AGP Executive Report

Human Rights & Decolonisation: Melanesian Spearhead Group countries say a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit to West Papua is “on the right path,” after years of delays, with MSG warning Indonesia’s associate status could be reviewed if the visit isn’t facilitated by 2027. Regional Politics: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders backed reforms, stronger collective security, and more climate action under the Blue Pacific 2050 strategy. Kanaky Focus: Civil society and Kanak-aligned groups urged Forum leaders not to accept a “facade narrative” on decolonisation, calling for Pacific-led monitoring and renewed human rights and self-determination support after the 2024 unrest. Sovereignty in the Courts: Vanuatu has filed with the ICJ against France over sovereignty and maritime boundaries tied to Matthew/Hunter islands (Umaenupne/Umaeneg), with proceedings pending France’s consent—an issue framed as part of the wider colonial legacy debate. Culture & Learning: A New Caledonian crow study suggests the birds can rely on memory alone when tool-making cues are removed, hinting at cultural transmission through mental templates. Environment & Lifestyle: World Environment Day messaging from the Pacific Community spotlights nature-based solutions as a practical path for climate resilience across Pacific land and seas.

Human Rights & Decolonisation: Melanesian Spearhead Group countries are pressing Indonesia to facilitate a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit to West Papua, with MSG warning it may review Indonesia’s associate membership if no visit is enabled by the next summit in 2027. Regional Politics: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders backed reforms to strengthen regional architecture, boost climate action, and mobilise more funding for the Pacific Resilience Facility, while advocates used the margins to demand stronger action on Kanaky decolonisation and West Papua human rights. Kanaky Focus: Kanak civil society groups urged Forum leaders not to accept a “facade narrative” that decolonisation is complete, calling for Pacific involvement in monitoring and support for self-determination after the 2024 unrest. Sovereignty & Law: Vanuatu has filed an ICJ application against France over sovereignty and maritime boundaries tied to Matthew/Hunter islands (Umaenupne/Umaeneg), with proceedings stalled unless France consents—another flashpoint in the wider colonial legacy debate. Culture & Learning: The College of New Caledonia is launching an entrepreneur mentorship program this fall to link students with local business leaders and practical career-ready learning.

Decolonisation Pressure: Kanaky civil society groups urged Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau to back stronger decolonisation, human rights and self-determination, warning France is pushing a “facade narrative” that hides alleged violations since the May 2024 unrest. ICJ Showdown: Vanuatu has filed at the International Court of Justice to challenge French sovereignty over Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneag (Hunter) and to settle a single maritime boundary tied to New Caledonia—while the court won’t act unless France accepts its jurisdiction. Forum Security Debate: Civil society is calling for meaningful consultation on proposed changes to the region’s security architecture, including the Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHoPS) network that links police, military and intelligence across Pacific states. Deep-Sea Mining Tension: American Samoan youth and environmental advocates confronted the NOAA research ship Okeanos Explorer, saying science should protect the deep ocean but questioning a mission tied to future commercial deep sea mining leases. Local Skills & Entrepreneurship: The College of New Caledonia is launching an entrepreneur mentorship program this fall to connect students with experienced business leaders, workshops and one-on-one guidance as they move into work or self-employment.

Pacific Sovereignty & Decolonisation: Vanuatu has filed an application at the International Court of Justice against France over sovereignty and maritime boundaries tied to Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneag (Hunter) islands east of New Caledonia, after talks collapsed—now France must decide whether to accept the court’s jurisdiction. Regional Security Governance: Ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum retreat in Palau, civil society is urging a pause and meaningful consultation on moves to integrate police, military and intelligence networks under JHoPS, which already includes observers from the US and Japan. Culture, Sport & Youth Pathways: Australia’s Prime Minister announced $15.6m to help Pacific athletes and officials reach Brisbane 2032, with support also feeding into the Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games and LA 2028. Local Education & Entrepreneurship: The College of New Caledonia is launching an entrepreneur mentorship program this fall, linking students to one-on-one mentors, workshops and work-integrated learning as they transition into jobs or self-employment. Environment & Place: World Environment Day coverage spotlights Pacific Community efforts to scale nature-based solutions to protect biodiversity and reduce climate risks across the region.

New Caledonia Recovery Watch: President Milakulo Tukumuli told Congress he’s giving his government six months to stop pension and health insurance schemes sliding toward collapse, warning 40,000 pensioners could be left without pensions within months, as the healthcare deficit tops US$420 million. Regional Governance & Culture: The “fix the canoe” message frames recovery after the 2024 unrest, with a push to review political spending and stabilize the nickel sector. Pacific Sovereignty in Court: Vanuatu has filed at the ICJ to claim sovereignty over two islands France controls—Umaenupne/Matthew and Umaeneg/Hunter—grounded in long-standing cultural and religious ties, with the case now hinging on whether France agrees to the court’s jurisdiction. Environment & Youth: World Environment Day coverage highlights Pacific Community efforts to scale nature-based solutions to protect biodiversity as warming seas, coral loss, and pollution reshape island life. Education & Local Enterprise: College of New Caledonia launches an entrepreneur mentorship program this fall, linking students to one-on-one mentors, workshops, and work-integrated learning alongside its new Business Administration program. Sports Pathways: Australia’s $15.6m investment backs Pacific athletes and officials toward Brisbane 2032 and the road through Tahiti 2027.

New Caledonia Recovery Watch: President Milakulo Tukumuli laid out a six-month roadmap after the 2024 unrest, warning the territory’s pension and health insurance schemes face near-collapse and urging “fix the canoe” first—stabilise the hull before broader changes. Disaster Preparedness: In Honiara, Pacific states and partners met to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring, pushing for better early warning, maintenance, and access to real-time data across the region. Blue Pacific Youth & Nature: A Pacific Community push for World Environment Day spotlights nature-based solutions and the ocean pressures facing young people—warming seas, coral bleaching and plastic pollution—framing ocean care as cultural and everyday. Regional Sports Pathways: Australia announced $15.6m to help Pacific athletes and officials reach Brisbane 2032 and support the road through Tahiti 2027 and LA 2028. Education & Local Business: The College of New Caledonia is launching an entrepreneur mentorship program this fall to connect students with experienced entrepreneurs, workshops and work-integrated learning. Culture & Lifestyle (Travel): A New Caledonia tourism feature leans into “la brousse” ranch life and the lagoon’s wildlife, mixing French flair with Melanesian landscapes.

ICJ Decolonisation Fight: Vanuatu has filed with the International Court of Justice seeking sovereignty over two islands currently controlled by France, arguing decolonisation isn’t complete; the case can’t move forward unless France accepts the court’s jurisdiction, while France’s far right is using the dispute for domestic politics. Environment & Youth Ocean Care: On World Environment Day, the Pacific Community (SPC) pushes Nature-based Solutions to protect biodiversity as warming seas and extreme weather strain Pacific reefs and species, with a strong focus on getting young people to care for the “Blue Pacific.” New Caledonia Recovery Watch: President Milakulo Tukumuli lays out a six-month recovery roadmap, warning pension and health schemes face near-term collapse and urging cost controls as the territory continues rebuilding after 2024 unrest. Education to Entrepreneurship: The College of New Caledonia launches an entrepreneur mentorship program this fall, linking students with local business leaders through one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and work-integrated learning. Sports Pathways: Australia announces $15.6m to help Pacific athletes and officials train and qualify for Brisbane 2032, tying sports development to broader sports diplomacy. Regional Resilience: Pacific partners meet in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, and geohazard monitoring and early warning systems across 2026–2030. Culture & Lifestyle: A travel-style feature spotlights New Caledonia’s ranching “la brousse” side and its lagoon-linked identity, from horses to dugongs and reef life.

New Caledonia Recovery Watch: President Milakulo Tukumuli laid out a six-month roadmap in Congress, urging “fix the canoe” action to stop the pension and health systems sliding toward collapse—warning 40,000 pensioners could be left without pensions within months, with healthcare facing a US$420m deficit. Education & Local Skills: The College of New Caledonia is launching an Entrepreneur Mentorship Program this fall, linking students to experienced entrepreneurs through one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and work-integrated learning alongside a new Business Administration Program. Regional Resilience: Pacific partners met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, and other geohazard monitoring, pushing for better early warning, preparedness, and shared capacity across countries including New Caledonia. Blue Pacific Youth Culture: A Fiji-based ocean education push is helping children see the sea as heritage and responsibility, connecting everyday ocean life to climate and pollution pressures. Sports Diplomacy: Australia announced $15.6m over four years to help Pacific athletes and officials qualify and train for Brisbane 2032 and other major events, including the Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games.

Sports Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese announced $15.6 million over four years to help athletes and officials from 13 Pacific countries reach the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, with support also for events like the Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games and Rarotonga 2029. New Caledonia Recovery: President Milakulo Tukumuli laid out a six-month roadmap after the 2024 unrest, warning of urgent risks to pension and health insurance schemes and a healthcare deficit of about US$420 million, alongside moves to cut political system spending. Education & Entrepreneurship: The College of New Caledonia is launching an Entrepreneur Mentorship Program this fall, linking students to experienced entrepreneurs through one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and work-integrated learning alongside a new Business Administration Program. Culture & Ocean Perspectives: A feature on LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries highlights a cross-cultural, “Oceans Not Borders” approach, while a Pacific youth ocean education story spotlights how children are learning to protect the Blue Pacific through understanding reef and intertidal life. Regional Resilience: Pacific partners met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, and geohazard monitoring and early warning across 2026–2030, including New Caledonia’s participation. Travel & Lifestyle (Regional): Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line both expanded Asia-Pacific cruise plans for 2027–2028, with Noumea and New Caledonia appearing on Voyager of the Seas itineraries.

New Caledonia Recovery Watch: President Milakulo Tukumuli laid out a six-month roadmap to stop New Caledonia’s pension and health insurance schemes sliding toward collapse, warning that over 40,000 pensioners could be left without pensions within months, while the healthcare system faces a reported US$420 million deficit. He also urged cost controls in public spending as the territory continues recovery after the 2024 unrest. Blue Pacific Resilience: Pacific partners met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring, early warning and preparedness, with New Caledonia among participants agreeing priorities for 2026–2030 amid gaps in capacity, coverage and real-time data access. Local Education & Entrepreneurship: The College of New Caledonia is launching an Entrepreneur Mentorship Program this fall, linking students to experienced entrepreneurs through one-on-one mentorship, workshops and work-integrated learning alongside a new Business Administration Program. Culture & Ocean Thinking: A feature on LACMA’s new David Geffen Galleries highlights an “Oceans Not Borders” approach, framing Oceanic art and 6,000 years of history in cross-cultural, water-geography settings. Lifestyle (Tourism): Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line expanded Asia-Pacific and South Pacific cruise options for 2027–2028, including sailings that call at Noumea and New Caledonia.

New Caledonia Recovery Watch: President Milakulo Tukumuli laid out a six-month “fix the canoe” roadmap in Congress, warning that pension and health insurance schemes face short-term collapse, with over 40,000 pensioners at risk of losing benefits within months, and citing a healthcare deficit of about US$420 million alongside pressure to cut political system spending. Education & Entrepreneurship: The College of New Caledonia is launching an Entrepreneur Mentorship Program this fall, starting alongside a new Business Administration Program in September 2026, pairing students with one-on-one entrepreneur mentors plus workshops and work-integrated learning, with links to local employers and community partners. Blue Pacific Resilience: In Honiara, Pacific partners met to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring and early warning, including New Caledonia, with a focus on better preparedness and shared regional action for 2026–2030. Culture & Lifestyle (Travel): A new wave of Asia-Pacific cruise expansion highlights Nouméa and New Caledonia as part of Voyager of the Seas itineraries, while a local ranching feature spotlights “la brousse” life and horse culture on Grand Terre. Global Context (Religion): A Pew-backed map update shows Christianity as the largest religion in most countries, with Oceania included—an interesting backdrop for how communities describe identity and belonging.

New Caledonia Recovery Watch: President Milakulo Tukumuli laid out a six-month roadmap in Congress, urging “fix the canoe” action as pension and health insurance schemes face short-term collapse risk, with a healthcare deficit now put at US$420 million and warnings that 40,000 pensioners could be left without payments within months. Education & Skills: The College of New Caledonia is launching an Entrepreneur Mentorship Program this fall, starting alongside a new Business Administration Program in September 2026, pairing students with one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and work-integrated learning to bridge study and employment or self-employment. Blue Pacific Resilience: Pacific partners met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring and early warning, including New Caledonia’s participation in planning priorities for 2026–2030. Lifestyle & Travel (regional): Royal Caribbean expanded Asia-Pacific sailings for 2028, with Voyager of the Seas adding routes that include Noumea and New Caledonia among South Pacific stops.

New Caledonia Recovery Watch: President Milakulo Tukumuli laid out a six-month roadmap in Congress, urging urgent fixes to keep pension and health insurance schemes from collapsing and warning that over 40,000 pensioners could be left without pensions within months; he also flagged a US$420 million healthcare deficit and called for tighter control of political spending as the territory moves beyond the 2024 unrest. Disaster Preparedness: In Honiara, Pacific leaders and technical partners met under ORSNET and tsunami and geohazard working groups to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring, early warning and resilience across the region, including New Caledonia. Education & Local Enterprise: The College of New Caledonia is launching an Entrepreneur Mentorship Program this fall alongside a new Business Administration Program, pairing students with one-on-one mentorship, workshops and work-integrated learning with local entrepreneurs and community partners. Blue Pacific Youth Focus: A Pacific Community-led push is helping young people connect ocean culture with action, tackling threats like warming seas, coral bleaching and plastic pollution through school-based ocean learning. Regional Mobility for Visitors: Cruise lines are expanding Asia-Pacific itineraries that include Noumea, with Voyager of the Seas adding new 2027–2028 sailings that touch New Caledonia.

Education & Entrepreneurship: The College of New Caledonia is rolling out an Entrepreneur Mentorship Program this fall, starting alongside its new Business Administration Program in September 2026, pairing students with one-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs plus workshops and work-integrated learning. It’s aimed at building career-ready skills and an entrepreneurial mindset as students move into jobs or self-employment, with links to local entrepreneurs, employers, and community partners. Local Governance & Recovery: New Caledonia’s President Milakulo Tukumuli laid out a six-month recovery roadmap in Congress, warning that pension and health insurance schemes face short-term collapse risk, with a healthcare deficit reported at US$420 million and more than 40,000 pensioners potentially affected within months, alongside a push to cut political system costs as recovery from the 2024 unrest continues. Resilience & Youth Ocean Culture: Regional partners met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, and geohazard monitoring and early warning across the Pacific, including New Caledonia, while a Pacific-wide youth ocean push highlights how schools are helping children connect everyday ocean life with protecting the “Blue Pacific” amid warming seas, coral bleaching, and pollution.

Entrepreneurship & Education: The College of New Caledonia is rolling out an Entrepreneur Mentorship Program this fall, launching alongside its new Business Administration Program in September 2026. Students will get one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and work-integrated learning, with links to local entrepreneurs, employers, and community partners. Local Governance & Recovery: New Caledonia’s President Milakulo Tukumuli laid out a six-month recovery roadmap to Congress, focusing first on stabilising pension and health insurance schemes and tackling a healthcare deficit reported at US$420 million, alongside efforts to reduce political system spending after the 2024 unrest. Disaster Preparedness: Pacific partners met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, and other geohazard monitoring and early warning, including work on preparedness and resilience for 2026–2030 with participation from New Caledonia and other territories. Women in Politics & Media: Vanuatu MP Marie Louise Milne urged fair, accurate, professional media coverage of women leaders, arguing reporting should focus on policies rather than gender or personality. Blue Pacific Youth: A Pacific-wide push is growing to help young people better understand and protect the ocean, linking everyday culture to action on warming seas, coral bleaching, and pollution.

New Caledonia Recovery Watch: President Milakulo Tukumuli laid out a six-month roadmap to stop pension and health schemes sliding toward collapse, warning that 40,000 pensioners could be left without payments within months, while the healthcare system faces a US$420m deficit and the government moves to cut political spending. Regional Resilience & Culture of Preparedness: In Honiara, Pacific leaders and partners met to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring, early warning and community resilience, with New Caledonia among the participants. Blue Pacific Education: A Fiji ocean-focused youth push highlights how schools are shifting kids’ views from “just swimming” to protecting the marine world they inherit. Gender & Media in Politics: Vanuatu MP Marie Louise Milne shared her path into public life and urged fair, accurate, professional media coverage for women leaders so debate stays on policy. Lifestyle & Travel: A New Caledonia tourism feature leans into “cowboy country” ranch life and the lagoon’s French-flavoured charm, while Royal Caribbean expands 2028 Asia-Pacific cruises that include Noumea and New Caledonia stops.