Israel becomes a PIF partner raising concerns
The government of Israel has announced that the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has advised that they are now a sectoral dialogue partner of the organisation. This has yet to be confirmed officially by the PIF Secretariat. The announcement has prompted criticism from civil society groups including the Pacific Council of Churches (PCC). Critics point to Israeli positions that are at odds with established PIF values, including in relation to decolonisation and sovereignty.
PNG Parliament wrestles with the Bougainville vote
The PNG Parliament is in session and there has been prolonged debate about the future of Bougainville. The Parliamentary vote as to whether Bougainville should be granted independence will take place next month, and a special three-quarters majority is required for the referendum results to be accepted. Whilst many of the 118 members have yet to reveal how they will vote, some have spoken out, revealing a diverse range of positions on the matter.
New Zealand boosts cybersecurity in Fiji
The government of Fiji has announced a six-month partnership with New Zealand to support cyber security in the country. The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) will work with Fijian counterparts to review national cyber security systems and identify opportunities for reform to strengthen defences against attack. Recently, the US Embassy in Fiji announced that a regional organisation had been the victim of a cyber-attack but it is not known which entity this referred to.
New Caledonia and EU sign a critical minerals deal
The European Union has signed a critical minerals deal with New Caledonia. The agreement has been welcomed by the nickel industry, which sees it as an opening for investment to revitalise the sector. However, pro-independence leaders boycotted the event at which the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding was signed. They raised concerns that there had been insufficient consultation with the Congress over the deal and that sovereignty issues had not been adequately addressed.
About the author: Dr Tess Newton Cain is Principal Consultant at Sustineo. She is also a distinguished academic and researcher with over 25 years of unmatched experience in delivering exceptional policy, research, and analysis to drive strategic development across the Pacific islands region.
