AGP Executive Report

Pacific diplomacy and governance: Nauru has joined the Inter-Parliamentary Union after revoking recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, opening a path for direct parliamentary talks. Labour and migration: Japan’s ageing population and worker shortages are creating opportunities for skilled Pacific workers, but officials warn immigration remains politically sensitive. Migration policy debate: Australia’s offshore “Pacific Solution” model is being studied by the EU and the US, despite criticism over cost and human rights impacts. Climate talks in Fiji: Pacific leaders are pushing “investing in natural capital” at PACT Pre-COP31, with only two non-Pacific leaders attending and pressure on Australia to deliver funding and climate governance reforms. Ocean economy vs protection: PM Matthew Wale and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. argue the Pacific must turn ocean wealth into jobs while safeguarding reefs, fisheries and marine stewardship. Legal and rights developments: Fiji’s Graham Leung is elected president of the Fiji Law Society, while Solomon Islands backs most UN human rights recommendations but notes limits on capacity to implement more. ICC pressure in the region: Naoero (formerly Nauru) withdraws from the ICC, and the ICC’s insurer deal is ended amid US sanctions threats.

Pacific Climate Push in Fiji: Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu kicked off high-level PRE-COP31 talks in Nadi, with PM Anthony Albanese and Climate Minister Chris Bowen promising $7.29m for renewables and pushing a Pacific declaration on fair climate governance and funding ahead of COP31. Natural Wealth for Jobs: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale told leaders the Pacific’s oceans, forests, reefs and fisheries can be turned into jobs and resilience, pointing to the PNA Vessel Day Scheme and plans for sovereign and climate resilience investment funds. Ocean Protection vs Livelihoods: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says the region must balance marine conservation with “investment in production,” citing Palau’s High Seas Treaty ratification and large marine sanctuary. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Battle: Commentary warns the race for seabed minerals is really a fight over who writes the rules, with Nauru-linked legal action against the International Seabed Authority and broader concerns about sovereignty and arbitration. ICC Under Pressure: The ICC ended its contract with insurer Axa as US sanctions threats grow, while Naoero (formerly Nauru) withdrew from the court after US praise for “sovereignty.” Fiji Legal Leadership: Former Attorney-General Graham Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, saying Fiji is at a crossroads and the profession must stay apolitical while navigating constitutional review and elections.

Pacific Climate Push: Nauru’s PM Matthew Wale is in Fiji for PACT Pre-COP31 talks, urging leaders to treat the Pacific’s oceans, forests, reefs and fisheries as “natural capital” that can create jobs and resilience, pointing to PNA’s Vessel Day Scheme and calling for climate finance reform. Pre-COP31 Attendance: Only two leaders from outside the Pacific are attending the Fiji meeting, as Australia defends the over-$20m cost and frames it as vital diplomacy ahead of COP31. Ocean vs Economy: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific nations must balance marine conservation with development, backing protection while investing in production. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: A debate is growing over seabed minerals and who sets the rules, with concerns that companies can race ahead of safeguards. ICC Fallout and Naoero: The US welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the ICC, while Japan reiterated support for the ICC after Gaza-related arrest moves. Fiji Law Society: Former Attorney-General Graham Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law focus as Fiji faces elections and a constitutional review.

Pacific Climate & Health: University of Auckland professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga says pre-COP31 talks in Fiji should highlight Pacific solutions on climate and health inequity, stressing regional collaboration and shared stewardship. Displacement from Extreme Weather: ABC reports families in Nabavatu (declared unsafe after cyclones) are still living in ballooning tent settlements in Savadrua, underscoring how rising seas and heavier rain are driving Pacific displacement. Ocean Policy & Deep-Sea Mining: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. argues the Pacific must balance ocean conservation with jobs and production, while debate continues across the region—from seabed-mining “rule-making” to Cook Islands youth questioning whether mining will deliver a real future. Regional Security: Fiji hosted the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting, with ministers discussing shared security while critics warn it strengthens outside military alliances. Human Rights Review: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, noting 41 due to capacity and resources. ICC & Naoero (formerly Nauru): The US welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the ICC, as the ICC faces mounting pressure and insurance changes amid US sanctions threats. Fiji Law Society: Graham Leung was elected president, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law approach as Fiji navigates constitutional review and elections.

Seabed Mining Rules Clash: Nauru Ocean Resources’ case at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea highlights how seabed minerals are becoming a fight over who gets to set the rules, with the Seabed Disputes Chamber ordering provisional measures tied to the International Seabed Authority and The Metals Company’s push for permits. ICC Pressure on Small States: The US welcomed Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, after President David Adeang told the UN the ICC’s relevance is “increasingly being questioned,” while Trump renewed calls for countries to quit the court amid talk of sanctions. Ocean Conservation vs Jobs: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr says Pacific nations must protect the ocean and also invest in production, pointing to Palau’s marine sanctuary and High Seas Treaty leadership. Regional Governance & Law: Fiji’s Graham Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law focus as Fiji faces a constitutional review and general election. Human Rights Review: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, noting 41 on sensitive issues and stressing capacity limits.

Nauru Identity & Sovereignty: Naoero has formally returned to its traditional name at the UN, with President David Adeang saying the change reconnects the country to its language and heritage. ICC Fallout: The same UN week saw Naoero announce withdrawal from the International Criminal Court after US President Donald Trump urged countries to quit; the US then congratulated Naoero, framing it as standing up to ICC “overreach.” Ocean Rules & Mining: A new push to secure seabed minerals is also a fight to write the rules, with Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (both linked to The Metals Company) seeking provisional measures against the International Seabed Authority. Pacific Ocean Policy: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific states must balance ocean conservation with economic development, investing in both protection and production. Regional Governance & Rights: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, while noting 41 tied to sensitive social and legal issues. Fiji Legal Leadership: Graham Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law approach as Fiji faces elections and a constitutional review.

Nauru/Na oero identity shift: President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly that Nauru has formally returned to its traditional name, Naoero, saying the change reflects local history and language (including an international code update). ICC standoff: Naoero also announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, after US President Donald Trump urged countries to leave; the US has since congratulated Naoero, framing the move as defending sovereignty. Ocean policy debate: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific states must balance ocean conservation with economic development, pointing to marine sanctuary protections alongside community benefits. Deep-sea mining pressure: Fiji-linked regional discussion continues as Pacific voices weigh the risks to marine life and livelihoods against potential economic gains from seabed minerals. Regional governance and rights: Solomon Islands backed most UN human rights recommendations but noted capacity limits for sensitive legal reforms, while leaders also stressed merit-based public institutions over connections. Elsewhere in the Pacific: Defence ministers in Fiji met amid claims of preparing for wider regional security challenges.

ICC vs Axa: The International Criminal Court has ended its contract with French insurer Axa as US pressure on the Hague court escalates, with sanctions risks now looming over ICC operations. ICC vs Naoero: The US has praised Naoero (formerly Nauru) after President David Adeang announced withdrawal from the ICC at the UN General Assembly, framing it as standing up for sovereignty. Naoero rebrands: Adeang also told the UN that the country is formally returning to its traditional name, Naoero, with international codes shifting from NRU to NRO and residents to be called dei-Naoero. Pacific ocean debate: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says the Pacific must balance ocean conservation with economic development, pointing to marine sanctuary protections alongside the need for community benefits. Deep-sea mining pressure: Regional coverage highlights how deep-sea minerals are driving a race that could undermine Pacific sovereignty, while Fiji and others push for precaution and clearer international rules. Climate finance push: Pacific leaders at the UN warned that climate-vulnerable states are being forced into debt for disasters they didn’t cause, calling for grants and faster access to support. Fiji legal leadership: Former Attorney-General Graham Leung has been elected president of the Fiji Law Society, urging an apolitical, rule-of-law focus as Fiji faces a constitutional review and general elections.

ICC Fallout: The International Criminal Court has ended its contract with French insurer Axa as US pressure mounts, with sanctions feared to restrict ICC transactions and operations. Pacific Ocean Policy: Palau President Surangel Whipps says island states must balance ocean conservation with practical economic development, pointing to marine protections rooted in traditional “bul” stewardship. Regional Security: Defence ministers from across the South Pacific met in Fiji, with the stated focus on shared risks but concerns that the agenda is geared toward preparing for wider great-power conflict. Human Rights Review: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, while noting 41 tied to sensitive social and legal issues. Fiji Legal Leadership: Graham Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law approach as Fiji faces a constitutional review and election period. Nauru Renamed Naoero + ICC Exit: Naoero (formerly Nauru) formally returned to its traditional name and announced withdrawal from the ICC, drawing US praise while Europe signals it will defend the court.

ICC and Naoero: At the UN General Assembly, Naoero (formerly Nauru) formally announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, with the US praising the move as a stand for sovereignty after President David Adeang said the ICC’s relevance is “increasingly being questioned.” Identity and paperwork: Naoero also used the UN platform to push the world to adopt its traditional name, saying “Naoero” better reflects local language and heritage, with international codes and how residents are described set to change. Deep-sea mining debate: A divide over seabed mining is playing out at the UN, with Naoero calling for international rules to be finished while American Samoa opposes commercial extraction for now, citing major unknown impacts. Ocean protection vs jobs: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. told leaders the Pacific must balance conservation with economic development as climate pressures mount. Governance and fairness: Solomon Islands’ Dr Transform Aqorau urged public institutions to put merit, fairness and accountability ahead of connections to rebuild public trust.

ICC showdown in the Pacific: The United States has congratulated Naoero (formerly Nauru) after President David Adeang announced at the UN General Assembly that the country will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, framing it as a stand for sovereignty. Name change spotlight: Naoero also used the UN stage to urge the world to adopt its traditional name and pronunciation, with the international code shifting from NRU to NRO and residents to be called dei-Naoero. Regional legal leadership: Fiji’s former Attorney-General Graham Leung has been elected president of the Fiji Law Society, saying Fiji is at a crossroads as it faces a constitutional review and an election. Climate finance pressure at UN: Pacific leaders at the UN warned that climate-vulnerable states are being pushed into debt for disasters they did not cause, calling for grants and faster access to finance. Deep-sea mining debate widens: At the UN, Naoero backed finishing international seabed mining rules, while American Samoa opposed commercial extraction for now. Governance and merit: Solomon Islands’ SINU vice chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau told an attorney-general conference that public institutions must prioritise merit and accountability over connections.

ICC and sovereignty: The United States has congratulated Naoero (formerly Nauru) after President David Adeang announced the Pacific nation will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, framing it as a stand against “illegitimate overreach” while Trump urges other countries to quit the court. Name change at the UN: Adeang also used the UN General Assembly to press the world to use “Naoero,” saying it better reflects local language and identity, with the country’s international code shifting from NRU to NRO. Seabed mining divide: At the UN, Naoero called for seabed mining rules to be finished, while American Samoa opposed commercial deep-sea extraction for now, citing unanswered risks to ecosystems and fisheries. Regional legal leadership: Fiji’s former Attorney-General Graham Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law focus as Fiji faces a constitutional review and elections. Climate finance pressure: Pacific leaders at the UN warned climate-vulnerable states are being pushed into debt for disasters they didn’t cause, calling for grants and faster access to support.

ICC Withdrawal & UN Diplomacy: Naoero’s President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly the country will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal documents with the Rome Statute repository, after US President Donald Trump urged nations to quit the ICC. The US has since congratulated Naoero for “standing up for sovereignty,” while Adeang also pressed the International Seabed Authority to finish deep-sea mining rules. Name Change to Naoero: Nauru has formally reclaimed its traditional name, with the new international identity shifting from NRU to NRO and residents increasingly referred to as dei-Naoero. Adeang used the UN stage to say “Say our name” and restore the country’s heritage and pronunciation. Deep-Sea Mining Divide: At the UN, the Pacific seabed mining debate sharpened, with Naoero calling for completed international standards while American Samoa opposed commercial extraction at this time. Regional Climate Pressure: Pacific leaders at the UN warned climate finance must come as grants, not loans, as sea-level rise and disaster recovery keep hitting small island states hardest. Fiji Rule-of-Law Update: Graham Leung was elected new President of the Fiji Law Society, saying Fiji is at a crossroads and the profession must stay apolitical while navigating elections and a constitutional review.

Naoero Name Change at UN: President David Adeang says Nauru has officially reclaimed its traditional name, “Naoero,” including a new international code (NRU to NRO) and “dei-Naoero” for residents, urging the world to “say our name.” ICC Withdrawal: Adeang also announced Naoero will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal with the Rome Statute repository, after Trump urged countries to quit the ICC—while the US praised the move and Europe signals it will defend the court. Deep-Sea Mining Divide: At the UN, Naoero pressed for seabed mining rules to be finished, while American Samoa rejected commercial extraction for now, citing unanswered risks to deep-ocean ecosystems and fisheries. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders at the UN General Assembly warned climate-vulnerable nations are being forced into debt for disasters they didn’t cause, calling for grants and faster access to climate funding. Regional Legal Action: Fiji’s Attorney-General opened a Pacific writeshop in Nadi for submissions to the ICJ on climate change, with representatives from 16 Pacific countries including Naoero. Governance Message: Dr Aqorau urged public institutions in the Pacific to put merit, fairness and accountability ahead of connections, warning that wantokism should not decide access to public jobs or resources.

Naoero at the UN: President David Adeang used the UN General Assembly to formally announce Nauru’s return to its traditional name, Naoero, saying it restores heritage and correct pronunciation, with the country’s international code shifting from NRU to NRO and people referred to as dei-Naoero. ICC pull-out: In the same UN week, Naoero also confirmed it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court after US President Donald Trump urged countries to leave, with Washington praising the move as a stand for sovereignty. Seabed mining pushback: Adeang tied the ICC decision to a broader sovereignty message and urged the International Seabed Authority to finish rules for deep-sea mining, warning delays could push states toward unilateral action. Climate finance pressure: Pacific leaders at the UN rejected “climate debt” logic, saying vulnerable nations are being forced into loans for recovery from disasters they did not cause. Deep-sea mining divide: The UN also saw a split over extraction, with American Samoa opposing commercial deep-sea mining while Naoero calls for completed international standards.

Naoero at the UN: President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly that the Republic of Nauru is now officially Naoero, saying the change restores the traditional name, pronunciation and identity; the move also shifts the country code from NRU to NRO and the official demonym to dei-Naoero. ICC withdrawal: In the same UN push, Naoero announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal documents with the Rome Statute repository, after US President Donald Trump urged countries to leave the ICC. Seabed mining rules: Adeang also used the UN platform to press the International Seabed Authority to finish deep-sea mining rules, warning delays could push countries toward unilateral action. US backs the move: The US State Department says it has congratulated Naoero on the ICC decision, framing it as standing up for sovereignty. Pacific climate pressure: Across the UN, Pacific leaders demanded grants not loans for climate recovery, with Tuvalu warning sea-level rise is already a present reality.