AGP Executive Report

UN Mission to Tahiti: French Polynesia’s Assembly voted 54-57 to back a UN mission to visit Tahiti, aiming for a “direct and objective assessment” of local aspirations and reopening dialogue with France—an unusually broad agreement spanning pro-independence and autonomist parties. West Papua at the UN: Pacific leaders, led by Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale, renewed calls for Indonesia to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua, linking the issue to decolonisation and self-determination. Drug trafficking spotlight: A new report says French Polynesia is increasingly used as a transit hub for cocaine and meth heading to Australia and New Zealand, while a local meth market is also growing—raising pressure on French-state policing and border security. Climate & legal stakes: Pacific states pushed climate urgency at the UNGA, while a UN declaration on sea-level rise highlights how maritime borders could remain legally stable even as coastlines shift. Regional diplomacy via UNGA: The Pacific also used UNGA to press for faster climate finance and adaptation support as El Niño risks intensify.

UN Decolonisation Push: French Polynesia’s Assembly voted 54-57 to back a UN mission to visit Tahiti, aiming for a “direct and objective assessment” of the political situation and Mā‘ohi aspirations, with President Moetai Brotherson saying any future must be decided through an internationally recognized democratic process. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific leaders at the UN General Assembly renewed pressure on Indonesia to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua, with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale calling reports of abuses “not left in dispute” and linking the issue to decolonisation, including French Polynesia. Assembly + UN Law: The same UNGA week also saw a consensus declaration on keeping maritime boundaries legally stable despite sea-level rise—an issue that matters for Pacific states’ long-term rights. Security Council Debate: Wale also attacked UN veto powers as a “relic of 1945,” arguing they shield violations and entrench double standards. Local Governance Angle: A separate week-long look at French Polynesia’s drug trafficking highlights how policing and border security—held by France—are strained as cocaine and meth transit the territory en route to Australia and New Zealand. Food Security & Culture: Hawai‘i’s breadfruit summit spotlights supply-chain bottlenecks and the push to make ‘ulu more widely eaten—an idea Polynesian policymakers may watch as they weigh food resilience.

UN Engagement in Tahiti: French Polynesia’s Assembly voted 54-3 to back a United Nations mission to visit Tahiti, aiming for a “direct and objective assessment” of the political situation and Mā‘ohi aspirations, with President Moetai Brotherson saying any future must be decided by the people through an internationally recognized democratic process. Regional Decolonisation Push: The same week, Pacific leaders at the UN General Assembly renewed calls tied to decolonisation, including support for self-determination for the Maohi people of French Polynesia and Kanak people of New Caledonia. West Papua Rights Pressure: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged Indonesia to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua, warning that reports of abuses must be independently verified, and he also attacked UN Security Council veto power as a “relic of 1945.” Drug Trafficking Focus: A new report highlights how French Polynesia is increasingly used as a transit point for cocaine and meth heading toward Australia and New Zealand, alongside a growing local meth market.

UN Engagement on Tahiti: The Assembly of French Polynesia has passed a resolution calling for a UN mission to visit Tahiti for a “direct and objective assessment” of the political situation and Mā‘ohi aspirations, with support across major political groups after earlier UN requests were rejected by France. Pacific Decolonisation at the UN: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale used the UN General Assembly to renew calls for UN access to West Papua and to back decolonisation for territories including French Polynesia, linking self-determination to the wider UN decolonisation process. Climate Pressure in the Pacific: Pacific leaders at the UN warned that El Niño and sea-level rise are already hitting island states, urging faster climate finance and better access to adaptation support. Regional Legal-Climate Work: A Pacific writeshop in Nadi is preparing submissions for an ICJ advisory opinion on climate change, with French Polynesia among participating territories. Governance & Media Capacity: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched a Pacific centre for communications and journalism, aiming to strengthen independent reporting and training, including responsible AI use.

UN Diplomacy & Decolonisation: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale used the UN General Assembly to demand an end to UN Security Council veto powers, calling them a “relic of 1945,” and pressed Indonesia to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua for independent verification. He also backed decolonisation for New Caledonia and French Polynesia, reaffirming support for self-determination for Kanak and Maohi peoples. Climate & Maritime Rights: Pacific leaders at UNGA warned that sea-level rise is already reshaping lives, while a UN declaration aims to protect the legal stability of maritime boundaries for island states as coastlines shift. Pacific Governance & Media: Fiji’s Deputy PM and PM Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted the need for stronger, sustainable regional journalism, launching a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism and calling out misinformation risks. Regional Security & Drugs: Fiji’s Chief Justice demanded jail for those responsible for missing cocaine exhibits from the Suva High Court, as Pacific drug trafficking concerns keep rising. Local Relevance: The week also included French Polynesia-linked Pacific legal work, with Fiji hosting a writeshop for Pacific submissions to the ICJ on climate change.

UNGA Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale used the UN General Assembly to renew West Papua human-rights calls, urging a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit to Indonesia, and also pressed decolonization for New Caledonia and French Polynesia. Climate & Maritime Law: Pacific leaders at UNGA warned sea-level rise is already here and pushed for faster climate finance; the UN also adopted a declaration meant to keep legally established maritime boundaries stable as coastlines shift. Pacific Legal Strategy: Fiji Attorney General Siromi Turaga opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the ICJ climate advisory process, with French Polynesia among participating territories. Media & Governance: Fiji’s Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica called for government–media cooperation against misinformation and said Fiji has relaunched public service broadcasting grants; Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University. Regional Security & Drugs: Tonga police charged three over alleged meth importation as PINA president Kalafi Moala warned drug networks are becoming more sophisticated.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy at UNGA: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press for faster climate finance and warned that El Niño could worsen food and water stress and cyclone risks, with Tuvalu’s PM calling sea-level rise a “present reality” and urging grants for loss and damage. Maritime Borders, State Continuity: The UN adopted a declaration aimed at keeping legally established maritime zones stable despite coastline shifts from sea-level rise—key for small island states whose EEZ rights could otherwise erode. ICJ Climate Case Prep (French Polynesia Included): A regional writeshop in Nadi is training Pacific attorney generals and legal teams for submissions to the ICJ advisory proceedings on climate change, with French Polynesia among participating territories. Regional Security & Media Capacity: Fiji’s PM Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism to strengthen independent, professional reporting and media literacy, while Fiji’s deputy PM also urged governments to work with media to tackle misinformation. Pacific Partnerships: India was placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “strategic partner stream,” signaling deeper cooperation across healthcare, renewables, connectivity, and capacity building. Local Justice Watch (Fiji): Fiji’s Chief Justice Salesi Temo demanded jail for those responsible for missing cocaine exhibits from the Suva High Court.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy at UNGA: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press for faster climate finance and warned that El Niño could worsen food and water stress and cyclone risks, with Tuvalu’s PM calling sea-level rise a “present reality” and urging grants at the scale needed for loss and damage. Maritime Borders, Legal Continuity: The UN adopted a declaration aimed at keeping legally established maritime zones stable even as coastlines shift, a major issue for small island states whose EEZ rights could otherwise erode. French Polynesia in the Legal Frontline: A Pacific regional writeshop in Nadi is preparing submissions to the ICJ climate advisory process, with Fiji’s AG stressing climate justice and naming French Polynesia among participating territories. Fiji Media Governance: Fiji’s PM Rabuka launched a regional journalism and communications centre, while Fiji’s deputy PM called for government-industry cooperation to tackle misinformation without undermining sustainable newsrooms. Fiji Courts Under Strain: Fiji’s Chief Justice Salesi Temo demanded jail for those responsible for missing cocaine exhibits from the Suva High Court, calling it unacceptable for the judiciary. Pacific Security & Crime: Tonga police charged three over alleged meth importation as local media leaders warn drug networks are getting more sophisticated. Regional Partnerships: India was placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “strategic partner stream,” signaling deeper cooperation across healthcare, renewables, connectivity, and capacity building.

UN Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press for faster climate action and bigger finance, with Tuvalu’s PM calling sea-level rise a “present reality” and urging grants for loss and damage. Maritime Rights: The UN also moved to affirm the legal stability of island states’ maritime borders as coastlines shift, a key sovereignty issue for the Pacific. Pacific Legal Push: Fiji’s Attorney General opened a regional writeshop for Pacific submissions to the ICJ on climate change, including French Polynesia, as governments seek stronger international accountability. Ocean Advocacy: UNESCO and Prada staged “ONE OCEAN” at UNGA to push ocean protection messages from “learn” to “act.” Fiji Governance & Justice: Fiji’s Chief Justice demanded jail for those responsible for missing cocaine exhibits from the Suva High Court, while media leaders in Fiji debated misinformation and the need for sustainable journalism. Regional Security & Energy: Tonga reported meth import conspiracy charges, and Pacific governments backed new cooperation on high seas enforcement and solar power investment.

Climate Justice at the ICJ: Fiji’s AG Siromi Turaga opened a Pacific writeshop in Nadi for submissions to the ICJ climate-change advisory proceedings, with legal reps from 16 Pacific countries and territories including French Polynesia (Tahiti), pushing for urgent climate cooperation and “climate justice.” El Niño Pressure on the Pacific: Pacific leaders at the UNGA warned El Niño could worsen food and water stress and cyclone risks, calling for faster access to climate finance and a better-funded Pacific Resilience Facility. Pacific Media Power-Up: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, aiming for independent, credible media and training on digital journalism, media literacy, and responsible AI use. Fiji Justice Shock: Fiji’s Chief Justice Salesi Temo demanded jail for those responsible for missing cocaine exhibits from the Suva High Court, saying the drugs should never have stayed in the court’s exhibit room. French Polynesia in the Regional Spotlight: A separate report notes the country is turning to an Asian bank for financing, as regional governance and security issues remain in focus. Pacific Crime Watch: Tonga police charged three over alleged meth importation, while PINA leaders warned drug networks are adapting and expanding.

Climate & Justice: Fiji Attorney General Siromi Turaga opened a Pacific writeshop in Nadi for Pacific Island submissions to the ICJ climate-change advisory proceedings, arguing the world must deliver climate justice for Small Island Developing States. Regional Diplomacy: India was placed on the “strategic partner stream” in the Pacific Islands Forum, with Jaishankar citing cooperation across healthcare, renewables, connectivity and capacity building. Media & Governance: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, while Fiji’s Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica urged governments to work with media to tackle misinformation without undermining sustainability. Rule of Law: Fiji Chief Justice Salesi Temo demanded jail for those responsible for missing cocaine exhibits from the Suva High Court, calling it unacceptable for the judiciary. Pacific Security & Crime: Tonga police charged three people over alleged meth importation, as PINA president Kalafi Moala warned networks are becoming more sophisticated. French Polynesia in the Mix: A Tahitian medical case highlighted rare lymphatic filariasis in French Polynesia, underscoring health risks tied to travel and exposure. Tourism & Connectivity: Azamara opened bookings for a 195-night 2029 world cruise that includes multiple French Polynesia stops, including Papeete and Mo’orea.

Pacific Media & Governance: Fiji Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica urged governments to work with media to fight misinformation without suffocating outlets, as he highlighted Fiji’s public service broadcasting grant and AI-driven disinformation risks. Regional Journalism Capacity: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched the Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, aiming for independent, credible reporting plus media literacy and responsible AI use. PINA Leadership & Reach: PINA president Kalafi Moala said the Pacific media body should restructure to better include remote and underrepresented areas, naming French Polynesia, New Caledonia and West Papua as priorities. Pacific Security & Drugs: Fiji Chief Justice Salesi Temo demanded jail for those responsible for missing cocaine exhibits from the Suva High Court, warning there’s “no room” for such conduct in the judiciary. Pacific Diplomacy: India was placed on the “strategic partner stream” in the Pacific Islands Forum, signaling deeper cooperation with Pacific states including French Polynesia. Climate Pressure: Pacific leaders called at the UN for urgent climate action and easier access to climate finance as El Niño threatens food, water and cyclone risks.

Climate Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum chair Surangel Whipps Jr urged urgent UN action on El Niño-driven food and water stress, calling for easier access to climate finance and a Pacific Resilience Facility that reaches communities instead of getting stuck in bureaucracy. Media Governance: Fiji Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica said governments must work with media to tackle misinformation without “over-managing and over-regulating” news, warning that underfunded newsrooms can’t sustain quality journalism. Regional Media Capacity: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched the Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, aiming to train journalists, boost media literacy, and support responsible AI use across the region. PINA Restructure Talks: PINA president Kalafi Moala said the group is considering restructuring to expand outreach to remote and underrepresented areas, including French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and West Papua. Pacific Security & Drugs: Fiji Chief Justice Salesi Temo demanded jail for those responsible for missing cocaine exhibits from the Suva High Court, as police investigate how NZ$6.25m worth of drugs disappeared. Pacific Partnerships: India was placed on the strategic partner stream of the Pacific Islands Forum, with cooperation flagged in healthcare, renewables, connectivity, and capacity building. French Polynesia Tourism: Regent Bora Bora is set to reopen in late 2027 with 84 overwater villas, marking the Regent brand’s first hotel in French Polynesia.

Prisoner Swap Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev pardoned French citizen Martin Ryan, after the EU—at France’s request—removed Alisher Usmanov from sanctions, with both moves described as part of a prisoner-for-sanctions deal. Regional Media Push: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, aiming for independent, credible reporting and training on digital journalism, media literacy, and responsible AI. PINA Reform Talks: PINA president Kalafi Moala says the regional media body may need restructuring to reach remote and underrepresented places, pointing to French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and West Papua. Drug Crime Pressure in the Pacific: Tonga police charged three people over alleged meth importation, while Fiji’s Chief Justice Salesi Temo demanded jail for those responsible for missing cocaine exhibits from the Suva High Court. French Polynesia Tourism/Branding: Regent Bora Bora is set to reopen in late 2027 with 84 overwater villas, marking the Regent brand’s first hotel in French Polynesia. Security & Governance Angle: The week’s coverage also highlights how courts and institutions are being tested—from exhibit handling to cross-border diplomatic bargaining.

Regional Media & AI Standards: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched the Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, aiming for independent, credible reporting and training on digital journalism, media literacy, and responsible AI use, as Pacific media leaders question whether existing structures reach remote communities. PINA Restructure Push: PINA president Kalafi Moala says the regional media body needs restructuring and wider outreach, pointing to French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and West Papua, and floating a subregional approach across Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Drug Trafficking Crackdown (Tonga): Tonga police charged three people over alleged meth importation, seizing about 200g of meth and devices, while Moala warns criminal networks are growing and getting more sophisticated. Justice System Under Scrutiny (Fiji): Fiji Chief Justice Salesi Temo demanded jail for those responsible for missing cocaine exhibits from the Suva High Court, calling it unacceptable for drugs to remain in court custody. French Polynesia Tourism & Hospitality: Regent Bora Bora is set to replace the InterContinental Bora Bora resort, converting all 84 overwater villas and reopening in late 2027, while “Hidden Tahiti” spotlights Polynesian culture and sustainability via Paul Gauguin Cruises. Security & Governance Watch: Fiji’s missing-cocaine scandal and Tonga’s drug network updates keep regional rule-of-law and public trust in focus.

Judicial Integrity & Drugs: Fiji’s Chief Justice Salesi Temo is demanding jail time and removal from the judiciary for whoever is responsible for seven missing cocaine bars from the Suva High Court exhibit room, after more than FJ$8m worth of drug exhibits went missing during an ongoing investigation. Regional Media Governance: Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) president Kalafi Moala says the group needs restructuring to expand outreach and give remote, underrepresented communities a stronger voice, pointing to French Polynesia, New Caledonia and West Papua as priorities. Organised Crime Watch: Tonga police have charged three people over an alleged meth importation after seizing about 200 grams of methamphetamine, as PINA’s Moala warns drug networks are adapting and becoming more sophisticated. French Polynesia Health Case: A Tahiti man’s 18-centimeter scrotal swelling was diagnosed as lymphatic filariasis after surgeons found remnants of a filarial worm, described as rare for French Polynesia due to the size. Tourism & Luxury in French Polynesia: Regent Bora Bora is set to open as IHG’s first Regent in French Polynesia, converting the former InterContinental Bora Bora resort into 84 overwater villas, with a late-2027 reopening.