Author: TMC Palau

Access remains the biggest challenge for humanitarian workers in the Pacific Islands region, but humanitarians are not targeted as they are in other parts of the world, according to World Vision.Access biggest challenge for humanitarian workers in PacificTo mark World Humanitarian Day, World Vision, an international Christian humanitarian and development organisation, is highlighting the unprecedented risks faced by global humanitarian workers in recent times.There has been a threefold increase in deaths of humanitarian workers over the past three years, with over 1000 deaths – mainly in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan.World Vision said in such parts of the world, humanitarians and…

Communities across Guadalcanal, Makira and Central Islands provinces in the Solomon Islands are expected to benefit from a new climate adaptation initiative that will strengthen freshwater security.The ‘Protecting Freshwater Resources for Increased Climate Resilience in the Pacific Islands (PacFresH2O)’ programme will also improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services, and build resilience to the growing impacts of climate change.The programme was launched in Honiara by GIZ Pacific, and implemented in partnership with the Solomon Islands government, the Pacific Community (SPC) and the non-government organisation, Live & Learn, last week.The five-year regional programme – backed by the German government – supports…

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he will appeal against a High Court decision quashing the report of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of a former head of the country’s anti-corruption agency.The months-long inquiry, which cost the taxpayer around FJ$2 million (NZ$1.5m), has become a major political issue for Rabuka’s coalition government.The COI, headed by Australian judge Justice David Ashton-Lewis, began on 31 October 2024 and was originally due to conclude on 31 January 2025, but continued until 1 May 2025.Acting on the inquiry’s recommendations, Rabuka advised the country’s president that the then-commissioner of the Fiji Independent…

The Palau Media Council participated in a three-day hands-on training with ABC International Development (ABC ID) in preparation for the upcoming 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ and Related Meetings (PIFLM) 2026, which Palau will host from August 31 to September 3, 2026. The training provided practical experience and strengthened the skills and readiness of local media professionals ahead of one of the region’s most significant diplomatic gatherings. As Palau prepares to welcome Pacific leaders, delegates, media professionals, and guests from across the region, the Palau Media Council continues to work toward ensuring strong, professional, and comprehensive media coverage of PIF…

A former Fiji Secondary Schools’ and Under-20 captain believes the current schools’ rugby competition needs to be revamped so it can become a true breeding ground for players who can compete against the best in the world.Andrew Durutalo, who is director of rugby operations at the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC Rugby), says the current schools’ rugby system needs to be reviewed for the purpose of developing players who can then continue up the development pathway into the national teams.Durutalo started his playing career at the prominent Suva Grammar School in Fiji’s capital, and played in the Deans Trophy competition,…

The governor of Papua New Guinea’s Western Highlands Province says his province is unprepared to deal with the severe impacts of the El Niño weather event being experienced across the country.During an El Niño event, warmer ocean waters affect rainfall and wind patterns, often bringing drier-than-usual conditions and a higher risk of drought to the western Pacific.Western Highlands governor Wai Rapa is warning that the PNG government does not have the finances or the resources to manage the situation.Rapa told the Post-Courier there has been no communication from the national government.He said the current dry season is “on another scale”…

In this photo released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, spokesperson for the ministry Lin Jian addresses members of the media during a regular news briefing in Beijing, China, on July 15, 2026.BEIJING – The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday dismissed Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s allegations about China’s recent test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, saying they are groundless, ill-intentioned and not worth commenting.The Chinese side has stated its position on the test launch, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular news briefing. Source link

A single shark is worth dramatically more alive than dead, and the math behind that gap is far more surprising than conservationists let on. See the numbers →The global shark fishing industry generates hundreds of millions annually. So how does a tiny island nation with no fishing fleet actually compete with it? See how eco-tourism competes →Palau made a single policy decision in 2009 that most governments dismissed, and it quietly rewired the island’s entire economy. Explore Palau’s 2009 decision →Eco-tourism has proven that a living shark is far more valuable than a dead one. While the shark fishing industry…

The exercise brought together Soldiers from 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Soldiers from 728th Military Police Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, Soldiers from 303rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 9th Mission Support Command, and Marines from 1st Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, to execute live-fire events and rehearse the planning and synchronization necessary to defend critical assets and friendly forces in a realistic operational environment. Tenacious Archer is designed to build combat-ready formations by providing military organizations opportunities to train under conditions…

A 26-day deep sea expedition in the Cook Islands by a United States scientific agency has uncovered new information about marine life and seabed minerals within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).New data about marine life unearthed in Cook IslandsThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship Okeanos Explorer returned to Rarotonga this week after carrying out research in the western Cook Islands where little to no prior data exists.The expedition conducted 14 remotely operated vehicle dives, collecting more than 400 samples and sub-samples, exploring seamounts, abyssal plains and areas of the Manihiki Plateau.Researchers aboard collected more than 23 biological…