AGP Executive Report

Climate Justice Push: Pacific civil society groups issued “The Funafuti Call for Climate Justice,” demanding an immediate halt to new coal, oil and gas expansion, stronger loss-and-damage action, and more Pacific control over climate decisions ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Tuvalu Leadership Milestone: Tuvalu inaugurated its first woman Governor-General, Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, on the eve of Independence, with PM Feleti Teo calling it a historic moment. UN Climate Spotlight: PM Feleti Teo was honoured for climate leadership and told the UN that sea-level rise is a present reality, pointing to Tuvalu’s land reclamation on Funafuti (15.3 hectares created, 10 more underway) and the UN declaration protecting statehood and maritime rights. Pre-COP31 in Fiji & Tuvalu: Fiji says nearly 2,000 are expected for the Nadi pre-COP, while Tuvalu and Fiji/Australia plan major leaders’ events; media groups also demand better access to loss-and-damage information. Health and Climate Link: WHO’s Pacific director urged treating climate change as a health emergency, calling for climate and health financing to be aligned. Voyage Delayed: The Moananuiākea canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia postponed visits to Fiji and Tuvalu due to unsafe weather. Culture & Memory: A documentary on Nukulaelae’s 1863 blackbirding raid is heading to international film festivals, linking past displacement to today’s climate threats.

Voyaging Update: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia have postponed their Fiji and Tuvalu leg because unsafe weather (cold fronts and gale-force winds) makes the trip too risky, with visits now potentially pushed to May 2027. Pre-COP31 Focus: Tuvalu and Ireland are laying out a 2027 plan for a “Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels” conference, arguing the shift is about energy security, economic resilience and sovereignty. Sea-Level Rights: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo backed a UN Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, stressing “nationhood is not negotiable” and maritime boundaries must remain protected as coastlines change. Land Reclaimed in Funafuti: Teo says Tuvalu has already reclaimed 15.3 hectares of elevated, flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares underway. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders pressed the UN for faster, bigger adaptation funding, including the Pacific Resilience Facility target of US$500 million by end-2026. Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu Loss and Damage declaration calling for better access to loss-and-damage information and stronger reporting on the real, non-financial harms communities face.

Sea-Level Rights at the UN: Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo backed a landmark UN Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, saying it protects continuity of statehood and maritime boundaries under UNCLOS, while Tuvalu also reported reclaiming 15.3 hectares of flood-free land on Funafuti with another 10 hectares underway. Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu: Australia and Türkiye will host COP31 in Antalya, with Fiji and Tuvalu running Pre-COP31 talks from Oct 5–8; Tuvalu and Ireland also set out a 2027 “pathways to delivery” vision to speed the transition away from fossil fuels. Climate Finance Pressure: Pacific leaders urged the UN to turn promises into action, including funding targets for the Pacific Resilience Facility, as Tuvalu and others warned adaptation and loss-and-damage costs are already hitting communities. Loss & Damage Reporting: Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu declaration calling for better access to loss-and-damage information and stronger accountability from governments and regional agencies. Weather Disrupts Voyaging: The Moananuiākea Voyage to Fiji and Tuvalu was postponed again due to El Niño-related conditions, potentially until May 2027.

West Papua at the UN: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale renewed calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to be allowed into West Papua for independent checks, framing it as a test of transparency and trust with Indonesia. Pre-COP31 attendance secrecy: Tuvalu’s environment ministry declined to name leaders attending Pre-COP31 in Nadi and Tuvalu, citing security protocols, with leaders arriving from Oct 5–8. Sea-level rise protections: The UN General Assembly approved a Declaration on Sea Level Rise, aimed at protecting statehood and maritime rights as coastlines change. Tuvalu adaptation on the ground: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo told the UN the country is already reclaiming land above flood levels—15.3 hectares on Funafuti, with 10 more in progress—while welcoming the new UN declaration. Fossil-fuel transition push: Tuvalu and Ireland set out a 2027 “From Pathways to Delivery” vision for a just transition away from fossil fuels, focused on energy security, sovereignty and practical delivery. Women’s voice in water decisions: Pacific research highlights women’s exclusion from water decision-making as a root cause of wider climate and water harms, urging stronger participation ahead of COP31. Climate media accountability: Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu loss-and-damage media declaration calling for timely, transparent climate information and stronger public-interest questioning. Moananuiākea voyage delayed: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia postponed their Fiji and Tuvalu departure due to weather, with visits now potentially pushed to May 2027.

Fossil Fuel Transition: Tuvalu and Ireland laid out a shared “From Pathways to Delivery” vision for a 2027 conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, with Prime Minister Feleti Teo stressing energy security, economic resilience and sovereignty. Sea-Level Rise & Statehood: Teo also welcomed the UN Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, saying it locks in continuity of statehood and maritime rights; Tuvalu is already reclaiming land above flood levels, with 15.3 hectares created on Funafuti and 10 more underway. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders pressed UN Secretary-General António Guterres for climate adaptation funding, including the Pacific Resilience Facility target of US$500 million by end-2026. Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for better access to loss-and-damage information and stronger accountability. COP31 Prep: COP31 in Antalya (Türkiye) is set for November, with Fiji hosting pre-COP talks Oct 5–8. Regional Mobility & Weather: Australia’s PALM work scheme confirmed Tuvalu among eligible countries, while the Moananuiākea voyage to Fiji and Tuvalu was postponed again due to weather.

Climate Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information and stronger support for Pacific journalists. Tuvalu Adaptation at UNGA: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo told the UN that sea-level rise is “present reality,” citing 15.3 hectares of reclaimed flood-free land on Funafuti and another 10 hectares in development, plus digital steps to protect sovereignty and heritage. Statehood Protected as Seas Rise: World leaders backed a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, affirming countries can keep statehood and maritime rights even if coastlines become uninhabitable. Pacific Push for Climate Finance: Pacific Islands Forum leaders met UN chief António Guterres, pressing for the Pacific Resilience Facility funding target and urging a shift from promises to implementation. Ocean Science for the Pacific: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage from Fiji to Antarctica, with early-career Pacific researchers onboard to track how the ocean is driving and responding to climate change. Culture & Storytelling: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Tuvalu for workshops after weather postponed the national cultural festival, helping students turn lived experience into stories.

Pacific climate science: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage from Fiji to Antarctica, with Pacific early-career researchers onboard, to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how that’s reshaping marine life. Tuvalu culture and voices: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Tuvalu for the first time, running eight days of writing workshops after weather postponed the national cultural festival. UN sea-level push: World leaders adopted a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, affirming that countries can keep statehood, sovereignty and UN membership even if coastlines become uninhabitable, and that maritime zones should remain stable. Tuvalu at UNGA: Prime Minister Feleti Teo told the UN sea-level rise is “present reality,” pointing to Funafuti land reclamation and calling for climate finance as grants at the scale needed. Regional diplomacy: Tonga’s PM urged UN reform, stronger climate action and better access to finance and technology, while warning the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation. Voyage delays: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia’s trip to Fiji and Tuvalu was postponed again due to weather, with visits now potentially pushed to May 2027. Fossil-fuel transition talks: Ireland and Tuvalu outlined plans for a 2027 conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels. SIDS DOCK leadership: Seychelles takes over the SIDS DOCK presidency through December 2027, with Tonga and Belize named vice presidents. Work mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed 10 eligible countries for work placements, including Tuvalu.

UN Climate Push for Tuvalu and Pacific: At UNGA81, Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo said sea-level rise is “a present reality,” pointing to reclaimed land on Funafuti (15.3 hectares so far) and calling for climate finance as grants at the scale needed for loss and damage. Sea-Level Statehood Protection: World leaders unanimously approved a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, backing the “presumption in favour of continued statehood” even if land becomes uninhabitable, and keeping maritime rights stable. Just Transition Away From Fossil Fuels: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined plans for a 2027 conference to turn fossil-fuel phase-out pledges into practical “pathways to delivery.” Regional Security and Ocean of Peace: Tonga’s PM warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for major-power rivalry, while stressing ocean protection and reform of the international system. Taiwan Inclusion at the UN: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine and Tuvalu’s PM backed Taiwan’s substantive participation, arguing only Taiwan’s elected government can represent its people. Tuvalu in the Spotlight: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh visited Tuvalu for the first time, running creative writing workshops after weather delayed the country’s first cultural festival. Work and Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed eligible Pacific countries for work placements, including Tuvalu. Culture and Weather: The Moananuiākea Voyage was delayed again due to El Niño storms, with a possible new departure window into 2027.

UN Sea-Level Declaration: World leaders unanimously approved a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, backing the “presumption in favour of continued statehood” and urging support for communities as coastlines change. Tuvalu at UNGA: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo told the UN sea-level rise is a “present reality,” citing Funafuti coastal land reclamation and calling for climate finance as grants at scale. Fiji on Statehood Law: Fiji President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu urged international law to protect statehood and maritime boundaries even when shorelines shift, pointing to pledged funding for the Pacific Resilience Facility. Pacific Security Warning: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation or rivalry, while pushing UN reform and stronger climate and ocean protection. Media on Loss & Damage: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration to improve reporting on economic, cultural and social harms. Regional Climate Implementation: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined plans for a 2027 fossil-fuel transition conference in Tuvalu. Workforce Mobility: Australia confirmed PALM eligibility for Tuvalu and nine other Pacific countries. Voyaging Update: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia delayed their New Zealand-to-Fiji/Tuvalu departure again, with a possible May 2027 window.

Loss and Damage Media: Pacific editors and newsroom leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, pledging stronger reporting on climate harms already hitting communities—economic, cultural and social—not just damage to roads and homes. Tuvalu-Ireland Fossil Fuel Transition: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined plans for a 2027 conference in Tuvalu to move from fossil-fuel “pathways” to practical delivery, linking the shift to energy security, economic resilience and sovereignty. Statehood at Rising Seas: Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama urged the UN to protect statehood and maritime boundaries even as coastlines change, backing the idea that climate responsibility is a legal obligation. UN Sea Level Declaration: World leaders approved a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, stressing stronger cooperation and support for low-lying states facing an existential threat. Tuvalu at UNGA: Tuvalu was among delegations that walked out as Netanyahu spoke, while UNGA continues with major Manhattan street closures. Pacific Climate Finance & Media: Fiji was selected to pilot COP31’s Climate Implementation Bridge (BRIDGE) to turn climate plans into funding-ready projects, and a Pacific editors forum reaffirmed the media’s role in amplifying local voices. Tuvalu 2027 Pre-COP Focus: Tuvalu and Fiji are set to host Pre-COP31 in early October, with climate priorities front and centre.

UNGA81 Walkout: Dozens of delegations left the UN General Assembly hall as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu spoke, with reports citing 77 countries absent or walking out—Tuvalu and Tonga among those listed. Climate Sovereignty at UN: Small island states won a UN declaration affirming a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” even as sea levels rise, protecting UN membership and sovereign rights. COP31 Finance Push: Fiji was selected to pilot COP31’s Climate Implementation Bridge (BRIDGE), aimed at turning climate plans into funding-ready projects, ahead of Pre-COP in Fiji with Tuvalu and Australia. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders and envoys are using UNGA week to press for stronger climate action, ocean protection, and faster, fairer access to climate finance. Tuvalu in the spotlight: Tuvalu’s presence featured in UNGA coverage, including the walkout list, as regional governments keep pushing for survival-focused climate outcomes. Work Mobility: Australia confirmed the 10 PALM scheme eligible countries, including Tuvalu, for legal work placements.

Sea-Level Sovereignty: The UN General Assembly adopted a political declaration backing the “presumption in favour of continued statehood” for countries losing land to rising seas, protecting national boundaries, sovereign rights and UN membership. Climate Finance Push: Fiji’s “Ocean of Peace” declaration heads to UNGA, calling for stronger action and better access to climate finance for sea-level rise, with Tuvalu flagged as part of the wider push ahead of Pre-COP31. Pacific Voice at UNGA: Pacific leaders are in New York to press a unified agenda on climate, oceans and development finance, while climate envoys carry COP31 priorities into UN Climate Week. India-PIC Cooperation: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired FIPIC talks reaffirming cooperation on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education and healthcare, and India was placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “strategic partner stream.” COP31 Context: Turkey’s Erdogan said countries can’t be expected to move at the same pace without closing financing and technology gaps, as COP31 preparations in Antalya (Nov 9–20) ramp up. Tuvalu & the Bigger Picture: Coverage highlights that for low-lying states, the fight is not just about land, but about keeping nationality, identity and the right to endure.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Pacific Climate envoys head to UNGA and New York Climate Week to push ocean protection, 1.5°C goals, and faster, fairer access to climate finance ahead of Fiji and Tuvalu Pre-COP and COP31. Tuvalu Climate Finance Push: Tuvalu’s climate minister says Australia’s aid “means little” while Canberra backs coal and gas expansion. PIF at UNGA81: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in New York will press a unified agenda on climate, ocean governance, development finance and sea-level rise, with a push to grow the Pacific Resilience Facility toward US$500m. COP31 Financing Reality Check: Turkey’s Erdogan warns climate targets can’t be met at the same pace without closing global finance and technology gaps. Media on Loss and Damage: Pacific editors adopt the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Declaration, urging stronger storytelling and amplification of Pacific voices. Regional Security: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australia maritime security funding targeting illegal fishing and cross-border crime. Local Impact & Jobs: New Zealand publishes RSE seasonal work visa eligibility (including Tuvalu), while Samoa’s boxing team credits government support after a regional tournament.

Seasonal work visas: New Zealand has published the 13 countries eligible for its Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa, with workers able to stay up to seven months in an 11-month period; the list includes Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu. Climate displacement warning: Tuvalu-linked Pacific leaders are pushing for faster adaptation finance as Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis warned up to 8.2 million people in the Greater Caribbean could be displaced by 2050. Sea-level rise push at UNGA81: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are in New York for UNGA81 to press climate, ocean governance, development finance and sea-level rise, including support to reach US$500m for the Pacific Resilience Facility. Fossil fuels vs aid debate: Tuvalu’s climate minister says Australian aid “means little” if coal and gas expansion continues. Local jobs and fisheries upgrades: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority is calling for quotes for a fisheries slipway design, solar power for its mariculture hatchery, and vessel repair/maintenance support.

UN Climate Push: UN chief António Guterres urged every government to adopt national plans to phase out fossil fuels, with clear timelines and support for workers and communities. Tuvalu Climate Response: Tuvalu’s climate minister said Australia’s aid means little while Canberra backs coal and gas expansion, arguing subsidies undermine Pacific trust. Pacific at UNGA81: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in New York are taking a united message on climate change, ocean governance, development finance and sea-level rise, with a push to mobilise US$500m for the Pacific Resilience Facility. Sea-Level Threats: A Rising Nations Gala Dinner highlighted the existential stakes for low-lying states like Tuvalu as sea levels rise. Digital Priorities: Leaders also met on affordable, secure digital connectivity, focusing on sovereignty, cybersecurity and safer digital spaces. Local Action (Tuvalu): Tuvalu Fisheries Authority is inviting quotes for a fisheries slipway upgrade design, plus solar and training equipment, and vessel repair/maintenance services.

UN Climate Push: UN chief António Guterres used his farewell UNGA speech to urge every government to adopt fossil-fuel transition plans with clear timelines and support for workers and communities, warning oil prices and climate shocks threaten energy and human security. Tuvalu on Fossil Fuels: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Vakafua Talia says Australian aid “doesn’t really matter” if Canberra keeps backing coal and gas expansion, citing a report that fossil fuel subsidies dwarf Pacific aid. Pacific at UNGA81: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are in New York pushing a united agenda on climate change, ocean governance, development finance and sea-level rise, with efforts to mobilise US$500m for the Pacific Resilience Facility ahead of pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu. Climate Funding Integrity: Pacific journalists are urged to probe accountability in climate and disaster funding, with UNODC stressing integrity must be built into disaster planning from the start. Labour Mobility: Australia released the full PALM eligibility list, including Tuvalu, framing the scheme as a way to build skills and send remittances home. Tuvalu Fisheries Upgrades: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority calls for consultants to design a Funafuti fisheries slipway upgrade, plus suppliers for shell-jewelry training equipment and a solar power system for its mariculture hatchery.