AGP Executive Report

Climate displacement & land loss: In Fiji’s Naviavia settlement, about 500 Solomon Islanders live on unsecured land as riverbank erosion worsens and climate pressure reshapes everyday life; the Kiribati Government’s 2014 purchase of the Natoavatu Estate to relocate people left Naviavia families on a smaller plot while the church retains settlement land. Inclusive climate action: The Kiwa Pacific CIRCLE project launched in Labasa with women, young people, and people with disabilities leading nature-based solutions across Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Kiribati, including mangrove restoration and sustainable fisheries. Regional connectivity: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked to the global undersea cable network, with Tarawa in Kiribati among the primary connections—aimed at boosting access to services, markets, and information. Indigenous knowledge: USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge across Pacific communities, including Banaban and Kiribati speech groups, to protect cultural identity and support climate resilience. Culture & rights debate: Te Ipukarea Society raised Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining at the International Seabed Authority, while a separate global story highlights growing backlash against LGBTQ+ rights.

Regional Connectivity: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked to the global undersea cable network, with Tarawa in Kiribati among the places benefiting from new connections—an upgrade expected to boost trade, services, and access to information. Climate Action with Inclusion: Fiji is leading the $11.8m Kiwa Pacific CIRCLE project, which puts women, young people, and people with disabilities at the centre of nature-based climate adaptation across Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Kiribati. Ocean Governance & Livelihoods: Pacific Forum foreign ministers are pushing urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and secure maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035. Indigenous Knowledge Preservation: University of the South Pacific researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge in Kiribati and Banaban-Gilbertese communities, linking cultural heritage to climate resilience and food security. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s exploration push in an area surrounded by Kiribati and other borders. LGBTQ+ Rights Backlash: A wider international backlash continues as more countries criminalize same-sex relationships, with Niger’s new penal code drawing attention to rising legal discrimination. Migration & Work-to-Residence Rules: New Zealand is changing wage-rate calculations for work-to-residence visa holders from August 24, 2026, including a new grace period when required wages rise after a visa is granted. Culture in the Spotlight (Global): New searches for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane continue near Nikumaroro, keeping Pacific history and mystery in the public eye.

Climate Inclusion: Fiji launched the Kiwa Pacific CIRCLE project (US$11.8m) with women, youth, and people with disabilities leading nature-based climate adaptation across Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Kiribati—focusing on mangrove regeneration, sustainable fisheries, and resilient livelihoods. Digital Connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to the global undersea cable network, including Tarawa in Kiribati—aiming to boost access to markets, services, and information. Indigenous Knowledge: USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge across Pacific communities, including Banaban and Kiribati speech groups, linking cultural preservation to climate resilience and food security. Ocean Governance & Fisheries: Pacific Forum foreign ministers urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and secure maritime boundaries, backing a regional fisheries strategy (2026–2035) with member-led implementation. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority over a US company’s push for exploration licensing in an area surrounded by Kiribati and other neighbors’ waters. Culture & Lifestyle Spotlight: New searches for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane continue near Nikumaroro, with researchers “very confident” about a plane-shaped “Taraia Object” tied to the 1937 mystery.

Climate Inclusion: Fiji launched the Kiwa Pacific CIRCLE project, putting women, young people and people with disabilities at the centre of nature-based climate adaptation across Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and Kiribati, with mangrove regeneration and sustainable fisheries led by Pacific organisations including Kiribati’s Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific. Digital Connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to the global undersea cable network, including Tarawa in Kiribati, aiming to boost trade, services and government access to information. Ocean Governance & Fisheries: Pacific Forum foreign ministers backed stronger fisheries protection and ocean stewardship, supporting the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and renewed focus on maritime boundaries. Indigenous Knowledge: USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge, including Banaban and Kiribati ocean knowledge, to protect cultural identity and strengthen climate resilience. Kiribati Lifestyle & Food Security: ADB analysis highlights how Kiribati’s scarce land and freshwater push reliance on imported food, while climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management and social protection are being used to improve nutrition. Migration & Family Life: New Zealand opened the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot for citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu, offering indefinite residence for selected applicants.

Climate Inclusion: Fiji’s Kiwa Pacific CIRCLE project was launched with women, young people and people with disabilities leading nature-based climate adaptation across Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and Kiribati, including mangrove regeneration and sustainable fisheries. Digital Connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to the global undersea cable network, with Tarawa in Kiribati included—an upgrade expected to boost access to markets, services and information. Ocean Governance & Fisheries: Pacific foreign ministers backed stronger fisheries protection, aquaculture and ocean governance, urging leaders to reaffirm fisheries’ role in food security, livelihoods, culture and sovereignty. Kiribati in the Visa Spotlight: New Zealand opened the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot only to citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu, with limited quotas for indefinite residence. Indigenous Knowledge: USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge across Pacific communities, including Banaban and Kiribati speech knowledge, linking cultural continuity to climate resilience. Food & Nutrition Security: ADB analysis highlights how Kiribati’s scarce land and freshwater push reliance on imports, while climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management and social protection aim to improve diets and health.

Climate inclusion: Fiji is leading the $11.8m Kiwa Pacific CIRCLE project, with women, youth, and people with disabilities driving nature-based climate adaptation across Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Kiribati—mangrove regeneration, sustainable fisheries, and resilient livelihoods are at the core. Digital access: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks, including Tarawa in Kiribati, opening doors for trade, services, and government connectivity. Ocean governance & seabed mining: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, pushing back on a US company’s exploration push in waters surrounded by Kiribati and others. Indigenous knowledge: USP researchers are documenting Pacific Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge—work that supports cultural identity and climate resilience, including Banaban and Kiribati speech communities. Fisheries protection: Pacific foreign ministers backed stronger fisheries rules and ocean stewardship, urging leaders to reaffirm fisheries and aquaculture’s role in food security, livelihoods, and sovereignty. Migration & rights: New Zealand’s Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot for 2026 includes Kiribati citizens, with limited spots and an indefinite-residence pathway for those selected. Culture-climate peace: A new policy brief argues the Pacific should focus on climate–peace links rooted in social cohesion, cultural continuity, and ecological stewardship—not just climate–conflict framing.

Digital Connectivity: Australia says it helped deliver over 10,300 km of new undersea cables so all Pacific Islands Forum members—including Tarawa in Kiribati—are now connected to the global network, boosting access to markets, services, and information. Ocean Governance & Fisheries: Forum foreign ministers in Suva backed stronger fisheries protection and ocean stewardship, supporting the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and urging member-led, equitable management of tuna and aquaculture. Climate, Peace & Culture: A new Pacific policy brief argues the region should move from a “climate-conflict” lens to a climate–peace approach rooted in social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security, and ecological care. Kiribati Food & Nutrition Security: Coverage highlights how Kiribati’s scarce land and freshwater, plus reliance on imports, are undermining diets—while pointing to climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries management as key fixes. Migration & Opportunity: New Zealand has opened the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot only to citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, and Tuvalu, with 650 spots total. Indigenous Knowledge: USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge across Pacific communities, including Banaban and Kiribati speech groups, to support cultural identity and climate resilience. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s push for an exploration licence in an enclave surrounded by Kiribati and others. Regional Leadership in Tuna: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) opened applications for a new CEO to strengthen sustainable tuna fisheries governance and member benefits.

Digital Connectivity: Australia says it helped deliver over 10,300km of new undersea cables so every Pacific Islands Forum member—including Tarawa in Kiribati—now connects to the global cable network, boosting access to markets, services, and information. Ocean Governance & Livelihoods: Forum foreign ministers in Suva urged stronger fisheries protection, ocean stewardship, and clearer maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035. Climate–Peace Approach: A new Pacific policy brief argues the region should move from a “climate–conflict” focus to climate–peace planning rooted in social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security, and ecological care. Indigenous Knowledge: USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge across Pacific communities, including Banaban and Kiribati speech traditions, to support culture and climate resilience. Kiribati Food & Nutrition: ADB analysis highlights Kiribati’s food insecurity pressures—scarce land and freshwater, heavy import dependence, and nutrition challenges—while pointing to climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries management. Visa & Mobility: New Zealand has named Kiribati (along with Fiji, Tonga, and Tuvalu) as eligible for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot, with 650 spots total. Culture in the Spotlight: A Moana Oceania Indigenous-led exhibition, “Our Ocean of Islands,” opens in New Zealand on 15 August and includes Kiribati works exploring the cultural significance of sharks.

Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, pushing back on a US company’s bid for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave surrounded by Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia. Indigenous Knowledge & Language: University of the South Pacific researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional ocean knowledge across Banaban and Kiribati speech communities, linking cultural continuity to climate resilience and food security. Kiribati Food & Nutrition Security: A new focus on climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management and social protection highlights how Kiribati’s geography and reliance on imported staples are shaping nutrition outcomes. Pacific Fisheries & Ocean Stewardship: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger fisheries protection and ocean governance, supporting a regional fisheries strategy and renewed advocacy for member rights and sustainable management. Migration & Opportunity: New Zealand has opened the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot for citizens of Kiribati (along with Fiji, Tonga and Tuvalu), with limited quota spots. Culture on Display: A landmark Indigenous-led exhibition, Our Ocean of Islands, opens in New Zealand on 15 August and includes Kiribati works exploring the cultural significance of sharks. Climate–Peace Approach: A Pacific policy brief argues the region should move from a “climate-conflict” framing toward climate–peace solutions rooted in social cohesion, cultural continuity and ecological stewardship.

Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, pushing back on a U.S. company’s bid for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Indigenous Knowledge & Language: USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional ocean knowledge across Pacific communities, including Banaban and Kiribati speech communities, to keep cultural practices alive and support climate resilience. Ocean, Fisheries & Sovereignty: Pacific Forum foreign ministers are urging stronger fisheries protection, ocean governance and clearer maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035. Kiribati Mobility & Lifestyle: New Zealand has named Kiribati (along with Fiji, Tonga and Tuvalu) as eligible for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot, with limited quota spots. Climate–Peace Approach: A new policy brief argues the Pacific should move from a “climate–conflict” focus to a climate–peace nexus grounded in social cohesion, cultural continuity and ecological stewardship. Culture on Display: A landmark Indigenous-led exhibition, “Our Ocean of Islands,” opens in New Zealand on 15 August and includes Kiribati works exploring the cultural significance of sharks and other knowledge.

Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, speaking against a US company’s bid for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia. Indigenous Knowledge & Language: University of the South Pacific (USP) researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional ocean knowledge before it’s lost, including work by Banaban-Gilbertese and Kiribati speech community partners that links ancestral practices to climate resilience. Ocean, Fisheries & Sovereignty: Pacific Foreign Ministers backed stronger fisheries protection and ocean governance, endorsing a regional fisheries strategy and urging equitable, Member-led management that protects livelihoods, culture and sovereignty. Climate–Peace Approach: A new Pacific policy brief argues the region should move from a “climate–conflict” framing to a climate–peace nexus grounded in social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security and ecological stewardship. Kiribati in NZ Migration Pathways: New Zealand has named Kiribati (along with Fiji, Tonga and Tuvalu) as eligible for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot, with limited quota spots and an indefinite-residence pathway for selected applicants. Culture on Display: A landmark Indigenous-led exhibition, “Our Ocean of Islands,” opens in New Zealand on 15 August, featuring Kiribati works on the cultural significance of sharks and bringing together island nations and diaspora communities.

Indigenous Knowledge & Language Preservation: USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages, ocean knowledge, and cultural practices across Pacific communities, including Banaban-Gilbertese and Kiribati speech traditions, to keep ancestral wisdom alive for climate resilience and cultural identity. Ocean & Fisheries Governance: Pacific Forum foreign ministers backed stronger fisheries protection, ocean stewardship, and member-led implementation, supporting the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and reaffirming ocean-climate priorities. Climate–Peace Approach: A new Pacific policy brief urges moving from a “climate–conflict” focus to a climate–peace nexus grounded in social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security, and ecological stewardship. Kiribati Food & Nutrition Security: Coverage highlights how Kiribati is tackling food insecurity through climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries management, plus social protection and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji, amid heavy reliance on imported staples. Visa Pathways for Kiribati Citizens: New Zealand has named Kiribati as one of four eligible countries for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot, with limited quota spots and an indefinite-residence pathway for selected applicants. Moana Oceania Indigenous Exhibition: “Our Ocean of Islands” opens 15 August 2026 in New Zealand, featuring community-shaped displays including Kiribati works on the cultural significance of sharks and dolphin-teeth currency from Malaita. Pacific Unity in Diplomacy: Forum ministers emphasized standing together to strengthen the region’s global voice, including agreement to keep negotiating wording on China missile testing before leaders act.

Indigenous Knowledge Preservation: USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional ocean knowledge across Pacific communities, including Banaban and Kiribati speech groups, to keep cultural identity and climate resilience alive for future generations. LGBTQ+ Rights Backlash: Niger has criminalized same-sex relationships under a new Penal Code, joining other African countries with harsh penalties and drawing renewed international condemnation. Ocean & Fisheries Governance: Pacific Foreign Ministers backed stronger fisheries protection and ocean stewardship, endorsing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and pushing Member-led, equitable management. Climate–Peace Approach: A new policy brief urges the Pacific to move from a “climate-conflict” focus to a climate–peace nexus rooted in social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security and ecological stewardship. Kiribati Food & Nutrition Security: Coverage highlights how Kiribati is tackling nutrition challenges through climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection and an offshore horticultural estate. Visa Pathway for Kiribati: New Zealand confirmed Kiribati is one of four Pacific nations eligible for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot, with limited quota spots. Moana Oceania Exhibition: A landmark Indigenous-led exhibition, “Our Ocean of Islands,” opens 15 August 2026 in New Zealand, featuring Kiribati shark cultural significance and other island knowledges shaped by communities themselves.

Indigenous Knowledge & Language: USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge across Pacific communities, including Banaban and Kiribati speech, to keep ancestral wisdom alive for future generations and strengthen climate resilience. Kiribati Culture in Sport: Commonwealth Games boxer IANUALI Orme received a traditional Kiribati-woven pandanus mat tied to a historic Onotoa ceremony—an honour that highlights respect, family, and skills passed down through generations. Ocean, Fisheries & Food Security: Pacific Foreign Ministers backed stronger fisheries protection and ocean governance, supporting the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy and member-led stewardship to protect livelihoods, culture, and sovereignty. Climate–Peace Approach: A new policy brief urges the Pacific to move from a “climate–conflict” focus toward climate–peace planning rooted in social cohesion, cultural continuity, and ecological care. Kiribati in Regional Climate Push: Forum ministers endorsed a stronger climate action push ahead of COP31, with Pacific leadership and climate finance priorities, including the Pacific Resilience Facility. Kiribati Migration Pathway: New Zealand confirmed Kiribati citizens are eligible for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot (75 spots), offering indefinite residence for selected applicants. Youth & Community: Kiribati’s Youth Day is marked in the week’s listings, alongside broader regional culture and lifestyle observances. Global Context (LGBTQ+ Rights): Reports highlight rising legal discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in parts of Africa, underscoring the importance of rights and community safety discussions across the Pacific.

Amelia Earhart mystery: Archaeologists and Purdue University are heading to Nikumaroro, Kiribati-linked Pacific waters, to investigate the “Taraia Object,” a plane-shaped anomaly tied to the 1937 disappearance of Earhart and Fred Noonan—fuelled by renewed confidence after earlier satellite and storm-related shifts. Ocean governance & fisheries: Pacific Foreign Ministers in Suva backed stronger fisheries protection, ocean stewardship, and member-led implementation, supporting the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 to safeguard livelihoods, culture, and sovereignty. Kiribati in New Zealand’s visa ballot: New Zealand says only citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, and Tuvalu can register for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot, with 650 spots total and Kiribati allocated 75. Climate–peace approach: A new Pacific policy brief urges moving from “climate–conflict” framing to a climate–peace nexus rooted in social cohesion, cultural continuity, and ecological stewardship. Food & nutrition security: Coverage highlights how Kiribati is tackling limited land and freshwater with climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection, and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji. Tuna leadership: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) opened applications for a new CEO to strengthen sustainable tuna fisheries governance and member returns. Culture & identity: A Kiribati-linked story spotlights traditional woven mats as living heritage—handwoven from pandanus and used in major ceremonies—while another notes Nauru’s official shift to the Indigenous name “Naoero.”

Ocean & Fisheries Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and secure maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and calling for equitable, sustainable management that protects Members’ rights. Climate–Peace Approach: A new policy push argues the Pacific should move from a “climate–conflict” framing to a climate–peace nexus rooted in social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security, and ecological stewardship. COP31 Momentum: Ministers also endorsed a stronger climate action drive ahead of COP31, including more climate finance, renewable energy investment, and Pacific-led Pre-COP meetings. Kiribati Food & Nutrition Security: Coverage highlights how Kiribati’s scarce land and freshwater, plus reliance on imports, are undermining diets—while climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection, and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji are positioned as key fixes. Kiribati Migration Policy (Part 3): A three-part series argues Kiribati should treat outward and inward migration as long-term development, citing South Tarawa’s pressures and the skills and networks gained by I-Kiribati abroad. Indigenous Culture in Museums: “Our Ocean of Islands” is set to open 15 August in New Zealand, featuring Indigenous-led exhibits including works from Kiribati exploring the cultural significance of sharks. Visa Pathway for Kiribati: New Zealand says only Kiribati citizens (along with Fiji, Tonga, and Tuvalu) can register for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot, with just 650 spots total. Kiribati Youth & Sport: IANUALI Orme, the “Kiribati King” boxer, was honoured at the Commonwealth Games with a traditional woven mat tied to Onotoa heritage.