AGP Executive Report

Tourism Data for the Pacific: SPTO and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey under NZ-funded PTDI, using visitor preferences and spending to guide more resilient tourism planning across Kiribati and other Pacific destinations. Climate Risk Update: The WMO warns El Niño is 80% likely before September (rising to 90% later), with impacts that can intensify heat, rainfall swings, and drought risks across the Pacific and beyond. Mediation in Focus: The UN-backed International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) marks its first year, highlighting growing interest in mediation as a dispute-settlement alternative amid rising geopolitical strain. Regional Security & Infrastructure: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US) is pushing port infrastructure in Fiji, part of a wider push on maritime surveillance and connectivity that could reshape Pacific economic security. Kiribati-India Links: India and Kiribati met in Suva on copra and coconut oil cooperation, while India’s earlier dialysis support to Kiribati remains in the spotlight. Governance Spotlight: A Kiribati-led push for an Anti-Corruption regional conference underlines how leaders see integrity as essential to protecting climate and development funding.

Climate Watch: The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño has an 80% chance of forming before September, with impacts likely to last 9–12 months and bring heavier rain in some regions while worsening drought and heat risks elsewhere—an extra stress on Pacific island communities already facing climate change. Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, funded through New Zealand’s Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting visitor source markets (New Zealand leads), age trends, and spending patterns to guide more resilient tourism planning across the region, including Kiribati. Regional Trade & Health Links: India and Kiribati met in Suva to discuss strengthening cooperation in copra and coconut oil development, while India’s earlier FIPIC-III delivery to Kiribati included a container-based dialysis unit for Tarawa. Security & Infrastructure: The Quad—India, Japan, Australia and the United States—announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, with Suva and Lautoka named for early work, as Pacific governments weigh new connectivity and security partnerships. Governance & Integrity: A Kiribati-focused commentary backs the country’s push on anti-corruption, arguing that integrity is essential to protect climate and development funding from abuse.

Australia–Japan ties: In Canberra, PM Anthony Albanese and Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi agreed to push supply chains, energy, critical minerals, trade and security—and to help Pacific islands tackle money laundering via capacity-building, though climate change was notably left off the agenda. Urban resilience in the Pacific: A new focus on how fast-growing Pacific cities are outpacing planning and governance, with climate risks like cyclones, flooding and sea-level rise colliding with housing and infrastructure failures. Kiribati–India cooperation: In Suva, India’s High Commissioner met Kiribati’s delegation to discuss boosting copra and coconut oil development; the wider partnership also includes India’s earlier shipment of a dialysis unit to Tarawa. Tourism data for Kiribati: SPTO and Kiribati’s tourism authority released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey 2025 report, detailing visitor spending and behaviours that feed into marketing and planning. Maritime security training: AFP and French forces in Tahiti trained Kiribati police divers to strengthen underwater inspection skills for counter-narcotics and maritime operations, with new equipment handed over. Israel–Fiji diplomacy: Israel’s new embassy opened in Suva, with agreements on national security cooperation and diplomatic training—serving multiple Pacific countries. Pacific infrastructure push: The Quad announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, a move framed as economic and security connectivity for the region.

Deep-Sea Mining & Security: A new investigation into China’s deep-sea mining fleet says its research ships spend only a small share of time in seabed mining areas, with most activity elsewhere—raising concerns about possible military “dual use” and the wider geopolitical risk for Pacific states. Surveillance Export: A report says China is exporting its AI-powered policing model to authoritarian and weak-democracy partners, including facial recognition and biometric data collection—an issue that matters for Pacific countries weighing security ties. Kiribati-India Cooperation: In Suva, India and Kiribati discussed strengthening cooperation on copra and coconut oil, building on earlier health support that included a dialysis unit shipped to Tarawa. Tourism Data for Kiribati: SPTO and Kiribati’s tourism authority released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey 2025, estimating tourism’s economic impact at about USD 12.8 million and detailing visitor spending and satisfaction. Maritime Safety Training: AFP and French forces in Tahiti trained Kiribati police divers to improve counter-narcotics and underwater inspection skills, including new equipment handovers. Regional Infrastructure Push: The Quad announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, a move framed as high-quality connectivity for Pacific priorities amid rising great-power competition.

Amelia Earhart Search: Purdue University and the Archaeological Legacy Institute say a new expedition to Nikumaroro (Kiribati) will finally run in 2026, after extra clearances with the Kiribati government pushed the plan from 2025; the team will depart Majuro on July 28, spend five days at the island, and return by August 14, with a possible follow-up season in 2027 if the “Taraia Object” is identified as part of Earhart’s Electra. Regional Health & Diplomacy: India’s EAM S Jaishankar marked Samoa’s Independence Day and reiterated FIPIC-III support, including a haemo-dialysis machine with a portable RO unit delivered to Samoa; the same FIPIC effort also sent a 6-bedded container-based dialysis unit to Kiribati. Pacific Security & Trade Links: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US) announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, a move framed as boosting Pacific connectivity and resilience amid wider Indo-Pacific competition. Kiribati Anti-Corruption Push: A Kiribati-led regional anti-corruption conference is highlighted as a major governance step, with leaders treating corruption as a threat as urgent as climate impacts. Maritime Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up, with Kiribati among participating countries in a coordinated crackdown on IUU fishing and other maritime crimes across Pacific waters.

Climate Mobility & Statelessness: A new analysis links Pacific climate change to rising risks of loss of nationality, arguing governments must act fast to prevent statelessness as mobility becomes a reality. Australia–Japan Pacific Ties: Australia and Japan agreed to deepen cooperation and support Pacific efforts against money laundering, but climate change was notably left off the agenda. Tourism & Local Business: Fiji’s tourism trade push via the South Pacific Tourism Exchange drew record participation, while questions remain about how much support it delivers to small businesses and MSMEs. Kiribati–India Trade: In Suva, India and Kiribati discussed boosting cooperation in copra and coconut oil development. Maritime Security Training: French Polynesia and AFP trained Kiribati police divers to strengthen counter-narcotics and maritime threat detection. Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up with regional patrols targeting IUU fishing and other maritime crimes, including Kiribati. Nuclear Justice: Kiribati renewed calls for nuclear justice at the UN, highlighting ongoing harm from South Pacific nuclear testing. Regional Travel Policy: New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer multi-entry options may cut government revenue by $1–2 million a year.

Tourism & MSMEs: Fiji’s Deputy PM and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka defended Fiji’s funding of the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026, saying it brought record participation (225+ delegates, 82 sellers from 17 countries, 60 buyers) and new focus areas like aviation, sustainability, digital marketing, crisis management, plus a Women in Business Showcase aimed at improving market access for smaller enterprises. Kiribati–India Trade: In Suva, Kiribati and India discussed boosting cooperation on copra and coconut oil, with the Indian High Commission highlighting ongoing partnership and past support including a container-based dialysis unit sent to Kiribati. Maritime Security: Kiribati police divers received specialised counter-narcotics investigative diving training in Tahiti, with new equipment and skills to support underwater inspections, maritime missions, and future advanced courses. Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of regional surveillance against IUU fishing and other maritime crimes, with Kiribati among participating countries. Nuclear Justice: Kiribati and the Marshall Islands renewed calls for nuclear justice at the UN, citing the human cost of South Pacific nuclear testing and urging accountability. Regional Travel Policy: Separate reporting notes Pacific visa fee reductions and longer access periods could cut government revenue, with officials saying impacts will be managed through budget transfers. Tourism Data: The SPTO and Kiribati’s Tourism Authority released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey 2025 Annual Report, estimating tourism’s 2025 economic impact at USD 12.8 million.

Quad Ports for Future Cooperation: India, the United States, Australia and Japan say they will jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, starting with Suva and Lautoka—an effort framed as high-quality Pacific-led development, but also raising fresh questions about whether it could become a new US-China flashpoint. Climate and fisheries pressure: A new look at Super El Niño warns that extreme warming can disrupt plankton, weaken upwelling, and destabilize marine food chains—threatening fisheries, livelihoods and food security across island states. Kiribati anti-corruption push: A Kiribati-led push for a Pacific Regional Conference on Anti-Corruption highlights leaders’ focus on integrity and transparency as climate-linked funding risks grow. Regional fisheries enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of coordinated patrols and inspections across multiple Pacific EEZs, including Kiribati, targeting illegal fishing and other maritime crimes. Kiribati-India trade talks: In Suva, India’s High Commissioner met Kiribati officials to discuss strengthening cooperation in copra and coconut oil development. Maritime security training: AFP and French forces in Tahiti trained Kiribati police divers to improve underwater inspection skills for counter-narcotics and maritime threat response. Tourism data for planning: SPTO and Kiribati’s Tourism Authority released the 2025 International Visitor Survey report, estimating tourism’s economic impact and mapping visitor spending and satisfaction. Aviation and fuel concerns: Air Kiribati says it hasn’t yet felt Middle East fuel price impacts but expects changes soon, while pushing for 24/7 airport operations to improve connectivity.

Climate & Fisheries: A new analysis warns that Super El Niño can slash plankton productivity, disrupt marine food chains, and hit fish stocks and coastal livelihoods—raising the stakes for island food security. Regional Security & Trade: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) says it will help build port infrastructure in Fiji, a move Beijing says should not target third parties. Kiribati–India Cooperation: In Suva, India and Kiribati discussed boosting copra and coconut oil development, building on earlier support including a container-based dialysis unit. Anti-Corruption Push: Kiribati’s decision to host the Pacific Regional Conference on Anti-Corruption is framed as a key governance fight as climate-linked funding risks being misused. Maritime Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up with regional patrols and inspections across 10 EEZs; Te Kukupa II boarded 13 fishing vessels and carried out urgent tasking. Tourism Data: SPTO and Kiribati’s Tourism Authority released the 2025 International Visitor Survey report, detailing visitor spending and behaviour. Nuclear Justice: Kiribati and the Marshall Islands renewed calls at the UN for nuclear justice over the human cost of Pacific testing. Regional Mobility Costs: New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer stays may cut government revenue by about $1–2 million a year.

Anti-Corruption Push: Kiribati is hosting the Pacific Regional Conference on Anti-Corruption, with leaders arguing corruption can “sink us all” just as surely as climate change threatens livelihoods and governance. Regional Fisheries Security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of coordinated patrols across 10 Pacific EEZs, with Kiribati among participating countries; authorities carried out dozens of vessel inspections and flagged vessels of interest to deter IUU fishing. Tourism Trade & Data: The South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) in Fiji is credited with boosting market access for smaller islands, including Kiribati, while Kiribati’s 2025 International Visitor Survey report highlights visitor spending and behaviour to guide tourism planning. Kiribati-India Trade: India and Kiribati met in Suva to strengthen cooperation in copra and coconut oil development, reaffirming a growing partnership. Maritime Policing Skills: AFP and French forces trained Kiribati police divers in investigative diving to support counter-narcotics and maritime inspections. Nuclear Justice: Kiribati renewed calls for nuclear justice at the UN, detailing ongoing health harms from 1957–1962 testing on Kiritimati. Visa Fees Debate (NZ): New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer stays could cut government revenue by an estimated $1–2 million a year, even as it aims to deepen Pacific connections.

Fisheries Security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after 3 weeks of coordinated patrols across 10 Pacific EEZs, with Kiribati among participating states; authorities carried out 61 vessel inspections and verified 200+ vessel detections to deter IUU fishing and other maritime crimes. Tourism & Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Kiribati’s Tourism Authority released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey (IVS) 2025 Annual Report, based on 333 responses, estimating tourism’s 2025 economic impact at about USD 12.8 million and mapping visitor spending and perceptions. Regional Cooperation: India and Kiribati met in Suva to strengthen copra and coconut oil cooperation, with India also highlighting past support including a container-based dialysis unit sent to Kiribati. Visa Policy Shock: New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer default stays could cut government revenue by about $1–2 million a year, even as officials say it will deepen Pacific connections. Maritime Policing: Kiribati police divers completed AFP/French Armed Forces training in French Polynesia to improve underwater inspection skills for counter-narcotics and maritime security. Nuclear Justice: Kiribati renewed calls for nuclear justice at the UN, citing ongoing health and community impacts from nuclear testing on Kiritimati between 1957 and 1962. Air & Fuel Pressure: Air Kiribati says it hasn’t yet felt Middle East-linked fuel price hikes, but expects impacts soon and is pushing for 24/7 airport operations to improve connectivity.

Tourism Trade Boost: Fiji hosted the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) and Kiribati’s Tourism Authority used the momentum to connect with global buyers; SPTE 2026 drew 225+ trade participants and 60 international buyers, with Pacific MSMEs and women entrepreneurs supported through sponsored booths. Visitor Data for Planning: The Tourism Authority of Kiribati and SPTO released Kiribati’s International Visitor Survey (IVS) 2025 Annual Report, based on 333 responses, estimating tourism’s 2025 economic impact at about USD 12.8 million. Maritime Security Training: AFP and French Armed Forces in French Polynesia trained 12 Kiribati police divers in investigative diving to strengthen counter-narcotics and maritime inspections, with new equipment and PADI certification. Fisheries Crackdown: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after 3 weeks of surveillance across 10 countries’ EEZs; Kiribati took part as authorities conducted sea and port inspections and targeted IUU fishing. Nuclear Justice Push: Kiribati and the Marshall Islands renewed calls at the UN for nuclear justice, citing the human cost of testing and urging accountability for affected communities. Visa Fee Changes in NZ: New Zealand cut Pacific visa fees and extended default multi-entry visas, but officials warn the move could reduce revenue by about $1–2 million a year. Legal Leadership: Justice Leilani Tuala-Warren was appointed to the Kiribati Court of Appeal for a three-year term through May 2029.

Maritime Security: Kiribati police divers completed AFP-led investigative diving training in Tahiti to strengthen counter-narcotics and underwater inspection skills, with new equipment and plans for more advanced courses. Regional Fisheries: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of patrols and aerial surveillance across 10 Pacific EEZs, including Kiribati, with dozens of vessel inspections and hundreds of detections targeted against IUU fishing. Tourism Data: The Tourism Authority of Kiribati and SPTO released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey 2025, reporting 333 valid responses and an estimated 2025 tourism economic impact of USD 12.8 million. Pacific Trade & Industry: India and Kiribati met in Suva to discuss deeper cooperation on copra and coconut oil development, building on earlier support including a dialysis unit. Blue Economy: Fiji and Kiribati signed an MOU to cooperate on sandfish (dairo) aquaculture, linking livelihoods with environmental stewardship. Legal Leadership: Justice Leilani Tuala-Warren was appointed to the Kiribati Court of Appeal for a three-year term. Travel Policy Shock: New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer default visas could cut government revenue by about $1–2 million a year.

Maritime Security: Kiribati police divers have completed specialised investigative diving training in French Polynesia with AFP and French Armed Forces, aiming to spot illicit cargo and strengthen counter-narcotics and port support. Regional Fisheries: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of patrols and inspections across 10 Pacific EEZs, with Kiribati among participating countries as authorities targeted IUU fishing and other maritime crimes. Nuclear Justice: Kiribati renewed calls for nuclear justice at the UN, highlighting the human cost of South Pacific nuclear testing and urging accountability. Tourism Data: The Tourism Authority of Kiribati and SPTO released the 2025 International Visitor Survey report, detailing visitor behaviour and spending to guide marketing and development. Aviation & Fuel Costs: Air Kiribati says it hasn’t yet felt Middle East-linked fuel price rises, but expects impacts soon while pushing for 24/7 airport operations. Legal Milestone: Justice Leilani Tuala-Warren was appointed to the Kiribati Court of Appeal for a three-year term. Blue Economy: Fiji and Kiribati signed an MoU to boost sandfish aquaculture cooperation. Governance & Travel Fees: New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer default visas could cut government revenue by $1–2 million a year.

Visa Shock in the Pacific: New Zealand is cutting Pacific visa fees and extending default visa timeframes, but officials warn the government could lose about $1–2 million a year as immigration costs get spread across fewer fee payers. RSE Backtrack: In New Zealand politics, ACT says its proposed $6-a-day “infrastructure surcharge” for temporary visa holders won’t apply to RSE seasonal workers—after David Seymour’s earlier comments suggested it might. Maritime Security: Kiribati police divers are getting specialised training in French Polynesia to better inspect underwater for illicit cargo, as regional partners push harder against maritime threats. Fisheries Crackdown: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of patrols and inspections across multiple Pacific EEZs, including Kiribati’s. Tourism Data: The Tourism Authority of Kiribati and SPTO released the 2025 International Visitor Survey report, estimating tourism’s 2025 economic impact at USD 12.8 million. Legal Milestone: Justice Leilani Tuala-Warren has been appointed to the Kiribati Court of Appeal.

Pacific Sport Buzz: Pacific athletes turned heads this week at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, with Papua New Guinea’s men’s 4x100m relay smashing a national record and Guam’s mixed 4x400m relay running under four minutes for the first time. Tourism Data for Kiribati: The Tourism Authority of Kiribati and SPTO released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey (IVS) 2025 Annual Report, including an estimated 2025 tourism economic impact of USD 12.8 million. Maritime Security Training: AFP and French Armed Forces in French Polynesia delivered investigative diving training to Kiribati police divers to help detect illicit cargo and strengthen port and rescue operations. Nuclear Justice Push: Kiribati renewed calls for nuclear justice at the UN, highlighting the ongoing human cost of nuclear testing on Kiritimati. Regional Fisheries Crackdown: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after coordinated patrols across 10 EEZs, with vessel inspections and detections targeting IUU fishing. Visa Fee Shock (Policy): New Zealand is cutting Pacific visa fees and extending multi-entry visas, but officials warn it could cost the government $1–2 million a year. Connectivity Upgrade: NEC completed the East Micronesia Cable System, linking Kiribati, FSM and Nauru with high-speed internet.