Author: ngewakl

The decision to allocate another $550 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) grants to the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) was announced by Australian government in January with little fanfare and has received only limited attention. This announcement was significant, however, because it confirms the change in the AIFFP’s character from primarily a non-concessional lending facility to one that has become increasingly reliant on more expensive (for Australia) — and scarcer — grant capital. Since its establishment in 2019, the AIFFP’s loan-to-grant ratio has declined by more than two thirds, from a peak of 6:1 ($3 billion…

It’s becoming routine now. Papua New Guinea holds an election. There are irregularities, allegations, omissions, bad decisions and tragedies. The problems are so bad that, for a brief moment, the country’s political elites take notice, organise a review, launch the review and then — with the occasional exception — appear to lose all interest. Donors also get involved, get thwarted, get distracted (did someone say China?) and then hope, optimistically, that today’s small projects will eventually deliver improvements. Then the next election arrives — with a bang — and problems aplenty. Why does this always happen? Part of the answer…

The subject of this article, Paul Collier, born in 1949, is a British development economist and Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. He is perhaps best known for his book The Bottom Billion (2007) and his research on conflict, governance and fragile states. His latest book, Left Behind: A New Economics for Neglected Places, was published in June 2024. In February of this year, friends and colleagues came together at the Blavatnik School of Government (BSG) at Oxford to celebrate Professor Paul Collier’s impressive career to date. I wish I could…

Indonesia’s flash floods in Sumatra are not merely natural disasters; they are also symptomatic of fiscal failure. While rescue teams battled torrents of mud, a quieter tragedy unfolded in the budget books. Disaster mitigation funding was systematically crowded out by competing political agendas. It signals a concerning reality that, within Indonesia’s current fiscal hierarchy, resilience appears expendable until a disaster hits. The crisis extends far beyond emergency response budgets. As climate change accelerates, global norms dictate that nations should ramp up environmental spending to keep risks within acceptable limits. These funds are critical for reforestation and upgrading ecological defences before…

As the “Gaza Playbook” seemingly extends to Lebanon, including attacks on critical civilian infrastructure, humanitarian personnel and journalists, we present this summary of a December 2025 discussion between panellists Amra Lee, Dr Cadhla O’Sullivan, Dr Annabel Dulhunty, Dr Ali Shaar, Dr Richard Brennan and Mudasser Siddiqui. In December last year, academics and practitioners came together at the 2025 Australasian Aid and International Development Conference to discuss human rights and humanitarian issues in Gaza. While a ceasefire had technically been negotiated in October 2025, over 500 violations had been documented as of November, alongside intensifying settler violence and annexation in the…

This is an edited version of the opening address of the 2026 State of the Pacific conference hosted by the Department of Pacific Affairs (DPA) at The Australian National University from 14-16 April 2026. It is an honour to reflect with you at the State of the Pacific 2026 conference on the theme Weaving Pacific Research Relationships. I centre my reflections on people, belonging and Pacific futures. I want to begin not with theory or policy language, but with lived experience. When I first became Prime Minister, I was asked a question many leaders are asked: What is your vision?…

Overview: A new regional report warns the Pacific’s financial lifelines to the global economy are shrinking, raising risks for trade, remittances, and everyday banking. As correspondent banking links decline to critical levels, Pacific leaders and partners are racing to stabilize the system before it reaches a tipping point. By Pita Ligaiula SUVA, 01 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Pacific’s access to global finance is under growing strain, with a new Pacific Islands Forum report warning that the steady loss of correspondent banking relationships is pushing the region toward a critical tipping point.  The ‘2025 Annual Report on the Pacific Strengthening…

Overview: Rising competition between the United States and China over critical minerals is driving a controversial plan to mine vast stretches of Pacific seabed near Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. While the proposal highlights strategic and economic stakes, it is also fueling concerns from island leaders and communities over environmental risks and lack of local consultation. TAMUNING, 02 APRIL 2026 (RADIO FREE ASIA) — A U.S plan to potentially mine an area of Pacific seabed roughly the size of Nevada near two U.S territories is the latest example of increasing competition in the region between the United States and…

Overview: More than four years after the devastating eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai, Tonga continues to rebuild—but progress is slowed by a heavy debt burden to China. As recovery gaps remain visible across affected islands, officials warn that loan repayments are limiting investments in critical infrastructure and public services. NUKU’ALOFA, 06  APRIL 2026 (AFP) — More than four years on from one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in history, Tonga is struggling to improve its infrastructure as it pays off a massive Chinese loan.  When Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai erupted on 15 January 2022, the blast could be heard as…

Overview: Guam’s growing role as a strategic U.S. military hub is fueling debate across the island, where economic reliance, environmental concerns and questions of self-determination are colliding. As military expansion accelerates, Indigenous Chamorro voices are increasingly challenging its long-term impact on land, culture and daily life. By Sean Mantesso  CANBERRA, 06 APRIL 2026 (ABC) — In the glistening waters of Tumon Bay, a traditional canoe catches the wind.  At its helm is boat builder Ron Acfalle, who has sailing in his blood.  “We came from the ocean,” he says. “We didn’t sprout from the ground.”   Ron is an Indigenous Chamorro…