AGP Executive Report

Pacific Climate & Health: University of Auckland professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga says Pacific leaders have solutions to share ahead of pre-COP31 talks in Fiji, linking climate action to health gains and urging closer regional collaboration. Pacific Displacement: ABC reports Nabavatu in Fiji was declared unsafe after cyclones, leaving residents living in tents while they wait for rebuilding, as UN warnings highlight worsening cyclone impacts across the Pacific. Ocean Governance vs Mining: A Palau president says ocean protection must go hand-in-hand with building industries that let communities benefit, while debate continues across the region over deep-sea mining and who gets to set the rules. ICC Pressure in the Pacific: The US has praised Naoero (formerly Nauru) for withdrawing from the ICC, as the ICC also ends its insurer deal with Axa amid mounting US criticism and possible financial restrictions. Regional Security: Defence ministers from across the South Pacific meet in Fiji, with concerns raised about militaries strengthening alliances amid wider geopolitical tensions. Fiji Legal Leadership: Graham Leung is elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law focus as Fiji faces a constitutional review and election pressures.

ICC & Naoero/ Nauru: The United States has congratulated Naoero (formerly Nauru) after President David Adeang announced the country will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, framing it as standing up for sovereignty; Adeang said withdrawal documents will be deposited with the Rome Statute repository, while Trump continues urging countries to quit the ICC. Ocean governance & seabed mining: A new push to set rules for deep-sea minerals is intensifying, with Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. among companies tied to disputes over the International Seabed Authority’s oversight, as competition grows between commercial ambition and public accountability. Pacific ocean protection vs jobs: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says the Pacific must balance marine conservation with economic development, pointing to Palau’s high-seas treaty leadership and marine sanctuary approach. Regional security: Defence ministers from across the South Pacific met in Fiji, with critics saying the real agenda is strengthening alliances amid wider great-power tensions. Fiji legal leadership: Graham Leung has been elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law focus as Fiji faces a constitutional review and general election.

Nauru identity shift: Naoero (formerly Nauru) has formally returned to its traditional name at the UN, with President David Adeang saying it reconnects the country to its history and language, including a change to its international code and how its people are officially referred to. ICC sovereignty row: The same UN speech confirmed Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court after US President Trump urged countries to quit; the US has since congratulated Naoero, framing the move as standing up to “illegitimate overreach.” Ocean rules under pressure: A new legal push around seabed mining highlights how companies and states are racing to shape the rules, with Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. tied to disputes at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea over the International Seabed Authority’s actions. Regional ocean debate: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific nations must balance marine conservation with economic development as climate impacts and pressure on resources grow. Governance and law: Fiji’s Graham Leung has been elected president of the Fiji Law Society, warning the country is at a crossroads amid major social and political challenges.

Nauru identity shift: Nauru has formally returned to its traditional name, Naoero, with President David Adeang announcing the change at the UN General Assembly and saying it reflects local heritage and language (including updated international codes and how citizens are referred to). ICC exit and sovereignty push: Adeang also confirmed Naoero will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing withdrawal documents with the Rome Statute repository, after US President Donald Trump urged countries to quit the ICC; the US has since congratulated Naoero, framing it as standing up to “illegitimate overreach.” Regional ocean debate: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific nations must balance ocean conservation with economic development, pointing to marine sanctuary protections and traditional “bul” stewardship. Deep-sea mining pressure: Fiji-linked Pacific voices continue to weigh deep-sea mining risks versus jobs and development, with concerns about protecting sacred marine areas and livelihoods. Governance and public trust: Solomon Islands’ Dr Transform Aqorau urged public institutions to prioritise merit over connections, warning that wantokism should not decide appointments or access to state resources. Elsewhere in the Pacific: Fiji’s Law Society elected Graham Leung as president, while Solomon Islands backed most UN human rights recommendations but noted capacity limits for sensitive reforms.

Nauru identity and sovereignty: Naoero has formally returned to its traditional name at the UN General Assembly, with President David Adeang saying the change reconnects the country to its history and language. ICC pull-out: Adeang also announced Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, after US President Donald Trump urged countries to quit the court; the US has since congratulated Naoero, framing it as standing up for sovereignty. Regional ocean debate: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific nations must balance ocean conservation with economic development, pointing to marine protection efforts alongside the need for community benefits. Pacific security focus: South Pacific defence ministers met in Fiji, with critics saying the real agenda is strengthening alliances for a US-led approach to regional security. Human rights update: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, while noting 41 due to sensitive legal and social issues and limited capacity to implement more commitments. Elsewhere in the Pacific: Australia published its 2026 Transit Without Visa list of 70 nationalities, while Cook Islands continues grappling with deep-sea mining trade-offs. Disaster and conflict abroad: Myanmar’s Dawei region faces rising flood and landslide deaths, alongside reports of fighting and shelling affecting civilians.

ICC Pressure on the Pacific: The International Criminal Court has ended its insurance deal with French insurer Axa as US criticism and possible financial restrictions loom, with Washington already sanctioning ICC judges and officials. Nauru Renamed Naoero: At the UN General Assembly, President David Adeang said the country has formally returned to its traditional name, Naoero, with international code changes (NRU to NRO) and residents to be called dei-Naoero. US Backs Naoero’s ICC Exit: The US congratulated Naoero after it announced withdrawal from the ICC, framing it as standing up for sovereignty. Pacific Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders at the UN urged climate finance as grants, warning loans and paperwork trap vulnerable states in debt while seas rise and disasters hit. Ocean Rules vs Mining Rush: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said the region must balance ocean conservation with economic development, as deep-sea mining debates intensify across Pacific waters. Fiji Law Society Leadership: Former Attorney-General Graham Everett Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law focus amid constitutional review and elections.

ICC Pressure on Pacific Sovereignty: The ICC has ended its contract with French insurer Axa as US sanctions threats grow, while Washington continues pushing countries to leave the court. Naoero’s ICC Exit: Naoero (formerly Nauru) has withdrawn from the ICC, with the US praising the move as standing up for sovereignty. Identity at the UN: Naoero also formally returned to its traditional name at the UN, changing its international code and how residents are officially described. Ocean vs Jobs: Palau President Surangel Whipps says Pacific states must balance ocean conservation with economic development, pointing to marine sanctuary protections alongside production. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Cook Islands youth are weighing the promise of deep-sea mining against cultural and environmental risks. Regional Security Talk: South Pacific defence ministers met in Fiji, with critics warning the agenda is tied to wider great-power military alignment. Human Rights Review: Solomon Islands backed 140 UN human rights recommendations but noted 41 it says need capacity and resources to implement. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders at the UN General Assembly urged grants over loans and faster climate action.

Naoero name change at UN: President David Adeang says the Republic of Naoero is reclaiming its traditional identity, urging the world to “say our name” as the country shifts from Nauru to Naoero (including code NRU→NRO and “dei-Naoero”). ICC pullout sparks US praise: The United States congratulated Naoero after it announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as standing up for sovereignty. Deep-sea mining divide: Pacific leaders and governments clash over seabed mining rules, with Naoero calling for international standards while others resist commercial extraction. Ocean protection vs jobs: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. argues the Pacific must balance marine conservation with economic development, citing conservation measures rooted in tradition. Regional security talks: South Pacific defence ministers met in Fiji, with critics warning the real focus is strengthening alliances amid great-power tensions. Governance and merit: Solomon Islands urged public institutions to prioritise merit and accountability over connections. Climate finance at UN: Tuvalu and others demanded grants and faster climate funding, warning vulnerable states are being pushed deeper into debt.

ICC Withdrawal & US Reaction: Naoero (formerly Nauru) has formally announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal documents at the Rome Statute repository after President David Adeang’s UN General Assembly speech. The US has praised the move as standing up for sovereignty, with a senior US official meeting Naoero’s deputy foreign minister in New York. Name Reclaiming: Naoero also used the UN platform to urge the world to adopt its traditional Indigenous name, saying “Naoero” reflects local identity and language; the international code is set to shift from NRU to NRO and the demonym to “dei-Naoero.” Regional Climate Push: Pacific leaders at the UN warned that climate impacts are already here, calling for grants and faster climate finance rather than more debt. Deep-Sea Mining Divide: At the UN, Naoero backed completing international seabed mining rules, while American Samoa opposed commercial extraction for now, citing unanswered risks to ecosystems and fisheries. 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 facing major social and political pressures.

Naoero Name Reclaiming: Nauru has formally returned to its traditional name, Naoero, after President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly it reflects local language and identity, with the international code shifting from NRU to NRO and residents increasingly referred to as dei-Naoero. ICC Withdrawal & Sovereignty: The same UN week also brought Naoero’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, after US President Donald Trump urged countries to quit the ICC; the US then publicly congratulated Naoero, framing it as standing up for sovereignty. Seabed Mining Divide: At the UN, the deep-sea mining debate sharpened, with Naoero calling for international seabed rules to be completed while American Samoa opposed commercial extraction at this time, citing unanswered risks to ecosystems and fisheries. Regional Governance & Rule of Law: In Fiji, former Attorney-General Graham Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, stressing an apolitical, rule-of-law approach as Fiji faces a constitutional review and elections. Climate Finance Push: Pacific and other vulnerable nations at the UN rejected “climate debt traps,” demanding grants and faster access to finance instead of loans for disaster recovery.

Naoero’s UN push: President David Adeang used the UN General Assembly to formally urge the world to “say our name,” confirming the country’s return to Naoero and its new international identity, while also announcing Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and depositing the withdrawal paperwork with the Rome Statute repository. US backs the move: The United States congratulated Naoero after the ICC decision, framing it as standing up for sovereignty as Washington escalates its broader campaign against the court. Deep-sea mining clash: Adeang also took aim at delays at the International Seabed Authority, warning that continued rule-setting delays could push small states toward unilateral action; the UN spotlight also showed a split, with American Samoa opposing commercial deep-sea extraction for now. Regional governance and rule of law: Solomon Islands’ Dr Transform Aqorau urged public institutions to put merit, fairness and accountability ahead of connections, warning that wantokism should not decide access to public jobs or contracts. Pacific climate pressure: Pacific leaders at the UN stressed climate finance as grants, not loans, and called for faster action as sea-level rise is already hitting nations like Tuvalu. Fiji legal leadership: Graham Leung was elected new President of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law approach as Fiji faces a constitutional review and elections.

Naoero at the UN: Nauru has officially reclaimed its traditional name, Naoero, with President David Adeang telling the UN General Assembly to “say our name,” including changes to the country code (NRU to NRO) and how residents are referred to. ICC Withdrawal: At the same UN week, Naoero announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal instruments with the Rome Statute repository, after US President Donald Trump urged countries to leave the ICC. Deep-sea mining fight: Naoero also used the UN platform to press for seabed mining rules to be finished, while a separate UNGA spotlight showed a divide, with American Samoa opposing commercial deep-sea extraction for now. Regional climate justice: Pacific leaders at UNGA urged faster climate action and grants over loans, warning small island states are being pushed into debt to recover from disasters they did not cause. Diplomatic links: Georgia and Naoero established diplomatic relations after Naoero reversed recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and Georgia’s PM signed the protocol in New York. Travel and access: Australia published its 2026 Transit Without Visa list of 70 nationalities, and New Zealand released its RSE seasonal work visa eligibility list, including Nauru/ Naoero.

ICC Withdrawal: At the UN General Assembly, Naoero’s President David Adeang announced the country will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, saying the ICC’s relevance is “increasingly being questioned,” and that Naoero will deposit its withdrawal with the Rome Statute repository—after US President Donald Trump urged countries to quit the court. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: In the same UN address, Adeang backed responsible seabed development but urged the International Seabed Authority to finish its mining code, warning delays could push countries toward unilateral action. Name Reclaiming: Naoero formally returned to its traditional name and pronunciation, with the government saying “Naoero” is what locals have used, and calling on the world to “say our name.” Climate Finance Push: Pacific and other climate-vulnerable leaders rejected disaster recovery loans at the UN, demanding grants and faster access to finance that reflects vulnerability—not just income. Governance Message: Solomon Islands Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau told an Attorney-General’s conference that public institutions must put merit and accountability ahead of connections, warning that wantokism should not decide access to jobs or state resources.

ICC Withdrawal & US Pressure: Naoero (formerly Nauru) has formally announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal documents after President David Adeang told the UN the ICC’s relevance is “increasingly being questioned,” following Donald Trump’s push for countries to quit the court. Name Reclaimed at the UN: Adeang also used the UN General Assembly to urge the world to use “Naoero,” saying the change restores the island’s traditional name, pronunciation, and identity, with international code shifting from NRU to NRO and residents to be called dei-Naoero. Seabed Mining Rules Clash: At the same UN address, Naoero backed finishing international deep-sea mining rules, criticizing delays at the International Seabed Authority and warning that continued stalling could push countries toward unilateral action. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders at the UN rejected “debt traps,” calling for grants and faster climate funding that doesn’t force vulnerable nations to borrow for disasters they didn’t cause. Regional Diplomacy: India’s Jaishankar met Pacific leaders in New York under the FIPIC framework, discussing renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, and capacity building. Storm Watch: Travelers heading to New York were warned of a nor’easter bringing strong winds, rain, and possible coastal flooding over the weekend.

Naoero Name Return: Naoero (formerly Nauru) formally reclaimed its traditional name at the UN General Assembly, with President David Adeang urging the world to “say our name,” and noting changes to international codes and how residents are officially referred to. ICC Withdrawal: The United States congratulated Naoero after it announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, following Trump’s push for countries to leave the ICC and amid wider debate over the court’s role. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: At the UN, Adeang also criticised delays at the International Seabed Authority, arguing the body lacks the mandate to decide whether deep-sea mining is the right course and calling for clearer international rules. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders at UNGA warned that climate impacts are already happening, demanding grants at the scale needed for adaptation and faster action to address loss and damage. Pacific Legal Action: Fiji’s Attorney-General opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the International Court of Justice on climate change, with Naoero among participating countries.

Naoero Name Return: President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly that Nauru is officially back to its traditional name, Naoero, saying the change restores heritage and correct pronunciation; the country’s international code will shift from NRU to NRO and residents will be referred to as dei-Naoero. ICC Withdrawal Push: At the same UNGA, Adeang announced Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, after US President Donald Trump urged countries to leave the ICC; Reuters reports the US has also moved with sanctions and visa bans against court staff. Deep-Sea Mining Clash: Adeang also criticised delays at the International Seabed Authority and said Naoero wants international rules finished, while American Samoa’s governor opposed commercial deep-sea mining for now. Climate Finance Pressure: Pacific leaders at UNGA warned that 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 Steps: Fiji’s Attorney-General opened a Pacific writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the ICJ’s climate advisory process, with Naoero among the participating countries.