AGP Executive Report

Regional Sport & Youth: Fiji is hosting the MSG Prime Ministers Cup, using football to bring Melanesian nations together and tackle shared challenges facing young people, with women’s national teams included. Nature, Culture & Community-Led Conservation: The PCNC11 in Nouméa closed with the Môo Mâ Awé Declaration, pushing Pacific leadership to shape conservation priorities, protect nature “on the ground,” and ensure benefits for people and cultures. Kanaky Self-Determination Roadmap: MSG leaders approved a new roadmap to support FLNKS and urged France to meet decolonisation duties, calling for a Kanaky-designed pathway for self-determination. Justice for Kanak Leaders: New Caledonia activists have filed a complaint in France’s Court of Justice of the Republic over the 2024 riots, targeting former and current ministers and asking for the full truth on arrests. Faith & Community Practice: A liturgy Q&A addresses who may distribute Communion and whether a permanent deacon can preside over Benediction—small details that shape everyday worship. Tech, Identity & Rights: A RAND Europe report warns that biometrics and digital ID in security can enable targeting unless oversight and human-rights protections are built in. Culture on the Move: Papua New Guinea’s NCC-backed reggae ambassador Anslom is set for international music work, aiming to carry national culture to new audiences. Online Safety: The UK moves toward device-level child protections for major platforms, including limits on sharing nude images. Human Rights Pressure on West Papua: Pacific leaders increased pressure on Indonesia to allow a UN human rights visit to West Papua, with MSG warning it could review status if action stalls.

Sport & Youth Diplomacy: Fiji is hosting the MSG Prime Ministers Cup, using football (including women’s teams) to bring Melanesian nations together and tackle shared challenges facing young people. Conservation & Local Power: The PCNC11 in Nouméa closed with the Môo Mâ Awé Declaration, pushing Pacific leadership to shape conservation priorities with communities on the ground. Kanaky Self-Determination: MSG leaders approved a roadmap to support FLNKS and urged France to follow UN decolonisation duties, calling for a “Kanaky-designed” pathway for Kanaky-New Caledonia. Church Life & Practice: A liturgy Q&A addresses roles in Communion distribution and whether a deacon can preside over Benediction when a priest is absent, with guidance drawn from Church documents. Indigenous Rights in the Region: Pacific leaders stepped up pressure on Indonesia over a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, warning MSG associate status could be reviewed if access isn’t granted. Culture in Motion: The Fijian Flying Circus highlights how performers build and run the show themselves, turning dance and craft into a full community production. Local Justice in France: New Caledonia activists filed a complaint in France’s Court of Justice of the Republic over the 2024 riots, targeting senior ministers and seeking a full judicial review.

Nature & Community: The PCNC11 in Nouméa closed with the Môo Mâ Awé Declaration, pushing Pacific-led conservation where communities set priorities and benefits stay local, with a call to protect nature “on the ground, together with the people who live there.” Kanaky Self-Determination: At the MSG margins of the PIF Leaders meeting in Koror, leaders backed a new roadmap to support the FLNKS and urged France to meet decolonisation duties under UN rules and the Nouméa Accord. Church Life: A Catholic liturgy Q&A from Nouméa tackles who may distribute Communion and whether a permanent deacon can preside over Benediction when a priest is absent. Culture in Motion: The Fijian Flying Circus shows how performers build the magic end-to-end—stage, safety setup, and aerial acts—highlighting Pacific creativity as craft, not just spectacle. West Papua Pressure: Pacific leaders renewed pressure on Indonesia for a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, with MSG warning membership could be reviewed if access isn’t granted. Local Accountability: New Caledonia activists filed a complaint in France’s Court of Justice of the Republic over the 2024 riots, targeting former and current French ministers. Regional Politics: Australia’s MSG observer bid is in focus, with questions raised about whether Torres Strait Islanders will be included.

Nature & Community: The 11th Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas (PCNC11) closed in Nouméa with the Môo Mâ Awé Declaration, urging Pacific leadership to shape conservation priorities, protect nature “on the ground” with local people, and commit to 16 regional collective priorities by 2030. Kanaky Self-Determination: At the MSG leaders’ margins of the Pacific Islands Forum in Koror, leaders backed a new roadmap to support FLNKS and called for a fresh Kanaky-designed pathway for self-determination, urging France to meet UN decolonisation responsibilities and recalling the Nouméa Accord. Regional Human Rights Pressure: Pacific leaders stepped up pressure on Indonesia over a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, warning MSG associate status could be reviewed if the mission doesn’t happen by 2027. Local Accountability in France: New Caledonia pro-independence figure Christian Tein is among those filing a complaint in France’s Court of Justice of the Republic over the June 2024 arrests of Kanak leaders, asking ministers to answer for alleged abuse of authority. Culture in Motion: A Fijian Flying Circus show highlights how performers build the “magic” end-to-end, from aerial acts to erecting the stage and tent—an arts-and-labour story with strong Pacific identity. Lifestyle & Faith Q&A: A liturgy explainer addresses roles in Communion and whether a deacon can preside Benediction when a priest is absent, reflecting ongoing community interest in worship practice. Arts Funding: Papua New Guinea’s National Cultural Commission backs reggae cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus with K20,000 for international music work. Rights, Identity & Peacebuilding: A reflective piece argues peace in Oceania must be built from dignity, land, women’s work, kastom mediation, and decolonisation—not just policy language.

Kanak rights in the courts: New Caledonia pro-independence activists have filed a complaint in France’s Court of Justice of the Republic targeting former and current French ministers over the June 2024 arrests of FLNKS leaders, asking the court to establish “the full truth.” Regional pressure on West Papua: Pacific leaders at the Palau Pacific Islands Forum pushed Indonesia on a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, with the Melanesian Spearhead Group warning it could review Indonesia-related status if access isn’t granted by 2027. Debt and daily life after the riots: Two years on from the 2024 unrest, New Caledonia’s economic fallout continues—tourism collapse, business losses, and service gaps after thousands reportedly fled the territory. Culture on the move: A Fijian Flying Circus show highlights how performers build the “magic” end-to-end, from stage setup to aerial acts. Faith and practice: A Catholic liturgy Q&A addresses what deacons may do in Communion distribution and whether a permanent deacon can preside over Benediction in a priest’s absence.

Kanak rights in the courts: New Caledonia pro-independence activists have filed a complaint in France’s Court of Justice of the Republic, targeting former PM Gabriel Attal and current PM Sébastien Lecornu (plus Gérald Darmanin and Éric Dupond-Moretti) over alleged abuses tied to the June 2024 arrests of FLNKS leaders. Regional diplomacy with teeth: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders pushed back on Indonesia over a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, with MSG warning it could review Indonesia’s status if access isn’t granted by 2027. Melanesian politics, identity included: Australia is seeking observer status at the Melanesian Spearhead Group, but has not committed to a role for Torres Strait Islanders—an issue raised during PIF talks. Culture & mobility: The NCC backed Papua New Guinea reggae ambassador Anslom Nakikus with K20,000 for international music work in Jamaica and travel onward to Vanuatu. Local culture, global attention: A Fulbright grant will take a New Caledonia researcher’s former work into new anthropology fieldwork in Brazil, focusing on Gaucho identity and institutions. Tech and safety debate: UK plans device-level child protections and possible rules on preventing access to nude images, while RAND warns biometric and digital ID systems can enable targeting without strong oversight. Community impacts of unrest: Two years after New Caledonia’s 2024 riots, tourism collapse and displacement are still reshaping everyday life, jobs, and services.

Kanak Rights in France: New Caledonia pro-independence figure Christian Tein is named in a complaint filed in France’s Court of Justice of the Republic, targeting former PM Gabriel Attal and current PM Sébastien Lecornu plus Interior and Justice ministers over the June 2024 arrests of FLNKS leaders. Regional Politics & Self-Determination: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders pushed back on China’s July ballistic missile test and debated reform, while attendance and absences (including New Caledonia) shaped the week’s diplomacy. West Papua Pressure: MSG leaders warned Indonesia that a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua could affect MSG associate status if it doesn’t move forward by 2027. Local Impacts of 2024 Riots: Two years on, Nouméa’s unrest still echoes in everyday life—tourism operator Gaetan Babout describes a collapsed economy, major business losses, and ongoing rebuilding delays. Culture & Opportunity: The National Cultural Commission backed Papua New Guinea reggae ambassador Anslom Nakikus with K20,000 for international music work, aiming to boost cultural visibility. Tech, Safety & Governance: UK plans device-level child protections and limits on nude-image access, while RAND urges stronger oversight for security biometrics and digital ID. Education & Skills: A new free healthcare administration training program in northern B.C. is delivered with the College of New Caledonia partnership.

Kanak & Justice: New Caledonia activists have filed a complaint in France’s Court of Justice of the Republic against former and current French ministers over the June 2024 arrests of FLNKS leaders, asking the court to establish the full truth and decide whether ministers must answer. Regional Politics: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders focused on a “complex and challenging” strategic environment, with absences noted (including New Caledonia) and debate shaped by China-Taiwan tensions and a July ballistic missile test. West Papua Pressure: Pacific leaders pressed Indonesia over a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, warning MSG associate status could be reviewed if access isn’t enabled by 2027. Melanesian Solidarity: Australia is seeking observer status at the Melanesian Spearhead Group but has not committed to a role for Torres Strait Islanders, raising questions about who gets a seat at the table. Culture & Arts: Papua New Guinea’s cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus received K20,000 support for international music work, including Jamaica, as regional agencies back artists’ global exposure. Local Impact: Two years after New Caledonia’s 2024 riots, tourism and services still struggle, with reports of major business losses and people leaving the territory.

Kanak rights in focus: New Caledonia activists have filed a complaint in France’s Court of Justice of the Republic targeting former and current French ministers over the 2024 riots, arguing for investigation into alleged arbitrary abuses tied to arrests of FLNKS leaders. Regional diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders grappled with a “complex and challenging” strategic environment, including China-Taiwan tensions and who shows up—while New Caledonia’s absence was noted amid heavy attendance talk. West Papua pressure: Pacific leaders pressed Indonesia to allow a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, warning MSG associate status could be reviewed if no progress by 2027. Melanesian solidarity debate: Australia is seeking observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group but has not committed to a role for Torres Strait Islanders, sparking questions about who gets counted in “Melanesian” spaces. Local fallout from 2024: Two years on from the riots, Nouméa’s economy and services still feel the shock, with reports of business losses, tourism collapse, and people leaving the territory. Culture & lifestyle: A new crow-themed tabletop roleplaying game, “Murder of Crows,” turns real corvid science into a mystery you play—an unusual blend of nature, creativity, and community backing.

Kanak rights in focus: New Caledonia activists have filed a complaint in France’s Court of Justice of the Republic over the 2024 riots, naming former PM Gabriel Attal, current PM Sébastien Lecornu, and ministers Gérald Darmanin and Éric Dupond-Moretti, as the case moves to a decision on whether it will be pursued. Regional politics with cultural stakes: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders reaffirmed priorities but also showed sharp friction—New Caledonia’s absence was noted, and the meeting’s agenda was shaped by wider Pacific security tensions. Decolonisation pressure, West Papua included: Melanesian Spearhead Group states pressed Indonesia to allow a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, warning that Indonesia’s MSG associate status could be reviewed if the visit isn’t facilitated by 2027. Local impacts of the 2024 unrest: Two years on, Nouméa’s riots are still reshaping everyday life—tourism collapse, business losses, and service gaps after an estimated 12,000 people fled the territory. Culture and mobility: Papua New Guinea’s National Cultural Commission backed reggae ambassador Anslom Nakikus with K20,000 for international music work, highlighting how regional artists build cultural visibility abroad.

Kanaky & Decolonisation: New Caledonia civil society groups are urging Pacific Islands Forum leaders to reject a “facade narrative” and push harder on decolonisation, human rights and self-determination, citing the 2024 unrest’s trauma and alleged rights violations. Legal Pressure on France: New Caledonia activists have filed a complaint in France’s Court of Justice of the Republic against French ministers over the June 2024 arrests of Kanak leaders, asking the court to establish the full truth. Pacific Unity at PIF: Forum leaders in Palau backed regional reforms, stronger collective security and more climate action, while attendance and protocol tensions shaped the week. West Papua Human Rights: The Melanesian Spearhead Group warned Indonesia that its UN associate membership could be reviewed if a UN human rights visit to West Papua isn’t facilitated by 2027. Regional Culture & Science: A New Caledonia crow tool-making tradition is inspiring a new crow-themed tabletop roleplaying game, blending local animal know-how with modern storytelling. Health & Skills (Local Relevance): Canada is funding a free health-care administration training pathway in Prince George, partnering with the College of New Caledonia.

Arts & Culture Funding: New Caledonia’s National Cultural Commission backed Papua New Guinean reggae artist Anslom Nakikus with K20,000 to support his international music journey—Jamaica first, then travel onward to Vanuatu—framing it as cultural diplomacy through music. Digital Rights & Safety: The UK moves toward device-level child protections for major platforms, with age assurance and possible rules to stop kids accessing or sharing nude images, while RAND warns that biometrics and digital ID can become tools for targeting without strong oversight. Pacific Governance & Decolonisation: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders pushed regional reforms and climate action, while advocates pressed for stronger action on Kanaky New Caledonia decolonisation and West Papua human rights, including pressure on Indonesia for a long-awaited UN visit. Kanaky Aftershocks: Two years after the 2024 Nouméa riots, businesses and communities still feel the economic crash and displacement, with operators waiting on insurance and reporting major losses. Sovereignty & Maritime Claims: Vanuatu filed an ICJ case against France over sovereignty and maritime boundaries tied to islands east of New Caledonia, as France reiterates its claim. Community & Sport: Fort St. James council plans to raise local healthcare, doctor shortages, and education fallout at a provincial convention, while Oceania sports development continues with handball aiming for Olympic qualification.

Kanaky & Peacebuilding: A Kanak civil society piece argues peace can’t be “delivered from above,” stressing dignity, memory, land and women’s customary mediation as the real foundation for decolonisation. Forum Diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders backed reforms, stronger collective security and climate action, while also facing pressure to act on Kanaky and West Papua. West Papua Human Rights: Melanesian Spearhead Group pressure on Indonesia is intensifying over a long-awaited UN human rights visit; Indonesia says the visit is “on the right path,” but MSG warns membership could be reviewed if no progress by 2027. New Caledonia Aftermath: Two years on from the 2024 riots, tourism and local business leaders describe an ongoing economic crash and community fallout, including major insurance and rebuilding delays. Decolonisation Demands: Civil society urges Forum leaders not to accept a “facade narrative,” calling for stronger Pacific monitoring and support for self-determination. Regional Security Scrutiny: A report urges a pause on moves to integrate police, military and intelligence into a new regional security architecture, demanding meaningful public debate. Kanak-Led Calls: Advocates at the Forum push accelerated decolonisation and renewed regional and UN human rights missions. Culture & Learning: A Fulbright anthropology researcher previously studying in New Caledonia heads to Brazil to research Gaucho identity through interviews and ethnography. Local Nature Science: New Caledonian crow tool-making research is highlighted again, showing how wild crows can adapt even when key visual cues are removed.

Kanaky & decolonisation: Civil society groups are urging Pacific Islands Forum leaders not to accept a “facade narrative” about decolonisation in New Caledonia, calling for stronger Pacific monitoring, human rights focus, and self-determination after the 2024 unrest. West Papua human rights: Forum and Melanesian Spearhead Group pressure is building on Indonesia to allow a long-awaited UN human rights commissioner visit, with MSG warning it could review Indonesia’s associate status if no progress by 2027. Forum reforms: Leaders in Palau backed regional reform, stronger collective security, climate action, and more funding for the Pacific Resilience Facility, reaffirming the Blue Pacific 2050 strategy. Kanak-led calls: Advocates at the Forum pushed for accelerated decolonisation in Kanaky and renewed UN missions for West Papua, linking both to dignity and self-determination. New Caledonia’s economic fallout: Two years after the 2024 riots, tourism and services are still reeling, with reports of major business losses and an exodus that deepens healthcare and essential-service gaps. ICJ sovereignty dispute: Vanuatu has filed at the ICJ against France over sovereignty and maritime boundaries involving Matthew/Hunter islands, tied to long-standing cultural and religious connections. Culture & knowledge: A study on New Caledonian crows suggests tool-making traditions can rely on memory and mental “templates,” hinting at how cultural skills persist beyond direct copying.

Handball & the Olympics: New Zealand’s women’s handball team is chasing a first Olympic berth, with a new IHF Trophy tournament in Wellington bringing seven Oceania nations into the spotlight and aiming for Brisbane 2032 qualification. Kanaky & West Papua Pressure: Pacific leaders at the Forum in Palau are pushing Indonesia to allow a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, with MSG warning membership could be reviewed if action stalls. Decolonisation Calls in the Region: Kanak civil society groups are urging Forum leaders to back stronger decolonisation, human rights and self-determination, saying France’s narrative doesn’t match conditions on the ground after the 2024 unrest. New Caledonia’s Aftershocks: Two years on from the riots, businesses and services are still struggling—tourism has been hit hard, with reports of thousands leaving and major rebuilding delays. Vanuatu vs France at the ICJ: Vanuatu has filed at the International Court of Justice over sovereignty and maritime boundaries tied to the Matthew and Hunter islands, a case France says it will contest. Culture & Tech Debate: A LAIKA stop-motion film teaser is reigniting arguments about “tacit knowledge” and craft in the age of AI.

Kanaky & West Papua Human Rights Pressure: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, via the Melanesian Spearhead Group, have put Indonesia on notice over a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, with associate membership review looming if the mission isn’t facilitated by 2027. Local Governance & Economy: Two years after New Caledonia’s 2024 riots tied to voting reforms, tourism operators and business leaders say the fallout is still crushing—jobs lost, insurance delays dragging rebuilds, and major service gaps after thousands fled. Decolonisation Watch: Kanak civil society groups are urging Forum leaders not to accept a “facade narrative” that decolonisation is complete, calling for stronger Pacific monitoring, self-determination support, and renewed human rights missions. Regional Politics & Security Reform: Civil society is pushing for meaningful consultation before moves to integrate police, military and intelligence networks into the Pacific security architecture. Maritime Sovereignty Dispute: Vanuatu has filed with the ICJ against France over sovereignty and maritime boundaries tied to Matthew/Hunter islands—an issue rooted in colonial history and now heating up regional legal and cultural debates. Science & Culture: A New Caledonian crow study highlights how wild crows can rely on memory and mental templates when tool-making cues are removed, adding a fresh angle to local animal-intelligence discussions.