AGP Executive Report

Fisheries Security Boost: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of coordinated patrols across the Western and Central Pacific, led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, with Kiribati joining Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu, plus support from Australia, New Zealand, France and the United States; authorities carried out 61 vessel inspections and verified more than 200 vessel detections, identifying four vessels of interest while targeting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing and other maritime crimes. Climate Accountability: In a rare show of global unity, UN member states backed a landmark International Court of Justice climate ruling, with 141 votes in favour, strengthening the push for urgent emissions cuts and climate-related human rights. Digital Connectivity: NEC says the East Micronesia Cable System is now complete, linking Tarawa (Kiribati) with Nauru and onward via Kosrae to Pohnpei, bringing faster, more reliable internet to islands that previously relied mainly on satellite. Kiribati Courts: Justice Leilani Tuala-Warren has been appointed to the Kiribati Court of Appeal for a three-year term through May 2029.

Pacific Diplomacy & Jobs: Japan will make it easier to hire mid-career Foreign Ministry specialists this summer, replacing Tokyo travel for written tests with document screening and moving the first interview online—aimed at attracting more overseas experts. Fiji-Election Timing: Fiji’s PM says local government elections will be delayed until national polls. Geopolitics in the “Great Game”: Analysts warn China’s push across the South Pacific faces few brakes, even as Australia scores wins with Pacific partners. Climate Law Push: The UN General Assembly backed a landmark ICJ climate ruling, strengthening states’ legal duties to cut emissions and protect climate-related human rights. Kiribati Court Upgrade: Justice Leilani Tuala-Warren has been appointed to the Kiribati Court of Appeal for three years. Blue Economy: Fiji and Kiribati signed an MOU to boost sandfish aquaculture. Digital Connectivity: NEC says the 2,250 km East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS) is complete, linking Kiribati, FSM and Nauru with faster, more reliable internet. Money Watch: The IMF says Kiribati’s growth and poverty reduction are strong, but fuel shocks and climate risks still threaten the outlook.

UN & Climate Courts: The UN has backed a landmark International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate harm, with New Zealand joining 141 countries—pushing climate responsibility from politics into enforceable legal obligations. Kiribati Judiciary: Justice Leilani Tuala-Warren has been appointed a Judge of the Kiribati Court of Appeal for a three-year term, with her first sitting expected at the end of June. Blue Economy: Fiji and Kiribati signed an MOU to boost sandfish (dairo) aquaculture, aiming to grow livelihoods while protecting marine life and strengthening climate resilience. Women, Disasters & Safety: A new focus is emerging on how cyclones and damaged services can trap women in violence—evacuation centres often lack privacy and protection. Pacific Security Talks: Pacific Police Ministers met in Momi Bay to coordinate responses to transnational organised crime and report outcomes to leaders in Palau. Digital Connectivity: NEC says the 2,250 km EMCS submarine cable is complete, linking Tarawa, Nauru, and FSM islands to improve speed and reliability for services like payments and e-government.

UN & ICJ Climate Ruling: The UN has backed a landmark International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate harm, with New Zealand joining 141 countries—pushing climate responsibility from politics into enforceable legal obligations. Pacific Blue Economy: Fiji and Kiribati signed a new MOU to boost sandfish (dairo) aquaculture, aiming to grow livelihoods while protecting marine life and strengthening food security and climate resilience. Women, Safety & Disasters: A new report links violence against women to climate emergencies, warning that when cyclones hit, damaged roads, closed clinics and downed phones can leave survivors without protection. Security Cooperation: Fiji hosted the first Pacific Police Ministers’ Meeting under the Pacific Transnational Crime Summit, with ministers agreeing to report outcomes to leaders and explore a stronger police role in regional security. Kiribati Economy: The IMF says Kiribati’s growth and poverty reduction are strong, but warns external shocks, fuel costs and climate risks still threaten the outlook. Digital Connectivity: NEC says the 2,250 km East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS) is complete, connecting Tarawa (Kiribati) with Nauru and onward to Kosrae and Pohnpei for faster, more reliable internet.

Pacific policing push: Fiji’s Ioane Naivalurua and Kiribati’s Minister Burke co-hosted the first Pacific Police Ministers’ Meeting in Momi Bay, bringing together policing leaders and senior officials from across the region to tackle rising transnational organised crime, with ministers set to report outcomes to PIF Leaders in Palau and even ask leaders to consider a stronger role for police ministers in the region’s wider security setup. Digital connectivity leap: NEC says it has completed the 2,250 km East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), linking Tarawa (Kiribati) to Nauru and onward via Kosrae to Pohnpei—ending reliance on satellite-only links for these islands and aiming for faster, more reliable internet for services like video calls and digital payments. Economic reality check: The IMF reports Kiribati’s growth and poverty reduction are strong, but warns risks are rising from external shocks, fuel costs, and climate vulnerabilities. Security backdrop: A Pacific security forum in Guam highlighted how great-power tensions and deep-sea mining plans are reshaping what islands must negotiate and protect. Undersea cable risk: A new report warns many island nations depend on a small number of vulnerable undersea cables, leaving them exposed to outages from accidents or sabotage.

Pacific Sports Spotlight: Oceania Athletics Championships in Cairns kicked off with more than 800 athletes across age groups and para events, with Kiribati among the teams delivering early stand-out moments. IMF Warning for Kiribati: The IMF says Kiribati’s growth and poverty reduction remain strong, but external shocks, higher fuel costs, and climate risks are still pulling the outlook down, even as public debt stays low. Digital Leap for the Region: NEC has completed the 2,250 km East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), linking Tarawa (Kiribati) to Nauru and onward through Kosrae to Pohnpei—bringing faster, more reliable connectivity beyond satellite limits. Cable Security Risk: A new report highlights how many island nations depend on a small number of vulnerable undersea cables, leaving them exposed to outages from accidents or sabotage. Security and Resources: A Micronesia security dialogue in Guam focused on deep-sea mining and new military tech, warning islands may be pressured against each other as mining areas expand. Youth Jobs Pressure: The World Bank flags a Pacific jobs gap, noting high shares of young people—especially in Kiribati and Nauru—are not in school or work.

Pacific Sports Spotlight: Oceania Athletics in Cairns is driving the week’s momentum, with standout performances across athletics and rugby union as Pacific athletes turn up in force. IMF Outlook for Kiribati: The IMF says Kiribati’s growth and poverty reduction have been strong, but warns the country still faces rising risks from external shocks, fuel costs, and climate vulnerabilities. Digital Connectivity Boost: NEC has completed the 2,250 km East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), linking Tarawa (Kiribati) to Nauru and onward through Kosrae to Pohnpei—bringing optical connectivity to places that previously relied on satellite links. Security and Geopolitics: Pacific leaders are weighing how Cold War-style competition is reshaping the region, with island voices calling for a stronger say in Pacific security as cable vulnerability and deep-sea mining pressures grow. Jobs and Youth Pressure: The World Bank flags a demographic turning point, but warns Kiribati and other Pacific states need more and better jobs to absorb young people.

Pacific security spotlight: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting will be held in Palau from August 30 to September 4, with leaders warning the venue puts geopolitics front and centre as China and the United States compete for influence across the Indo-Pacific. IMF on Kiribati: The IMF says Kiribati’s growth and poverty reduction have been strong, but warns risks are rising from external shocks, fuel costs and climate vulnerabilities, even as public debt stays low. Digital leap for the region: NEC says it has completed the 2,250 km East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), linking Tarawa (Kiribati) to Nauru and onward via Kosrae to Pohnpei—bringing faster, more reliable internet than satellite-only services. Cable security concern: A new report highlights how many island nations depend on a small number of undersea cables, leaving them exposed to accidental damage and possible sabotage. Broader economy pressure: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is set to weaken further in 2026 as energy and shipping costs bite and tourism momentum slows.

Pacific Geopolitics: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting will be held in Palau from August 30 to September 4, with leaders warning the venue and timing could shape the wider Indo-Pacific as China and the United States compete for influence. IMF Outlook for Kiribati: The IMF says Kiribati’s growth and poverty reduction have been strong, but warns risks are rising from external shocks, higher fuel costs, and climate vulnerabilities, keeping debt distress risk “high” despite low public debt. Digital Connectivity: NEC has completed the 2,250 km East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), linking Tarawa (Kiribati) to Nauru and onward through Kosrae to Pohnpei, bringing faster, more reliable internet than satellite-only service. Security of Subsea Cables: A new report highlights how many island nations depend on a small number of undersea cables, leaving them exposed to outages from accidents or sabotage. Regional Economy: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is weakening, with 2026 forecast around 2.8–3% as fuel, shipping, and structural constraints bite.

IMF Outlook: The IMF says Kiribati’s growth stayed strong and poverty fell sharply, but warns risks are rising from external shocks, higher fuel costs, and climate vulnerabilities, projecting growth easing from about 4.3% in 2025 to around 3.1% in 2026 while noting debt distress risk remains “high” despite low public debt. Digital Connectivity: NEC has completed the 2,250 km East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), linking Tarawa (Kiribati) to Nauru and onward through Kosrae to Pohnpei, ending reliance on satellite-only links and aiming for faster, more reliable internet for services like payments and video calls. Cable Security: A new report flags how many island nations depend on a small number of vulnerable undersea cables, with most failures tied to accidents and some to suspected sabotage. Pacific Security Politics: Island leaders are also weighing what great-power tensions could mean for the region’s safety, as security forums focus on deep-sea mining, drones, and “kill web” concerns. Economic Pressure: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is slowing in 2026 as fuel, shipping, and weaker tourism strain budgets, with Kiribati among the countries covered.

Pacific Security: Island leaders and security experts on Guam spent two days gaming out what US-China brinkmanship could mean locally, after Xi warned Taiwan mishandling could spark “clashes and even conflicts,” with the Micronesia Security Dialogue stressing the region is now central to great-power competition. Digital Connectivity: NEC says it has completed the East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), a ~2,250 km submarine fibre link connecting Tarawa (Kiribati) to Nauru, then through Kosrae to Pohnpei—ending reliance on satellite-only links for several islands and aiming to cut delays and boost reliability for services like payments and e-government. Ocean Security & Resources: A regional forum heard concerns that deep-sea mining and new weapons systems are being driven by military drone and AI needs, raising the stakes for islands trying to negotiate control of their waters. Economy Watch: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is set to slow further in 2026 to about 2.8% as fuel, shipping and other shocks bite, including in Kiribati.

Pacific Security: Island leaders and security experts on Guam are pushing for a bigger say in how great-power tensions play out after a Beijing summit warning that mishandling Taiwan could spark “clashes and even conflicts,” with the Micronesia Security Dialogue stressing the region is now at the center of US-China competition. Telecom Upgrade: NEC says it has completed the East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), a 2,250 km submarine link connecting Kiribati (Tarawa), Nauru, and FSM islands (Kosrae and Pohnpei), ending reliance on satellite-only links and aiming to cut delays while boosting reliability for services like e-payments and video calls. Ocean Security & Resources: A regional forum heard concerns that deep-sea mining and new weapons systems tied to critical minerals could undermine island control, urging shared standards to prevent islands being “played off against each other.” Economy Watch: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is slowing further, forecasting about 2.8% for 2026 as fuel, shipping, and structural constraints bite.

Telecom Upgrade: NEC has officially completed the East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), a 2,250 km submarine fibre link connecting Kiribati (Tarawa), Nauru, and FSM islands including Kosrae and Pohnpei—ending reliance on satellite-only links that caused delays and instability. Regional Impact: NEC says the new connection will boost speed and reliability for video calls, electronic payments, and e-government services, supporting wider digitalization and economic growth. Project Handover: Operational control has been handed to FSM Telecommunications Cable Corporation, Kiribati’s Bwebweriki Net Limited, and Nauru’s Cenpac Corporation, with support from Australia, Japan, and the United States. Security & Resources: In parallel, a Pacific security forum warned that deep-sea mining plans are tied to demand for minerals used in advanced military drones and AI weapons, urging Pacific states to coordinate standards to protect their negotiating power. Economy Watch: The World Bank also projects Pacific growth easing to 2.8% in 2026 as fuel, shipping, and structural constraints bite.

Telecom Upgrade: NEC has completed the East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), a ~2,250 km undersea fibre link connecting Kiribati (Tarawa), Nauru, and FSM islands including Kosrae and Pohnpei—ending reliance on satellite-only links that caused delays and unstable service. Regional Impact: NEC says the new cable will boost speed, reliability, and capacity for everyday uses like video calls, electronic payments, and e-government, supporting digitalisation and economic growth. Handover Details: Operational control has been handed to FSM Telecommunications Cable Corporation (FSMTCC), Kiribati’s Bwebweriki Net Limited (BNL), and Nauru’s Cenpac Corporation, with support from Australia, Japan, and the United States. Security & Resources: In parallel, a regional security forum warned that deep-sea mining plans are tied to demand for advanced military drones and AI weapons, urging Pacific countries to set shared standards before being “played off against each other.”

Telecom Upgrade: NEC has finished the East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), a 2,250 km undersea link connecting Kiribati (Tarawa), Nauru, and FSM (Kosrae to Pohnpei), ending years of reliance on slower, less stable satellite links and paving the way for faster calls, more reliable online services, and smoother digital payments. Industry Watch: NASA is seeking partners for a future Mars Telecommunications Network, while telecom deal and spectrum news in the US points to continued pressure for faster connectivity. Security & Resources: A Pacific security forum warned that deep-sea mining plans are tied to demand for minerals used in advanced military drones and AI weapons, urging island states—including Kiribati—to coordinate so they are not “played off against each other.” Environment & Jobs: Kiribati renewed calls for stronger global action on plastic pollution, and the World Bank says Pacific growth is slowing—fuel, debt, and weaker tourism are squeezing budgets—while youth will only pay off if jobs expand.

Subsea Connectivity: NEC says it has completed the East Micronesia Cable System, a 2,250 km fibre link connecting Tarawa (Kiribati) with Nauru, then onward to Kosrae and Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia—bringing first-time optical submarine cable service to islands that previously relied mainly on satellite. NEC says the upgrade should cut latency and boost capacity for video calls, digital payments, e-government and other online services, with operational control handed to local and regional telecom partners. Pacific Security & Resources: A Micronesia security forum warned that deep-sea mining plans in the region are tied to demand for military drones and AI weapons, urging Pacific states to coordinate standards so they are not “played off against each other.” Plastic Crisis Push: Kiribati called for stronger global upstream action to tackle plastic pollution. Economic Pressure: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is weakening, forecasting 2.8% growth for 2026 amid higher fuel and shipping costs, slower tourism and tight fiscal space. Health & Jobs: Fiji and Kiribati are working together to cut infant deaths, while the World Bank highlights a youth jobs gap across the Pacific.