AGP Executive Report

Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Island Chief 2026 (OPIC26) flagged 16 vessels of interest and led to the apprehension of four, as FFA coordinated two weeks of aerial and surface surveillance across about 27.5 million sq km of Pacific waters, monitoring 3,000+ fishing vessels across 11 FFA members including Tuvalu. Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s A$20m Fiji Pre-COP31 summit bill is sparking a political fight at home, with critics questioning spending while the talks aim to keep Pacific climate priorities front and centre. Rights in the Fossil-Fuel Transition: Human rights groups are urging Tuvalu and Ireland to make rights a practical, enforceable part of the second Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels conference—calling for a dedicated human rights workstream. Tuvalu-Japan Cooperation: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to join the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event, highlighting cooperation on climate resilience, renewable energy, fisheries and more. Shipping Emissions Rules: Tuvalu has proposed tougher amendments to the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including changes to GHG fuel intensity steps and higher remedial unit pricing. Digital Safety: Pacific foreign ministers backed regional AI and safer digital space principles as connectivity expands across undersea cables. El Niño Water Stress: El Niño is already tightening water and food supplies, with Fiji warning of possible drastic measures and Papua New Guinea preparing for water disruptions. Peacekeeping Milestone: Tuvalu deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, marking a major capacity-building step for the country’s force.

IUU Fishing Crackdown: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) says Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, after a two-week sweep of about 27.5 million sq km, monitoring 3,000+ fishing vessels across 11 FFA members’ waters. Tuvalu-Linked Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to attend the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event in Tuvalu, with talks also covering climate resilience, climate finance, renewable energy, fisheries and maritime transport. Rights in the Fossil-Fuel Exit: Civil society groups urged Tuvalu and Ireland to ensure a just transition that protects human rights and environmental defenders, ahead of the 2nd Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels Conference. Safer Digital Pacific: Pacific foreign ministers backed regional AI and safer digital-space principles as connectivity expands, including a governance framework and phased work to protect young people. El Niño Water Stress: Stronger El Niño conditions are already pressuring water and food supplies, with Fiji warning of possible drastic measures if dry weather continues. Tuvalu in UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, marking a major step for its peacekeeping capacity. Shipping Emissions Rules: Tuvalu proposed stricter amendments to the IMO Net-Zero Framework at MEPC 85, including higher remedial pricing and tighter compliance steps.

Pre-COP31 Cost Fight: Australia’s A$20m bill to host the Pre-COP31 climate summit in Fiji has triggered a political clash in Canberra, with opposition MPs saying households can’t afford more spending while the government calls it regional climate leadership. Tuvalu-Japan Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo has invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to attend Tuvalu’s Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event, aiming to boost direct engagement on climate, resilience, and climate finance. Tuvalu Shipping Emissions Rules: Tuvalu has proposed the toughest amendments to the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including shifting key compliance steps and raising remedial unit prices—pushing harder costs onto shipping pollution. Ocean & Fisheries Push: Pacific foreign ministers backed stronger fisheries protection, ocean governance, and maritime boundaries, endorsing a new regional fisheries strategy for 2026–2035. El Niño Water Stress: El Niño is already tightening water and food supplies across the Pacific, with Fiji warning of possible drastic measures and Papua New Guinea preparing for partial water shutdowns. Digital Safety & AI Principles: Pacific ministers backed regional AI rules and safer digital spaces as connectivity expands, linking tech governance to broader regional security. Climate–Peace Framing: A new policy brief urges the Pacific to move from a “climate–conflict” focus toward climate–peace approaches rooted in social cohesion, culture, and ecological stewardship. Tuvalu in UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, marking a major step in international peace-support capacity.

Tuvalu-Japan Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo has invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to attend the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event in Tuvalu, aiming for direct talks on climate change, resilience and climate finance, alongside cooperation on renewables, fisheries and maritime transport. Tuvalu at UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, a major step for Tuvalu’s police service and its capacity-building through international partnerships. Shipping Emissions Rules (MEPC 85): Tuvalu has proposed the strictest amendments to the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including shifting the 2028 step to 2029 and raising remedial unit prices, pushing the framework toward stronger pricing of ship pollution. Pacific AI & Safer Digital Spaces: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers backed regional AI principles and a safer digital spaces approach, linking tech governance to broader security concerns as connectivity expands. Ocean & Fisheries Protection: Ministers also urged stronger fisheries safeguards, ocean governance and maritime boundary security, endorsing a regional fisheries strategy for 2026–2035. Climate-Peace Focus: A new Pacific policy brief argues the region should move from a “climate-conflict” lens to a climate–peace approach grounded in social cohesion, culture and ecological stewardship. El Niño Water Stress: Across the Pacific, El Niño is already pressuring water and food supplies, with Fiji warning of possible drastic measures and PNG preparing for water disruptions. Regional Climate Leadership: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger climate action ahead of COP31, highlighting climate finance, renewables and Pacific leadership through Pre-COP meetings hosted across the region.

Climate diplomacy & Tuvalu-Japan ties: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo has invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to attend Tuvalu’s Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event in October, aiming for direct engagement on climate change, resilience and climate finance, alongside cooperation on renewable energy, fisheries, maritime transport and digital connectivity. Human rights in fossil-fuel phaseout: Civil society groups say the 2nd Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels Conference in Tuvalu must deliver a rights-based just transition, urging ministers to implement protections for human rights and environmental defenders—not just recognize them. Pacific ocean & fisheries protection: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger fisheries rules, ocean governance and maritime boundary advocacy, endorsing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 for Leaders’ consideration. Digital safety for the Blue Pacific: Pacific ministers endorsed regional AI and safer digital space principles as all Forum members connect via undersea cables, with a phased approach to protect young people and link tech to broader security goals. Shipping emissions at IMO: Tuvalu is pushing the strictest MEPC 85 amendments on the Net-Zero Framework, including higher remedial unit pricing and tighter compliance steps—while IMO talks continue to wrestle with LNG and how to run the net-zero fund. El Niño pressure on water: A strengthening El Niño is already stressing water and food supplies, with Fiji preparing contingency measures and Papua New Guinea warning of possible water shutdowns. Tuvalu in UN peacekeeping: Tuvalu deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, marking a major capacity milestone for the country’s small force. Regional unity under strain: Pacific unity is being tested ahead of the Palau PIF Leaders’ meeting after ministers failed to agree on a joint response to China’s missile test. Climate–peace framing: A new policy brief urges the Pacific to move from a “climate–conflict” focus toward climate security grounded in social cohesion, culture and ecological stewardship. Fiji elections & party landscape: Fiji has 11 registered parties for upcoming elections, including a newly approved Liberation of Fiji Party.

Pre-COP31 diplomacy: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo has invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to attend the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event in Tuvalu this October, aiming for direct engagement on climate change, resilience and climate finance, plus cooperation on renewable energy, fisheries, maritime transport and digital connectivity. Just transition with rights: Human rights groups are urging Tuvalu and Ireland to ensure the fossil-fuel phase-out process delivers real protections for people and environmental defenders, not just promises. Shipping emissions at MEPC 85: Tuvalu has proposed stricter amendments for the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including higher remedial unit prices and tighter compliance steps, pushing the shipping sector toward faster emissions cuts. Climate–peace focus: A new Pacific policy brief argues the region should build climate security around social cohesion, culture and ecological stewardship—not just a “climate-conflict” lens. El Niño pressure: Across the Pacific, El Niño is already stressing water and food supplies, with Fiji warning of possible drastic measures if dry conditions continue. Ocean governance: Pacific ministers backed stronger fisheries protection and maritime boundaries, supporting a regional fisheries strategy for 2026–2035.

Tuvalu–Japan Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo has invited Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi to attend the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event in Funafuti, aiming to boost direct talks on climate change, resilience, climate finance, and cooperation on renewable energy, fisheries, maritime transport, and digital connectivity. Pacific AI Governance: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers backed regional principles for AI and safer digital spaces, including an AI governance framework and a phased approach to protect young people from harmful social media impacts. Ocean Protection & Biodiversity: Pristine Seas has begun a Samoa survey to support Samoa’s marine protected area network, using underwater research and local partnerships to build a baseline for ocean stewardship. Shipping Emissions Rules (Tuvalu push): Tuvalu is proposing tougher IMO Net-Zero Framework amendments for MEPC 85—starting later but tightening compliance, raising remedial unit prices, and removing surplus units—while the wider IMO debate weighs LNG and how a net-zero fund should work. Climate Pressure in the Pacific: El Niño is intensifying drought and water stress, with Fiji preparing contingency measures and Papua New Guinea facing possible water shutdowns. Tuvalu in UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, marking a major capacity-building step for the country’s peacekeeping role.

Fisheries & Ocean Governance: Pacific Forum foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries and aquaculture, strengthen ocean stewardship, and secure maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and pushing Member-led, equitable management. Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP31: Ministers also endorsed a stronger regional climate push for COP31, highlighting climate finance, renewable energy, the ocean–climate link, and Pacific leadership through Pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu. Tuvalu Climate Policy at IMO: Tuvalu proposed tougher amendments for MEPC 85, including higher remedial pricing and a shift in the Net-Zero Framework’s compliance steps—aimed at making shipping emissions cuts more real. El Niño Water Stress: A strengthening El Niño is already pressuring water and food supplies, with Fiji warning of possible drastic measures and Papua New Guinea preparing for partial water shutdowns. Biodiversity Survey in Samoa: Pristine Seas begins a Samoa expedition to survey marine life across new marine protected areas, supporting ocean protection plans and biodiversity baselines. Tuvalu UN Peacekeeping: Tuvalu deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, building capacity through international partnerships.

Ocean & Fisheries Diplomacy: Pacific Forum foreign ministers in Suva are urging urgent action to protect fisheries and strengthen ocean governance, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and calling for Member-led, equitable management of ocean resources. Climate Push for COP31: Ministers also endorsed a stronger regional climate agenda ahead of COP31, with Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu meant to amplify Pacific voices and speed up climate finance and renewable energy priorities. Tuvalu Shipping Net-Zero: Tuvalu has proposed tougher IMO Net-Zero rules at MEPC 85, including higher remedial unit prices and tighter compliance steps—aimed at making ship emissions pricing more effective. El Niño Water Stress: El Niño is already pressuring water and food supplies, with Fiji warning of possible “drastic measures” and contingency plans activated, while parts of Papua New Guinea prepare for water disruptions. Tuvalu Climate Reality: A new Tuvalu story highlights how sea-level rise, storms, and saltwater intrusion are pushing families to leave, even as young people insist they don’t want their country to disappear. Samoa Ocean Protection Science: Pristine Seas is surveying Samoa’s new marine protected areas to build biodiversity baselines and support ocean stewardship.

Tuvalu’s climate reality in human terms: A Tuvalu family story puts rising seas, stronger winds and saltwater flooding into everyday language, as young sisters describe leaving for Australia for education and safety. Shipping emissions at MEPC 85: Tuvalu has proposed the toughest eligible amendments to the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including dropping the 2028 step, pushing direct compliance from 2029, and tripling the Tier 1 remedial unit price to $300/mtCO2e—aimed at making polluters pay more and funding cleaner fuels. Pacific climate diplomacy pressure: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional push ahead of COP31, stressing climate finance, renewable investment, ocean-climate priorities and Pacific leadership—while officials warn the region can’t afford slow progress. El Niño water stress: Fiji and Papua New Guinea are preparing for drier months, with Fiji activating dry-weather contingency plans and PNG facing partial water shutdowns. Ocean protection science: Pristine Seas begins a Samoa survey to support protection of 30% of ocean areas, using underwater surveys and biodiversity sampling to strengthen ocean stewardship. Security spillover into climate agenda: Pacific leaders say geopolitical competition and fuel shocks are crowding out climate focus, even as Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu aim to keep the spotlight on climate action. Tuvalu in UN peacekeeping: Tuvalu deployed its first four police officers to a UN mission in South Sudan, highlighting capacity-building through international partnerships.

IMO Net-Zero Framework: Governments face a make-or-break decision next month on whether to protect the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework for shipping or reopen talks that could weaken climate rules, with Tuvalu pushing the toughest option at MEPC 85—higher compliance costs, tighter targets, and a design that effectively turns the system into a levy to fund the Net-Zero Fund. Climate diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers backed a stronger regional push ahead of COP31, urging more climate finance, renewable investment, and Pacific leadership at Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu. Climate–peace approach: A new Pacific policy brief argues the region should move beyond a “climate–conflict” framing and instead build climate security around social cohesion, culture, and ecological stewardship. Tuvalu impacts and migration: Tuvaluans are increasingly seeking Australia’s climate visa as sea-level rise and extreme weather threaten homes and food, while Tuvalu’s climate reality is being used to press world leaders to “come to the Pacific” before COP31. Water stress from El Niño: Fiji and Papua New Guinea are preparing for drier months, including Fiji contingency planning and a partial water shutdown in Port Moresby as rainfall drops. Ocean protection in action: Samoa’s new marine protected areas are set for biodiversity surveys by Pristine Seas, supporting the country’s plan to protect 30% of its ocean. Security backdrop: China’s missile test and rising militarisation continue to strain Pacific unity, even as climate talks demand urgent focus.

Tuvalu in UN peacekeeping: Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, a milestone for the Tuvalu Police Service and a sign of growing international capacity-building. Climate pressure on water and food: El Niño is already tightening the Pacific’s water and food supplies, with Fiji warning of “drastic measures” if dry conditions continue and Papua New Guinea preparing for partial water shutdowns. Tuvalu’s climate migration reality: More than 80% of Tuvalu’s population entered Australia’s climate visa ballot, underscoring how sea-level rise is forcing families to plan for life elsewhere. Shipping emissions rules at MEPC 85: Tuvalu is pushing the strictest amendments to the IMO net-zero framework, including higher remedial unit prices and a tighter timeline—aimed at making shipping pollution costs real. Ocean protection science in the region: Pristine Seas has begun a Samoa survey to support new marine protected areas, using underwater cameras, seabird monitoring and biodiversity sampling to strengthen ocean governance. Pacific climate diplomacy push: Pacific leaders and ministers are urging stronger global action ahead of pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, with calls for world leaders to come see climate impacts firsthand.

Pacific Security Tensions: China’s first publicly acknowledged submarine-launched ballistic-missile test into the Pacific—hours after Fiji and Australia signed a new mutual defence treaty—has deepened divisions, with foreign ministers in Suva unable to agree on a joint response and PNG’s Justin Tkatchenko calling it “totally inappropriate.” Climate Water Stress: El Niño is tightening pressure on water and food across the Pacific, with Fiji warning of “drastic measures” and Port Moresby preparing a partial water shutdown as drought risk rises. Tuvalu Climate Reality: Tuvaluans describe a “beautiful” home while also facing stronger winds, sea-level flooding and saltwater damage; many are choosing to leave, including through Australia’s climate visa scheme where 82% of the population registered. Shipping Emissions Rules: Tuvalu is pushing tougher IMO net-zero options at MEPC 85—higher compliance costs and a structure that would effectively price emissions—while Pacific states argue the IMO Net-Zero Fund is essential for a fair transition. Ocean Protection Science: Pristine Seas is surveying Samoa’s new marine protected areas to build biodiversity baselines and strengthen ocean stewardship. Pre-COP Push: Australia’s Penny Wong and Fiji’s Rabuka urge world leaders to “come to the Pacific” for Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu, so climate impacts are seen firsthand.

Tuvalu Climate Reality: Sisters Poeva (18) and Akesa (13) describe a “beautiful” home under pressure from strong winds, sea-level rise and flooding—Funafuti is projected to see half its area flooded by 2050, with saltwater making fresh food harder to grow. Shipping Emissions Push: At MEPC 85, Tuvalu backs tougher IMO net-zero rules—higher compliance costs, a tripled Tier 1 remedial unit price to $300/mtCO2e, and a shift that would effectively price emissions more directly. Regional Ocean Protection: Pristine Seas begins a Samoa survey to support protection of 30% of the ocean, using scuba work, deep-sea cameras and seabird monitoring to fill biodiversity gaps. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Pacific “Climate Champions” meet in Fiji to align for COP31, while Australia’s Penny Wong urges world leaders to “come to the Pacific” for pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu. Clean Energy for Resilience: Fiji Solar Scholars install solar PV at FCOSS in Suva to keep disaster coordination running during power outages. Climate Migration Demand: Australia’s Tuvalu climate visa ballot draws 8,750 registrations—over 80% of Tuvalu’s population—highlighting how fast relocation pressure is building.

Tuvalu Climate Migration: Australia’s climate visa ballot for Tuvalu has drawn massive interest, with 8,750 registrations—over 80% of the population—highlighting how fast sea-level rise is forcing decisions about futures off-island. IMO Shipping Net-Zero: Tuvalu is pushing the IMO’s net-zero rules toward higher compliance costs and a bigger role for the IMO Net-Zero Fund, arguing the transition must be funded so small states aren’t left behind. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Pacific “Climate Champions” met in Nadi to lock in political leadership ahead of COP31, with Fiji and Tuvalu set to host key pre-COP meetings. Pre-COP Call to Leaders: Australia’s Penny Wong urged world leaders to “come to the Pacific” and see climate impacts firsthand, as attendance questions swirl around the Fiji–Tuvalu pre-COP schedule. Science for Resilience: Fiji’s environment minister stressed that climate science and ocean research are central to Pacific adaptation planning, including modelling sea-level impacts for Tuvalu. Ocean Protection in Samoa: National Geographic Pristine Seas is surveying biodiversity across Samoa’s new marine protected areas to strengthen the evidence base for protecting 30% of its ocean. Tuvalu Safety & Environment: Australian-led clearance work found over 11 tons of WWII munitions in Tuvalu’s Nanumea lagoon, with disposal pending Tuvaluan approval.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Pacific Political Climate Champions met in Nadi to align regional leadership ahead of COP31 in Antalya, with Pre-COP meetings planned in Fiji and Tuvalu and a push for sustained political momentum. Climate Justice in Law: A UNEP report says “just transition” must move from promises into laws, public policies, institutions and court decisions, grounded in human rights and fair support for workers and affected communities. Pre-COP Pressure on Leaders: Australia’s Penny Wong backed Rabuka’s call for world leaders to “Come to the Pacific” and see climate impacts firsthand during the Fiji–Tuvalu Pre-COP31 run-up. Shipping Emissions Rules: Tuvalu is pushing tougher IMO net-zero options, including higher compliance costs and a revised fuel-intensity trajectory, while Pacific states argue the IMO Net-Zero Fund is essential for a fair transition. Tuvalu Sea-Level Reality: Australia’s climate visa ballot drew 8,750 registrations—over 80% of Tuvalu’s population—highlighting rising displacement pressures. Tuvalu Safety & Environment: More than 11 tons of WWII munitions were found in Nanumea’s lagoon, with disposal pending Tuvalu approval. Regional Capacity Building: GIS and environmental professionals trained across Pacific states to better manage data for action on biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution.