AGP Executive Report

Climate Displacement in Nauru’s Region: ABC reports Nabavatu in Fiji was declared unsafe after cyclones cracked the ground, forcing residents into a tent settlement in Savadrua—highlighting how rising seas and heavier downpours are already driving Pacific displacement. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Race: A new analysis says seabed minerals are becoming a “race to write the rules,” with Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (both linked to The Metals Company) pushing disputes at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea over how the International Seabed Authority handles investigations and contract compliance. Ocean Conservation vs Industry: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific states must fund both marine protection and “production” industries, pointing to Palau’s High Seas Treaty ratification and large marine sanctuary as it reviews how resources are managed. Infrastructure for Growth: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility highlights renewable energy investment needs and a new project database meant to help contractors and investors find upcoming regional work. Human Rights Review: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, while noting 41 tied to sensitive social and legal issues—citing limited capacity to implement new commitments.

Seabed Mining Rules Race: Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., tied to The Metals Company, is at the centre of a new push to shape how the International Seabed Authority handles contracts and investigations, after the Seabed Disputes Chamber ordered provisional measures in disputes involving the ISA. Pacific Ocean Economy: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says the region must balance ocean protection with building real industries that let communities benefit, pointing to marine sanctuary limits and the “bul” tradition of temporary access. Deep-Sea Mining Debate in the Pacific: Cook Islands voices are weighing whether polymetallic nodule extraction can deliver jobs and growth without undermining culture and stewardship, while Fiji urges a precautionary pause. Infrastructure for Industry: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility highlights project pipelines and renewable energy needs, aiming to help contractors and investors bid for upcoming work. Governance and Standards Pressure: Nauru-linked remarks from Naoero’s leadership argue delays in seabed mining standards could drive unilateral action, urging the ISA to “adopt the rules.”

Seabed Mining Rules Race: A new push to secure seabed minerals is also a fight over who gets to set the rules, with Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (both linked to The Metals Company) pressing the International Seabed Authority in Hamburg over contract and regime compliance. Pacific Ocean-Industry Balance: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says the Pacific must invest in both marine protection and “production” industries as climate pressure and resource demand rise. Deep-Sea Mining Debate in the Region: Cook Islands voices are split over extracting polymetallic nodules, while Fiji urges a precautionary pause, warning of what could be lost beneath the reef. Infrastructure for Growth: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility highlights a pipeline of upcoming projects and renewed focus on renewable energy and better rural access to support jobs and private investment. Governance and International Commitments: Naoero announces withdrawal from the ICC, while also urging the International Seabed Authority to “adopt the rules” on mining standards. Local Industry Disruption (Regional): m.CDM Domestic News reports fighting and flooding impacts in Myanmar, including a deep-sea port area tied to troop movements.

Pacific Ocean Economy & Deep-Sea Mining: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific states must protect oceans while building “production” industries that let communities benefit, pointing to Palau’s High Seas Treaty ratification and marine sanctuary approach. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Fiji and other voices are pushing for a precautionary pause as corporations seek access to Pacific minerals, with concerns about sovereignty and dispute risks under investor-state rules. Cook Islands Development Debate: Cook Islands leaders and youth are weighing whether polymetallic nodule extraction in the EEZ can deliver jobs and growth without undermining culture and the environment. Nauru/Regional Legal-Policy Signals: Naoero’s President David Adeang announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, while also urging the International Seabed Authority to “adopt the rules” on seabed mining standards. Climate Finance & Resilience: Tuvalu and Solomon Islands used the UN General Assembly to stress sea-level rise as present reality and to demand climate finance as grants, not loans, alongside stronger resilience planning.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Sovereignty: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr says Pacific states must balance ocean conservation with building industries that let communities benefit, as deep-sea mining pressures grow and foreign firms push for dispute routes that can bypass local courts. Pacific Infrastructure & Energy: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility highlights a pipeline of upcoming projects to help contractors and investors, with renewable energy and rural-urban gaps flagged as top priorities for jobs and growth. Deep-Sea Mining Debate in the Cook Islands: Youth voices in Rarotonga are pushing back on proposed polymetallic nodule extraction, weighing cultural identity and environmental stewardship against promises of an economic future. UN Human Rights Review: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN Human Rights Council recommendations, while noting 41 on sensitive legal and social issues, citing capacity and implementation limits. International Policy & Mining Rules: Naoero’s President David Adeang announced withdrawal from the ICC, while urging the International Seabed Authority to “adopt the rules” on seabed mining standards to avoid unilateral action. Climate Finance at COP31: Kiribati calls to re-engineer climate finance ahead of COP31, as Pacific leaders press for faster, scaled support for adaptation and loss and damage.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr says Pacific nations must balance ocean conservation with “investment in protection” and “investment in production,” warning that marine stewardship and community benefits have to move together as deep-sea minerals draw corporate interest. Mining Governance & Sovereignty: A legal critique highlights how deep-sea mining could let foreign firms bypass domestic courts via investor-state disputes, raising the stakes for Pacific governments still shaping investment rules. Cook Islands Development Choice: Cook Islands leaders and youth are weighing polymetallic nodule mining in the EEZ against cultural identity and environmental risk, with the central question: will it deliver a real economic future. Infrastructure for Growth: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility points to renewable energy and better physical and digital infrastructure as key to unlocking private investment and jobs across island communities. Human Rights Review: Solomon Islands backs 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, while noting 41 tied to sensitive social and legal issues, citing capacity and resources for implementation. Health & Livelihoods: New analysis says life expectancy across Pacific island countries has climbed to 68.8 years, with Nauru promoting weekly exercise sessions.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr says Pacific nations must balance ocean conservation with “investment in protection” and “investment in production,” as deep-sea minerals draw a growing corporate race and raise sovereignty risks. Cook Islands Policy Pressure: Cook Islands leaders and communities are weighing polymetallic nodule extraction in the EEZ, with youth voices warning that an economic future may not be guaranteed. Infrastructure for Growth: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility highlights a push to upgrade physical and digital infrastructure, with renewable energy investment and better rural access flagged as key to jobs and private-sector growth. Human Rights Implementation: Solomon Islands backs 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, while noting 41 on sensitive legal and social issues, citing capacity and resource limits. Health & Livelihoods: Economists report Pacific life expectancy has risen to 68.8 years, with Solomon Islands moving above the regional average—alongside local moves like Nauru’s weekly exercise sessions. Climate Finance at the UN: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press for faster, grant-scale climate finance and stronger resilience support for small island states.

Deep-Sea Mining Rules Clash: Naoero (formerly Nauru) is pushing for seabed mining standards to be finished, warning that delays could drive unilateral action, while the UN General Assembly shows a widening Pacific divide as American Samoa rejects commercial extraction for now. Local Identity & Sovereignty Moves: Naoero officially changed its name at the UN, and President David Adeang also announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, citing the ICC’s “increasing irrelevance.” Ocean Conservation vs Production: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific states must invest in both marine protection and “production” industries, pointing to Palau’s high-seas treaty ratification and sanctuary closures. Pacific Infrastructure for Industry: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility highlights a push to map upcoming projects and accelerate renewable energy investment, aiming to boost jobs and private-sector growth. Health & Livelihoods: New analysis notes Pacific life expectancy gains, with Solomon Islands rising above the regional average, alongside local efforts like weekly exercise sessions in Nauru. Human Rights Implementation Capacity: Solomon Islands backed most UN human rights recommendations but noted it is weighing sensitive legal and social commitments based on resources and implementation capacity.

Pacific seabed mining politics: Naoero (formerly Nauru) formally told the UN it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court and urged the International Seabed Authority to “adopt the rules” after delays, warning that continued stalling could push countries toward unilateral action. Regional deep-sea mining divide: At the UN General Assembly, American Samoa rejected commercial deep-sea mineral extraction for now, citing gaps in understanding impacts on ecosystems, fisheries and the territory’s economy—highlighting a widening Pacific split over seabed development. Local identity and governance: Naoero’s President David Adeang used the UN stage to announce the country’s official name restoration, saying “Naoero” is the name used by its people. Climate and infrastructure pressures: Pacific leaders at the UNGA stressed climate as a present threat, with Tuvalu calling for climate finance as grants at required scale and pointing to coastal land reclamation; Solomon Islands warned a single disaster can erase years of development. Capacity-building for industry: India’s FIPIC push at UNGA focused on tailored training for Pacific professionals, including priorities like renewable energy, disaster resilience and capacity building. Health and human rights policy signals: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations but noted 41, including calls to decriminalise consensual same-sex relationships and legalise abortion, while citing limited capacity to implement new international commitments.

Deep-Sea Mining Policy: Naoero (formerly Nauru) told the UN it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court and pressed the International Seabed Authority to “adopt the rules” on seabed mining, warning delays could push countries toward unilateral action. Pacific Climate Risk: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to stress climate as a present threat, with Tuvalu’s PM calling sea-level rise “not a future threat” and urging climate finance as grants at the needed scale. Regional Infrastructure & Energy: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility highlighted renewable energy investment needs and a pipeline of upcoming projects aimed at boosting contractor and investor interest across island states. Nauru Renaming & Identity: Naoero’s President David Adeang formally announced the country’s name restoration at the UN, saying “Say our name” reflects local identity and history. Workforce & Agriculture Links: New Zealand published its Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa list, including Nauru, for temporary work in horticulture and viticulture. Health & Community: Solomon Islands’ life expectancy gains were noted by economists, alongside local moves encouraging weekly exercise sessions in Nauru.

Pacific Ocean Policy: Naoero, formerly Nauru, officially told the UN it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court and urged the International Seabed Authority to “adopt the rules” on deep-sea mining, warning delays could push countries to act unilaterally. Identity & Sovereignty: Naoero’s President David Adeang also used the UN General Assembly to press the world to use the country’s restored name, saying it reflects local heritage. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Cook Islands youth and leaders are weighing whether polymetallic nodule extraction can deliver an economic future without undermining environmental stewardship. Climate & Resilience: Pacific leaders at UNGA stressed climate as a present threat, with Tuvalu calling for scaled climate finance and Solomon Islands warning that a single disaster can wipe out years of development. Regional Infrastructure & Energy: A Pacific infrastructure push highlights renewable energy investment needs and a new project database meant to help contractors and investors find upcoming work. Work & Agriculture Links: New Zealand published the countries eligible for its Recognised Seasonal Employer visa, including Nauru/Palau and others, for temporary horticulture and viticulture jobs. Tech & Privacy Watch: AI glasses shipments surged to 4.2 million units in 1H26, with growth driven by Meta and new entrants, alongside rising privacy scrutiny.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Naoero (formerly Nauru) told the UN it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court and pressed the International Seabed Authority to “adopt the rules” after delays, warning countries may act unilaterally if the seabed mining code isn’t finished. National Identity & Governance: President David Adeang also marked Naoero’s official name restoration at the UN, saying the change reflects how the island’s people have always called it. Pacific Climate Pressure: Tuvalu’s PM said sea-level rise is a “present reality” and urged climate finance as grants at the needed scale, while Solomon Islands warned a single disaster can erase years of development. Infrastructure & Energy: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility highlighted renewable energy investment needs and is building a regional project pipeline website to help contractors and investors find upcoming work. Work & Mobility for Industry: New Zealand published its list of countries eligible for the RSE seasonal work visa, including Nauru, supporting temporary labour for horticulture and viticulture. Regional Capacity Building: India proposed tailored training programmes for Pacific professionals through the FIPIC framework, focusing on priorities like renewable energy, climate action, and disaster resilience.

Deep-Sea Mining & Ocean Governance: Naoero (formerly Nauru) told the UN General Assembly it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court and urged the International Seabed Authority to “adopt the rules” after delays, warning that uncertainty could push countries toward unilateral action. Pacific Climate Risk: Pacific leaders used UNGA to stress climate as a present threat, with Tuvalu’s PM calling sea-level rise “not a future threat” and Solomon Islands’ PM warning a single disaster can erase years of development. Infrastructure for Growth: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility highlighted renewable energy investment needs and a push to improve both physical and digital infrastructure, including a regional project website meant to attract contractors and investors. Regional Capacity Building: India’s FIPIC foreign ministers meeting backed tailored training for Pacific professionals, with renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare and capacity building on the agenda. Health & Workforce: A Pacific life expectancy update notes gains across the region, while New Zealand’s seasonal work visa list includes Nauru, supporting temporary jobs in horticulture and viticulture.

Pacific Infrastructure & Renewables: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) says the next growth push needs both physical and digital infrastructure, with a major focus on scaling renewable energy investment and closing urban-rural service gaps. UN Climate Pressure: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to stress climate threats as “present reality,” calling for scaled climate finance and faster progress on SDG 14 and coastal adaptation. Naoero’s UN Move: Nauru has officially become Naoero, with President David Adeang telling the UN it will withdraw from the ICC and urging the International Seabed Authority to finish deep-sea mining rules. Deep-Sea Mining Split: The UN debate also highlighted opposition to commercial extraction from American Samoa, while Naoero backs responsible seabed minerals—setting up a clear policy clash over ocean impacts and governance speed. India–Pacific Capacity Building: India’s FIPIC talks in New York focused on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, and tailored training programmes for Pacific professionals. Seasonal Work Links: New Zealand published its Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa list, including Nauru/Naoero, for temporary horticulture and viticulture work.

Deep-Sea Mining & UN Rules: Naoero (formerly Nauru) told the UN it will withdraw from the ICC and urged the International Seabed Authority to finish deep-sea mining rules, warning delays could push countries to act without a multilateral deal. Pacific Climate Risk: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press for urgent climate action and finance, with Tuvalu calling sea-level rise a “present reality” and Solomon Islands warning one disaster could erase years of development. Nauru’s Name Change: President David Adeang told the UN Naoero is the restored traditional name after Parliament approved a constitutional amendment—“Say our name.” Regional Capacity Building: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar advanced tailored training for Pacific professionals under the FIPIC framework, focusing on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare and capacity building. Workforce & Agriculture Mobility: New Zealand published the 13-country list eligible for its RSE Limited Visa, including Nauru, allowing seasonal work in horticulture and viticulture for up to seven months. Health & Lifestyle: Nauru’s government is encouraging weekly exercise sessions as Pacific life expectancy gains continue, with Solomon Islands moving above the regional average.

UN Climate & Resilience: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press urgent action on climate impacts, with Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo calling sea-level rise a “present reality” and urging climate finance as grants at the needed scale, while Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele warned that a single disaster can wipe out years of development. Naoero’s UN Push (Name, ICC, Seabed Rules): Naoero (formerly Nauru) officially told the UN it will withdraw from the ICC and urged the International Seabed Authority to finish deep-sea mining rules, arguing delays could push countries to act outside multilateral agreements. Deep-Sea Mining Divide: The UN also highlighted a split over commercial extraction, with American Samoa opposing US-led lease plans and citing gaps in understanding impacts on deep-ocean ecosystems and fisheries. Pacific-India Industry Capacity: At UNGA, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar advanced tailored capacity-building for Pacific professionals under the FIPIC framework, flagging priorities like renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare, and skills training. Health & Services in Nauru Region: Tasmania announced it will host the 2026 Australian Transplant Games, with participation including athletes from Nauru, alongside a $300,000 investment aimed at boosting the events industry and visitor numbers. Workforce Mobility for Agriculture: New Zealand published eligibility for its Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa, allowing up to seven months of seasonal work in horticulture and viticulture, including Nauru among the listed countries.