AGP Executive Report

Pacific Pre-COP31 in Fiji: Leaders and delegates from Australia, Germany, Nepal and Pacific nations kicked off climate talks ahead of COP31, with Australia hosting and pledging $7.29m for the region’s renewables transition and talk of a Pacific declaration on fair climate governance and guaranteed funding. Climate Finance & Natural Capital: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged turning oceans, forests, reefs and fisheries into jobs and resilience, pointing to the PNA Vessel Day Scheme as a model, while pushing for climate finance reform and new investment funds. Who’s in the room: Only two leaders from outside the Pacific are attending, as Australia faces pressure to justify the $20m+ cost and prove the talks aren’t a distraction from domestic cost-of-living concerns. Ocean Protection vs Livelihoods: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said the Pacific must balance conservation with economic development as seas rise and marine resources face pressure. Nauru & the ICC: The US congratulated Naoero (formerly Nauru) after it announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as sovereignty action. Deep-sea mining rules: Commentary warned the seabed minerals race is really a race to set rules, with Pacific nations facing risks as companies seek ways around accountability.

Pacific climate diplomacy in Fiji: Nauru’s PM Matthew Wale used the PACT Pre-COP31 talks in Nadi to argue the region’s oceans, forests, reefs and fisheries can be turned into jobs and resilience through sustainable management, pointing to Pacific-led models like the PNA Vessel Day Scheme and calling for climate finance reform plus new funds such as a Climate Resilience Investment Fund and a Solomon Islands Sovereign Wealth Fund. Who’s in the room: Only two leaders from outside the Pacific are attending the pre-COP meeting, as Australia pushes the summit as a key diplomatic focus ahead of COP31. Ocean protection vs development: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific nations must balance marine conservation with economic needs, backing stewardship while investing in production. Deep-sea mining pressure: Fiji has urged a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, while Cook Islands youth debate whether extracting deep minerals can deliver a real future without damaging sacred ocean ecosystems. Nauru and the ICC: The US has congratulated Naoero (formerly Nauru) after it announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as sovereignty. Whale sanctuary setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Nauru among countries voting against.

Climate Displacement in the Pacific: In Fiji, Nabavatu was declared unsafe after two cyclones cracked the ground in 2021, and residents like 66-year-old Marica Malumuca are still living in ballooning tent shelters while rebuilding drags on—showing how rising seas and heavier downpours are pushing communities into long-term displacement. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Under Pressure: Nauru Ocean Resources’ case at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea highlights how seabed-mining competition is also a fight over who gets to set the rules, with companies seeking permits while disputes swirl around the International Seabed Authority. Ocean Protection vs Extraction: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific nations must balance marine conservation with jobs and production, pointing to sanctuary protections and traditional “bul” limits on harvesting. Whale Sanctuary Vote Fails: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid fell short at the International Whaling Commission, with Nauru among countries voting against—underscoring how climate and biodiversity pressures collide with politics. Nauru and International Courts: The US congratulated Naoero (formerly Nauru) after it announced withdrawal from the ICC, framing it as sovereignty pushback.

Deep-Sea Mining Rules Fight: A legal push tied to Nauru Ocean Resources and Tonga Offshore Mining is spotlighting how seabed-mineral competition is also a race to set the rules, with the Seabed Disputes Chamber ordering provisional measures against the International Seabed Authority. Pacific Ocean Stewardship vs Jobs: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific nations must protect marine life while also building “production” that lets communities benefit, pointing to the High Seas Treaty and large marine sanctuary protections. Whale Sanctuary Setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Nauru among the countries voting against, underscoring ongoing pressure on cetaceans amid climate and biodiversity loss. Cook Islands Deep-Sea Mining Debate: In the Cook Islands, young voices and communities are weighing deep-sea mining’s promise of minerals against cultural and environmental risks. Climate Finance Pressure: Climate-vulnerable leaders at the UN General Assembly warned that disaster recovery is too often funded through loans, not grants, calling for faster, fairer access to support. Nauru/ICC Sovereignty Move: The US welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as standing up for sovereignty.

Seabed Minerals Rules Fight: A new push to extract deep-sea minerals is also a fight over who gets to write the rules, with Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. tied to International Seabed Authority disputes that could reshape accountability for “global commons” mining. Ocean Protection vs Jobs: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific leaders must balance marine conservation with economic development as seas rise and marine resources face pressure, pointing to sanctuary protections alongside the need for “production” that benefits communities. Whale Sanctuary Setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Nauru among the countries voting against, underscoring ongoing strain between conservation goals and member-state positions. Pacific Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Legal and geopolitical drivers are pushing a rush for Pacific earth minerals, raising concerns that investors can bypass domestic courts through offshore dispute systems. Nauru/ICC Sovereignty Move: The US congratulated Naoero (formerly Nauru) after it announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as standing up for sovereignty. Local Climate-Disaster Reality: Myanmar’s Dawei region faces flooding and landslides with a rising death toll, while fighting and attacks add further strain to already vulnerable communities.

Pacific Ocean Governance: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says island states must balance ocean conservation with economic development as seas rise and marine resources come under pressure, pointing to marine sanctuaries and traditional “bul” stewardship. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: The Cook Islands weighs deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules in its vast EEZ, with youth and communities asking whether any jobs and growth will outweigh environmental and cultural risks. Whales Protection Setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, falling short of the supermajority needed, with Nauru among the countries voting against. Climate Finance Pressure: Climate-vulnerable leaders at the UN General Assembly warned that disaster recovery is too often funded by loans, not grants, arguing that borrowing for damage caused by others is not solidarity. Nauru/ICC Sovereignty Move: The US congratulated Naoero (formerly Nauru) on withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, framing it as a sovereignty stand. Disaster Impacts (Regional): Myanmar’s Dawei floods and landslides have reportedly killed at least 41, while fighting and shelling have also hit civilian areas.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Cook Islands youth and communities are weighing whether polymetallic nodule extraction in their deep EEZ can deliver jobs without damaging marine life and sacred ocean knowledge. Ocean Conservation vs Livelihoods: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. argues the Pacific must fund both marine protection and ocean-based production, pointing to Palau’s High Seas Treaty ratification and large sanctuary closures. Climate Finance at the UN: Pacific and other climate-vulnerable leaders told the UN General Assembly that disaster recovery should not mean more loans, urging grants at the scale needed for sea-level rise, extreme weather, and loss and damage. Climate Justice Through the ICJ: Fiji’s Attorney General opened a Pacific writeshop for submissions to the International Court of Justice on climate change, with Nauru among the participating countries. Pacific Security Pressure: Defence ministers from across the region met in Fiji, with critics warning the agenda is tied to strengthening alliances amid rising geopolitical tensions. Sovereignty Moves: The US welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the ICC, framing it as standing up for sovereignty.

Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: Pacific “Big Ocean States” control about 30% of the world’s seas, but deep-sea mineral rush is raising alarms over ecological damage and foreign firms using investor-state dispute rules to bypass local courts. Ocean Stewardship vs Jobs: Palau President Surangel Whipps says the region must protect marine life while also investing in “production” so communities benefit, pointing to its high-seas treaty leadership and sanctuary approach. Climate Finance at the UN: Vulnerable nations told the UN General Assembly they shouldn’t be pushed deeper into debt for disasters they didn’t cause, urging grants at the scale needed for loss and damage and faster climate action. Life Below Water, Now: Tuvalu’s PM called sea-level rise a present reality and backed large-scale coastal adaptation, while Solomon Islands warned one disaster can erase years of development. Legal Pathways for Climate Justice: Fiji hosted a regional writeshop for Pacific submissions to the ICJ climate advisory process, with Nauru among the participating countries. Pacific Security Backdrop: Defence ministers in Fiji discussed “joint responses” to crises, but critics say the real focus is tightening alliances amid great-power tensions. Nauru’s Name Change & ICC Move: The US welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as standing up for sovereignty.

Deep-Sea Mining Showdown: A growing Pacific split is surfacing at the UN General Assembly, with Naoero (formerly Nauru) pushing for international seabed-mining rules while American Samoa rejects commercial extraction over unanswered risks to deep-ocean ecosystems and fisheries. Ocean Conservation vs Jobs: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says the Pacific must protect the sea while also investing in “production” so communities benefit—pointing to Palau’s High Seas Treaty ratification and large marine sanctuary. Climate Finance at UNGA: Pacific and other climate-vulnerable leaders warned that disaster recovery is being funded through loans instead of grants, calling for faster, scaled climate finance and an end to “confusing loans with solidarity.” Climate Justice Through Courts: Fiji Attorney General Siromi Turaga opened a Pacific writeshop for submissions to the ICJ climate advisory process, with Nauru among the participating countries. Security Pressure in the Region: Defence ministers from South Pacific states met in Fiji, framing climate disasters and emergencies in the language of wider security cooperation—while critics say the real focus is strengthening alliances amid great-power rivalry.

Climate Justice at UNGA: Climate-vulnerable Pacific leaders told the UN General Assembly they shouldn’t be pushed deeper into debt after disasters they didn’t cause, calling for grants and faster access to climate finance. Sea-Level Reality in Tuvalu: Tuvalu’s PM said sea-level rise is already a “present reality,” urging scaled grants for adaptation and loss-and-damage. Pacific Climate Threats: Solomon Islands’ PM warned a single natural disaster can erase years of development, highlighting small-island vulnerability beyond income measures. Deep-Sea Mining Divide: At UNGA, American Samoa opposed commercial deep-sea mineral extraction, while Naoero (formerly Nauru) pushed for international seabed-mining rules—keeping the Pacific debate front and center. Naoero/ICC Move: The US congratulated Naoero after it announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as sovereignty—an issue that also intersects with Nauru’s broader international positioning. Regional Legal Climate Case Prep: Fiji’s AG opened a Pacific writeshop for submissions to the ICJ advisory proceedings on climate change, with Nauru among participating countries.

UN Climate Justice Push: Climate-vulnerable countries told the UN General Assembly they shouldn’t be forced deeper into debt after disasters they didn’t cause, demanding grants and faster access to climate finance. Pacific Leaders at UNGA: Tuvalu’s PM said sea-level rise is already a “present reality,” urging scaled grants for adaptation and loss-and-damage, while Solomon Islands warned one disaster can erase years of development. Nauru/“Naoero” and the ICC: The US welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as sovereignty—an issue that also intersects with how small states navigate international institutions. Pacific Climate Litigation Prep: Fiji’s Attorney General opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the ICJ advisory proceedings on climate change, with Nauru among the participating countries. Deep-Sea Mining Divide: At UNGA, American Samoa opposed commercial deep-sea extraction, while Naoero called for international seabed-mining rules—highlighting a widening split over ocean protection versus resource development. Regional Capacity Building: India proposed tailored training for Pacific professionals through the FIPIC framework, including areas like climate action and disaster resilience.

UN Climate Finance Push: Climate-vulnerable Pacific and other states told the UN General Assembly they shouldn’t be forced deeper into debt after disasters they didn’t cause, calling for grants and faster access to climate money. Pacific Leaders at UN: Tuvalu’s PM said sea-level rise is already here and urged scaled grants for adaptation and loss and damage, while Solomon Islands warned a single disaster can erase years of progress. Deep-Sea Mining Divide: At UNGA, Naoero (formerly Nauru) backed completing international seabed-mining rules, while American Samoa opposed commercial extraction, citing major gaps on impacts to deep-ocean ecosystems and fisheries. ICJ Climate Case Prep: Fiji hosted a regional writeshop for Pacific submissions to the ICJ advisory proceedings on climate change, with Nauru among the participating countries. Nauru Name Change at UN: Nauru’s President David Adeang told UNGA the country has changed its name to “Naoero,” framing it as reclaiming heritage. Sovereignty vs ICC: The US congratulated Naoero after Adeang announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, praising the move as standing up for sovereignty.

Deep-sea mining divide at UNGA: Naoero (formerly Nauru) pushed for international rules on seabed mining, while American Samoa rejected commercial extraction, warning of major gaps in understanding impacts on deep-ocean ecosystems and fisheries. Pacific climate justice at the UN: Climate-vulnerable leaders told the UN they shouldn’t be forced deeper into debt to recover from disasters they didn’t cause, demanding grants and faster access to finance. Sea-level reality in the Pacific: Tuvalu’s PM said sea-level rise is a “present reality,” urging climate finance as grants at the needed scale and highlighting coastal land reclamation. ICJ climate case legal push: Fiji’s AG opened a regional writeshop for Pacific submissions to the ICJ advisory proceedings, with participation from 16 Pacific countries and territories including Nauru. UNGA diplomacy and Nauru’s name change: Nauru’s president David Adeang addressed the UN General Assembly, saying the country has changed its name and reclaimed heritage. Pacific infrastructure for resilience: A Pacific infrastructure facility highlighted renewable energy investment needs and closing urban-rural gaps to help communities “rise with the tide.”

Deep-Sea Mining Divide at UNGA: Naoero (formerly Nauru) pushed for international rules to finish before any seabed mining moves ahead, while American Samoa rejected US commercial extraction plans, warning of major gaps in understanding impacts on deep-ocean ecosystems and fisheries. Climate Debt and Disaster Finance: Climate-vulnerable leaders told the UN General Assembly they shouldn’t be forced into deeper debt after disasters they didn’t cause, calling for grants and faster access to climate finance instead of “loans with paperwork.” Pacific Leaders Demand Real Climate Action: Tuvalu’s PM said sea-level rise is a present reality and urged grant-scale climate funding and faster progress on SDG 14, while Solomon Islands warned one disaster can wipe out years of development. Pacific Legal Push at ICJ: Fiji’s attorney general opened a regional writeshop for Pacific submissions to the ICJ climate advisory process, with participation from Nauru and 15 other island states. UNGA Name Change Spotlight: Nauru’s president said the country has changed its name and “reclaimed its heritage,” as Naoero continues to raise its profile at the UN.

Pacific Climate Finance Push: Climate-vulnerable nations told the UN General Assembly they shouldn’t be forced into deeper debt to recover from disasters they didn’t cause, calling for grants and faster access to finance. Sea-Level Reality in Tuvalu: Tuvalu’s PM said sea-level rise is already here, urging scaled grants for adaptation and loss-and-damage, with coastal projects reclaiming land in Funafuti. Pacific Legal Action at the ICJ: Fiji’s attorney general opened a regional writeshop for Pacific submissions to the ICJ climate advisory case, with legal teams from 16 Pacific countries and territories including Nauru. Deep-Sea Mining Divide: At UNGA, American Samoa rejected commercial deep-sea mineral extraction while Naoero (formerly Nauru) pushed for international seabed-mining rules to be completed. Infrastructure for Resilience: A Pacific infrastructure facility highlighted a push for renewable energy investment and better links between urban and rural areas, including a regional project database to attract bidders. UNGA Name-Change Spotlight: Nauru’s new name push (“Naoero”) is framed as harder than product rebranding, tied to identity and history—playing out on the UN stage. Pacific Leaders at UNGA: Leaders from across the Pacific used UNGA to underline existential climate risks and the need for urgent action and justice.

UN Climate Finance Push: Pacific, Caribbean and other climate-vulnerable leaders told the UN General Assembly they shouldn’t be forced deeper into debt to recover from disasters they didn’t cause, calling for grants and faster access to climate money. Tuvalu’s Sea-Level Reality: Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo warned sea-level rise is “present reality,” urging scaled grants for loss and damage and faster progress on SDG 14. Pacific Legal Action on Climate: Fiji’s AG opened a Pacific writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the ICJ climate advisory case, with Nauru among the participating countries. Deep-Sea Mining Split: A divide over seabed mining surfaced at the UN, with American Samoa opposing commercial extraction while Naoero (Nauru) pushed for international rules to be completed. Nauru Name Change at the UN: Nauru President David Adeang highlighted the country’s new name, “Naoero,” as part of reclaiming heritage at the UN. Pacific Capacity-Building: India proposed tailored training for Pacific professionals under the FIPIC framework, including climate action and disaster resilience. Tourism, But Packaged for Markets: PTI Australia appointed a North Pacific tourism advisor to help Nauru and neighbors package nature-based tourism for Australian buyers.