Cyclone activity brings death and destruction to the region
Two (now ex) cyclones have wreaked paths of havoc across the region. Tropical Cyclone Maila caused a landslide in Bougainville, which has left more than ten people dead. Elsewhere in both Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands there has been widespread damage from destructive winds and flooding. In Fiji, Tropical Cyclone Vaianu caused flooding that disrupted flights and kept schools closed. Cyclone season ends on April 30th.
Vanuatu hosts major meeting focused on phasing out fossil fuels
As the world watches developments in the Middle East nervously, Vanuatu is hosting the third Pacific Ministerial Dialogue on the Global Just Transition. Pacific Small Island Developing States are coming together to develop a joint position ahead of the first ever international conference focused on phasing out fossil fuels, to be convened later this month. Several Pacific island countries have made pledges to transition to net zero energy generation in coming years.
Stalemate in New Caledonia
The political future of New Caledonia is unclear. A stalemate has become even more entrenched further to the rejection of a new political statute – to replace the Noumea Accords – by the French Parliament. Representatives of both pro- and anti- independence groups are becoming increasingly frustrated with the French government. Attempts to bring all parties together earlier this month were unsuccessful.
Cook Islands/NZ Defence Pact
Further to a prolonged period of tension in their relationship, Cook Islands and New Zealand have signed a new defence and security agreement. Cook Islands’ Prime Minister, Mark Brown, described the agreement as the basis for a reinvigorated relationship in which New Zealand is his country’s “partner of choice” when it comes to security. He also stated that this agreement will not limit Cook Islands in exercising foreign policy choices to work with other partners.
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.
