AGP Executive Report

Wellness in the skies: Fiji Airways is rolling out its FlyWell program, adding red light therapy in the Premier Lounge at Nadi and on select long-haul flights from June 1, with a free trial period for eligible Business Class passengers before onboard sales begin in August. US–Pacific strain: A new GAO report says the US is failing to properly staff required roles for Freely Associated States, slowing their reporting and weakening a relationship the US says it values. Tuvalu’s ocean push: Tuvalu is finalising its first National Ocean Policy, set for launch June 8, with a new Ocean Unit, marine protected areas targeting 30% of coastal habitats, and commercial fishing bans across archipelagic waters. Regional cooperation: Tuvalu and Fiji deepened ties at the Ocean Summit, while Tuvalu’s aviation ministers meeting advanced plans for safer, more affordable Pacific air connectivity. Connectivity risk: A report warns island nations are highly exposed to undersea cable attacks and accidents, leaving many vulnerable to full internet blackouts.

Fossil-fuel transition momentum: Santa Marta’s first major conference on moving away from oil and gas shifted the debate from “whether” to “how,” but the hard part now is turning talk into fair, practical implementation—especially around finance and participation. Tuvalu–Fiji–PNG regional push: Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo is deepening ties with Fiji and PNG after the Melanesian Ocean Summit, with climate and ocean protection front and centre. Tuvalu ocean policy: Tuvalu is finalising its first National Ocean Policy, set to launch 8 June for World Ocean Day, including a new Ocean Unit and plans for marine protection while keeping archipelagic waters closed to commercial fishing. Pacific security & geopolitics: The Pacific Islands Forum heads to Palau later this year, with leaders flagging growing Cold War-style competition. Connectivity risk: A new report warns island nations are dangerously exposed to undersea cable failures and sabotage. Health diplomacy: Tuvalu backs Taiwan’s push for a seat at the World Health Assembly. Aviation planning: Tuvalu’s transport minister chaired RAMM4 on safer, affordable air connectivity. Telecom change: Nepal Telecom revised international call billing to 60 seconds per pulse for 58 destinations.

Fossil-fuel transition pressure test: The Santa Marta conference in Colombia shifted the debate from “whether” to “how” to phase out oil, gas and coal—but the hard part now is turning talk into fair, practical steps that can survive legal and financial barriers. Regional diplomacy: Tuvalu, Fiji and PNG are deepening cooperation at the Ocean Summit, while the Pacific Islands Forum signals that Cold War-style geopolitics is back on the agenda as Palau prepares to host leaders in late August. Tuvalu at sea: Tuvalu’s Prime Minister says the ocean is the front line of national security as the country finalises its first National Ocean Policy for a June 8 launch. Health diplomacy: Tuvalu’s health minister joined Taiwan’s allies in pushing for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly after Taipei missed an invitation. Connectivity risk: A new report warns island nations—including Tuvalu—remain exposed to nationwide internet blackouts if a small number of undersea cables fail or are targeted.

Ocean Summit Momentum: Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo met Fiji’s Sitiveni Rabuka in Port Moresby, agreeing on a wider cooperation framework and Fiji support for land for Tuvalu’s future chancery and multi-purpose court, with climate and Tuvalu’s Pre-COP push front and center. Ocean as Security: Teo also framed ocean health as Tuvalu’s national security priority, saying a National Security Policy will put maritime conservation at the core, alongside a first National Ocean Policy launching 8 June for World Ocean Day. Cable Risk Spotlight: A new report warns many island nations are dangerously dependent on a small number of undersea cables, leaving them exposed to outages from accidents and possible sabotage. Taiwan at WHA: Tuvalu’s health minister backed calls from Taiwan’s Pacific allies for its inclusion in the World Health Assembly after Taipei missed an invitation. Regional Aviation Talks: Tuvalu’s transport minister chaired RAMM4, pushing a safer, more connected and affordable Pacific air network. Economy Watch: The World Bank says Pacific growth is slowing toward 2.8% in 2026 as fuel, shipping and weaker tourism bite.

Subsea Cable Risk: A new report warns island nations—including Tuvalu—are dangerously exposed to internet blackouts because 48 island countries rely on just 126 undersea cables, with most failures tied to anchoring and some linked to suspected sabotage. Church on the Move: Oceania bishops are meeting on Guam this week, with an islandwide Mass set for Tuesday as Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez steps into a new regional leadership role. Pacific Aviation: Tuvalu’s Transport Minister Simon Kofe chaired RAMM4 virtually, pushing a safer, more connected and affordable air network across the Pacific. Tuvalu Ocean Policy: Tuvalu is finalising its first National Ocean Policy, due to launch 8 June on World Ocean Day, with an Ocean Unit and plans for marine protection. Pacific Economy Watch: The World Bank says growth across 11 Pacific states, including Tuvalu, is slowing further in 2026 as fuel, shipping and tourism pressures bite. Digital Nation Context: Earlier coverage highlights Tuvalu’s push to preserve state functions through digital systems as climate threats intensify.

SchoolPower Fundraiser: The 10th Annual Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic in Laguna Beach (May 4) sold out and raised support for SchoolPower, with a “May the Fourth” theme, silent auction prizes, and a big community turnout. Tuvalu Ocean Push: Tuvalu is finalising its first National Ocean Policy, set to launch June 8 on World Ocean Day, with an Ocean Unit to guide implementation and a plan to protect 30% of coastal habitats while keeping archipelagic waters closed to commercial fishing. Aviation Connectivity: Tuvalu’s Transport Minister Simon Kofe chaired RAMM4, focusing on safer, more affordable regional air services and next steps toward future meetings. Pacific Economy Watch: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is slowing further in 2026 to about 2.8% as fuel, shipping, and structural pressures bite. Regional Security: Australia and Fiji signed an upgraded security treaty in Suva, boosting cooperation across maritime and policing areas.

SchoolPower Fundraiser: The 10th Annual Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic at The Ranch in Laguna Beach (May 4) sold out and raised support for SchoolPower, with a “May the Fourth” theme, themed golf challenges, and a big silent auction featuring items including ocean-view stays and local certificates. Tuvalu Ocean Push: Tuvalu is finalising its first National Ocean Policy, set for launch 8 June on World Ocean Day, with an Ocean Unit to drive implementation across the country’s huge EEZ and a plan to protect 30% of coastal habitats via marine protected areas. Aviation Connectivity: Tuvalu’s Transport Minister Simon Kofe chaired RAMM4, focusing on safer, more affordable regional air services and next steps for the Pacific aviation agenda. Regional Economy Watch: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is slowing toward 2.8% in 2026 as fuel, shipping, and weaker tourism strain import-dependent economies. Pacific Security: Australia and Fiji signed an upgraded security treaty in Suva, boosting cooperation across maritime and policing areas.

Tuvalu Ocean Push: Tuvalu is finalising its first-ever National Ocean Policy, set to be officially launched on 8 June for World Ocean Day, with the Prime Minister calling ocean health the “front line” of national security and sovereignty. The plan includes a dedicated Ocean Unit, marine protection targets for outer islands, and a renewed commitment to keep archipelagic waters closed to commercial fishing. Regional Aviation: Tuvalu’s Transport Minister Simon Kofe chaired RAMM4, focusing on safer, more affordable air services across the Pacific. Pacific Economy Watch: The World Bank warns growth across 11 Pacific island states—including Tuvalu—is forecast to slow to 2.8% in 2026 as fuel, shipping, and weaker tourism bite. Digital Nation Context: Tuvalu’s longer-term “first digital nation” strategy continues to shape how it prepares for climate-driven displacement. Global Signals: Separate from Tuvalu, a Vatican honour for Iran’s envoy and renewed China–US Taiwan tensions show how diplomacy remains tightly linked to security and conflict.

Vatican Diplomacy Sparks Backlash: A Vatican ceremony awarding Iran’s envoy Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari the Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX has drawn sharp Western criticism, with supporters arguing the Holy See keeps “doors open” through dialogue even with controversial partners. Tuvalu Ocean Policy: Tuvalu’s first National Ocean Policy is set for launch on 8 June, with a new Ocean Unit, plans for marine protected areas, and a firm line against commercial fishing—framing ocean health as national security. Pacific Aviation Push: Tuvalu’s Transport Minister Simon Kofe chaired RAMM4, focusing on safer, more affordable air services across the Pacific. Pacific Economy Watch: The World Bank warns growth across 11 Pacific island states will slow to about 2.8% in 2026 as fuel, shipping, and tourism pressures persist. Regional Security Moves: Australia and Fiji signed an upgraded security treaty in Suva, boosting cooperation on interdiction, policing, and transnational crime.

Pacific Aviation Safety Push: Tuvalu’s Transport Minister Simon Kofe chaired RAMM4, a virtual meeting focused on making Pacific air services safer, more affordable, and more resilient, with workstreams on the regional aviation action plan and civil aviation safety and security. Tuvalu Ocean Strategy: Tuvalu says it is finalising its first National Ocean Policy, set for launch on 8 June for World Ocean Day, and has been framing ocean health as national security—linking it to illegal fishing, marine pollution, biodiversity loss and sea-level rise. Regional Economy Watch: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is slipping, forecasting 2.8% growth in 2026 as fuel and shipping costs bite and tourism momentum cools. Global Energy Shift: A week of coverage also kept spotlighting the Santa Marta push to phase out fossil fuels, with countries backing transition roadmaps while financing gaps remain the big hurdle. Elsewhere: Nepal Telecom updated international call billing to 60-second pulses for 58 destinations starting 15 May 2026.

Pacific Aviation Safety Push: Tuvalu’s Transport Minister Simon Kofe chaired RAMM4, a virtual Pacific Aviation Ministers meeting focused on “safer, more affordable, resilient” air services, with talks on the Regional Aviation Action Plan, air connectivity work, and next steps toward the 5th ministers’ meeting. Tuvalu Ocean Policy: Tuvalu is finalising its first National Ocean Policy, set to launch 8 June for World Ocean Day, with an Ocean Unit to drive implementation, a push for marine protected areas, and continued closure of archipelagic waters to commercial fishing. Regional Economy Watch: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is easing—forecast 2.8% in 2026—citing higher fuel and shipping costs, weaker tourism momentum, and repeated shocks. Elsewhere in the week: Nepal Telecom revised international call billing to 60 seconds per pulse for 58 destinations, effective Jestha 1, 2083.

Pacific Aviation Safety Push: Tuvalu’s Transport Minister Simon Kofe chaired RAMM4, driving a Pacific agenda for safer, more affordable air services, from the Regional Aviation Action Plan to next steps for regional civil aviation safety. Ocean Policy Milestone: Tuvalu is finalising its first National Ocean Policy, set to launch 8 June on World Ocean Day, with an Ocean Unit to steer implementation and plans for Marine Protected Areas across outer islands. Pacific Economy Watch: The World Bank warns growth across 11 Pacific Island countries is easing to 2.8% in 2026 as fuel, shipping and weaker tourism bite. Regional Security: Australia and Fiji signed an upgraded Vuvale security treaty in Suva, framed as a major step-up in capabilities and cooperation. Global Flashpoint: China’s Xi warned Trump that Taiwan tensions could lead to a dangerous path, as “Taiwan independence” remains a central dispute. Elsewhere: Nepal Telecom adjusted international call charging pulses, and Pakistan’s passport access slipped to 100th in the latest ranking.

National Ocean Policy: Tuvalu is finalising its first-ever National Ocean Policy, set to launch on 8 June 2026 for World Ocean Day, with a new Ocean Unit to steer implementation across its huge EEZ and plans for marine protected areas covering 30% of coastal habitats, while keeping archipelagic waters closed to commercial fishing. Ocean Security Shift: Prime Minister Feleti Teo also framed ocean health as the frontline of national security, with illegal fishing, marine pollution, biodiversity loss and sea-level rise treated as strategic threats. Regional Pressure on Budgets: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is slowing, forecasting 2.8% for 2026 as fuel and shipping costs bite—while Australia’s Pacific aid rises only slightly in nominal terms but shrinks in real value. Pacific Geopolitics: Australia and Fiji signed an upgraded security agreement, and Tuvalu’s ocean agenda is landing as the wider region recalibrates for a more contested world.

Ocean Policy Launch: Tuvalu is finalising its first-ever National Ocean Policy, set to be officially launched on 8 June 2026 for World Ocean Day, with Prime Minister Feleti Teo calling the ocean a “national compass” for science-led, community-owned stewardship across its huge EEZ. Security Reframing: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit, Teo went further—placing maritime conservation at the heart of a new National Security Policy, treating threats like illegal fishing, marine pollution, biodiversity loss and sea-level rise as strategic security issues. Plastic Crisis Push: Kiribati is urging stronger global upstream action on plastic pollution, warning that plastic waste is piling up daily despite limited local treatment options. Pacific Outlook: The World Bank says Pacific growth is weakening—forecasting 2.8% growth in 2026—citing higher fuel and shipping costs, slower tourism, and repeated global shocks. Regional Security: Australia and Fiji signed an upgraded security agreement in Suva, with security described as a central pillar of their partnership.

Pacific Economy Watch: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is losing steam, with higher fuel and shipping costs, weaker tourism momentum, inflation, and repeated global shocks pushing the region’s 2026 growth forecast down to 2.8% (from 3.2% in 2024–25), and keeping incomes below pre-pandemic trends. Tuvalu Ocean Security: Tuvalu is finalizing its first-ever National Ocean Policy, set for launch on June 8 for World Ocean Day, as Prime Minister Feleti Teo frames ocean health as the front line of national security. Digital & Climate Planning: The week also highlights Tuvalu’s push to build a “digital nation” and the wider Pacific push for resilience, including the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty entering into force on May 6. What’s next: The World Bank says responses must be designed for a world where shocks are becoming a pattern, not a one-off.

World Bank Outlook: The Pacific’s growth is expected to cool further, with the World Bank forecasting 2.8% growth in 2026 (down from 3.2% in 2024–25), blaming higher fuel, freight and insurance costs after Middle East conflict and lingering structural hurdles. Ocean Policy Push: Tuvalu is moving fast on the sea—Prime Minister Feleti Teo says the country is finalizing its first National Ocean Policy, set to launch June 8 for World Ocean Day, backed by partners including ADB and conservation groups. Security Reframing: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit, Teo went further: ocean health is now “the front line” of national security, with a new National Security Policy expected later this year to put maritime conservation at the core. Regional Energy/Resilience: The Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty has entered into force, and Tuvalu’s ocean-first approach lands as the region leans into cleaner energy and climate resilience. Other Signals: Samoa is rolling out cyber safety outreach across Pacific nations, while visa access updates continue to shuffle passport rankings.