Journalists dive into Japan’s solutions to climate, disaster and sustainability threats

As small island nations face increasing challenges from climate change, economic ups and downs, and social issues, learning from one another becomes more important than ever. This week, experienced journalists from Pacific and Caribbean countries,...

What Pacific Island leaders told the UN about climate, conflict and peace

A banner at UN Headquarters on the second day of the general debate of the General Assembly’s eightieth session. Photo: UN Photo / Loey Felipe Pacific Island leaders took turns addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York,...

Sink or swim: Can island states survive the climate crisis?

Small island nations across the world are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, and their problems have been accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely affected their economies, and their capacity to protect themselves from...

What Pacific Island leaders told the UN General Assembly about climate, conflict and peace

A banner at UN Headquarters on the second day of the general debate of the General Assembly’s eightieth session. Photo: UN Photo / Loey Felipe Pacific Island leaders took turns addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York,...

UNGA80: Tonga’s Prime Minister meets US President Trump

New York — On the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke, joined world leaders at a high-level reception hosted by United States President Donald Trump and First...

Tonga joins WTO pact to end harmful fishing subsidies

Tonga has ratified the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, helping it enter into force on 15 September 2025. The deal bans subsidies that fuel overfished stocks, supports illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and subsidies for...

COLUMN: US retreat leaves void for authoritarians

A front-page column in the Sunday New York Times about the shakeup at the United Nations got me thinking about how global politics can mimic nature, especially in terms of what happens when invasive plants take over native plant species within an...

PM Eke urges bold UN reform, climate justice push

Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke has called for urgent United Nations reform and climate action. Addressing the UN80 process, he described it as an opening to “ensure the United Nations remains fit for purpose”, especially as the Pacific rolls out its...

Column: On climate, China steps forward

by Fred Teng On September 24, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered video remarks to the United Nations Climate Summit held in New York, marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. Xi's remarks came at a decisive moment for global...

Tax chiefs meet in Tonga for “Pacific Synergy” summit

The 22nd Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) Annual Heads Meeting opened on Monday in Nuku’alofa, signaling three days of high-level regional tax talks. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala formally launched the...

Pacific Islands News Roundup – October 10 – 16, 2025

Editor’s Note: We are undergoing a web host migration process and may need to make necessary modifications to our format and frequency over the next several weeks. Thank you in advance for your understanding. Political Leadership and Regionalism,...

Fighting climate change takes more than data — it needs wonder, love and hope

Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet Kate Marvel Ecco (2025) The idea that rising carbon dioxide concentrations could warm the planet dates back to the mid-nineteenth century. Women’s rights campaigner and scientist Eunice...

Pacific Tourism Organisation to Host 2025 Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit in Vava’u, Tonga

Registrations are now open for the 3rd 2025 Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit (PSTLS), in Vava’u, Tonga, on 20–21 October. The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in proud partnership with its 20 member countries, invites tourism...

Pacific leaders launch memorandum for investors to climate fund

Pacific leaders meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA for a PRF Partners Roundtable Talanoa. 23 September 2025 Photo: Supplied / Finau Soqo Pacific leaders have met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to launch a...

Video sparks debate about the role of the tou’a in Tonga

By Jean Marc ‘Ake The role of the tou’a has become a topic of hot debate on Tongan social media spaces after a clip from a podcast caused quite a reaction from several Tongan netizens, most of whom were men. Back in August, a podcaster and...

Nauru ratifies Pacific Resilience Facility, calls climate finance a “lifeline” for…

Nauru has deposited its instrumental of ratification for the historic Pacific-led climate initiative – the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), during the partners roundtable talanoa, at the United Nations headquarters in New York Tuesday. During...

Opening remarks from SPC's Director-General at the 14th Conference of the Pacific Community, Friday 17 October 2025

Theme – Pasifiki: Rooted in Heritage, Honouring the Past, United for a Resilient Future Your Royal Highness, The Crown Prince Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister Responsible for His Majesty's Armed Forces. Mr Vice President of the Federated...

Youth vote guide relaunched ahead of polls

Tonga’s youth-led Take The Lead (TTL) has introduced a new digital Tonga Youth Vote Handbook, backed by island-wide outreach. The relaunched guide gives first-time voters clear, accessible tools on how to register, vote and engage politically....

A Royal Diplomacy: Tonga’s King and Queen mark 200 years of friendship in Australia

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of Tonga are in Australia for their first official visit, commemorating 200 years of friendship between the two countries. The historic visit started with a traditional welcome ceremony, which included a smoking...

The South Pacific Regional Herbarium: A Guardian Of Pacific Biodiversity

Press Release – University Of The South Pacific The SPRH is like a living library of nature, a place for learning and training, and a way to connect Pacific people with their natural environment and cultural roots. The Centre for Sustainable...