AGP Executive Report

Agriculture & Rural Development: Kiribati’s farming support gets a boost as a dedicated Ministry of Agriculture office was commissioned on Rabi Island, replacing years of staff working out of a room at the Rabi Council of Leaders—Assistant Minister Inosi Kuridrani also toured a virgin coconut oil operation and a kava processing machine to link policy with on-island production. Sports & Youth: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans for new sports facilities and a dedicated Games Village, following a competitive process and the withdrawal of the Northern Mariana Islands after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Fisheries & Trade Compliance: Pacific fisheries officials, including Kiribati, trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at keeping EU access by tightening refrigeration requirements for tuna exports. Maritime Operations: The USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, making port calls including Kiritimati, Kiribati, and supporting maritime law enforcement and safety checks. Climate & Governance: Regional voices renewed calls that decolonisation and nuclear-era harms remain unresolved, including impacts tied to nuclear testing across places such as Kiribati and Banaba.

Agriculture & Rural Development: Rabi Island farmers in Kiribati have a dedicated Ministry of Agriculture office at Nuku, commissioned by Assistant Minister Inosi Kuridrani after years of operating from a room in the Rabi Council of Leaders building; the visit also highlighted local value-adding projects including a Banaban Women’s Organisation virgin coconut oil operation and a ministry-supported kava processing machine. Sports & Infrastructure: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans underway for new sports facilities and a dedicated Games Village, alongside reconstruction of the R K Uatioa National Stadium and development of the Kiribati Institute of Sport. Fisheries & Food Safety: Pacific fisheries officials, including Kiribati, are training in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at tighter refrigeration requirements that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Maritime Operations: The USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, calling at Kiritimati (Kiribati) among other ports and supporting maritime law enforcement and safety checks in the region.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for training on the EU’s tighter freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing cold-chain performance after auditors found tuna not consistently reaching -18°C in brine; the changes could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Sports & Infrastructure: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with preparations now underway for new sports facilities and a Games Village, including rebuilding the R K Uatioa National Stadium and developing the Kiribati Institute of Sport. Maritime Operations: The USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, covering 7,500 nautical miles and port calls including Kiritimati, Kiribati, while supporting maritime law enforcement and safety checks. Climate Governance: Pacific states pushed a UN General Assembly resolution endorsing an ICJ advisory opinion that failing to protect the climate system breaches international law—an issue with direct stakes for low-lying island economies. Climate Relocation Planning: New regional guidance on planned relocation (PAC-GIPR) is rolling out across the Pacific to manage displacement while protecting human rights, culture and community decision-making. Agrifood Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale highlighted EU/FAO-backed support for agrifood MSMEs and entrepreneurship to strengthen resilient local supply chains. Tuvalu Statehood at Sea: Tuvalu reiterated at UN talks that sea-level rise must not extinguish statehood or maritime rights as a September UN declaration on sea-level rise is negotiated.

Sports Infrastructure & Regional Industry: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans for new sports facilities and a dedicated Games Village, alongside reconstruction of the R K Uatioa National Stadium and development of the Kiribati Institute of Sport—an opportunity to boost local construction, services, and youth sport ecosystems. Maritime & Logistics: The US Coast Guard’s USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, covering more than 7,500 nautical miles and making port calls including Kiritimati, Kiribati—highlighting ongoing regional maritime support and law-enforcement cooperation. EU Seafood Compliance (Kiribati Impact): Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on the EU’s Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, which tightens freezer-vessel requirements and could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Climate Policy for Small Islands: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, reinforcing that climate protection duties are a matter of international law—relevant for Pacific planning, risk management, and industry continuity. Agrifood Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale showcased EU/FAO-backed agribusiness innovation under STODAS, supporting MSMEs and resilient food systems across Pacific states. Decolonisation & Nuclear Legacy: Pacific leaders renewed calls to address unresolved nuclear-era colonial legacies, including environmental harm and self-determination—an issue that still shapes regional governance and resource debates.

Sports Infrastructure Boost: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the Micronesian Games Council citing Kiribati’s facilities, transport, finances, and long-term development plan; preparations are already underway for new sports venues and a dedicated Games Village, including reconstruction of the R K Uatioa National Stadium and a Kiribati Institute of Sport push. Maritime Operations & Local Ports: The USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, covering 7,500 nautical miles and making port calls including Kiritimati, Kiribati, while supporting maritime law enforcement and community engagement. EU Seafood Compliance for Kiribati Fisheries: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for training on new EU freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at keeping tuna frozen at required temperatures to protect EU market access. Climate Policy Through Pacific Diplomacy: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, a move tied back to Pacific-led legal action that frames climate protection as a breach of international law, not just politics. Decolonisation & Nuclear Legacies: Pacific leaders renewed calls to finish decolonisation after nuclear testing, pointing to unresolved contamination, self-determination issues, and disputes over who benefits from natural resources. Agrifood Innovation in the Region: EU-funded FAO work continues to back agrifood entrepreneurs and resilience efforts across Pacific islands, including Samoa’s Agri-Innovate competition finale.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva on the EU’s tighter freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at stopping tuna from being frozen above -18°C in brine—an issue that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Maritime Operations in Kiribati: The US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, covering 7,500 nautical miles in 42 days with port calls including Kiritimati, Kiribati, and supporting maritime law enforcement and safety checks. Regional Sports Hosting: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the Micronesian Games Council backing Kiribati’s proposal after evaluating facilities, transport, finances and alignment with long-term development goals. Climate Mobility Framework: Pacific governments adopted regional guidance on planned relocation, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation as sea-level rise and extreme weather push some communities to move. Agrifood Innovation (Samoa): EU-funded FAO STODAS supported Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale, backing agrifood entrepreneurs and agribusinesses through training and business pitches. Forestry Capacity Building (Samoa): FAO and Fiji helped Samoa forestry officers complete training on sustainable teak and pine production and management to strengthen climate resilience. Fintech for Kiribati: A new look at Kiribati’s fintech potential focuses on using digital finance to overcome distance and improve access to services for dispersed communities and businesses. Deep-Sea Mining Race: Pacific seabed minerals are increasingly tied to geopolitics, with agreements involving Kiribati and the Cook Islands alongside new moves by the US and others. Nuclear Legacy & Decolonization: Pacific leaders and advocates renewed calls to address unresolved nuclear testing harms and colonial legacies, including in places like Banaba and Kiribati.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for a two-week technical training on the EU’s tighter freezer-vessel rules (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449), aimed at fixing cold-chain gaps after auditors found some tuna failed to consistently reach -18°C in brine—an issue that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Regional Sports & Youth: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the Micronesian Games Council backing Kiribati’s plan after evaluating facilities, transport, finances and alignment with long-term development goals. Agrifood Innovation: Samoa’s agrifood entrepreneurs wrapped up the 2026 Agri-Innovate Competition finale under the EU-funded FAO STODAS project, supporting agribusiness MSMEs across Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands. Climate & Displacement Planning: Pacific governments rolled out regional guidance for planned relocation (PAC-GIPR), stressing community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation as a last-resort option when adaptation can no longer keep people safe. Fisheries & Food Systems: FAO also supported Samoa and Fiji through forestry capacity-building on sustainable teak and pine production to strengthen climate resilience. Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey to guide more resilient tourism strategies across the Pacific. Weather Watch: WMO says El Niño has an 80% chance to form before September, with rising odds later in the year—raising the risk of heat and shifting rainfall patterns across the Pacific.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu met in Suva for a two-week technical training on the EU’s new freezer-vessel food-safety rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at keeping access to the EU market after auditors found vessels sometimes missed the required -18°C in brine; the changes could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels, with higher standards for tuna frozen for direct human consumption. Climate & Mobility: Pacific governments rolled out regional guidance on planned climate relocation, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation, as sea-level rise and extreme weather push low-lying islands toward long-term movement. Digital Finance for Kiribati: A look at how fintech can help Kiribati overcome distance and service delivery gaps across its widely spread atolls, shifting focus from “startup hubs” to practical access to financial services. Agrifood Innovation: FAO-backed Samoa Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 showcased agribusiness entrepreneurship under an EU-funded STODAS project supporting agrifood system transformation. Regional Sports Hosting: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, following a council evaluation of facilities, transport, finances and development alignment. Weather Watch: WMO warns there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September, with likely impacts across the Pacific and beyond.

Sports & Hosting: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the Micronesian Games Council endorsing Kiribati’s proposal after reviewing facilities, transport, finances and alignment with long-term development goals. Fisheries & Food Safety: Pacific fisheries officials, including Kiribati’s National Competent Authority, are training in Suva on the EU’s tighter freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing cold-chain performance after auditors found tuna not consistently reaching -18°C in brine; the change is expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Climate Risk & Weather: The WMO warns El Niño is likely to emerge soon (80% chance before September), with impacts that can mean heavier rainfall in some areas and drought and heat risks in others—an added pressure point for Kiribati’s already climate-stressed economy. Digital Finance & Inclusion: A look at how fintech can matter for Kiribati’s dispersed atolls—less about building big hubs, more about overcoming distance to expand access to financial services for people and businesses. Blue Economy & Relocation Policy: New regional guidance on planned climate relocation highlights community participation and cultural protection, relevant for low-lying nations facing long-term displacement.

Sports & Hosting: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with the Micronesian Games Council endorsing Kiribati’s proposal after reviewing concepts, facilities, transport, finances and alignment with long-term development goals. Fisheries & Food Safety: Pacific fisheries officials, including Kiribati’s National Competent Authority, are training in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Climate Mobility: Pacific governments adopted regional guidance on planned relocation, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation as a last-resort option when adaptation is no longer possible. Digital Finance: A look at how fintech can help Kiribati overcome distance and service delivery gaps across its widely spread islands, focusing on inclusion and resilience rather than building a startup hub. Climate Outlook: The WMO warns El Niño is likely to emerge soon, raising the risk of extreme weather impacts across the Pacific region. Agribusiness Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale, supported by the EU and FAO under STODAS, highlights agrifood entrepreneurship and innovation that could offer lessons for Pacific producers.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu met in Suva for a two-week technical training on the EU’s tighter freezer-vessel food-safety rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. The update follows EU findings that some vessels were not consistently reaching the required minus 18°C in brine, with rules tightening what can be sold for direct human consumption versus canneries. Climate Mobility Planning: Pacific governments rolled out new regional guidance on planned relocation, stressing it as a last resort when communities can no longer safely adapt, with strong focus on human rights, Indigenous and cultural protections, and community decision-making—an issue increasingly visible for low-lying nations including Kiribati. Forestry Capacity for Resilience: FAO supported Samoa’s forestry staff through a hands-on training in Suva on sustainable teak and pine production and management, building seed propagation and harvesting skills to close technical gaps tied to climate pressures. Kiribati Fintech & Inclusion: A look at how fintech can matter in Kiribati despite limited scale—less about building big hubs, more about overcoming distance to improve access to financial services for people and businesses. Tourism Data & Visitor Trends: SPTO and Niue’s tourism office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey findings for Pacific planning, including key source markets and visitor demographics relevant to regional operators. Tourism Trade Platform: Fiji defended its funding role for the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026, citing record participation and support for small businesses and women-led enterprises. Climate Outlook: WMO warned El Niño is likely to emerge soon, with knock-on risks for rainfall patterns, drought and heat across the Pacific region. Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Focus: Quad foreign ministers’ new agenda highlights ports, maritime surveillance and critical minerals, with Fiji singled out—showing how trade and logistics are now central to regional competition.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for a two-week technical training on the EU’s new Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, which tightens freezer-vessel food-safety rules and is expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. The update follows EU findings that some ships were not consistently reaching the required -18°C in brine, with higher temperatures limiting what tuna can be sold for. Forestry & Climate Resilience: Samoa Forestry Division officers completed a FAO-supported hands-on training in Suva on sustainable teak and pine production and management, building seed propagation and harvesting skills to close technical gaps and strengthen resilience to climate stress. Kiribati Fintech Focus: A new look at Kiribati’s economic future argues fintech matters less for “startup hype” and more for overcoming distance—improving access to financial services across remote islands. Tourism Data & Visitor Trends: SPTO and Niue’s tourism office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting key source markets and helping guide regional tourism strategy. Climate Outlook: WMO warns El Niño has an 80% chance of emerging before September, with likely impacts across the Pacific and beyond. Regional Trade & Security Infrastructure: The Quad’s new agenda spotlights ports, maritime surveillance, cables and critical minerals—framing infrastructure and logistics as economic security priorities for the Indo-Pacific. Tourism Promotion Scrutiny (Fiji): Fiji’s funding for SPTE 2026 faces questions in Parliament, even as officials cite record participation and support for small businesses.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials in Suva, including Kiribati, are training National Competent Authorities on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing freezer-vessel refrigeration performance after auditors found tuna not consistently reaching -18°C in brine; the new rules could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels, with warmer-frozen tuna restricted to cannery use. Climate Mobility Planning: Pacific governments rolled out the Pacific Regional Guidance on Planned Relocation (PAC-GIPR), stressing planned relocation as a last resort when communities can’t safely adapt, with community participation, Indigenous rights, and cultural protection built into long-term moves—an issue already visible for low-lying states like Kiribati and Tuvalu. Forestry for Resilience: Samoa Forestry officers completed FAO-supported training in Suva on sustainable teak and pine production and management, strengthening seed propagation and harvesting skills to close technical gaps tied to climate and ecosystem pressures. Tourism & Data: SPTO and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, while Fiji defended its role funding SPTE 2026 and highlighted participation and small-business support concerns. Kiribati Finance Angle: A new look at fintech in Kiribati frames digital finance as a practical tool to overcome distance and expand access for people and businesses across remote islands. Weather Watch: WMO says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño emerging before September, with higher odds later, raising the risk of heat and shifting rainfall patterns across the Pacific. Aviation History in Kiribati: Purdue and the Archaeological Legacy Institute plan a new Earhart search at Nikumaroro in late July/early August 2026 after clearance steps with Kiribati.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for a two-week technical training on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing freezer-vessel refrigeration performance after EU auditors found tuna not consistently reaching -18°C in brine; the new rules could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels, with warmer-frozen tuna restricted to canneries and colder thresholds required for direct human consumption. Climate Mobility Framework: Pacific governments rolled out the PAC-GIPR planned relocation guidance, stressing relocation as a last resort, with community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation—an issue hitting low-lying nations like Kiribati and Tuvalu as sea-level rise and extreme weather disrupt livelihoods. Forestry Skills for Resilience: FAO supported Samoa and Fiji through a Sustainable Teak and Pine Production and Management training, building seed propagation and sustainable harvesting capacity to close technical and data gaps tied to climate pressures. Kiribati Finance Outlook: A look at how fintech can help Kiribati overcome distance and service delivery barriers across its dispersed islands, shifting the focus from “startup hype” to practical access for people and businesses. Tourism Data & Trade: SPTO and Niue shared results from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, while Fiji defended its role funding SPTE 2026 and highlighted participation and industry-focused programming. Regional Infrastructure Push: The Quad announced port infrastructure plans in Fiji, alongside broader work on maritime surveillance and critical minerals, reflecting a growing focus on logistics and connectivity.

Climate Mobility: Pacific governments rolled out new regional guidance on planned relocation (PAC-GIPR), urging community-led, rights-based moves only as a last resort when adaptation can’t keep up—an issue hitting low-lying nations like Kiribati and Tuvalu hardest. EU Fisheries Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva on the EU’s tighter freezer-vessel food-safety rules (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449), aimed at fixing cold-chain gaps after EU auditors found tuna not consistently reaching -18°C in brine—key for keeping access to the EU market. Tourism Data & Market Access: Niue and the Pacific Tourism Organisation released the 2024 International Visitor Survey under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, with New Zealand the top source market (84%) and insights meant to guide more resilient tourism planning across Kiribati and the region. Weather Risk for Industry: The WMO warns El Niño has an 80% chance to emerge before September, with knock-on risks for rainfall, drought and heat—important for fisheries, agriculture and transport planning. Fintech for Distance: A look at Kiribati’s fintech reality: digital finance is less about startups and more about reaching remote communities and businesses across a huge ocean spread. Ports & Logistics: The Quad’s new push highlights ports and maritime infrastructure in Fiji—signaling how trade routes and connectivity are becoming central to Pacific economic security.

EU Food Safety Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for a two-week technical training on new EU food safety rules for freezer vessels under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at keeping Pacific seafood exports eligible after EU auditors found brine temperatures often missed the required -18°C; the changes are expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels. Forestry & Climate Resilience: FAO-backed hands-on training in Suva helped Samoa forestry officers strengthen sustainable teak and pine production, including seed propagation and harvesting methods, to close technical and data gaps as climate pressures mount. Kiribati Economic Outlook: A new look at Kiribati’s fintech potential argues digital finance matters less for building startups and more for overcoming distance—improving access to financial services across widely spread islands. Tourism Data for Small Markets: SPTO and Niue’s tourism office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, using regional data tools to guide more resilient tourism planning across Pacific destinations including Kiribati. Climate Risk Watch: WMO says El Niño has an 80% chance of forming before September, with impacts likely to intensify extreme weather risks across the Pacific and beyond. Regional Trade Rules: A WTO fisheries subsidies deal (in force since Sept 2025) is highlighted as a boost for marine protection and fairer competition for Pacific fishers—though “Fish 2” progress could stall if key countries delay talks.