movies and discussion to spotlight women’s empowerment and human rights, including a documentary on women’s rugby in Fiji. Pacific Engagement Visa (Mobility & Daily Life): Australia released the list for its Pacific Engagement Visa, including Kiribati, with a permanent residence pathway aimed at strengthening long-term ties. PIF in Palau (Regional Politics & Representation): Coverage from Palau shows leaders grappling with a complex strategic environment, including China–Taiwan tensions and how Kiribati’s presence and protocol were handled. El Niño Warnings (Health & Water): ChildFund New Zealand warns El Niño could bring drought for some islands and heavier rain for others, stressing drinking water, food supplies, and children’s health—especially where fuel crises already bite. Sport Pathways (Pickleball & Handball): Pasifika-led pickleball clubs are growing in New Zealand, while a new Oceania handball push aims to build numbers toward future Olympic qualification.

Jerusalem Embassies (Pacific faith): Pacific nations are opening embassies in Jerusalem, and diplomats say it’s driven less by strategy and more by Christian conviction—Nauru already opened, with Fiji and Papua New Guinea among the UN states that have done so, and Samoa set to follow. Regional Diplomacy (Kiribati in the mix): At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, China’s pressure over Taiwan’s participation and the wider “wolf warrior” backlash shaped the week, while Kiribati’s attendance and protocol moments still sparked talk. Women in leadership (funding, but gaps): Australia’s AU$195m boost for Pacific Women Lead is backing women’s leadership pipelines, yet the PIF leaders’ table still had no women among national leaders. Immigration & community life (Australia’s new pathway): Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa lists Kiribati and 11 other Pacific nations as eligible for a permanent residence route. Food & culture (tuna spotlight): The FFA and SPC launch “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, with country tuna-dish competitions across Pacific states including Kiribati. Climate pressure (El Niño warning): Pacific communities face a fuel-and-water squeeze as El Niño strengthens, bringing drought risk for some islands and heavier rain for others.

Pacific Diplomacy & Faith: A Jerusalem embassy push is gaining momentum among Pacific nations, with experts pointing to Christian belief and Bible prophecy as a key driver behind support for Israel. Regional Security & Nuclear Justice: Central Asian foreign ministers mark 20 years of their nuclear-weapon-free zone, warning that arms-control breakdown and mistrust are raising global security strain. Women in Leadership: Australia’s AU$195m boost for Pacific Women Lead lands as the region’s top political table still has no women leaders, spotlighting how selection and support systems shape who gets power. Immigration & Community Life: New Zealand First announces a two-year clemency window for Pacific visa overstayers, aiming to help people apply to stay legally before deportation and future ineligibility. Culture on Screen: A Pacific human rights film festival at USP in Labasa uses movies and talanoa to spark discussion on women’s empowerment and gender-based violence. Food & Identity: FFA and SPC launch “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, with country-by-country tuna dish competitions celebrating Pacific food culture and food security. Climate Pressure: Pacific communities face renewed El Niño warnings tied to fuel stress, with calls to protect drinking water, food supplies, and children’s health.

Pacific Women Lead Funding: Australia pledged AU$195m for the next phase of Pacific Women Lead, backing leadership pipelines for women—yet the PIF leaders’ table in Palau still had no women leaders, spotlighting how selection systems can block culturally capable leadership. Kiribati–India Cooperation: In South Tarawa, India’s High Commissioner met Kiribati’s Women and Education ministers, discussing women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, and education scholarships and skills for youth. PIF in Palau, Ocean Focus: Pacific leaders reaffirmed ocean sovereignty and culture, endorsing a 2026 Ocean Statement and pushing coordinated action on illegal fishing, marine pollution, deep-sea minerals, and preparations for the 2027 BBNJ talks. Human Rights on Screen in Fiji: A Pacific Human Rights Film Festival at USP Labasa used movies and talanoa to spark discussion, including a documentary on women’s rugby and empowerment. El Niño Warnings for the Pacific: ChildFund NZ warns fuel stress plus a strengthening El Niño could trigger drought, heavier rain, and pressure on safe water, food, and children’s health. Tuna Bites Campaign: FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day, with country-by-country tuna dish competitions celebrating tuna’s role in Pacific food, livelihoods, and culture. Immigration Policy Watch (NZ First): NZ First announced a two-year clemency period for Pacific visa overstayers, aiming to help people regularise status—while tightening future eligibility. Sport & Community Pathways: Pickleball is growing in Aotearoa with Pasifika-led clubs, while a new handball tournament in Wellington aims to build pathways toward Olympic qualification.

Women’s Leadership Gap: Australia’s AU$195m boost for Pacific Women Lead is welcome, but the Palau PIF leaders’ table still had zero women among 13 national leaders—highlighting how selection and political party support can block women’s leadership from translating into power. Immigration & Community Life: NZ First announced a two-year clemency period for Pacific visa overstayers, aiming to help people apply to stay legally, while warning those who don’t act will face deportation and future ineligibility. Human Rights on Screen: A Pacific human rights film festival at USP in Labasa used movies and talanoa discussions to spotlight issues like women’s empowerment and gender-based violence. Kiribati–India Cooperation: In South Tarawa, India and Kiribati discussed women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, and education cooperation, including scholarships and skills for youth. Ocean Stewardship: PIF leaders in Palau strengthened regional positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep sea minerals and marine pollution, tying the sea directly to Pacific culture and identity. Food Culture & Tuna: The “Tuna Bites” campaign is set to celebrate World Tuna Day with country-by-country tuna dish competitions across Pacific nations, including Kiribati. Climate Pressure: Pacific communities are bracing for a powerful El Niño, with forecasts pointing to drought risks for some islands and heavier rain for others—raising alarms for water, food and children’s health.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders wrapped the 55th meeting with a sharper stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, stressing the sea as central to Pacific identity and calling for coordinated action ahead of major international talks. Kiribati protocol and missile tensions: China-Taiwan friction and missile-response debates dominated the retreat; Kiribati’s absence from the retreat and a protocol dispute over acknowledgements drew attention, while leaders pushed back on outside pressure. Climate-ready schools for Kiribati and neighbours: A new EU-UNICEF programme launched alongside the Forum will upgrade school water, sanitation, renewable energy and maintenance so classrooms can keep operating during disasters, targeting about 15,000 children in Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. El Niño warning for food, water and children: Pacific communities facing fuel stress are being urged to prepare for El Niño impacts—drier conditions in some areas, heavier rain in others—especially to protect drinking water and health. Women’s empowerment and education links (Kiribati-India): India and Kiribati met in Tarawa to discuss women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, and deeper cooperation in education, scholarships and skills development. Tuna in Pacific culture: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, using a country-by-country cooking competition to celebrate tuna’s role in food security and livelihoods.

Pacific Diplomacy & Security: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, China’s missile-test backdrop and Taiwan tensions spilled into the open, with leaders pushing back against “wolf warrior diplomacy,” while Kiribati’s absence from a key retreat sparked protocol talk. Oceans & Fisheries: Forum leaders tightened their stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, backing a 2026 Ocean Statement and preparing for the BBNJ talks in 2027. Climate-Resilient Schools: A new EU-UNICEF €17m programme will help Pacific schools, including Kiribati, stay open during disasters with safer water and sanitation, renewable power, better connectivity, and training for teachers and administrators. Women’s Empowerment & Education Links: India and Kiribati met in Tarawa to discuss women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, and deeper cooperation in education, scholarships, skills development, and healthcare. Tuna in Culture & Food Security: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, featuring country culinary competitions across Pacific nations including Kiribati. Local Safety & Accountability in Education: Gloriavale school’s potential closure in New Zealand is framed as a long-awaited move after findings it failed to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for students. Pacific Mobility Policy: Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa lists Kiribati among 12 eligible countries, offering a permanent residence pathway aimed at strengthening long-term ties. Climate Warning for Families: El Niño is expected to bring mixed impacts across the Pacific, with drought risks for some islands and added pressure on water, food and children’s health.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders wrapped up the 55th meeting with a sharper regional line on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, stressing the sea’s role in Pacific culture and identity. China–Taiwan tensions: The summit was overshadowed by Beijing’s pushback over Taiwan’s presence, with Kiribati absent from key retreat moments and protocol disputes raised. Kiribati–India cooperation: In South Tarawa, India’s High Commissioner met Kiribati officials on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, education and scholarships, plus infrastructure and renewable energy—building a “Blue Pacific” partnership. Climate-resilient schools: A new EU–UNICEF €17m programme will upgrade schools across Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and Solomon Islands, improving water, sanitation, renewable energy and disaster readiness for about 15,000 children. El Niño and fuel stress: Pacific communities facing fuel shortages are now bracing for El Niño impacts—drought in some places, heavier rain in others—raising risks to drinking water, food and children’s health. Tuna in Pacific culture: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, with country tuna-dish competitions spotlighting food security and local culinary traditions, including Kiribati. PALM welfare spotlight: A policy brief says PALM welfare support is extensive on paper but poorly understood and not well connected in practice, raising concerns for workers under the labour mobility scheme. Gloriavale school safety: New Zealand’s Ministry of Education moved to cancel Gloriavale school registration after findings it wasn’t providing a physically and emotionally safe place for students.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders wrapped up the 55th meeting with a sharper Pacific line on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, stressing the sea as central to Pacific identity and calling for coordinated action ahead of major global ocean talks. China–Taiwan tensions: The summit played out under a cloud of Beijing’s pushback over Taiwan’s presence, with rare dissent on missile language and notable absences including Kiribati at key moments. Climate resilience for schools: A new EU–UNICEF €17m programme will help Pacific governments upgrade schools so they can keep operating during and after disasters, with climate-resilient water/sanitation, renewable power, training for teachers and support for communities—targeting Kiribati among other countries. El Niño + fuel crisis pressure: Pacific communities already hit by fuel shortages are bracing for El Niño impacts that could mean drought, heavier rain, and rising risks to drinking water, food and children’s health. Women’s empowerment talks (Kiribati–India): In South Tarawa, India and Kiribati discussed women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation and broader cooperation, alongside education and health support. Tuna in Pacific culture: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” to celebrate World Tuna Day with country culinary competitions highlighting tuna’s role in Pacific food security and livelihoods. Sports pathway: New Zealand handball players are aiming for an Olympic debut via an Oceania-focused tournament in Wellington. Migration pathway: Australia published the official list of 12 countries eligible for its Pacific Engagement Visa, including Kiribati.

Pacific Engagement Visa: Australia has published the 12 countries eligible for its new Pacific Engagement Visa permanent residence pathway, including Kiribati—framing it as a long-term way to deepen ties across the Blue Pacific. Pacific Islands Forum tensions: At the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau, China’s pushback over Taiwan and reports of missing leaders (including Kiribati) have added friction, even as leaders say local priorities must come first. Ocean, fisheries, deep-sea minerals: Forum leaders tightened their regional stance on ocean sovereignty, illegal fishing, marine pollution and deep-sea minerals, linking the sea to culture and identity. Climate-resilient schools: A €17m EU–UNICEF programme will upgrade and harden schools for disasters, with Kiribati among the direct beneficiaries (about 15,000 children), plus training for teachers and school administrators. El Niño + fuel crisis pressure: Pacific communities are bracing for El Niño impacts—drought in some places, heavier rain in others—on top of fuel-driven water, food and health stress, with Kiribati specifically flagged. India–Kiribati cooperation: High-level talks in Tarawa focused on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, education, infrastructure and renewable energy, reinforcing people-to-people links. Tuna culture: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, featuring country culinary competitions across Pacific nations including Kiribati.

Pacific Islands Forum wrap-up: The 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting in Palau ended with clear China–US tensions, while Australia and NZ faced criticism for not doing enough on climate action; Regional oceans push: Forum leaders backed stronger Pacific positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, and set up work toward the 2027 BBNJ talks; Climate-resilient schooling: A new EU–UNICEF €17m programme will help make schools safer during disasters, upgrading water/sanitation, adding renewable power and training teachers and communities, with direct support for about 15,000 children including in Kiribati; Kiribati–India cooperation: In South Tarawa, India’s High Commissioner met Kiribati ministers on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, education and health, reinforcing people-to-people and youth-focused partnerships; El Niño warning for Kiribati and neighbours: With a 100% chance El Niño continues through 2026, fuel and climate pressures could worsen water, food and children’s health, with Kiribati already facing high rates of unsafe drinking water; Tuna culture and food security: FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, spotlighting tuna dishes across Pacific countries including Kiribati; Forum controversy and Taiwan: Reports of leaders missing and China’s anger over Taiwan’s participation added geopolitical noise to a summit that leaders say should stay focused on local priorities.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders wrapped up a tense 55th meeting as China–US rivalry and Taiwan’s return to the forum cast a shadow, with Kiribati absent from a leaders retreat and rare dissent noted from Nauru. Ocean & fisheries priorities: Despite the geopolitics, the forum pushed a stronger line on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals, and marine pollution, urging coordinated Pacific action. Climate-resilient schools: A major EU–UNICEF €17m programme is set to help about 15,000 children in Kiribati (plus Fiji, FSM, Solomon Islands) with safer water/sanitation, renewable power, and disaster-ready school systems. El Niño warning for Kiribati: With a 100% chance El Niño continues through 2026, Pacific communities are bracing for drought, heavier rain, and pressure on drinking water, food, and children’s health amid an ongoing fuel crisis. India–Kiribati people-focused talks: In Tarawa, India and Kiribati discussed women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, education, and health, including support linked to dialysis services. Tuna in Pacific culture: The “Tuna Bites” campaign is set to celebrate tuna’s role in food security and Pacific cuisine, with country dish competitions across the region.

Pacific Climate Watch: A worsening fuel crisis is already hitting water, food and children’s health, and now El Niño is expected to intensify pressure across the Pacific—bringing heavier rain for parts of eastern Micronesia (including around Kiribati) while other areas face drought and unsafe drinking water. Education Resilience: The EU and UNICEF launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme in Palau, targeting safer, disaster-ready schools in Kiribati and other countries, with climate-proof water/sanitation, renewable power, better maintenance, and training for teachers and school leaders. Women & Youth Development: In South Tarawa, India and Kiribati discussed women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, and cooperation—plus education support and skills pathways for youth. Regional Ocean Priorities: Pacific Islands Forum leaders strengthened calls for ocean sovereignty, fisheries protection, deep-sea mineral governance and action on marine pollution, tying it to culture and identity. Food Culture Spotlight: The FFA and SPC rolled out “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, celebrating tuna’s role in Pacific cuisine and food security, with Kiribati among participating countries. Forum Politics: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau opened amid leader absences and renewed tension around Taiwan’s return—raising questions about how geopolitics may crowd out climate and community priorities.

Climate & Health: ChildFund New Zealand warns Pacific families already hit by fuel shortages to brace for a strengthening El Niño—100% likely to continue through the rest of 2026—bringing drought risk for places including Kiribati, plus heavier rain elsewhere, with mounting pressure on safe drinking water, food and children’s health. Food Culture: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and SPC launch “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with Kiribati among the countries running a one-day tuna dish contest celebrating tuna’s role in Pacific diets, livelihoods and culture. Education Resilience: A €17m EU-UNICEF programme, Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems, will upgrade schools in Kiribati and other Pacific states—climate-resilient water and sanitation, renewable power and better connectivity—plus training for teachers and school leaders to keep learning going during disasters. Women & Youth Development: In South Tarawa, India and Kiribati discussed women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and digitisation, alongside education cooperation and scholarships, during meetings between India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta and Kiribati ministers. Regional Politics (PIF): At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, geopolitical tension around Taiwan and outside influence is colliding with local priorities, as Kiribati’s absence from key leader moments fuels questions while leaders push unity on oceans, fisheries and marine protection.