AGP Executive Report

UXO Safety in Betio: New Zealand Defence Force teams, funded by MFAT, are clearing more than 400 WWII unexploded ordnance from Bonnyman’s Bunker in Betio, with explosives to be transported to an isolated sandbar for safe disposal—aimed at reducing a long-standing risk around homes, public facilities and government buildings. Pacific Health Support: Kiribati children are returning home after free heart treatment in Fiji, including a week-long stay for a child with a congenital defect and another child treated for rheumatic heart disease, with families also receiving assistance for care costs. Regional Diplomacy & Trade Ties: India and Kiribati held high-level talks to expand bilateral cooperation, while the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau continued to be overshadowed by China–Taiwan tensions and uneven leader attendance, including Kiribati’s absence from key retreat moments. Climate Pressure on Livelihoods: Pacific leaders and partners pushed climate-resilient priorities—safer schools, water and sanitation upgrades, and preparations for El Niño impacts—amid fuel and food risks that could worsen conditions for children and communities. Economic Development: India-backed Virgin Coconut Oil processing support is being rolled out in Kiribati’s outer islands, targeting higher-value coconut products and training for farmers and women’s cooperatives. Food Security Spotlight: The FFA and SPC launched the “Tuna Bites” campaign across Pacific countries, including Kiribati, using a national tuna-dish competition to promote tuna’s role in diets, livelihoods and revenues.

Pacific Islands Forum fallout: The 55th PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau ended with “empty chairs” as Kiribati and other leaders skipped key sessions, leaving Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela to speak and raising fresh questions about regional unity. Geopolitics vs priorities: Leaders also tightened their stance on ocean governance, fisheries and deep-sea minerals, while the summit’s missile-test diplomacy with China and Taiwan continued to dominate headlines. Kiribati protocol snub: Kiribati was reportedly omitted from the closing acknowledgements after sending a special envoy instead of President Taneti Maamau or a minister, with the envoy calling it “disappointing.” US engagement in the region: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau arrived in Honiara for talks expected to include business leaders, focusing on economic and security cooperation. Local economy boost (Kiribati): India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa with US$900,000 support, backing processing plants and training to raise incomes for farmers and women’s cooperatives. Food security campaign: The FFA and SPC rolled out “Tuna Bites” across Pacific countries, using a national cooking competition to highlight tuna’s role in livelihoods and protein. Climate resilience funding: UNICEF and the EU launched a €17m Pacific programme to upgrade schools for climate disasters, including safer water, sanitation, renewable power and better connectivity.

Pacific Diplomacy & Security: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau ended with leaders “registering concern” over China’s July ICBM test and calling for 24-hour advance notice, but Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau skipped the meeting and Kiribati was notably absent from the leaders’ retreat, underscoring how Taiwan tensions are spilling into regional business and cooperation. Kiribati-India Trade & Jobs: In South Tarawa, India launched a US$900,000 Virgin Coconut Oil project supported via the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, backing VCO processing plants on Nonouti and Teraina and training for farmers and women’s cooperatives. Health & Cost of Care: Kiribati children Amota (9 months) and Ruata (5) received life-saving heart surgeries in Fiji through the Gift of Life mission, highlighting how regional medical missions can reduce the financial hit of overseas treatment. Climate Risk to Livelihoods: Pacific leaders and partners warned El Niño could disrupt water, food and children’s health, with Kiribati among areas forecast for above-normal rainfall—raising pressure on planning and resilience spending. Food Security & Tuna Value: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, using country cooking competitions to spotlight tuna’s role in Pacific protein, livelihoods and revenues.

Kiribati–India Trade & Livelihoods: India launched a US$900,000 Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa, backing VCO processing plants on Nonouti and Teraina and training for farmers and women’s cooperatives. Pacific Climate & Water Security: ChildFund warns fuel shortages plus a strengthening El Niño could trigger a “polycrisis” for Kiribati and neighbours, with higher rainfall in some areas and drought risk in others—especially threatening safe drinking water for children. Pacific Resilience Funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to global climate events, showing how Pacific-owned climate finance can reach communities directly, including water and food resilience work in Palau and Tuvalu. Regional Governance & Oceans: Pacific leaders in Palau backed stronger action on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, and pushed preparations for the 2027 BBNJ talks. World War II Safety in Kiribati: New Zealand Defence Force teams arrived to help Kiribati Police dispose of 400+ WWII-era UXOs, reducing risks in densely populated Betio. PIF Politics & China-Taiwan Tensions: The PIF leaders meeting in Palau is marred by missing leaders and disputes over Taiwan’s presence, with Kiribati absent from key retreat moments and omitted from parts of the closing protocol. US Engagement: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau began a Pacific tour focused on economic and security cooperation, including a visit to Kiribati.

Pacific diplomacy under pressure: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau has been rocked by great-power rivalry, with China warning of “consequences” over Taiwan’s attendance and several leaders missing or sending low-level representatives, including Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau skipping the leaders’ retreat and Kiribati being left off the closing seating list. Missile test fallout: Forum leaders “registered concern” over China’s July ICBM test and urged 24-hour advance notice, but consensus broke down, with Naoero dissenting and Kiribati absent from key parts of the process. US engagement in the region: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau arrived in Honiara for talks aimed at boosting economic and security cooperation, as Washington seeks to strengthen influence amid the Taiwan dispute. Kiribati–India business push: India launched a US$900,000 Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa to support processing plants and training, targeting higher-value exports and rural livelihoods. Climate and fuel risks: Pacific leaders and aid groups warn El Niño is set to intensify drought and flooding impacts on water, food and children’s health, on top of an ongoing fuel crisis. Education resilience funding: UNICEF and the EU launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to make schools safer during disasters. Security and local safety: New Zealand Defence Force teams are working with Kiribati Police to dispose of WWII-era UXOs in Betio, improving public safety in densely populated areas. Tuna and food security: The FFA and SPC rolled out the “Tuna Bites” campaign to celebrate tuna’s role in Pacific diets, livelihoods and revenues, with culinary competitions planned across member countries including Kiribati.

Pacific Islands Forum diplomacy: Pacific leaders in Palau registered concern over China’s July ICBM test, urging at least 24 hours’ advance notice, but Kiribati was notably absent from the leaders’ retreat and was also left out of the closing acknowledgements, while Naoero dissented. China–Taiwan pressure: The summit was overshadowed by Beijing’s warnings of “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended, with reports of alleged Beijing meddling and leaders missing from the 18-member meeting. Kiribati–India business push: India launched a US$900,000 Virgin Coconut Oil project in Tarawa, backing VCO processing plants on Nonouti and Teraina and training for farmers and women’s cooperatives. Food security & livelihoods: The FFA and SPC rolled out the “Tuna Bites” campaign across Pacific countries including Kiribati, using a national tuna-dish competition to highlight tuna’s role in protein, livelihoods and revenues. Climate resilience funding: UNICEF and the EU launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to upgrade schools for disasters, including water, sanitation, renewable energy and connectivity. Local safety and jobs: New Zealand and Kiribati police began a joint operation to safely dispose of 400+ WWII UXOs in Betio, improving public safety in a densely populated area.

Kiribati–India Trade & Industry: A new Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) project was launched in South Tarawa, backed by US$900,000 from India’s UN Development Partnership Fund and delivered by UNDP, aiming to raise coconut value through processing plants on Nonouti and Teraina plus training for farmers and women’s cooperatives. Pacific Food Security & Jobs: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and SPC kicked off “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with Kiribati among eight countries running a national tuna-dish competition to spotlight tuna’s role in livelihoods and protein. Pacific Diplomacy & Protocol: Kiribati was “disappointing[ly]” snubbed at the Pacific Islands Forum closing in Palau after President Taneti Maamau did not attend the leaders retreat and Kiribati’s delegation head was omitted from the final acknowledgements. Regional Security & Missile Fallout: The PIF leaders’ push to condemn China’s July ICBM test ran into fractures, with Kiribati notably absent from the leaders retreat and Naoero dissenting, while Palau and Australia pressed for a clearer unified response. Climate-Resilient Schools: A €17m EU–UNICEF programme for Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems was launched in Palau, targeting safer, disaster-ready schools—an issue closely tied to Kiribati’s wider resilience needs. Local Safety & Infrastructure: New Zealand Defence Force personnel arrived in Kiribati to help dispose of WWII-era unexploded ordnance, moving more than 400 UXOs from Betio to a remote sandbar to reduce risks to public facilities.

Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: Kiribati was snubbed at the PIF closing in Palau and was also absent from the Leaders Retreat, sending a special envoy instead of President Taneti Maamau; the country’s China-linked stance on missile testing is again in the spotlight. Missile Test Diplomacy: Pacific leaders registered concern over China’s ICBM test overflew members without notice, but consensus was shaky—Naoero dissented and Kiribati stayed away from key talks, while Palau and Australia pushed for a unified condemnation. China–Taiwan Tensions: China warned of “consequences” after Taiwan’s Foreign Minister attended PIF opening events, putting Palau in the middle as Beijing and Taipei rivalry spills into regional business and development agendas. Ocean & Fisheries Agenda: Leaders tightened positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, backing a 2026 Ocean Statement and work toward the 2027 BBNJ process. Climate-Resilient Education: UNICEF and the EU launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to upgrade schools’ water, sanitation, renewable power and disaster readiness. Kiribati–India Cooperation: India’s High Commissioner met Kiribati officials to expand bilateral cooperation across multiple domains. Local Safety & UXO Disposal: New Zealand and Kiribati police plan to move and dispose of 400+ WWII UXOs in Betio, improving safety in densely populated areas. Tuvalu Fintech Push: Tuvalu’s early fintech build-out is tied to connectivity gains—new cable arrival, Starlink, mobile money work, and new ATMs/point-of-sale.

Pacific diplomacy & security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau tightened their stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, backing a 2026 Ocean Statement and pushing coordinated action ahead of the BBNJ talks in 2027. Missile test fallout: The final communique also “registered concern” over China’s July ICBM test overflying members without adequate notice, calling for transparency and advance notification—though consensus was shaky, with Naoero dissenting and Kiribati notably absent from key retreat discussions. Geopolitics over Taiwan: Palau urged a “unified” Pacific response to Beijing after Taiwan’s Foreign Minister attended opening events; China warned of “consequences,” while Australia said the region sets the agenda. Kiribati business-relevant development: UNICEF and the EU launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to upgrade schools for disasters—water, sanitation, renewable power and safer learning continuity. Connectivity for Kiribati: Australia-backed funding helped deliver the East Micronesia Cable, bringing faster internet to Tarawa and Naoero, supporting essential services and business connectivity. Local resilience funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility is showcasing community projects (including water and traditional planting revival) to prove Pacific-owned climate finance can reach communities directly. Kiribati-UxO safety: New Zealand and Kiribati police began a joint operation to dispose of WWII-era unexploded ordnance, improving safety in densely populated Betio. Trade & food sector: Seafood Expo Asia opened in Singapore with Kiribati among participating countries, highlighting regional seafood supply-chain opportunities.

Pacific Climate Resilience: A new €17m EU-UNICEF programme (Pacific CRES) launched at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau will upgrade school infrastructure across the region—climate-resilient water and sanitation, renewable power and better maintenance—so classrooms can stay open during cyclones, floods and sea-level impacts. Kiribati at the PIF: Kiribati’s absence from a key leaders’ retreat drew attention during the forum’s Taiwan-and-missile tensions, with New Zealand’s Christopher Luxon saying he didn’t know why Kiribati wasn’t represented. China Missile Fallout: Palau urged a “unified” Pacific response to China’s July intercontinental ballistic missile test, while Australia and Palau pushed for clear condemnation—despite Kiribati and Naoero resisting a joint statement. PRF Community Funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to global climate events, including Palau water and traditional planting revival grants, as the PRF ramps up direct community financing. Connectivity for Kiribati: Australia-backed delivery of the East Micronesia Cable is set to bring faster, more reliable internet to Tarawa and Naoero, supporting services and business connectivity. Diplomacy Watch: India and Kiribati held high-level talks to expand cooperation, while the forum’s wider agenda is overshadowed by Taiwan-China pressure and leader no-shows.

Pacific diplomacy at a breaking point: Palau President Surangel Whipps urged a “unified” Pacific response to China’s July intercontinental ballistic missile test, saying Beijing gave little notice and “disrespected” the region—while Australia pushed for a clear condemnation even as some states, including Kiribati, argued it’s unfair to single out China. China–Taiwan tensions spill into the economy agenda: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau opened amid warnings of “consequences” after Taiwan’s Foreign Minister attended, with China reportedly linked to leader no-shows that risk sidelining climate, trade, and security priorities. Kiribati’s diplomatic stance stays in focus: Coverage notes Kiribati’s approach to recognition and its role in forum disagreements, as well as Kiribati President Taneti Maamau handing the Smaller Island States chair to Palau’s Whipps. Connectivity and development wins: Australia-backed financing helped deliver the East Micronesia Cable, bringing faster internet to Tarawa and other Micronesian communities. Practical resilience support: New Zealand is helping Kiribati dispose of WWII unexploded ordnance, improving safety in Betio. Climate pressure remains front and centre: UN reporting says the world has missed the 1.5°C goal, and Pacific leaders used the forum to press for stronger action on fossil fuels and climate finance.

Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: The 55th PIF in Palau opens amid major absences, with Kiribati, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and Solomon Islands not attending in person, while China warns of “consequences” over Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung appearing at the opening ceremony. Smaller Island States Priorities: Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau virtually hands the Smaller Island States chair to Palau, as leaders push a tighter agenda on air/sea transport, fisheries development, regional procurement and health workforce support, plus better access to climate finance. Kiribati Diplomacy: India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta meets Kiribati officials in Tarawa to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, reinforcing the close bilateral relationship. Connectivity for Kiribati: Australia-backed funding helps deliver the East Micronesia Cable, bringing faster internet to Tarawa and Naoero, supporting business and essential services. Climate Pressure on the Ground: A UN-backed message at PIF says the world has missed the 1.5°C goal, with Pacific leaders urging stronger action as El Niño risks worsen water and food insecurity. Safety & Jobs: New Zealand Defence Force teams with Kiribati Police to dispose of WWII UXOs near Betio, improving public safety in a densely populated area. Seafood Trade: Seafood Expo Asia opens in Singapore with Kiribati among participating countries, highlighting regional supply-chain opportunities.

Kiribati–India Cooperation: India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met Kiribati officials in Tarawa, including Foreign Affairs Secretary Tearinaki Tanielu, to expand ties across multiple sectors and advance shared priorities. Pacific Islands Forum Politics: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau opened amid major leader absences and fresh China–Taiwan tensions, with China warning of “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended; Kiribati President Taneti Maamau also handed the Small Island States chair to Palau. Small Island States Agenda: SIS leaders agreed to push practical outcomes on affordable air/sea transport, fisheries development, regional procurement and health workforce support, and better access to climate finance. Climate Pressure on Australia: A UN-backed report says the world has missed the 1.5°C goal, and Pacific leaders used the forum to press Australia to stop expanding fossil fuel projects. New Zealand UXO Disposal for Kiribati: NZ Defence Force personnel arrived to work with Kiribati Police to safely dispose of 400+ WWII-era unexploded ordnance, improving safety in Betio. Connectivity for Micronesia: Australia-backed East Micronesia Cable delivery brings faster internet to Tarawa and Naoero, supporting business and essential services. Seafood Trade Watch: Seafood Expo Asia opened in Singapore with Kiribati among participating countries, signaling continued regional market focus for fisheries and processing.

Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF): PRF is moving from concept to delivery, taking 14 community projects to Pacific pre-COP events in Fiji and COP31 in Türkiye, with each PRF member allocated up to US$20,000 for “Community Impact Demonstration Projects.” The projects target water security, food production, coastal restoration, sanitation, renewable energy and resilience; Palau has two selected initiatives (Coral Youth Council water work and revival of traditional planting), while Tuvalu, Fiji and the Marshall Islands have nominated water-focused efforts. Small Island States (SIS) Chair Handover: Kiribati President Taneti Maamau virtually handed the SIS chair to Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., with SIS leaders pushing clearer shared priorities and stronger advocacy and funding access for small island economies under the BELAU theme. PIF Leaders’ Meeting Politics: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is underway with major absences and fresh China–Taiwan friction, as China warns of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence and questions swirl around whether outside influence drove no-shows. Connectivity for Kiribati: Australia-backed financing helped deliver the East Micronesia Cable, bringing faster, more reliable internet to Naoero and Tarawa in Kiribati and reducing outage risks for communities and businesses.

Pacific Islands Forum tensions: China warned there will be “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the PIF opening in Palau, as Beijing also blamed “interference” for a wave of leader no-shows. Regional unity under strain: Several heads of government skipped in person, including Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau, Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa, while Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale left after a no-confidence motion—casting a shadow over the summit’s push for “B.E.L.A.U” (Building Economies: Life, Action, Unity). Kiribati leadership at SIS: Kiribati handed the Smaller Island States chair to Palau, with a focus on stronger advocacy and better access to funding for SIS economies. Connectivity boost for Kiribati: Australia-backed East Micronesia Cable is now delivering faster, more reliable internet to Naoero/Tarawa in Kiribati and across Micronesia. Aviation and costs: Micronesian nations including Kiribati are exploring a regional airline to cut high travel costs and reduce reliance on a single carrier. US engagement: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to visit Palau, FSM, Solomon Islands and Kiribati, including meetings with business leaders and development partners.

Pacific Islands Forum turmoil: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters hit out at Solomon Islands cabinet ministers after PM Matthew Wale was forced home by a no-confidence motion, with resignations rocking his GREAT coalition just as the Palau summit opened. Great-power pressure: Analysts say several leaders’ no-shows at the forum may reflect Beijing’s influence, as China also escalated its anger over Taiwan’s presence at the opening ceremony. Kiribati in the spotlight: Kiribati President Taneti Maamau handed the Small Island States chair to Palau, pushing for stronger SIS advocacy and better access to funding for small economies. Regional business and connectivity: Micronesian nations including Palau, Kiribati, FSM and the Marshall Islands are exploring a regional airline to cut high travel costs and challenge airline monopoly pricing. US economic-security push: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to tour Palau, FSM, Solomon Islands and Kiribati, meeting government and business leaders on shared economic and security priorities. Climate finance momentum: The Pacific Resilience Facility moved into operations after treaty ratification, with countries focused on collecting pledged funds and raising more.