AGP Executive Report

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.

Naoero Name Change at UN: President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly that Nauru has formally returned to its traditional name, Naoero, saying it better reflects local language and identity, with the international code shifting from NRU to NRO and residents to be referred to as dei-Naoero. ICC Withdrawal: The United States has congratulated Naoero after it announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, with Adeang calling the ICC irrelevant and saying withdrawal documents will be deposited with the Rome Statute repository. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: At the UN, Naoero also pushed for international rules on seabed mining, criticising delays by the International Seabed Authority and arguing the body lacks the mandate to decide whether mining should proceed. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders at the UN warned climate impacts are already here, urging grants at the scale needed for loss and damage and faster climate action. Pacific Legal Action: Fiji opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the International Court of Justice on climate change, with Nauru/ Naoero among participating countries.

Naoero Name Reclaimed at UN: President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly the Republic of Naoero is restoring its traditional name and pronunciation, saying “Naoero” is what locals have always used, with international identity shifting from NRU to NRO and residents to be known as dei-Naoero. ICC Withdrawal Push: At the same UN week, Adeang announced Naoero will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, after US President Donald Trump urged countries to quit the court—while Europe signalled it will defend the ICC. Deep-Sea Mining Clash: Adeang also took aim at the International Seabed Authority, arguing it is slow to set rules, as Naoero backs deep seabed mining while others in the Pacific question the pace and impacts. Climate Finance at UN: Pacific leaders including Tuvalu and Solomon Islands warned that disasters are being met with loans and paperwork instead of grants, calling for faster climate support and fair treatment for small island states. Pacific Legal Action: Fiji’s attorney general opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the ICJ on climate change, with Naoero among participating countries.

Naoero Name Push at UN: President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly the Republic of Nauru is now officially Naoero, saying it restores the traditional name and pronunciation and urging the world to “say our name.” ICC Withdrawal: At the same UN week, Naoero announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal documents with the Rome Statute depository, after US President Donald Trump urged countries to leave the ICC. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Clash: Adeang also criticised delays at the International Seabed Authority, arguing the regulator lacks the mandate to decide whether deep-sea mining is appropriate and calling for the mining code to be finished. Pacific Climate Pressure: Pacific leaders used UNGA to spotlight climate threats, with Tuvalu warning sea-level rise is already a present reality and calling for climate finance as grants and for faster action on loss and damage. Regional Legal Action in Nadi: Fiji’s Attorney-General opened a Pacific writeshop on climate submissions to the International Court of Justice, with Naoero among 16 Pacific countries and territories taking part. Diplomatic Moves: Georgia and Naoero signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations, following Naoero’s earlier shift on recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Naoero Name Push at UN: President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly the country is now officially Naoero, saying it restores the traditional name and pronunciation and asking the world to “say our name.” ICC Withdrawal: In the same UN week, Naoero announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal documents with the Rome Statute depository, while Trump urged other countries to leave the ICC. Deep-Sea Mining Clash: Adeang also criticised delays at the International Seabed Authority, arguing rules for deep seabed mining must be finished, as Naoero backs mining while others like American Samoa oppose commercial extraction for now. Climate Pressure in New York: Pacific leaders used UNGA to stress climate threats and demand stronger action and climate finance, with Tuvalu calling sea-level rise a present reality. Regional Legal Work: Fiji opened a Pacific writeshop in Nadi for submissions to the ICJ climate advisory process, with Naoero among the participating countries.

UN Name Change: Naoero’s President David Adeang used the UN General Assembly to confirm the country’s official shift from Nauru to Naoero, saying it restores the traditional name and pronunciation and urging the world to “Say our name.” ICC Withdrawal: Adeang also announced Naoero will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, calling it increasingly irrelevant, and said withdrawal documents will be deposited with the Rome Statute repository. Deep-sea Mining Push: At the same UN address, Adeang backed responsible seabed minerals but criticised delays at the International Seabed Authority, urging it to “let the waiting end” and adopt mining rules. Pacific Climate Pressure: Pacific leaders at the UN warned climate change is already hitting small islands now, with Tuvalu’s PM calling sea-level rise a “present reality” and urging climate finance as grants at the required scale. Regional Legal Action: Fiji’s Attorney-General opened a Pacific writeshop in Nadi for submissions to the International Court of Justice on climate change, with Naoero among the participating countries.

Name Change at the UN: Naoero’s President David Adeang used the UN General Assembly to urge the world to “say our name,” saying Nauru is a foreign pronunciation and the country is reclaiming its traditional identity as Naoero. ICC Withdrawal: In the same UN push, Naoero announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, after Donald Trump urged countries to quit the court—while Europe signalled it will defend the ICC. Deep-Sea Mining Divide: Naoero also took aim at delays at the International Seabed Authority, arguing rules for seabed mining must be finished, as the UNGA saw a widening split with American Samoa opposing commercial extraction for now. Climate Justice in the Pacific: Fiji’s Attorney-General opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the ICJ climate advisory process, with Nauru among participating states. Pacific Health Gains: Economists say Pacific life expectancy has risen sharply since 1960, with Solomon Islands moving above the regional average. Local Life: Nauru’s government continues encouraging weekly exercise sessions. Sports: Nauru’s Ezekiel Moses placed third at the Oceania Cup Finals in Melbourne.

ICC Push Meets Pacific Reality: US President Donald Trump urged countries to quit the International Criminal Court, calling it “evil” and “a rogue institution” — but only Naoero (formerly Nauru) moved to follow through at the UN General Assembly, announcing it will withdraw from the Rome Statute and deposit its withdrawal documents. Name Change at the UN: Naoero’s President David Adeang used the UN podium to press the world to “Say our name,” saying the shift from Nauru restores the island’s traditional identity and pronunciation, with international updates including the country code. Deep-Sea Mining Clash: At the UN, Naoero also took aim at delays at the International Seabed Authority, arguing rules for seabed mining must be completed, while a separate Pacific stance from American Samoa highlighted the growing divide over commercial extraction. Regional Diplomacy: India’s S. Jaishankar met Naoero’s president and discussed development support, while Georgia and Naoero signed a protocol establishing diplomatic relations after Naoero reversed recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Pacific Mobility & Work Visas: Australia listed 10 countries eligible for its PALM labour mobility scheme, including Naoero, and New Zealand published its RSE seasonal work visa eligibility list, also including Nauru.