Latest news with #ReviewoftheRegionalArchitecture
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
'Every Man And His Dog Is Coming': Samoan PM Warns Of Growing Geopolitical Interest In Pacific
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa says it is a tough time for the Pacific region as leaders navigate a dynamic geopolitical arena, with various countries seeking more involvement and influence. Speaking to RNZ Pacific on the sidelines of the University of the Pacific Council meeting in Auckland this week, she confirmed that the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA), led by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), is in its final stage. The RRA process aims to ensure regional governance mechanisms are fit-for-purpose, effective, and responsive to the evolving needs of Pacific Island countries. It is the Forum leaders' response to increasing interest from a growing number of PIF dialogue partners wanting a seat at the regional decision-making table. Fiame said with "every man and his dog coming into the Pacific", it is difficult for small Pacific Island administrations to navigate evolving geopolitical interests. "The geopolitical situation [in the] Pacific is becoming very contested. It is becoming very congested." She said the first two phases for the RRA - a situation analysis and drawing recommendations from the result of that analysis - have been completed. "Now, the third phase, which has been undertaken by a team of making the rounds, taking the recommendations, having sit-downs with leaders in the region to go through the recommendations," she said. "But their basic question is: Is Pacific unity still there? Do we still want it? If we do, what do we want it to look like?" Asked if Pacific unity was still there, she said: "We say it is. But in practice, I personally think that there is fragmentation. "There is always that conflict between the collective and national interests and so forth. We really do have to be thinking about what is it, in regionalism, that we want to make sure stays?" The US relationship Fiame said the United States would be a "significant element" of the regional reforms. However, she noted most of America's aid goes to Micronesian nations. "For us in Samoa, we have American Samoa as a territory of the US. I think that's something we need to pay some attention to - how any decisions made by any administration of America filtering through to American Samoa because [of] the vicinity of our closeness," she said. "We've also been building, other than the kinship ties, the government-to-government relations with American Samoa. They're an important market to us." She said their concerns included pronouncements related to ocean assets. "That's a regional concern for all of us - the protection of our marine environment, which actors are going to be there? How will it impact on the interests of the Pacific countries?" "I think that particular issue, especially hand-in-hand with seabed mining." Domestic political landscape Meanwhile, Fiame said she has yet to decide her political affiliation she will support in the next election. Samoa's parliament has had its share of turmoil this year, with party sackings and motions of no confidence. "Our focus at the moment is completing the term and that has always been an issue," she said. "We had two motions of no confidence. I have always said that parliament would determine whether we remain in government as a minority government, and it would appear that that is still the status quo." She said the budget is coming out next week, which is another usual parliamentary issue that determines confidence. "My reading is no one really wants to go to an early election. There are a few technical issues that would make it difficult. The main one being that we are doing a complete re-registration of the voters, and I think we are not yet at 60 percent. "What we've said in our cabinet is that we all need to pay attention to our individual constituencies - whether we want to run again or not. Fiame has also ruled out representing the FAST party in future elections. "There's some real credibility issues around the party now with the split [and] also the personalities. "I think if we do go forward, it will either be under a completely different umbrella or independent. We still have to make that decision."
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Fisheries Officials Meeting Concludes In Niue With Strong Commitments To Regional Cooperation And Sustainability
Press Release – Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency The meeting received updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat on the review of the FFA Strategic Plan, progress on regional fisheries policies, and the need for strengthened international engagement by the FFA Secretariat … The 138th Annual Officials Meeting of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) has officially concluded in Alofi, Niue, after a productive week of deliberations and strategic discussions. The outcomes from this meeting will now be presented to Ministers at the upcoming FFC Ministerial Meeting in July. Over five days, fisheries officials from across the Pacific focused on advancing the sustainable management of the region's valuable tuna fisheries. Officials addressed a wide range of strategic priorities including regional policy development, climate resilience and strengthened international engagement. The delegates reviewed more than 50 discussion papers across over 40 agenda items, setting the stage for the FFC Ministerial Meeting in July. The meeting received updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat on the review of the FFA Strategic Plan, progress on regional fisheries policies, and the need for strengthened international engagement by the FFA Secretariat to champion Members' interests globally. Officials also noted updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) on the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the formation of Thematic Advisory Groups (TAGs), as endorsed by Pacific Leaders in 2024. Officials also heard first-hand from PIFS Acting Director, Dr Salome Taufa, on the progress of the ongoing Review of the Regional Architecture. In his address, FFA Director-General Noan Pakop said, 'This has been a highly productive and collaborative week, with robust discussions that go to the heart of effective fisheries governance. My sincere thanks to Chair Poi Okesene for your strong leadership and steady guidance throughout. The strong engagement from Members, observers, CROP agencies, and partners was a key to the success of the 138th Officials Meeting. A special thank you to Niue – from the Minister Mona Aniu'u's leadership and the Prime Minister's support to the remarkable hospitality of your community – your support has been exceptional.' Mr Pakop also highlighted key areas of discussion, including updates on the Climate Change Strategy endorsed by Ministers last year, Global Climate Fund (GCF) project, labour standards on fishing vessels, and East New Britain Initiative. Chair of the Meeting and Niue Director of Fisheries, Poi Okesene expressed his appreciation during his remarks at the closing, 'Thank you to everyone – fisheries officials, PIFS, SPC, FFA – who made this week a success. It's been 16 years since Niue last hosted this meeting, and it was an honour to do so again. From the comprehensive agenda to the warm hospitality and community support, Niue has truly come together to host this meeting. I'm humbled of what we've achieved and look forward to continued collaboration during my term as Chair.' The Chair also acknowledged the contribution of community groups in providing local food and support throughout the meeting, as well as the core organizing team, FFA staff, and Niue government ministries. One of the highlights was the support for the Chair's Oceans Literacy Initiative – Investing in Our People, which promotes a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-CROP approach to strengthening ocean stewardship across the region. Another key highlight was the update on the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Strategy, adopted by FFC Ministers in 2024, which is now in its first year of implementation. Cook Islands Head of Delegation, Pamela Maru, on behalf of the FFA Members, praised Director Okesene's steadfast leadership, 'We appreciate the FFA Director-General and Secretariat's efforts, alongside SPC's technical advice, as we navigated through substantive regional fisheries priorities. Chair Poi diligently kept us focused resulting in some strong outcomes. Most impressive, was the attentive and professional support that was extended to us by the DAFF team. Niue's hospital and commitment to this process has been truly remarkable.' The five-day meeting was attended by 80 fisheries officials from the 17 Members of the FFA. The meeting closed on Thursday (15 May 2025) with a strong sense of unity and momentum as Members prepare for the next phase of strategic planning and engagement leading into the FFC Ministers Meeting in July 2025. About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). The FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: About the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) The Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) is the governing body of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). The FFC comprises of two layers of governance: the FFC Officials and the FFC Ministerial. The FFC Officials, consisting of senior fisheries officials from the 17 Members of FFA, undertakes higher-level oversight and sets the strategic direction. They also agree on FFA's priorities, annual reporting, and budgeting. The FFC Ministerial, made up of fisheries ministers from the 17 Members of FFA, undertakes higher-level oversight and sets the strategic direction.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Fisheries Officials Meeting Concludes In Niue With Strong Commitments To Regional Cooperation And Sustainability
Press Release – Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency The meeting received updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat on the review of the FFA Strategic Plan, progress on regional fisheries policies, and the need for strengthened international engagement by the FFA Secretariat … The 138th Annual Officials Meeting of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) has officially concluded in Alofi, Niue, after a productive week of deliberations and strategic discussions. The outcomes from this meeting will now be presented to Ministers at the upcoming FFC Ministerial Meeting in July. Over five days, fisheries officials from across the Pacific focused on advancing the sustainable management of the region's valuable tuna fisheries. Officials addressed a wide range of strategic priorities including regional policy development, climate resilience and strengthened international engagement. The delegates reviewed more than 50 discussion papers across over 40 agenda items, setting the stage for the FFC Ministerial Meeting in July. The meeting received updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat on the review of the FFA Strategic Plan, progress on regional fisheries policies, and the need for strengthened international engagement by the FFA Secretariat to champion Members' interests globally. Officials also noted updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) on the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the formation of Thematic Advisory Groups (TAGs), as endorsed by Pacific Leaders in 2024. Officials also heard first-hand from PIFS Acting Director, Dr Salome Taufa, on the progress of the ongoing Review of the Regional Architecture. In his address, FFA Director-General Noan Pakop said, 'This has been a highly productive and collaborative week, with robust discussions that go to the heart of effective fisheries governance. My sincere thanks to Chair Poi Okesene for your strong leadership and steady guidance throughout. The strong engagement from Members, observers, CROP agencies, and partners was a key to the success of the 138th Officials Meeting. A special thank you to Niue – from the Minister Mona Aniu'u's leadership and the Prime Minister's support to the remarkable hospitality of your community – your support has been exceptional.' Mr Pakop also highlighted key areas of discussion, including updates on the Climate Change Strategy endorsed by Ministers last year, Global Climate Fund (GCF) project, labour standards on fishing vessels, and East New Britain Initiative. Chair of the Meeting and Niue Director of Fisheries, Poi Okesene expressed his appreciation during his remarks at the closing, 'Thank you to everyone – fisheries officials, PIFS, SPC, FFA – who made this week a success. It's been 16 years since Niue last hosted this meeting, and it was an honour to do so again. From the comprehensive agenda to the warm hospitality and community support, Niue has truly come together to host this meeting. I'm humbled of what we've achieved and look forward to continued collaboration during my term as Chair.' The Chair also acknowledged the contribution of community groups in providing local food and support throughout the meeting, as well as the core organizing team, FFA staff, and Niue government ministries. One of the highlights was the support for the Chair's Oceans Literacy Initiative – Investing in Our People, which promotes a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-CROP approach to strengthening ocean stewardship across the region. Another key highlight was the update on the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Strategy, adopted by FFC Ministers in 2024, which is now in its first year of implementation. Cook Islands Head of Delegation, Pamela Maru, on behalf of the FFA Members, praised Director Okesene's steadfast leadership, 'We appreciate the FFA Director-General and Secretariat's efforts, alongside SPC's technical advice, as we navigated through substantive regional fisheries priorities. Chair Poi diligently kept us focused resulting in some strong outcomes. Most impressive, was the attentive and professional support that was extended to us by the DAFF team. Niue's hospital and commitment to this process has been truly remarkable.' The five-day meeting was attended by 80 fisheries officials from the 17 Members of the FFA. The meeting closed on Thursday (15 May 2025) with a strong sense of unity and momentum as Members prepare for the next phase of strategic planning and engagement leading into the FFC Ministers Meeting in July 2025. About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). The FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: About the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) The Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) is the governing body of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). The FFC comprises of two layers of governance: the FFC Officials and the FFC Ministerial. The FFC Officials, consisting of senior fisheries officials from the 17 Members of FFA, undertakes higher-level oversight and sets the strategic direction. They also agree on FFA's priorities, annual reporting, and budgeting. The FFC Ministerial, made up of fisheries ministers from the 17 Members of FFA, undertakes higher-level oversight and sets the strategic direction.
Scoop
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Fisheries Officials Meeting Concludes In Niue With Strong Commitments To Regional Cooperation And Sustainability
The 138th Annual Officials Meeting of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) has officially concluded in Alofi, Niue, after a productive week of deliberations and strategic discussions. The outcomes from this meeting will now be presented to Ministers at the upcoming FFC Ministerial Meeting in July. Over five days, fisheries officials from across the Pacific focused on advancing the sustainable management of the region's valuable tuna fisheries. Officials addressed a wide range of strategic priorities including regional policy development, climate resilience and strengthened international engagement. The delegates reviewed more than 50 discussion papers across over 40 agenda items, setting the stage for the FFC Ministerial Meeting in July. The meeting received updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat on the review of the FFA Strategic Plan, progress on regional fisheries policies, and the need for strengthened international engagement by the FFA Secretariat to champion Members' interests globally. Officials also noted updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) on the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the formation of Thematic Advisory Groups (TAGs), as endorsed by Pacific Leaders in 2024. Officials also heard first-hand from PIFS Acting Director, Dr Salome Taufa, on the progress of the ongoing Review of the Regional Architecture. In his address, FFA Director-General Noan Pakop said, 'This has been a highly productive and collaborative week, with robust discussions that go to the heart of effective fisheries governance. My sincere thanks to Chair Poi Okesene for your strong leadership and steady guidance throughout. The strong engagement from Members, observers, CROP agencies, and partners was a key to the success of the 138th Officials Meeting. A special thank you to Niue - from the Minister Mona Aniu'u's leadership and the Prime Minister's support to the remarkable hospitality of your community - your support has been exceptional.' Mr Pakop also highlighted key areas of discussion, including updates on the Climate Change Strategy endorsed by Ministers last year, Global Climate Fund (GCF) project, labour standards on fishing vessels, and East New Britain Initiative. Chair of the Meeting and Niue Director of Fisheries, Poi Okesene expressed his appreciation during his remarks at the closing, 'Thank you to everyone - fisheries officials, PIFS, SPC, FFA - who made this week a success. It's been 16 years since Niue last hosted this meeting, and it was an honour to do so again. From the comprehensive agenda to the warm hospitality and community support, Niue has truly come together to host this meeting. I'm humbled of what we've achieved and look forward to continued collaboration during my term as Chair.' The Chair also acknowledged the contribution of community groups in providing local food and support throughout the meeting, as well as the core organizing team, FFA staff, and Niue government ministries. One of the highlights was the support for the Chair's Oceans Literacy Initiative – Investing in Our People, which promotes a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-CROP approach to strengthening ocean stewardship across the region. Another key highlight was the update on the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Strategy, adopted by FFC Ministers in 2024, which is now in its first year of implementation. Cook Islands Head of Delegation, Pamela Maru, on behalf of the FFA Members, praised Director Okesene's steadfast leadership, 'We appreciate the FFA Director-General and Secretariat's efforts, alongside SPC's technical advice, as we navigated through substantive regional fisheries priorities. Chair Poi diligently kept us focused resulting in some strong outcomes. Most impressive, was the attentive and professional support that was extended to us by the DAFF team. Niue's hospital and commitment to this process has been truly remarkable.' The five-day meeting was attended by 80 fisheries officials from the 17 Members of the FFA. The meeting closed on Thursday (15 May 2025) with a strong sense of unity and momentum as Members prepare for the next phase of strategic planning and engagement leading into the FFC Ministers Meeting in July 2025. About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). The FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: About the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) The Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) is the governing body of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). The FFC comprises of two layers of governance: the FFC Officials and the FFC Ministerial. The FFC Officials, consisting of senior fisheries officials from the 17 Members of FFA, undertakes higher-level oversight and sets the strategic direction. They also agree on FFA's priorities, annual reporting, and budgeting. The FFC Ministerial, made up of fisheries ministers from the 17 Members of FFA, undertakes higher-level oversight and sets the strategic direction.
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific ‘Needs Predictability' In A ‘Changing Environment'
A Solomon Islands foreign affairs official says the 'Pacific needs predictability in all our cooperation with everyone' amid geostrategic shifts. Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Presenter/Bulletin Editor Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders have drafted a letter to the Trump administration, addressing concerns about the United States' support in the region. Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Ministry permanent secretary Collin Beck told RNZ Pacific that there are significant gaps between what Washington has committed to and what it has actually delivered in the region. The Biden administration promised US$200 million in new funding to the Pacific, but the money has not yet been delivered. It is one of the concerns Forum leaders may look to address with the Trump administration as well as import tariffs and millions of dollars owed by the US to fish for tuna in the Pacific Ocean. 'The world has changed…and with the United States' posture, we just need to keep talking and adapt to the changing environment,' Beck said. 'The Pacific needs predictability in all our cooperation with everyone, and it will not stop,' he said. Last week, PIF chair and Tongan Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Eke, the incoming PIF chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, the Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, and Palau President Surangel Whipps – as the Micronesian representative – held their first in-person meeting this year at the Forum headquarters in Suva. Among the key issues on their agenda were the implications of the US tariffs and the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA). The RRA is the PIF leaders' response to the increasing interest from a growing number of Forum dialogue partners wanting a seat – and influence – at the regional decision making table. The Forum Secretariat said the Troika leaders discussed the high-level political talanoa process, which will focus on political consultations with Forum leaders on strengthening Pacific regionalism, and a fit-for-purpose regional architecture. 'The Review of the Regional Architecture comes at a timely juncture and gives us the opportunity to reflect on Pacific Regionalism and what we need to do to strengthen and realise deeper regionalism in the Pacific,' Dr Eke said. 'This too will shape how we refine our regional architecture to drive the achievement of our 2050 vision.' Beck confirmed that an eminent persons group was endorsed by the PIF Troika leaders while in Fiji last week. 'There is a high-level persons group that will hold more consultation going into another phase of the review,' Beck said. Currently, both China and the US have dialogue partner status along with more than 20 other countries. 'There are dynamics that are happening that might speed the review,' Beck said. 'There is a process in which we are looking at all partners in terms of having a tiered approach in terms of engaging with all our development partners. In relation to United States support that has been suspended to a number of regional entities, Beck said, it means that 'the Pacific will need to adapt and try to also try to see how to mitigate against some of these.' 'We certainly would like to keep working with the United States in finding a solution.' Meanwhile, Solomon Islands hopes the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting will unite regional leaders in dialogue and solidarity. Solomon Islands is set to host the annual meeting in Honiara later this year. Manele said it is an opportunity to bring Pacific leaders together in the spirit of unity, dialogue, and collective action. Tavuli News reported Manele saying that Solomon Islands has submitted a proposed theme for this year's gathering, which is now being considered by the Forum Secretariat. He said Solomon Islands wants the theme to reflect the shared challenges and opportunities that bind the region. Manele said that it must speak to the strength of Pacific solidarity and the region's shared future. A national taskforce is now in place to coordinate all aspects of the event.
