AGP Executive Report

Tsunami Watch: A powerful earthquake in the southern Philippines has put Pacific coastal monitoring systems on alert, with Fiji and other Pacific islands included in a regional advisory; New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to Aotearoa and the US Tsunami Warning Centre expects waves under 0.3m above tides. Public Health Tech: Fiji is rolling out a chemical-free dengue control programme using mosquito lamps, electric traps, bed nets, rapid test kits and fly traps, aiming to cut mosquito populations and boost early detection. Drugs at Sea: Police are investigating suspected methamphetamine and earlier cocaine finds after sealed drug containers washed up near Ogea Island in Lau, with lab testing underway and authorities working out how they drifted in. Chemicals & Waste Governance: Fiji is strengthening hazardous chemicals and waste management ahead of its Stockholm Convention reporting, including plans to join Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions and building a national scientific lab for testing. Ocean Policy: The new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) is consolidating support for its base in Palau as it transitions from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to Europe. Health Policy Debate: Fiji’s Consumer Council urged Parliament to require scientific evidence before compulsory vaccinations and medical treatment under a Public Health Amendment Bill. Skills & Research: GX Foundation and Fiji National University signed an MoU to expand public health training, workshops and joint research. AI in Finance: Finnate was listed on Singapore’s MAS PathFin.ai Knowledge Hub after an independent review, highlighting safer AI adoption in regulated financial services. Climate Relocation: Pacific nations adopted the first regional climate relocation guidance to protect rights, culture and community decision-making when adaptation is no longer possible.

Hazardous Chemicals & Waste: Fiji is ramping up chemical safety ahead of its Sixth National Report under the Stockholm Convention on POPs, including plans to join Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions and setting up a scientific lab for water, air and chemical testing. Ocean Governance: The new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) is consolidating support for its Palau base, with calls to protect the office’s independence to coordinate ocean policy across the region. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc, tightening cold-chain requirements. Public Health Law: Fiji’s Consumer Council urged Parliament to limit compulsory vaccinations and medical treatment under the Public Health Amendment Bill to cases backed by scientific evidence and independent review. Skills for Growth: Pacific Polytech graduates in Labasa were urged to plug Fiji’s skills gaps as migration and infrastructure investment increase demand for trades. Waste & Community Trust: Fiji rejected a Vuda waste-to-energy and port proposal, and local groups say the decision restores confidence in land rights and highlights the need for proper consultation.

AI in the workplace: An opinion piece argues “use AI or be replaced” is really about staying competitive as tools automate tasks and boost productivity across offices, classrooms, hospitals and finance. Public health law safeguards: Fiji’s Consumer Council urged Parliament to limit compulsory vaccinations and medical treatment under the Public Health Amendment Bill to cases backed by scientific evidence, proportionate risk, and independent review. Public health training partnership: GX Foundation and Fiji National University signed an MoU to expand public health and youth development through workshops, training, seminars and joint research. Hazardous chemicals push: Fiji is strengthening management of persistent organic pollutants ahead of its Stockholm Convention report, including setting up a scientific lab for water, air and chemical testing and moving toward Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata accession. Ocean governance update: Support is building for the new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner to be based in Palau, with calls to protect its independence and coordination role. Waste and jobs: Return and Earn expanded with a new Nasinu centre, aiming for more collection sites while creating local employment. EU seafood compliance: Fiji and other Pacific states trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of eligible Pacific-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Climate relocation guidance: Pacific governments adopted regional planned relocation guidance to protect rights and cultural identity when communities can’t safely adapt in place. Skills for development: Pacific Polytech graduates were urged to help plug Fiji’s skilled workforce gaps as infrastructure and resilience projects ramp up.

Hazardous Chemicals Push: Fiji opened a two-day Suva workshop to strengthen management of hazardous chemicals and waste ahead of its Sixth National Report under the Stockholm Convention on POPs, with “forever chemicals” flagged as a health and ecosystem risk; Fiji is also moving to accede to Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions and has set up its own scientific lab for water, air and chemical testing. Ocean Governance: As the new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner transitions away from the PIF Secretariat, Palau’s government backed the OPOC mandate in Koror while urging independence so it can coordinate the Pacific’s growing ocean and policy needs. Recycling Jobs: Return and Earn expanded in Nasinu with a new collection centre, aiming for 50+ centres nationwide and prioritising local jobs over heavy automation. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji and other Pacific states trained in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels. Customs Tech Upgrade: At Fiji’s Oceania Customs Organisation conference, the World Customs Organization said AI and digital tools are helping customs administrations improve trade facilitation, enforcement and revenue collection. Waste-to-Energy Blocked: Fiji’s Department of Environment rejected the Vuda Point energy-from-waste and private port EIA, citing unresolved risks around scale, waste sourcing (including imports), hazardous ash, public health, infrastructure impacts and social/cultural/tourism effects. Drug Security Warning: Fiji warned the Pacific is shifting from a transit zone to a destination for illicit drugs, calling for stronger intelligence sharing and modernised border systems.

Hazardous Chemicals & Waste: Fiji is ramping up chemical safety ahead of its Stockholm Convention POPs Sixth National Report, with a Suva workshop targeting an Aug 31, 2026 deadline; Fiji is also moving to join the Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions and has set up its own scientific lab for water, air and chemical testing. Ocean Governance: As the new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) transitions from the PIF Secretariat, Palau is backing the office in Koror and urging member states to protect its independence to coordinate the Pacific’s growing ocean policy needs. Recycling Jobs: Return and Earn is expanding in Nasinu with a new collection centre, aiming for 50+ centres nationwide while keeping the model people-centred to create local jobs. Public Health & Drugs: Fiji is being flagged as a “warning sign” for the region as meth traces appear in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” wash up in the Solomon Islands, alongside rising HIV and TB concerns. EU Seafood Rules: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, tightening cold-chain standards to prevent histamine poisoning. Disaster Readiness: A push for pre-arranged disaster financing argues countries can’t keep treating crises like surprises, with Fiji named among examples of faster response funding. Coral Protection: An 11-year-old student used the Veivueti Ocean Conference to spotlight coral reef threats and urge urgent conservation action. Waste-to-Energy Setback: Fiji’s Environment Department rejected the Vuda waste-to-energy and private port EIA, citing unresolved risks and standards gaps, while Vuda communities welcomed the decision. Customs Tech: At Fiji’s Oceania Customs Organisation conference, WCO leaders said AI and digital tools can improve trade facilitation, enforcement and revenue collection. Skills for Growth: Pacific Polytech graduates in Labasa were urged to fill Fiji’s skilled-worker gaps as migration and infrastructure investment increase demand.

Climate Finance Push: Fiji’s Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya urged faster, simpler climate funding for small island states, warning the world is moving too slowly as risks intensify. EU Fisheries Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of Pacific vessels exporting to the bloc. Disaster Preparedness Gap: A new push argues governments should pre-arrange disaster financing so money is ready before storms, not scrambled during crises. Ocean Conservation by Youth: Students at Fiji’s Veivueti Kids Ocean Conference showcased coral-protection awareness, with the event expanding to more schools nationwide. Waste & Energy Setback in Vuda: Fiji’s Environment Department rejected TNG’s Vuda waste-to-energy and port EIA, citing major unresolved risks and gaps in the assessment. AI & Online Safety: University of Fiji vice-chancellor Shaista Shameem warned that AI use is hard to detect and should be addressed in the Online Safety Act review. Customs Tech Upgrade: At Fiji’s Oceania Customs Organisation conference, WCO officials said AI and digital tools are reshaping customs for faster trade and better enforcement. Regional Security/Infrastructure: Quad foreign ministers unveiled new Indo-Pacific initiatives, including a Fiji port infrastructure project and energy security efforts.

Customs & AI: The Oceania Customs Organisation conference in Fiji heard how artificial intelligence and digital tools are helping customs agencies speed up trade, improve enforcement, and raise revenue. Skills for growth: Pacific Polytech’s 73 graduates in Labasa were told their trades are vital as Fiji faces workforce gaps from overseas migration. Waste policy shock in Vuda: Fiji’s Environment Department rejected The Next Generation Holdings’ Vuda waste-to-energy and port EIA, citing unresolved risks around imported waste, hazardous ash, public health, and social/cultural impacts—prompting renewed calls for better-scaled alternatives. Ocean resilience & youth action: Research in Ra shows traditional knowledge and community governance strengthening coastal fisheries resilience; meanwhile, the Veivueti Kids Ocean Conference expanded to 14 schools nationwide. Regional tech & governance: New Zealand reaffirmed support for Fiji’s public enterprise development and social cohesion; Fiji’s Suva City Council urged clearer coordination in public health law amendments. Drug crackdown: Fiji Police reported destroying nearly 47,400 marijuana plants in Cakaudrove operations.

El Niño & ocean safety: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage route as El Niño and storm risks rise, with a revised departure from Aotearoa (NZ) in August and planned stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji for ocean-protection discussions. Waste-to-energy setback: Fiji’s Environment Department rejected an Environmental Impact Assessment for a proposed Vuda Point energy-from-waste plant and private port, citing unresolved risks from imported waste to hazardous ash and public health impacts. Drug crackdown: Police destroyed nearly 47,400 marijuana plants in Cakaudrove’s “Golden Triangle,” arresting 77 suspects and seizing dried leaves, cash and ammunition. AI & online safety: University of Fiji vice-chancellor Shaista Shameem warns that AI use is hard to detect and could shape thinking, urging clearer rules during the Online Safety Act review. Ocean resilience research: New Ra Province research highlights how traditional knowledge and community systems are strengthening coastal fisheries against warming seas, cyclones and ecosystem shifts. Regional security tech: Fiji is pushing for stronger customs cooperation as the Pacific shifts from transit to destination for illicit drugs, with intelligence sharing and frontline upgrades on the agenda. Public health coordination: Suva City Council calls for clearer, multisector public health coordination as Parliament reviews Fiji’s public health laws. Israel-Fiji tech cooperation: Fiji’s new Israeli embassy opening is framed as a “golden era,” with Rabuka pointing to potential help in cybersecurity, digital health, agriculture and early drug-detection tools. Youth ocean action: The Veivueti Kids Ocean Conference expands to a national event with students from 14 schools, boosting hands-on ocean conservation learning.

AI & Online Safety: University of Fiji vice-chancellor Shaista Shameem warns AI use is now hard to detect and could reshape how people think, urging clearer rules during the Online Safety Act review. Youth Ocean Action: International School Suva’s Veivueti Kids Ocean Conference expands to a two-day national event, bringing students from 14 schools into ocean conservation learning. Sports-to-Economy Impact: Drua’s CEO says ANZ research estimates the franchise added about $108m to Fiji’s GDP in the 2025 season, boosting tourism and local spending. Public Health Coordination: Suva City Council pushes for a stronger, multi-agency public health framework as Parliament amends Fiji’s public health laws. Maternal Mental Health Study: A new Fiji study will survey 300 mothers to measure postpartum depression and identify gaps in maternity care. HIV Update: Fiji reports 117 HIV-related deaths in 2025 and 2,016 newly registered cases, the highest since surveillance began. Israel-Fiji Tech & Security Links: Israel’s new Suva embassy opens amid protests, while Rabuka points to cooperation in cybersecurity, digital health, agriculture, and drug-fighting tech. Regional Ocean Summit: Around 300 island representatives meet in Tokyo to push maritime conservation and climate action, calling for financing and practical technology. Low-Carbon Shipping Push: Pacific transport ministers plan the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership to pursue climate finance for low-carbon vessels.

Israel–Fiji Tech & Security Push: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says Israel’s new Suva embassy could unlock cooperation in health, digital transformation, cybersecurity, agriculture and food security, with a focus on tackling illicit drugs and transnational organised crime. Diplomacy With Backlash: The embassy opening drew pro- and anti-Israel protests in Fiji and New Zealand, with activists criticising the move amid Gaza-related allegations. Satellite for Land Monitoring: Fiji government agencies trained with SPC’s Digital Earth Pacific to use satellite data and mapping tools to track land-use and ecosystem change for more evidence-based climate resilience. Aviation Upgrade: Labasa Airport is set to get a remote tower AFIS system, sending live aircraft operations data to a Nadi operations centre to improve safety and coordination. Ocean & Climate Cooperation: Over 30 island nations met in Tokyo for an ocean summit calling for practical financing, usable technology and stronger action on climate and marine conservation. Energy Skills Locally: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu communities completed hands-on solar training to cut reliance on imported diesel and build energy resilience. Health Alert: Fiji recorded 117 HIV-related deaths and 2,016 newly registered cases in 2025, highlighting late diagnosis risks.

Fiji–Israel Tech & Security: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji could expand cooperation with Israel after the Suva embassy opening, including cyber and early drug-detection support to tackle meth trafficking and organised crime. Diplomacy Backlash: Pro-Palestine groups staged protests in Fiji and New Zealand against the embassy, citing Gaza-related concerns and warning of deeper trade/security/tech ties. Aviation Upgrade: Labasa Airport is set to get a remote tower AFIS system, sending live aircraft operations data to a Nadi centre to improve safety and coordination for Vanua Levu flights. Public Health Alarm: Fiji recorded 117 HIV-related deaths in 2025, alongside a 27% rise in newly registered cases to 2,016, with late diagnosis still a major risk. Satellite for Land Monitoring: Government staff trained with SPC’s Digital Earth Pacific to use satellite imagery and mapping tools to track land-use and ecosystem change. Energy Skills for Communities: Solar Scholars training in Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu is building local solar PV installation and maintenance capacity to cut diesel dependence. Regional Climate Shipping Push: Pacific transport leaders are moving to launch the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to pursue climate finance for low-carbon vessels. Media Business Pressure: Pacific broadcasters face rising sports/entertainment rights costs, pushing calls for regional content-sharing and joint deals.

Satellite mapping for land change: Fiji government staff trained with SPC’s Digital Earth Pacific to use satellite imagery and digital mapping for land-use and ecosystem monitoring, aiming for better climate resilience decisions. Aviation tech upgrade: Labasa Airport is set to get a remote tower AFIS system, sending live aircraft operations data to a Nadi centre to improve safety and coordination for Vanua Levu flights. Energy resilience training: Community leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu learned solar PV installation and maintenance through the Solar Scholars initiative, with systems installed in Sigatoka and Lautoka to cut reliance on imported fuel. Israel–Fiji tech and security ties: PM Rabuka and Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar marked the opening of Israel’s Suva embassy, highlighting cooperation in health, digital transformation, cybersecurity, agriculture and water management—while groups like Pasifika for Palestine/APAN condemned the move. Quad infrastructure push: The Quad’s renewed focus on ports, maritime surveillance and energy stability—highlighting a Fiji port plan—shows how Indo-Pacific crises are reshaping development priorities. Health in schools: Fiji’s NCD push targets healthier school food environments to tackle obesity, diabetes and heart disease early.

NCD Prevention in Schools: Fiji’s Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa says the Pacific’s fight against non-communicable diseases must start in classrooms, where unhealthy habits form early. Solar for Energy Independence: 350.org Pacific and ICSC trained community leaders in solar PV installation, installing systems at Yavulo Kindergarten (Sigatoka) and the Fiji Council of Social Services (Lautoka) to cut fuel-cost pressure and power outages. Pacific Media Resilience: Broadcasters across the region face falling revenue and rising costs, but leaders at the Pacific Media Partnership Conference push stronger business models, skills, and smarter use of emerging tech. Quad Tech & Infrastructure Push (Fiji-first): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Quad plans for maritime surveillance, domain awareness, and a Fiji port infrastructure pilot—positioning Fiji as a key Pacific beneficiary. Climate Diplomacy: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji must attend Pre-COP in Nadi and COP31 to secure climate funding and ensure Fiji’s needs are heard. Israel Embassy Fallout: Pasifika for Palestine Australia and APAN condemned Israel’s Suva embassy opening, citing Gaza-related concerns and signed security/technology cooperation.

Quad Ports for Future Partnership: US, Japan, India and Australia announced a pilot port infrastructure push in Fiji, with Suva (and Lautoka) flagged as early sites, alongside maritime surveillance, domain awareness and critical minerals plans aimed at strengthening Indo-Pacific connectivity. Energy Independence Training: Pacific leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu trained in solar installation and maintenance through the Solar Scholars Initiative, responding to rising fuel and electricity costs and building local renewable energy capacity. Fiji Climate Diplomacy: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji must stay present at Pre-COP in Nadi and COP31 to secure climate funding and adaptation support, despite high delegation costs. Agriculture Tech Delay: Fiji’s Black Soldier Fly farming rollout is slowed by prolonged vetting at the Solicitor General’s office, even as trials show larvae can convert organic waste into animal feed and fertiliser. Health Awareness: Fiji’s Women and Children Minister Sashi Kiran urged earlier lupus diagnosis and stronger community support, noting women are disproportionately affected and stigma delays treatment. Border Security Reform: Fiji’s immigration and travel document amendments aim to modernise screening using advanced passenger information and strengthen penalties for passport offences. Robotics in Surgery: Fiji-born Dr Murali Reddy performed the first robotic-assisted knee replacements in New Zealand using Stryker’s Mako Smart Robotics system.

Quad Port Push for Fiji: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the Quad (US, India, Japan, Australia) will jointly develop Fiji port infrastructure, with Fiji first in line, aiming to tackle Pacific port capacity gaps and strengthen maritime cooperation. Renewables Training: Pacific leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu trained in solar installation and maintenance through the Solar Scholars Initiative, as fuel and electricity costs keep rising. Climate Diplomacy: Fiji’s Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji must attend Pre-COP in Nadi and COP31 to secure climate funding and ensure Fiji’s needs are heard. Fiji Tech & Health: Fiji Airways launches “FlyWell,” a wellness programme using wearable tech and therapies for long-haul recovery, while Fiji’s Women’s Minister flags delayed lupus diagnosis and calls for stronger awareness and support. Food & Farming Tech: Black Soldier Fly farming rollout is delayed by legal vetting, despite successful trials turning organic waste into animal feed and fertiliser. Security & Crime: A major cocaine bust tied to Colombia’s Clan del Golfo highlights organised crime links across the Pacific.

Quad Ports for the Future: Fiji is set to be the first Pacific beneficiary of a Quad-led port infrastructure pilot, with Suva (and Lautoka) flagged as early sites after the May 26 New Delhi foreign ministers’ meeting, alongside maritime surveillance, energy security and critical minerals supply-chain work. Climate Funding Push: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji can’t afford to miss global climate talks, pointing to Pre-COP in Nadi (Oct 5–8) and COP31 in Türkiye as key to securing adaptation and resilience finance. Drug Bust Links to Colombia: Police and summit briefings say the $3billion cocaine haul seized at the Vatia jetty was trafficked from Colombia, tied to Clan del Golfo, with Ecuador-linked networks implicated. Immigration Tech Upgrade: Fiji is establishing document forensic labs in Nadi and Suva to detect fake passports and forged travel documents after a transnational gang case involving suspects transiting Fiji. Farming Innovation Delayed: Black Soldier Fly farming trials show promise, but rollout is slowed by prolonged vetting at the Solicitor General’s office. Health Tech Milestone: Fiji-born surgeon Dr Murali Reddy performed the first robotic-assisted knee replacements in New Zealand using Stryker’s Mako Smart Robotics system. Workforce Gap: Parliament hears 202 registered teachers still lack placements, with the biggest shortfall in early childhood education. Fintech Watch: A new overview highlights how Fiji’s digital finance ecosystem is expanding access across remote islands, positioning fintech as key infrastructure for inclusion.