AGP Executive Report

Climate Reality Check: UNEP says the world will exceed 1.5°C soon, and for the Pacific sea-level rise is “locked in” for centuries—so adaptation is no longer optional. Defence & Safety: New Zealand and Kiribati Police cleared about 300 WWII unexploded ordnance items from Betio, moving them to an isolated sandbar; some degraded shells had to be detonated in the bunker, with 7,000 residents evacuated. Pacific Diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders “registered concern” over China’s July ballistic missile test but stopped short of condemnation; Naoero dissented and Kiribati was notably absent from the leaders’ retreat. Regional Connectivity: Nauru Airlines will restore a four-island itinerary linking Nauru, Tarawa, Majuro and Pohnpei from October 2026, boosting limited travel options. Development Partnerships: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in Kiribati to build higher-value processing and training for rural livelihoods. US Engagement: Solomon Islands’ foreign minister Rick Houenipwela welcomed US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, with talks expected to focus on economic and security cooperation.

Pacific Diplomacy at Palau: Pacific Islands Forum leaders wrapped up in Koror with a compromise on China’s July ballistic missile test—“registered concern” and urged 24-hour advance notice, but stopped short of condemnation; Nauru dissented and Kiribati was notably absent from the leaders’ retreat, sending a former ambassador instead, drawing criticism and protocol complaints. Oceans & Fisheries: Leaders also tightened their stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, backing a Pacific ocean statement and pushing coordinated action for upcoming international ocean talks. Security Cooperation: Solomon Islands’ foreign minister Rick Houenipwela welcomed US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, whose Pacific tour includes Kiribati, focusing on economic and security cooperation. Betio UXO Clearance: New Zealand Defence Force teams began clearing 400+ WWII unexploded ordnance from Betio, Tarawa, to reduce risks to residents. Kiribati Development: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa, and separate meetings covered women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and digitisation. Food & Culture: The FFA and SPC rolled out “Tuna Bites” to celebrate tuna’s role in Pacific food security, with Kiribati among participating countries.

Pacific diplomacy at PIF: Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau agreed to “register concern” over China’s July ballistic missile test after it overflew members “without adequate notice,” calling for at least 24 hours’ advance warning—yet the statement was not unanimous, with Naoero dissenting and Kiribati absent from the leaders’ retreat. Kiribati protocol and missile-test fallout: Kiribati was represented by a special envoy, David Teaabo, instead of President Taneti Maamau or a minister, and was initially omitted from acknowledgements at the closing session, prompting Teaabo to call it “protocol-wise … not good.” Regional security pressure: The summit also highlighted China–Taiwan tensions, with China warning of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence, while leaders kept the focus on Pacific priorities. Safety and development on Tarawa: New Zealand Defence Force teams, with Kiribati Police, began clearing more than 400 WWII unexploded ordnance from Betio’s Bonnyman’s Bunker, moving explosives to an isolated sandbar for disposal. People-to-people and jobs: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in Kiribati to boost higher-value processing and training, while India–Kiribati talks also covered women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and digitisation. Migration policy signal: Australia published the 12 countries eligible for its Pacific Engagement Visa, including Kiribati, as a permanent residence pathway to deepen ties.

Pacific Islands Forum diplomacy: Leaders in Palau agreed to “register concern” over China’s July ballistic missile test after it overflew members “without adequate notice,” calling for at least 24 hours’ advance warning for future ICBM tests—but the wording fell short of condemnation. Regional unity strained: Nauru dissented from the clause, and Kiribati was notably absent from the leaders’ retreat, sending a former ambassador to China instead, leaving solidarity looking thinner than usual. Oceans and fisheries push: The summit also tightened the region’s stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, tasking the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner to prepare for the 2027 BBNJ conference. Kiribati safety and development: New Zealand’s NZDF began clearing more than 400 WWII unexploded ordnance from Betio, Tarawa, while India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in Kiribati to boost higher-value processing and rural livelihoods. US engagement in the Pacific: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau arrived in Honiara for talks focused on strengthening US–Pacific economic and security cooperation, including a visit to Kiribati.

Pacific Engagement Visa: Australia has released the official list of 12 countries eligible for its new Pacific Engagement Visa, including Kiribati, positioning the permanent residence pathway as a long-term way to deepen ties across the Blue Pacific. WWII UXO clearance in Kiribati: New Zealand Defence Force teams, working with Kiribati Police, are removing more than 400 unexploded WWII explosives from Betio’s Bonnyman’s Bunker, with ordnance to be transported to an isolated sandbar for safe disposal. PIF diplomacy and missile test fallout: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders agreed to “register concern” over China’s July ballistic missile test after it overflew members without adequate notice, but the statement was not unanimous—Nauru dissented and Kiribati was notably absent from the leaders’ retreat. India–Kiribati cooperation: India and Kiribati held talks on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and digitisation, and launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa supported by US$900,000 to boost higher-value processing and training. Regional security visit: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau arrived in Honiara for official talks, with his Pacific tour including visits to Palau and Kiribati focused on economic and security cooperation. Climate pressure on the Pacific: The region is bracing for a potentially strong El Niño, with warnings that drought, heavier rainfall and water stress could compound existing fuel and food pressures.

Pacific Unity at PIF: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau ended with leaders “registering concern” over China’s July ballistic missile test that “overflew” members without adequate notice, calling for at least 24 hours’ advance warning—yet the statement was not unanimous, with Naoero dissenting and Kiribati notably absent from the leaders’ retreat. Kiribati’s Snub: Kiribati was represented by a special envoy rather than President Taneti Maamau, and was later omitted in front-row protocol at the closing ceremony, prompting criticism that the region’s solidarity looked “thinner than expected.” Oceans & Fisheries: Leaders also tightened their stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries and deep-sea minerals, pushing coordinated Pacific action on marine pollution and ocean governance. Climate Resilience for Schools: A new EU-UNICEF programme worth €17m was launched to make schools more climate-resilient across Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and Solomon Islands, targeting safer water, sanitation, renewable power and disaster-ready maintenance. India-Kiribati Jobs & Growth: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa to boost higher-value coconut production, with training and processing support for Nonouti and Teraina. Regional Security Diplomacy: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau began a Pacific tour including visits to Palau and Kiribati, focusing on economic and security cooperation.

Pacific diplomacy at PIF: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau ended with leaders “registering concern” over China’s July ballistic missile test, calling for transparency and at least 24 hours’ advance notice—yet the statement fell short of condemnation, with Nauru dissenting and Kiribati absent from key retreat talks. Kiribati-India development: In Tarawa, India launched a US$900,000 Virgin Coconut Oil project supported through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, backing processing plants and training to lift rural livelihoods. Women and growth talks: India and Kiribati also met on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and digitisation, with further cooperation discussed across education and skills. Climate and schools: UNICEF and the EU launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to upgrade school infrastructure and disaster readiness, with direct support for children in Kiribati and other Pacific states. US engagement in the region: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau arrived in Honiara for talks focused on strengthening US–Pacific economic and security cooperation, with a tour that includes Kiribati.

Pacific Islands Forum diplomacy: Leaders in Palau agreed to “register concern” over China’s July ballistic missile test after it overflew members without adequate notice, but the move fell short of a full condemnation—Nauru dissented and Kiribati was absent from the leaders’ retreat, sending its former ambassador to China instead. Regional security & messaging: Palau President Surangel Whipps urged a “unified” Pacific voice to demand sovereignty and transparency from Beijing, while Australia and Palau pushed for stronger language. Kiribati–China protocol fallout: Kiribati was also “snubbed” at the PIF closing ceremony after its delegation head was omitted from the member list, prompting complaints about protocol. Development cooperation: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa to boost higher-value coconut processing and training, and held talks with Kiribati on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation and education. Climate pressure on Kiribati and neighbours: Pacific communities face a heightened El Niño risk after a prolonged fuel crisis, with warnings focused on safe drinking water, food and children’s health. US engagement in the region: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau arrived in Honiara for talks on economic and security cooperation, with visits also planned for Palau and Kiribati.

Pacific Diplomacy: Kiribati’s absence from key parts of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau has drawn attention as leaders tried to agree on how to respond to China’s July ballistic missile test—Palau’s President Surangel Whipps urged a “unified” Pacific voice, but the final stance was only to “register concern,” with Nauru dissenting and Kiribati not represented at the leaders’ retreat. US–Pacific Security: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau arrived in Honiara for official talks as part of a Pacific tour, with meetings expected to focus on strengthening US–Solomon Islands economic and security cooperation, and visits also planned for Palau and Kiribati. Climate & Food Security: Pacific communities are bracing for a potentially strong El Niño, with warnings of drought in some areas and heavier rain in others—raising pressure on drinking water, food supplies and children’s health amid an ongoing fuel crisis. Kiribati–India Development: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa, backed by US$900,000, to support processing plants and training in Nonouti and Teraina. Women & Growth Talks: India and Kiribati also met on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation and education cooperation. Regional Economy & Culture: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” to celebrate World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, including a tuna dish competition across participating Pacific countries, with Kiribati among them. Education Resilience: UNICEF and the EU launched a Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to upgrade schools so they can better withstand climate disasters, including in Kiribati.

Pacific Islands Forum wrap: Leaders in Palau agreed to “register concern” over China’s July ballistic missile test after it overflew members “without adequate notice,” calling for at least 24 hours’ advance warning—yet the wording fell short of condemnation, with Naoero dissenting and Kiribati notably absent from the leaders’ retreat. Kiribati protocol snub: Kiribati said it was “disappointing” after a special envoy attended instead of President Taneti Maamau or a minister, and the country was omitted from the closing list before being corrected. China–Taiwan pressure at PIF: The summit was also dominated by a “Wolf Warrior” style clash over Taiwan’s presence, with China warning of “consequences” and Beijing accusing the forum host of “hype.” India–Kiribati cooperation: India launched a US$900,000 Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa and held talks with Kiribati on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, and infrastructure/renewables. Pacific food and culture: The PIF Fisheries Agency and SPC kicked off the “Tuna Bites” campaign for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, including a country-by-country tuna dish competition across Kiribati and other Pacific states. Climate-resilient schools: UNICEF and the EU launched a €17m programme to upgrade Pacific schools’ resilience to cyclones, floods, and sea-level rise, with direct support for Kiribati among targeted countries.

Pacific diplomacy at a crossroads: The Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau ended with a compromise on China’s July ballistic missile test: members “registered concern” and urged at least 24 hours’ advance notice, but stopped short of condemnation. Kiribati protocol snag: Kiribati was notably absent from the leaders’ retreat, with President Taneti Maamau sending former ambassador David Teeabo instead, and the country was also omitted from the closing acknowledgements list. Regional unity vs. dissent: Naoero (Nauru) was the only member to dissent from the missile-test clause, highlighting how great-power pressure is fracturing consensus. Oceans and climate priorities: Leaders also tightened their stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, while backing urgent climate action. Kiribati development boost: India launched a US$900,000 Virgin Coconut Oil project in Tarawa to support processing plants on Nonouti and Teraina and training for farmers and women’s cooperatives. Food and culture spotlight: The FFA and SPC rolled out “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with Kiribati among the countries hosting a tuna-dish competition. Schools resilience funding: A new EU-UNICEF programme will help Pacific governments upgrade schools so they can stay open during climate disasters, including support for Kiribati.

Pacific Islands Forum fallout: Kiribati was “disappointing[ly]” snubbed at the PIF closing in Palau after sending former China ambassador David Teeabo instead of President Taneti Maamau or a minister, and it was omitted from the final leaders list—an awkward protocol slip that Teeabo said left him unsure where the mistake came from. Missile-test diplomacy: PIF leaders ultimately “registered concern” over China’s July ballistic missile test that overflew members without adequate notice, calling for at least 24 hours’ advance warning, but the statement was not unanimous—Nauru dissented and Kiribati was absent from the leaders’ retreat. China–Taiwan pressure on the region: The summit was also dominated by Beijing’s objections to Taiwan’s presence, with “Wolf Warrior” style warnings of “consequences” putting Palau in the middle. Kiribati–India cooperation: In Tarawa, India’s High Commissioner met Kiribati ministers on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, and infrastructure/renewable energy links. Climate-resilient schools: A new EU–UNICEF programme worth €17m will help Kiribati and other Pacific states upgrade schools so they can keep operating during and after disasters.

Pacific Islands Forum Diplomacy: Leaders in Palau agreed to “register concern” over China’s July ballistic missile test, calling for at least 24 hours’ advance notice, but the statement fell short of condemnation; Nauru dissented and Kiribati was notably absent from the leaders’ retreat. Regional Security & China-Taiwan Tensions: The missile issue became a test of unity amid the summit’s wider dispute over Taiwan’s participation, with Palau urging a “unified” Pacific response to demand respect for sovereignty and transparency. Connectivity & Infrastructure: Australia announced a $65 million boost to the East Micronesia Cable System, linking Nauru, Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia, framed as both development and protection of critical infrastructure. Kiribati-India Cooperation: In Tarawa, India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met Kiribati ministers on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation, education and youth skills, reaffirming bilateral partnership. Climate-Resilient Schools: A new EU-UNICEF programme worth €17 million will help Pacific governments upgrade schools for disasters, including support for Kiribati and other states.

Pacific Islands Forum diplomacy: Leaders in Palau agreed to “register concern” over China’s July intercontinental ballistic missile test, citing it “overflew” members without adequate notice and calling for at least 24 hours’ advance warning—yet they stopped short of condemnation, with Nauru dissenting and Kiribati absent from the leaders’ retreat. Kiribati–China stance under spotlight: Reporting around the summit framed Kiribati as a key blocker of tougher language, while New Zealand’s PM Christopher Luxon said he did not know why Kiribati’s leader did not attend. EU–UNICEF school resilience for Kiribati: A €17m EU-UNICEF programme launched at the PIF sidelines will upgrade climate-resilient schools, including in Kiribati, with safer water and sanitation, renewable energy, and training for teachers and administrators. Bilateral cooperation: India and Kiribati held talks in Tarawa on deepening cooperation in infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable development. WWII cleanup in Kiribati: NZ Defence Force personnel arrived for a joint operation with Kiribati Police to safely dispose of more than 400 WWII-era unexploded ordnance items in Betio.

Kiribati–India Cooperation: South Tarawa talks reaffirmed the “enduring partnership” as India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met Kiribati’s Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy Minister Tekeeua Tarati, exploring deeper work on infrastructure, renewable energy and sustainable development, with Mehta also visiting Kiribati’s dialysis centre and discussing expanded health collaboration. Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: In Palau, leaders pushed for a unified Pacific response to China’s July ballistic missile test, with Palau President Surangel Whipps saying Beijing “never bothered” to inform them and calling for respect for sovereignty and transparency. Kiribati’s Position on Missile Criticism: Australia and Palau said they will press for a clear condemnation, rejecting claims from Kiribati and Naoero that singling out China is unfair, after Kiribati signalled it registered concerns but argued the US also tests missiles in the region. Regional Unity Under Strain: The PIF leaders meeting is overshadowed by China–Taiwan tensions, with China warning of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence and several leaders absent amid allegations of interference. Climate Resilience for Schools: A new EU–UNICEF programme worth about $43.4m will strengthen climate-resilient education systems, directly benefiting around 15,000 children including in Kiribati, with safer water, renewable energy and disaster-ready school operations. Security on the Ground: New Zealand Defence Force personnel arrived in Kiribati with police to safely dispose of more than 400 WWII-era UXOs from Betio to an isolated sandbar.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF Leaders Meeting opened amid major absences and a China–Taiwan standoff, with China’s envoy warning Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s attendance could bring “consequences” while Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese said the forum decides who participates. Kiribati leadership moves: Kiribati President Taneti Maamau handed the Smaller Island States chair to Palau’s Whipps Jr virtually, as Kiribati was among leaders not attending in person. Regional diplomacy beyond the drama: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr urged Pacific ACP states to ratify the EU’s Samoa Agreement during PIF-linked meetings, as leaders sought stronger EU ties. Kiribati’s bilateral engagement: India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met Kiribati officials in Tarawa to expand cooperation across multiple sectors. Climate and safety pressures: A UN-linked climate warning at PIF said the world has missed the 1.5°C goal, while New Zealand Defence Force personnel arrived in Kiribati to help dispose of WWII-era unexploded ordnance with Kiribati Police. Pacific resilience funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility is showcasing 14 community projects for water, food, sanitation and resilience ahead of pre-COP events and COP31.