AGP Executive Report

UN Climate Urgency: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to push climate action as a present-day survival issue, with Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo calling sea-level rise “not a future threat” but “a present reality,” and urging climate finance as grants plus faster progress on SDG 14. Climate Justice in Legal Pathways: Fiji’s Attorney-General Siromi Turaga opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific Island submissions to the ICJ climate advisory process, with Nauru among the participating countries. Deep-Sea Mining Split: A divide over seabed mining surfaced at the UN, as American Samoa opposed commercial deep-sea extraction while Naoero (Nauru) called for international rules to be finished before any mining moves ahead. Nauru at the UN: President David Adeang told the UN that Nauru has changed its name and “reclaimed its heritage,” tying the move to identity and international visibility. Regional Support for Resilience: The Asian Development Bank’s meeting coverage highlighted climate resilience funding priorities across Asia-Pacific, with Nauru’s delegation focused on long-term support including renewable energy and urban development.

Climate Justice Push: Fiji’s AG Siromi Turaga opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for 16 Pacific Island countries preparing submissions to the ICJ on climate change, stressing SIDS will “bear the brunt” of extreme weather unless greenhouse-gas cuts happen fast. Deep-Sea Mining Split at the UN: A growing divide surfaced at UNGA over seabed mining rules: Naoero (formerly Nauru) urged international rules be completed, while American Samoa opposed US commercial extraction, citing major gaps on impacts to deep-ocean ecosystems and fisheries. Nauru Rebrand at the UN: Nauru President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly the country has changed its name to “reclaim its heritage,” as debate continues over how hard national rebranding can be. Development Finance for Resilience: The ADB’s annual meeting in Milan highlighted climate resilience funding across Asia-Pacific, while Nauru’s delegation pointed to priorities like renewable energy, maritime transport, and urban development. Social Protection as Climate Buffer: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS—including Nauru (around two-thirds coverage)—need stronger social protection to reduce poverty and better handle climate and economic shocks. Visa Access for Nauruans: The US published the Guam-CNMI visa waiver list, which includes Nauru, allowing waiver-based entry for eligible citizens.

Deep-Sea Mining Clash at UNGA: A widening Pacific divide over deep sea mining surfaced at the UN General Assembly, with American Samoa rejecting a proposed US lease sale that could enable commercial extraction, while Naoero (formerly Nauru) urged international seabed-mining rules to be completed first. Pacific Resilience Funding Push: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to cut poverty and better handle climate and economic shocks, noting Nauru and Fiji cover about two-thirds of people while several others sit below 30%. Nauru in the Visa Spotlight: The US published the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver list, which includes Nauru among 12 eligible countries. Regional Support for Nauru-linked Work: ADB’s meeting coverage highlights climate resilience and ecosystem restoration as priorities, alongside Nauru’s focus areas like renewable energy and social protection. Tourism Market Access: PTI Australia appointed a senior North Pacific tourism advisor to help package and sell destinations including Nauru into Australian channels.

UNGA Pacific diplomacy: India’s EAM S Jaishankar met Pacific and Caribbean leaders in New York, pushing tailored capacity-building for Pacific Island professionals and highlighting priorities like renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, health and education. Climate resilience funding focus: The ADB’s annual meeting update puts climate resilience at the center of Asia-Pacific support, alongside food security, energy connectivity and ecosystem restoration—areas Nauru is seeking help with as it navigates OECD graduation. Social protection as climate shock insurance: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to cut poverty and help people cope with climate disasters and price shocks; it notes Nauru covers around two-thirds of its population. Nauru in visa access: The US Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program list includes Nauru, easing travel for eligible citizens to Guam and the CNMI. Tourism market push: PTI Australia appointed a North Pacific tourism advisor to help package and sell destinations including Nauru through Australian channels—potentially boosting nature-based tourism demand. Pacific-aligned AI debate: Pasifika AI creators warn AI must not speak for Pacific communities without community mandate, tying tech design to local values and control.

UN General Assembly: More than 130 leaders opened the 81st UNGA in New York, with speeches expected to focus on wars, artificial intelligence, and UN finances—while diplomats also watch the race to succeed António Guterres. Nauru at the UN: Nauru President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly the country has changed its name and “reclaimed its heritage,” underscoring Nauru’s growing visibility on the global stage. Pacific resilience funding: The Asian Development Bank says it’s backing Asia-Pacific food security, digital access, energy connectivity, and climate resilience—while Nauru’s delegation highlights priorities like renewable energy, maritime transport, and social protection. Social protection and climate shocks: A UN DESA policy brief warns Pacific SIDS—including Nauru (around two-thirds coverage)—need stronger social protection to better handle climate disasters and price volatility. Visa access: The US published the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver list, which includes Nauru, potentially easing travel for eligible citizens. Tourism push: PTI Australia appointed a North Pacific tourism advisor to help package and sell Nauru and other islands’ nature-based experiences into Australian markets.

UN diplomacy & identity: Nauru’s President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly he has changed the country’s name and “reclaimed its heritage,” as Nauru continues to deepen its international profile. Climate resilience finance: The Asian Development Bank says it’s backing Asia-Pacific food security, energy connectivity and climate resilience, with Nauru’s delegation attending and highlighting priorities like renewable energy, urban development and public sector reform. Social protection for climate shocks: A UN DESA policy brief warns Pacific SIDS—including Nauru, which covers about two-thirds of its population—still have big gaps in social protection, leaving people exposed to climate disasters and price shocks. Tourism access for Nauru: Pacific Trade Invest Australia appointed Ben Urquhart as Senior North Pacific tourism advisor to help package and sell Nauru and other island destinations through Australian channels, aiming to build booking pathways and support air services. Regional mobility: The US published the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program list, which includes Nauru, making travel to Guam and the CNMI easier for eligible citizens.

UN Multilateralism & Climate Action: India’s Jaishankar told the UNGA summit that the global order is under stress from geopolitical competition, tensions and conflicts, and urged stronger multilateralism plus reforms to make institutions more participative and transparent—warning cooperation is crucial for peace, security and climate action. Pacific Social Protection: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to cut poverty and boost resilience to climate and economic shocks; coverage is high in places like the Cook Islands and Palau, but around two-thirds in Nauru, leaving many households exposed. Nauru in Visa Waiver News: The US published the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program list of 12 eligible countries, including Nauru, allowing eligible citizens to apply for entry without a standard US visa. Deep-Sea Mining Push: The US is accelerating seabed mining licensing and permits, turning a dormant framework into a “seabed gold rush” test—raising concerns about whether permitting can move fast without weakening environmental review. Tourism Market Access: PTI Australia appointed a Senior North Pacific tourism advisor to help package and sell destinations including Nauru into Australian channels, aiming to build booking pathways and support regional air services.

UN Diplomacy & Climate Action: India’s Jaishankar told the UNGA summit that the global order is under stress from geopolitical competition, tensions and conflicts, urging stronger multilateralism and reforms to make institutions more participative and transparent—warning the stakes include peace, development and climate action. Pacific Resilience & Social Protection: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to cut poverty and better handle climate and economic shocks; it notes coverage is high in places like the Cook Islands and Palau, but around two-thirds in Nauru and Fiji, with many others below 30%. Nauru in the Visa Mix: The US published the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program eligible countries list, including Nauru, making travel to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands easier for eligible citizens. ADB Funding for Climate Resilience: The ADB’s annual meeting highlighted major investment priorities for Asia-Pacific, including climate resilience, energy connectivity and ecosystem restoration—areas that align with Nauru’s push for long-term support. Tourism Push in the North Pacific: PTI Australia appointed a senior North Pacific tourism advisor to help package and sell destinations including Nauru to Australian markets, aiming to build booking pathways and support regional air services.

Climate Resilience Finance: The Asian Development Bank says it will scale food security funding to US$40bn by 2030, invest in energy connectivity, and put climate resilience at the center—while Nauru’s leaders push for support as the country navigates OECD graduation and priorities like renewable energy, maritime transport, and urban upgrades. Social Protection for Climate Shocks: A UN DESA policy brief warns Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to handle climate disasters and price shocks; it notes Nauru and Fiji cover about two-thirds of people, but coverage is far lower in several other islands. Nauru in Regional Mobility: The US has published the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program list, which includes Nauru—making travel to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands easier without a standard US visa. Pacific Labour and Food Security: Australia’s immigration changes for farm work are driving debate, with the government urging farmers to use the PALM scheme to recruit Pacific island workers as backpacker access tightens. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: US moves to speed seabed mining licensing are framed as a “seabed gold rush,” raising concerns about whether faster permits will weaken environmental review—an issue with clear relevance for Pacific ocean futures. Geopolitics and Multilateralism: India’s Jaishankar says the global order is under stress and calls for stronger, more transparent multilateral institutions—amid rising competition and conflict.

Climate Resilience Funding: The Asian Development Bank says its Asia-Pacific push will prioritize climate resilience alongside food security, energy connectivity and digital access, with Nauru’s leaders attending the ADB annual meeting and flagging needs like renewable energy, maritime transport and ecosystem restoration. Social Protection for Shock-Proofing: A UN DESA policy brief warns Pacific SIDS—including Nauru, at about two-thirds coverage—still have big gaps in social protection, leaving people exposed to climate disasters and price shocks; it argues systems can be built step-by-step to protect incomes and help communities bounce back. Tourism Access for Nauru: PTI Australia appointed Ben Urquhart as Senior North Pacific tourism advisor to help Nauru and other island nations package and sell nature- and culture-led tourism more easily through Australian channels, including work aimed at improving booking pathways and air-service links. Visa Pathway That Could Shift Travel Flows: The US published the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program eligible-country list, which includes Nauru—potentially making travel to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands simpler for Nauruans and boosting regional movement. Weather Early Warning Focus: Pacific meteorological services are strengthening weather and early warning systems through PMC-8, highlighting progress like Tonga’s multi-hazard centre, Kiribati’s station upgrades, and Tuvalu’s use of AI to improve severe weather monitoring. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: The US is accelerating seabed mining licensing and permits, raising concerns for environmental review and legitimacy as a “seabed gold rush” gathers pace—an issue with clear stakes for Pacific marine ecosystems.

ADB Climate Resilience Push: The Asian Development Bank says it will scale climate resilience work across Asia-Pacific—protecting infrastructure, restoring ecosystems, and helping communities adapt—while Nauru’s delegation highlights priorities like renewable energy, maritime transport, urban development, and social protection. Social Protection for Climate Shock Survival: A UN DESA policy brief warns Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to handle climate disasters and price shocks; it notes Nauru and Fiji cover about two-thirds of people, but several others are below 30%. Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Update: The US published the 12 eligible countries for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, including Nauru—easing travel for eligible citizens to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Deep-Sea Mining Permitting Race: The US is accelerating seabed mining licensing and permits, raising concerns that faster approvals could weaken environmental review and legitimacy—an issue with major implications for Pacific ocean ecosystems. Pacific Weather Early Warning Gains: Pacific meteorological leaders report progress on weather and early warning systems, including new multi-hazard centres and upgrades, with Tuvalu using AI to improve severe weather monitoring. Nauru-Israel Diplomacy: Nauru opened its embassy in Jerusalem, marking a milestone in ties with Israel.

ADB climate resilience push: The Asian Development Bank’s annual meeting in Milan highlighted food security, digital access, energy connectivity and climate resilience, with climate-focused work aimed at strengthening infrastructure, restoring ecosystems and helping communities adapt—while Nauru’s delegation flagged priorities like renewable energy, maritime transport and social protection reform. Social protection for climate resilience: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to handle climate disasters and price shocks; Nauru is cited as covering about two-thirds of people, but gaps still leave households exposed. Visa access tied to Nauru: The US published the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program list, including Nauru, allowing eligible citizens to apply for entry without a standard US visa—an update with direct travel and mobility implications for Nauruans. Deep-sea mining pressure: Reports say the US is accelerating seabed mining licensing and permits, raising concerns about environmental review and legitimacy as a “seabed gold rush” gathers pace. Nauru in Jerusalem: Naoero (Nauru) opened its embassy in Jerusalem, marking a milestone in Israel-Nauru ties and underscoring how small states keep diplomatic leverage.

ADB pledges Asia-Pacific overhaul: The Asian Development Bank says it’s scaling investment to US$40bn by 2030 across food security, digital access, energy connectivity, and climate resilience, with Nauru’s delegation in Milan pushing for long-term, flexible support including renewables, maritime transport, urban development, and social protection. Visa access for Nauruans: The US published the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program list of 12 eligible countries, including Nauru, allowing eligible citizens to apply for entry to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands without a standard US visa. Climate resilience via social protection: A UN DESA policy brief urges Pacific SIDS to expand social protection to better handle climate disasters and food and fuel shocks; it notes Nauru and Fiji cover about two-thirds of people, but gaps still leave many exposed. Early warning upgrades across the Pacific: At the 8th Pacific Meteorological Council, countries reported progress on weather and early warning systems, including AI-assisted forecasting in Tuvalu and upgrades to stations in Kiribati and multi-hazard warning services in Tonga. Nauru’s Jerusalem embassy: Naoero/Nauru opened its embassy in Jerusalem, with Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Lionel Rouwen Aingimea highlighting the move as a milestone in ties with Israel.

Visa Waiver Update: The US has published the 12 countries eligible for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, including Nauru alongside Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan and others—no African country is on the list. Climate Resilience & Social Protection: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to better handle climate disasters and price shocks; Nauru and Fiji cover about two-thirds of people, while some countries sit below 30%. Deep-Sea Mining Push: The US is accelerating seabed mining licensing, raising concerns that faster permitting could weaken environmental review as a “seabed gold rush” grows. Pacific Weather Preparedness: Pacific meteorological services are upgrading early warning and forecasting, including Tuvalu’s use of AI for faster severe weather monitoring. Nauru Diplomacy: Nauru (Naoero) opened its embassy in Jerusalem, with leaders framing the move as long-standing friendship and support.

Visa Access for Nauruans: The US has published the 12 countries eligible for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, and Nauru is on the list—meaning Nauru citizens can apply to enter Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands without a standard US visa. Social Protection for Climate Resilience: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to handle climate disasters and price shocks; it notes Nauru and Fiji cover around two-thirds of their populations, but gaps still leave people exposed. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Reporting on US moves to speed up seabed mining licenses highlights a “seabed gold rush” risk—raising questions about whether permitting can move faster without weakening environmental review, legitimacy, or scrutiny. Weather and Early Warning Gains: Pacific meteorological services are upgrading weather and early warning systems, with examples including Tonga’s multi-hazard centre and Tuvalu using AI to improve severe weather monitoring. Nauru’s Jerusalem Embassy: Nauru (Naoero) opened its embassy in Jerusalem, with Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Lionel Aingimea framing the move around long-standing ties and religious values.

Health & Climate Resilience: A new UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to cut poverty and help people handle climate disasters and price shocks, noting coverage is about two-thirds in Nauru and Fiji but under 30% in places like Tonga, Kiribati, and PNG. Regional Weather Readiness: Pacific leaders and meteorological services are pushing for better weather, climate and early warning systems, with progress reported in Tonga, Kiribati and Tuvalu. Nauru & Israel Diplomacy: Naoero (Nauru) opened its embassy in Jerusalem, with Vice President Lionel Rouwen Aingimea saying the move reflects long-standing friendship and religious values. Ocean & Minerals Pressure: The US is accelerating deep-sea mining licensing, turning permitting into a fast-moving “seabed gold rush” that raises concerns about environmental review and legitimacy. Pacific Mobility & Jobs: Australia’s immigration changes are driving debate over farm labour, with officials pointing Pacific island recruitment pathways like PALM.