AGP Executive Report

Tuvalu Statehood at Sea-Level Rise Talks: Tuvalu is pushing a hard legal line at UN negotiations on sea-level rise, insisting rising seas can’t erase statehood, sovereignty, or legal personality as the country prepares for September’s landmark UN Declaration. Climate Justice Push: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo says vulnerable island states need compensation for climate damages, pointing to the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion and a May UN General Assembly resolution backing it. Ocean Policy Launch: On World Oceans Day, Tuvalu soft-launched its first National Ocean Policy, framing the ocean as the nation’s “Te Fau” that binds culture, food security, livelihoods, sovereignty, and resilience. Migration Debate Backlash: A new analysis says Australia’s immigration panic is ignoring climate-driven displacement, including Tuvaluans moving under the Falepili Union Treaty. Trust Fund Scrutiny: Tuvalu is reviewing fossil-fuel-linked investments after AFP reported oil and coal exposure in the Tuvalu Trust Fund managed by Mercer. Regional Alert: Pacific agencies issued tsunami advisories after a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, including for Tuvalu, urging coastal communities to follow local guidance.

Tuvalu Ocean Policy: Tuvalu has soft-launched its first National Ocean Policy for World Oceans Day, framing the sea as Tuvalu’s “Te Fau” that binds identity, culture, food security, sovereignty and resilience, with consultation still to come. Climate Accountability: Prime Minister Feleti Teo told Japan’s Mainichi Shimbun that the ICJ’s 2025 climate advisory opinion is a “milestone,” pushing for compensation for countries that did little to cause warming but suffer most, as the UN General Assembly backed the legal shift. Fossil Fuel Trust Fund Scrutiny: Tuvalu is reviewing investments after AFP reported the Tuvalu Trust Fund, managed by Mercer, held exposure to oil and coal—something Teo called “not a good look” given Tuvalu’s climate advocacy. Regional Disaster Watch: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, tsunami advisories were issued across parts of the Pacific including Tuvalu, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels. Energy Pressure in the Pacific: Across the region, communities are accelerating solar training and rollouts as fuel costs and unreliable power hit households and schools.

Tuvalu Ocean Policy: Tuvalu marked World Oceans Day by soft-launching its first National Ocean Policy, framing the sea as the country’s “Te Fau” that ties together identity, culture, food security, sovereignty and resilience. Fossil Fuel Scrutiny: Prime Minister Feleti Teo said AFP’s report that the Tuvalu Trust Fund was invested in oil and coal is “not a good look,” and Tuvalu is reviewing the investments. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories were issued across parts of the Pacific including Tuvalu, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels; coastal agencies were urged to inform communities. EU Seafood Rules: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety requirements that could affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Climate Finance Push: At the GEF Assembly, Tuvalu’s environment minister Maina Vakafua Talia urged “transformational change” and stronger, inclusive funding for vulnerable states. Regional Energy Momentum: Pacific communities are accelerating solar training and deployment as fuel costs and unreliable power strain households and schools. Diplomacy in the Pacific: Israel announced it will open a representative office in Papua New Guinea after talks with PM James Marape.

Tuvalu Ocean Policy: Tuvalu marked World Oceans Day by soft-launching its first National Ocean Policy, framing the sea as the country’s “Te Fau” that binds islands, culture, food security, sovereignty and resilience, with consultations still to come. Climate Finance Scrutiny: Prime Minister Feleti Teo said Tuvalu is reviewing AFP-revealed investments in oil and coal via the Tuvalu Trust Fund, calling it “not a good look” given Tuvalu’s climate advocacy. GEF Push for Action: Tuvalu’s Environment Minister Maina Vakafua Talia urged the Global Environment Facility to deliver “transformational change” beyond incremental reform, stressing resilience and inclusive support for small island states. Regional Shock Watch: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, tsunami advisories were issued across parts of the Pacific including Tuvalu, while New Zealand said there’s no threat for Aotearoa. Energy Momentum: Across the Pacific, communities are accelerating solar as fuel costs bite, with Tuvalu and regional partners also in the wider electrification push ahead of major climate talks.

Tuvalu Ocean Policy: Tuvalu has soft-launched its first National Ocean Policy for sustainable ocean management, framing the sea as the country’s “Te Fau” that binds identity, culture, food security and resilience. Climate Finance Scrutiny: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo says it’s “not a good look” after AFP revealed the Tuvalu Trust Fund, managed by Mercer, invested in oil and coal-linked funds; Tuvalu is reviewing the holdings. Bonn Climate Talks: Australia’s Chris Bowen is set to lead key interim climate negotiations in Bonn, pushing electrification and energy security while Pacific nations Fiji and Tuvalu host pre-COP meetings. Regional Energy Pressure: Across the Pacific, rising fuel costs are driving faster solar adoption, with community training programs building local skills to install and maintain systems. Earthquake & Tsunami Alerts: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories include Tuvalu and many Pacific islands; New Zealand says there’s no threat to Aotearoa. EU Seafood Rules: Pacific fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc.

Tuvalu Ocean Policy: Tuvalu has soft-launched its first National Ocean Policy for World Oceans Day, framing the sea as the country’s “Te Fau” that binds identity, culture, food security and resilience, with consultations ahead. Fossil Fuel Trust Fund Scrutiny: Prime Minister Feleti Teo says AFP revelations about Tuvalu Trust Fund investments in oil and coal are “not a good look,” and the government is reviewing Mercer-managed holdings. GEF Push for “Transformational Change”: Environment Minister Maina Vakafua Talia urged GEF delegates to move beyond incremental reform, calling for faster, inclusive action and better finance for small island states. Regional Solar Momentum: Pacific communities are ramping up solar training and rollout as fuel costs bite, including Fiji’s Solar Scholars programme for hands-on skills. Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US advisories list Tuvalu among affected Pacific areas, while New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to Aotearoa. EU Seafood Rules: Fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc.

Tsunami Watch: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered Pacific tsunami advisories, with the US Tsunami Warning Centre forecasting waves under 0.3m above tide levels for places including Tuvalu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and others, while New Zealand says there’s no threat. Climate Finance & Fossil Fuels: Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo said AFP’s report that the Tuvalu Trust Fund—managed by Mercer—invested in oil and coal is “not a good look,” and the government is reviewing the holdings. GEF Push for Action: Tuvalu’s Environment Minister Maina Vakafua Talia urged GEF Assembly delegates to deliver “transformational change,” calling for faster, more inclusive climate and biodiversity funding. EU Seafood Rules: Pacific fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to Europe. Pacific Security & Regionalism: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism and climate action ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau.

Climate Diplomacy: Greenpeace urged Australia’s Chris Bowen to “lead with vision and ambition” as he heads Bonn climate talks, with the meeting focused on resilience, workers, finance delivery and keeping Pacific priorities front and centre. Disaster Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami monitoring across the Pacific; Tuvalu is included in regional advisories, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels and officials told to guide coastal communities. Tuvalu Fossil Fuel Scrutiny: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo said AFP’s report on Tuvalu Trust Fund investments in oil and coal is “not a good look,” and the government is reviewing the holdings. GEF Pressure: Tuvalu’s Environment Minister Maina Vakafua Talia called for “transformational change” at the GEF Assembly, pushing for faster, inclusive action and stronger finance for vulnerable states. Food Safety & Trade: EU rules on freezer vessels could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged exporters; Tuvalu joined a Suva training to meet the new -18°C requirements. Pacific Displacement: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, warning current frameworks lag behind the scale of movement already underway.

Tuvalu–Climate Finance Scrutiny: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo says it’s “not a good look” after AFP revealed the Tuvalu Trust Fund, managed by Mercer, invested in oil, coal and other fossil-linked holdings; Teo says the government is reviewing the investments. Climate Displacement Planning: Pacific leaders are urging New Zealand to act on climate displacement, warning current policies lag behind the scale of movement already underway, with calls for Pacific-led frameworks that protect dignity and community choice. EU Seafood Rules Hit Pacific Vessels: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu met in Suva to prepare for new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, after concerns about freezing temperatures and food safety. Tuvalu–Australia Partnership: Tuvalu’s acting finance minister met Australia’s Governor-General in Funafuti, reaffirming support under the Falepili Union, climate resilience work, and assistance for Tuvaluans settling in Australia. Regional Climate Relocation Framework: Pacific governments adopted new regional guidance on planned relocation, stressing it as a last resort while protecting human rights, Indigenous rights and cultural identity.

COP31 Prep: Australia’s Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is in Bonn, Germany, leading energy security talks ahead of COP31, pushing clean energy and electrification and working with Pacific partners to keep regional priorities front and centre. Tuvalu Fossil Fuel Scrutiny: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo says AFP’s report on fossil fuel-linked investments in the Tuvalu Trust Fund is “not a good look,” and the government is reviewing the holdings. Climate Displacement Pressure: Pacific leaders are urging New Zealand to act on climate displacement, warning current plans don’t match the scale of cross-border movement already underway. EU Seafood Rules: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu met in Suva to prepare for new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels. Pacific Diplomacy: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te attended the first Pacific Cultural Gala, highlighting shared Austronesian ties and democratic values with allies including Tuvalu. Youth Voices in Tuvalu: A Tuvalu youth survey finds unemployment is the top driver of poverty and that many young people feel development benefits are concentrated on Funafuti.

Samoan Language Week: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) kicked off Samoan Language Week with a community night of legends, history, songs, and hands-on screen printing, plus “valu le popo” coconut scraping and traditional food for families and kids. Climate & finance scrutiny: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo hit back after AFP revealed the Tuvalu Trust Fund invested in oil and coal-linked holdings, saying it’s “not a good look” and that the investments are under review. EU seafood rules: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Pacific displacement push: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, warning current plans don’t match the scale of movement already driven by disasters. Tuvalu-Australia ties: Australia opened a new renewable-powered High Commission chancery in Funafuti, underscoring deeper cooperation under the Falepili Union. Youth voices in Tuvalu: A survey of young Tuvaluans found unemployment is the top driver of poverty, with many worried their concerns aren’t being heard.

Climate & Governance: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo says AFP’s report that the Tuvalu Trust Fund invested in oil and coal is “not a good look,” and the government is reviewing the holdings. Fisheries & Trade: Pacific fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at tighter freezing standards that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels. Youth & Social Cohesion: A survey of young Tuvaluans finds unemployment is the top driver of poverty and many feel their voices aren’t being heard. Ocean-Climate Link: Teo told the Tokyo summit that climate action and ocean management must be treated as one survival agenda, pointing to Tuvalu’s Coastal Adaptation Project. Diplomacy & Mobility: Australia and Tuvalu opened a new Australian High Commission chancery in Funafuti, while Tuvalu’s acting PM raised climate pressures and the practical challenges of settling Tuvaluans in Australia under Falepili. Regional Planning for Displacement: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to act on climate displacement, warning current frameworks lag behind the scale of movement already underway.

Climate Policy & Accountability: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo says AFP’s report that the Tuvalu Trust Fund invested in oil and coal is “not a good look,” and the government is reviewing the holdings. Climate + Ocean Survival: Teo also urged a single agenda linking climate action and ocean management at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, calling it a “survival framework.” Food Safety & Trade: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels, with stricter cold-chain requirements for tuna. Youth & Governance: A Tuvalu youth survey finds unemployment is the top driver of poverty and that many young people feel development is concentrated in Funafuti. Digital Nation: Tuvalu’s Digital Nation push is framed as a way to keep the state functioning and preserve identity as sea levels rise. Australia–Tuvalu Ties: Australia opened a new High Commission chancery in Funafuti, powered by renewables, as cooperation under the Falepili Union deepens.

Tuvalu Fossil Fuel Scrutiny: Prime Minister Feleti Teo says it’s “not a good look” after AFP revealed the Tuvalu Trust Fund, managed by Mercer, holds investments linked to coal, gas and major oil refining—Tuvalu is now reviewing the portfolio. Youth Voices: A new survey of young Tuvaluans finds unemployment is the top driver of poverty and that development feels concentrated in Funafuti, leaving outer islands with fewer benefits. EU Seafood Rules: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in new EU freezer-vessel food-safety requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, tightening temperature standards for frozen tuna. Climate Displacement Push: Pacific leaders, including Tuvalu, are urging New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, warning there’s no dedicated framework for people moving across borders with dignity. Australia-Tuvalu Ties: Australia opened a new renewable-powered High Commission chancery in Funafuti, while Tuvalu’s acting PM also raised climate resilience and the real-world housing and transport challenges facing Tuvaluans using the Falepili mobility pathway. Learning Upgrade: UNICEF-backed support is helping Tuvalu improve teaching quality, with a US$2.5m programme to upskill teachers—especially in outer islands—through 2029.

Island Ocean Summit in Tokyo: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo urged leaders to treat climate action and ocean management as one “survival framework,” pointing to coastal erosion, coral bleaching and shifting fish patterns, while stressing integrated sustainable ocean planning. Australia–Tuvalu ties deepen: Australia opened a new High Commission chancery in Funafuti, powered by renewables, as talks also covered climate resilience and support under the Falepili Union, including the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project and assistance for Tuvaluans settling in Australia. Tuvalu “Digital Nation” push: Tuvalu is moving to become a “Digital Nation” to preserve state identity and governance even as sea levels rise and land disappears. Energy pressure, local solutions: Solar training for communities in Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu is helping reduce dependence on imported fuel as costs spike. Regional security realignment: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 China security pact and start negotiations on a new comprehensive treaty with Australia. Global fuel shock warning: UNCTAD warns oil-price spikes from Strait of Hormuz tensions could cost vulnerable economies, including Pacific SIDS, billions more. Tuvalu education boost: UNICEF-backed support is helping Tuvalu upskill teachers to meet new qualification requirements.

Digital Nation & Climate Survival: Tuvalu’s “Digital Nation” push is framed as a way to keep statehood and identity alive as sea levels rise and land disappears. Australia–Tuvalu Partnership: Acting PM Panapasi Nelesone met Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn, stressing climate resilience and the Falepili mobility pathway, including housing and transport hurdles for Tuvaluans settling in Australia. Education in Tuvalu: UNICEF-backed support is helping Tuvalu upgrade teacher qualifications, with a US$2.5m programme targeting untrained teachers and improving classroom learning through blended training. Regional Forestry for Resilience: FAO supported a Samoa–Fiji forestry exchange training staff in sustainable teak and pine production to close technical gaps and strengthen climate resilience. Energy Independence Across the Pacific: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu community leaders trained in solar PV installation and maintenance to cut reliance on imported fuel amid rising electricity costs. Solomon Islands Pivot: New PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 China security pact while starting talks on a new comprehensive treaty with Australia.