AGP Executive Report

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.

Tuvalu Climate Finance Under Scrutiny: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund—managed by Mercer—has exposure to coal mining, gas exploration and a major crude oil refinery, prompting Tuvalu to review its “fossil fuel exposure” after criticism from climate activist Richard Gokrun. Pacific Business Brief: The region’s fuel crunch is driving fresh support, with the ADB preparing hundreds of millions in budget help for Pacific countries, alongside earlier Fiji loan and grant packages. Fisheries & Trade Rules: The WTO’s fisheries subsidies deal enters a new phase of scrutiny as Pacific benefits from “Fish 1” could be undermined if key countries stall “Fish 2,” affecting competition and protections for artisanal fishers. Regional Security for Fisheries: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of patrols and inspections across 10 Pacific EEZs, with Tuvalu among participating nations and support from Pacific Quad partners. COP31 Prep in the Region: Australia and Türkiye issued a joint COP31 Presidency letter, with Fiji and Tuvalu set to host pre-COP and a leaders’ meeting in October 2026. Local Economy Pressure from Travel Policy: New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer default visas could cut revenue by about $1–2m a year, with officials pointing to budget transfers to manage the impact.

Climate Finance & Fossil Fuel Exposure: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m government trust fund—managed via Mercer—has invested in coal mining, gas exploration and a major crude refinery, prompting Tuvalu to review its “fossil fuel exposure.” Fisheries & Trade Rules: The WTO’s Fisheries Subsidies Agreement is hailed as an environmental win, but Pacific benefits could be weakened if key countries stall the next “Fish 2” phase. Regional Security for Fisheries: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up with Pacific-led surveillance across 10 EEZs, including Tuvalu, with vessel inspections and detections aimed at deterring illegal fishing. Pacific Business Brief: The region’s fuel relief push is in focus, alongside critical minerals diplomacy and fallout at a publicly funded Pacific trust. Higher Education Governance: The USP Council in Tonga adopted audited 2025 finances and reviewed 2026 outlook, appointing Tuvalu’s Governor-General as USP Chancellor from 1 July 2026. Visa Policy & Government Revenue: New Zealand is cutting Pacific visa fees and extending default visa timeframes, with officials warning of a $1–2m annual revenue hit.

Fossil-Fuel Exposure: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund—managed by Mercer—has invested in coal mining, gas exploration and major oil refining, prompting Tuvalu to review its “fossil fuel exposure” after criticism from climate activist Richard Gokrun. Climate Justice in Law: The UN General Assembly backed an ICJ climate ruling with 141 votes, strengthening states’ legal duties to cut emissions and face liability for harm; the US and other fossil-fuel producers opposed. Pacific Fisheries Security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of patrols and inspections across 10 Pacific EEZs, with Tuvalu among participants and support from Australia, New Zealand, France and the US to deter IUU fishing. Tuvalu Education Investment: Tuvalu’s investment in teacher training is set to benefit 970 children. Regional Energy Risk Planning: Pacific Islands Forum leaders invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate a response to fuel supply risks tied to Middle East instability, aiming to protect regional stability and essential services. USP Governance: The USP Council in Tonga adopted audited 2025 financials, reviewed 2026 outlook, and appointed Tuvalu’s Governor-General as USP Chancellor from 1 July 2026.

Climate Finance Scrutiny: Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund is under review after an AFP investigation found it has exposure to coal mining, gas exploration and a major crude refinery, managed via Mercer—prompting Tuvalu climate advocates to call it “really shocking” given the country’s frontline impacts. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: A new “just transition away from fossil fuels” conference in Colombia (59 countries) backed a Fossil Fuel Treaty concept, including a just transition, a non-proliferation pillar to stop expansion, and an equitable phase-out led by wealthy states. Legal Climate Pressure: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ climate ruling, backing states’ duties under international law and urging emission cuts and fossil-fuel subsidy elimination—while the US and other fossil-fuel producers voted against. Regional Security & Fisheries: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up with Pacific-led surveillance across 10 EEZs, including Tuvalu, with vessel inspections and deterrence efforts against IUU fishing supported by partners. Education Investment: Tuvalu’s investment in teacher training is set to benefit 970 children, as regional institutions also review finances and sustainability at USP’s council meeting in Tonga. COP31 Prep: Australia and Türkiye flagged vehicle electrification as a COP31 priority, with Fiji and Tuvalu hosting pre-COP events in October 2026.

Education & Finance: The University of the South Pacific (USP) council met in Tonga and adopted USP’s unqualified audited 2025 accounts, while reviewing a 2026 outlook marked by rising costs, economic uncertainty and student affordability pressures; it also confirmed governance reforms and the appointment of Tuvalu’s Governor-General as USP’s 33rd Chancellor from 1 July 2026. Climate Diplomacy & COP31 Prep: Australia and Türkiye issued a joint COP31 Presidency letter outlining shared priorities for COP31 in Antalya, with Fiji and Tuvalu set to host key Pre‑COP and Leaders’ events in October 2026. Regional Fisheries Security: Pacific nations wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week surveillance push against IUU fishing and maritime crime across 10 Pacific EEZs, with Tuvalu among participating states and support from Australia, New Zealand, France and the US. Pacific Mobility & Visa Revenue: New Zealand visa changes for Pacific travellers—lower fees and longer default multi-entry visas—could cut revenue by an estimated $1–2 million a year, raising pressure on immigration funding. Tuvalu Climate Reality: Reporting highlights Tuvalu’s land reclamation efforts as many residents apply to relocate to Australia under the Falepili Union, raising questions about what happens to the country if people leave.