AGP Executive Report

Tuvalu’s Climate Fight: Papua New Guinea has pledged PGK25 million over five years for Tuvalu’s land reclamation and coastal protection, with the first PGK5 million already transferred. Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo urged Pacific leaders to unite behind the Taku Pakasoa Declaration and press for stronger action before COP31. Finance Gap: The Asian Development Bank says current adaptation finance covers only 26% of Pacific island nations’ projected annual needs. New pledges of about US$15 million bring the Pacific Resilience Facility to just under US$200 million, still short of its US$500 million target. Youth Appeal: Thirteen-year-old Tuvaluan Melelusi Sokotia asked world leaders to act to save her country, as Pacific leaders call for emissions cuts and climate support that reaches frontline communities.

Pacific climate finance push: Fiji pledged US$10m over five years to the Pacific Resilience Facility, and also backed a AUS$3m coastal and riverbank resilience project for Fiji, PNG, Kiribati and Tuvalu. Tuvalu on the frontline: Leaders visited Tuvalu’s reclamation work as sea levels rise, with PNG committing about US$5.5m over five years to support Tuvalu’s coastal reclamation and protect sovereignty. COP31 pressure for real action: Pacific ministers and youth demanded the world keep 1.5°C within reach, reject “false solutions” like deep-sea mining, and deliver faster, fairer adaptation finance. Health impacts now: The UN warned extreme heat is becoming a pregnancy hazard, with rising heat-related complications for mothers and newborns. Australia under scrutiny: Coverage focused on Australia’s pre-COP cost (over $20m) and questions over Prime Minister Albanese’s media approach, alongside warnings of a “super El Niño”-driven hazardous summer. Sea-level legal milestone: A UN sea-level rise declaration was hailed for strengthening international legal certainty for vulnerable states.

Tuvalu at the frontline: World leaders toured Funafuti and the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project during the Fiji-Tuvalu-Australia pre-COP31 push, with Tuvalu ministers warning COP31 must deliver action, not “another talk shop,” as land sits about two metres above sea level and sea reclamation is underway. Climate finance frustration: Pacific leaders also used the trip to complain that adaptation money is too slow, too hard to access, and often comes with bad terms—pushing calls for faster, simpler, grant-based funding that reaches communities. PNG backs Tuvalu: Papua New Guinea pledged PGK25 million over five years for Tuvalu coastal protection and land reclamation, with the first PGK5 million already transferred. Australia under pressure: Albanese’s visit drew criticism from a Tuvalu adviser over cultural respect and claims Australia “overstepped” during the programme, while Pacific voices renewed demands that Australia cut fossil fuels ahead of COP31. Human impacts: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned extreme heat is increasingly linked to pregnancy complications, as Fiji and Tuvalu host talks aimed at keeping 1.5°C within reach.

Tuvalu at the climate frontline: As Fiji’s pre-COP31 talks ramp up, more than a dozen leaders toured Funafuti to see the Coastal Adaptation Project and the reality of land sitting about two metres above sea level. Sovereignty row: A Tuvalu government adviser told AFP Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese “took over” the visit and was disrespectful for not wearing a traditional headpiece, arguing that signing the Falepili Union doesn’t mean Australia can run Tuvalu’s affairs. Fossil-fuel phase-out pressure: Pacific leaders warned the promised transition away from fossil fuels must not be left open for renegotiation, with Tuvalu’s climate minister calling COP31 a “talk shop” risk unless it delivers action. Money that reaches communities: Disability advocates demanded direct access to climate finance and decision-making, while Fiji and partners pushed for faster, longer-term adaptation funding that can move from approval to results on the ground. Regional support for land reclamation: PNG pledged PGK25 million over five years to help Tuvalu’s land reclamation. Health impacts of heat: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned extreme heat is increasingly linked to pregnancy complications and premature births.

Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu: Pacific leaders are using the UN climate “pre-COP” to push for real delivery on 1.5°C, faster climate finance, and stronger ocean protection, with Tuvalu hosting a leaders’ event on the front line of rising seas (land averages about two metres above sea level). Tuvalu on the agenda: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo urged deeper regional cooperation on transnational crime and said Tuvalu must build an economy resilient to fuel price shocks and supply disruptions. Heat as a health emergency: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned extreme heat is becoming a “new faultline” for pregnancy and newborns, citing surveys showing most maternal health professionals have seen heat-linked complications. Pacific voices vs fossil-fuel politics: Fiji and regional advocates pressed developed countries for a just transition and climate funding, while critics targeted Australia’s coal and gas record as Pre-COP attendance from outside the Pacific remains thin. Women and displacement: Pacific women’s groups highlighted loss, displacement, gender-based violence and deeper poverty, calling for gender-responsive climate decisions. Energy and practical support: Australia announced renewable energy support for the Pacific, including a $7.29m package and solar help for remote schools, as leaders argue implementation must match ambition.

Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu: Pacific leaders and ministers are meeting ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, pushing for 1.5°C kept within reach, faster climate finance, and stronger ocean protection—with Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya saying Pacific voices must shape decisions, not just be consulted. Tuvalu frontline diplomacy: Leaders are set to visit Tuvalu to see impacts first-hand, including scientists’ warning that a 2024 marine heatwave wiped out about 99.9% of coral, while rising seas threaten habitability. Health impacts of extreme heat: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned that extreme heat is becoming a “new faultline” for pregnancy and newborns, citing a survey where most maternal health professionals reported more heat-related complications. Fossil fuel pressure on Australia: Greenpeace and Amnesty urged governments to end fossil fuel expansion and scale up support, while Australia’s climate record faces scrutiny amid coal mine expansion debates. Practical support for schools: Australia announced AUD$1M for solar power for remote and maritime schools via the It’s Time Foundation. Pacific demands tangible outcomes: Kiribati’s Ruth Cross Kwansing backed an ex-post reimbursement mechanism so countries can be paid after climate projects finish.

Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu: World leaders and ministers are set to meet in Nadi from Oct 5–8, with a leaders’ day trip to Tuvalu to show the real-world damage of sea-level rise ahead of COP31 in Turkey. Tuvalu frontline impacts: Scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave wiped out about 99.9% of Tuvalu’s reef-building coral, and rising seas have already swamped parts of the atolls—prompting fears of uninhabitability by century’s end. Pacific demands at the climate table: Pacific leaders and civil society are pushing for stronger action to keep 1.5°C alive, faster climate finance, and loss-and-damage support, warning that “absence” from leaders can’t replace real commitments. Australia under pressure: Australia and COP31 host Türkiye face criticism for hosting talks while still backing coal and fossil fuel expansion, with faith and church groups in Australia rallying for a planned phase-out. COP29 presidency visits: Azerbaijan’s climate envoy says COP29 will keep small island states’ needs at the heart of negotiations. Local Tuvalu priorities: Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo highlighted education and health as development goals, while also stressing sovereignty and statehood continuity amid sea-level rise.

Climate Frontline in Tuvalu: Ahead of Fiji’s Pre-COP31, leaders will visit Tuvalu’s low-lying atolls after scientists reported near-total coral loss from a 2024 marine heatwave, with sea-level rise already threatening livelihoods and sovereignty. Women in Leadership: Fiji’s civil society calls for “catching up” on women’s participation in national leadership, pointing to Tuvalu’s appointment of its first female Governor-General as a regional example. Pacific Push for Stronger Climate Deal: Fiji’s climate minister says the Pacific must be at the centre of global climate decisions, while Tuvalu’s PM stresses sea-level rise is a present reality and that statehood and maritime boundaries must be protected. Pre-COP Priorities & Attendance: Pacific officials warn the region will not accept weak outcomes, linking just transition to real finance, as world leaders’ attendance remains thinner than hoped. Tuvalu Connectivity Boost: Tuvalu announces subsidised Fiji airfares, improved maritime links, and cheaper internet access to strengthen daily life and services. Faith and Community Mobilisation: More than 700 people in Fremantle back “Climate Justice Now,” urging Australia to phase out fossil fuels and fund loss and damage. Health Security: WHO and partners unveil a new Pandemic Fund multi-country project for Western Pacific preparedness, including disease surveillance and faster outbreak response.

Pre-COP31 Climate Push: World powers and Pacific leaders are converging in Fiji for talks ahead of COP31 in Turkey, with ministers focused on keeping the 1.5°C goal alive, boosting climate finance, and giving oceans a bigger role—while delegates plan a Tuvalu visit to see sea-level impacts firsthand. Tuvalu Independence Priorities: In his 48th Independence address, PM Feleti Teo said Tuvalu’s development must be judged by education and health, and warned that climate change threatens land, sovereignty, and maritime boundaries. Tuvalu Connectivity Boost: Teo also announced cheaper, subsidised Fiji airfares for Tuvaluans, plus improved maritime services and better internet access to strengthen links between islands and people. Tuvalu’s New Governor-General: Tuvalu has appointed its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, pledging a focus on empowering women. Regional Health & Resilience: A WHO-backed Western Pacific pandemic preparedness project was launched, and Fiji health officials highlighted the need for earlier childhood cancer detection, including cases treated from Tuvalu. Culture Across Aotearoa: Tuvalu Language Week is underway in New Zealand, with communities using songs and cultural activities to keep te ‘Gana Tuvalu alive among children.

Tuvalu leadership & sovereignty: Tuvalu inaugurated its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, as Prime Minister Feleti Teo marked 48 years of independence with a message that development must be judged by education and health, and that sea-level rise threatens both livelihoods and the integrity of land and maritime boundaries. Pre-COP31 push in Fiji & Tuvalu: As world powers head to Pacific talks ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Tuvalu and Fiji are using the meetings to press for faster, simpler climate finance, stronger ocean protection, and loss-and-damage support—while Tuvalu’s Prime Minister also highlighted the UN’s new sea-level rise declaration as a win for continuity of statehood. Connectivity for daily life: Teo also announced cheaper, capped subsidised Fiji airfares for Tuvaluans plus improved maritime links, aiming to make travel for family, education, work and essential services more affordable. Climate diplomacy under pressure: Reports say attendance by non-Pacific leaders is thinner than hoped, even as Pacific leaders insist the region must be at the centre of global climate decisions. Health & resilience beyond climate: WHO-backed partners showcased a new Western Pacific Pandemic Fund multi-country project to strengthen outbreak detection and response, and Fiji health officials warned childhood cancer is often diagnosed late.

Tuvalu Independence & climate message: Prime Minister Feleti Teo used Tuvalu’s 48th Independence Anniversary to stress that development means better education and health, while climate action must stay rooted in the “Tuvalu Way” to protect land, sovereignty and maritime boundaries. He pointed to a UN sea-level rise declaration affirming continuity of statehood and permanence of maritime zones. First woman Governor-General: Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma was sworn in as Tuvalu’s first woman Governor-General, bringing decades of education leadership and women’s advocacy, with a pledge to empower Tuvaluan women. Pre-COP31 spotlight: Tuvalu is set to host a leaders’ segment during the Pacific Pre-COP in Fiji, with world leaders expected to visit low-lying Tuvalu and see sea-level rise impacts firsthand. Connectivity push: Tuvalu announced subsidised Fiji airfares and improved maritime and digital links to make travel and services more affordable for islanders. Climate justice pressure: Civil society groups in Tuvalu called for an end to new coal, oil and gas expansion and stronger loss-and-damage action ahead of COP31.

Tuvalu–Fiji Connectivity: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo announced cheaper, subsidised flights to Fiji, reserving eight seats per flight between Funafuti and Fiji for Tuvaluans at a capped $600 return, plus upgrades to maritime links and cheaper internet access. Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Pacific leaders are meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, aiming to keep 1.5°C within reach and put Pacific priorities at the centre of global climate decisions. Who’s Coming (and Who Isn’t): Reuters reports turnout from outside the Pacific is thinner than hoped, with organisers confirming only a limited set of non-regional leaders. Tuvalu’s Historic Leadership Change: Tuvalu inaugurated its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, sworn in on the eve of Independence Day. Climate Justice Call: Civil society groups in Tuvalu issued the “Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” urging an end to new coal, oil and gas expansion and stronger loss-and-damage action. Health and Climate Link: WHO’s Pacific director says climate change must be treated as a health emergency, calling for climate and health financing to move together.

Tuvalu leadership milestone: Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma was sworn in as Tuvalu’s first woman Governor-General on the eve of the 48th Independence anniversary, with Prime Minister Feleti Teo calling it a historic moment and Hauma pledging to empower women. Pre-COP diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal is set to travel to Fiji for the Pre-COP Leaders’ event (Oct 5-6), delivering remarks at the Leaders’ Plenary and holding meetings with regional leaders before returning home. Sea-level action at the UN: PM Feleti Teo told the UN General Assembly that Tuvalu is reclaiming land above flood levels (15.3 hectares delivered, 10 more underway) and welcomed a UN political declaration that protects statehood continuity and maritime rights. Climate justice push: Pacific civil society groups issued the “Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” urging an end to new coal, oil and gas expansion and stronger loss-and-damage action ahead of Pre-COP31. Health and climate link: WHO’s Pacific director said climate change must be treated as a health emergency, calling for climate and health financing to move together. Media and storytelling: Screen Australia backed documentaries including “Saving Tuvalu,” while Pacific media teams prepare to broadcast climate stories across the region during Pre-COP31.

Tuvalu leadership: Tuvalu has appointed its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, sworn in at Niutao Hall in Funafuti on the eve of the 48th Independence anniversary, with Prime Minister Feleti Teo calling it a historic milestone and Hauma pledging to empower Tuvalu’s women. Climate justice push: Pacific civil society groups have issued the “Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” urging an immediate stop to new coal, oil and gas expansion and stronger loss-and-damage action ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Pre-COP31 focus in Fiji and Tuvalu: Media teams are set to broadcast Pacific climate stories across 30 TV channels, while Fiji and Tuvalu prepare for major Pre-COP meetings in early October; the Tuvalu government has also highlighted its sea-level rise adaptation work, including reclaimed flood-free land on Funafuti. Sea-level science warning: A new international review flags major gaps in Antarctica research, spotlighting the Wilkes Subglacial Basin and fresh concerns for future sea-level rise. Health and resilience: Fiji’s paediatric cancer experts warn many children present late, with about 20–30 diagnoses each year, including cases from Tuvalu and other Pacific islands.

UN diplomacy: The UN General Assembly’s high-level week opened in New York, with UN chief António Guterres urging action on war, inequality, climate and AI, while President Trump used the stage to push AI and new security and oil deals. Tuvalu leadership: On the eve of Independence, Tuvalu inaugurated its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, and Prime Minister Feleti Teo was honoured for climate leadership, including Tuvalu’s push for a UN Political Declaration on sea-level rise that protects statehood and maritime rights. Pre-COP31 build-up: Pacific civil society in Tuvalu issued “The Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” demanding an end to new coal, oil and gas expansion and stronger loss-and-damage action ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Climate as health: WHO’s Pacific director said climate change must be treated as a health emergency, calling for climate and health financing to move together. Sea-level reality on the ground: Tuvalu says it has reclaimed 15.3 hectares on Funafuti, with more underway, as rising seas threaten land and identity. Media push: Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu declaration calling for better access to loss-and-damage information and more support for Pacific journalists.

Tuvalu at the UN: Prime Minister Feleti Teo told the UN General Assembly sea-level rise is a “present reality,” pointing to Tuvalu’s coastal adaptation work that has reclaimed 15.3 hectares on Funafuti with another 10 hectares underway, and welcoming a new UN political declaration that protects continuity of statehood and maritime boundaries. Pre-COP31 media push: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information and stronger support for Pacific journalists ahead of COP31. Climate as health: WHO’s Pacific director urged Pacific governments to treat climate change as a health emergency, linking climate and health financing and climate-resilient facilities. Voyage postponed by weather: The Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia canoe visits to Fiji and Tuvalu were postponed due to unsafe weather conditions, potentially until May 2027. Fossil-fuel transition talks: Tuvalu and Ireland formalised plans for a 2027 conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, framing it as energy security and sovereignty. Pacific voices on climate: A Pasifika TV team will broadcast Pacific Climate Change Week and pre-COP coverage across 30 TV channels, amplifying local stories across Fiji, Tuvalu and the region.