Pacific work on the global stage
At the UN General Assembly, the President of Nauru, David Adeang, spoke in favour of deep-sea mining, which puts him at odds with other Pacific leaders.
Meanwhile, at a meeting of the International Maritime Organization, the “6 Pac+” alliance, led by Vanuatu and other Pacific countries, pushed for greater reform to reduce carbon emissions across the shipping sector.
Marshall Islands has succeeded in its bid to become a member of the UN Human Rights Council and will commence its two-year term next year. This is the second time the country has held a seat on the Council and the bid was endorsed and supported by all members of the Pacific Islands Forum. President Hilda Heine has made it clear that her country’s nuclear legacy, climate change, and self-determination in the region are key priorities for her country’s tenure on this UN body.
New Caledonia situation remains tense
There has been some political progress concerning New Caledonia, although, on the ground, the security situation remains tense.
In Paris, newly minted Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, announced that the controversial amendments to the electoral roll (which sparked the violence that erupted earlier in the year) had effectively been abandoned. This came further to meetings with representatives of both sides of New Caledonian politics who travelled to Paris to discuss the political future and rebuilding the economy. Provincial elections have also been delayed until November 2025.
The new overseas minister, Francois-Noel Buffet, is visiting New Caledonia this week to meet with key stakeholders and progress dialogue. This comes ahead of a visit by President Macron, which is scheduled for November.
A visit from the leadership of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is also expected although the dates for this have yet to be made public.
Other Pacific news …
Sir Jerry Mataparae has commenced work as the independent moderator of talks between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea. Mataparae says he is ‘optimistic’ he can assist the parties to progress the tabling of the results of the 2019 referendum on Independence.
George Speight has been released from prison in Fiji after receiving a presidential pardon He led a failed coup in 2000 and was found guilty of treason. He was initially sentenced to death, although that was subsequently downgraded to life imprisonment.
The recent launch of an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile by China raised some concerns in the region. Fiji’s President, Ratu Viliame Katonivere, referred to the test during his address to the UN General Assembly and called for all such activity to cease.
The Presidential elections in Kiribati are nearing their close with the final voting to take place later this month. Incumbent, Taneti Maamau is expected to be returned to office, as his opponents are members of the same party.
Dr Tess Newton Cain is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Griffith Asia Institute.
