Podcasts about Pacific Islands Forum

Jim and Ray welcome Suzanne Vares-Lum, retired U.S. Army Major General, outgoing President of the East-West Center and Director-designate of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. Together they explore the geopolitical significance of the geographically vast but sparsely populated Pacific Islands region.They discuss how these small island nations have found themselves in the midst of the great-power competition between the U.S. and China, while many have also become unlikely players in the cross-strait tensions between Taiwan and China. At the same time, the concerns that preoccupy these nations at international gatherings such as the Pacific Islands Forum include illegal fishing and climate change.Suzy explains how the U.S. has been renewing its commitment to many of these countries through education and leadership programs, as well as opening new embassies and funding infrastructure projects. To close, Ray tells the story of when he dispatched a special forces officer to rescue a stuffed animal.

In Pacific Waves today: King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla join world leaders who represent member countries of the Commonwealth in Samoa for the 27th Commonwealth Heads of government meeting (CHOGM); A former highlevel worker at the top Pacific political decision-making body argues the Pacific Islands Forum is more relevant than ever; The first Pasifika independent candidate for Auckland's Entrust election calls for change to South Aucklanders energy bills; The Bougainville Government says a joint understanding has been reached with Papua New Guinea to broaden the role of their new independent moderator, former New Zealand Governor General, Sir Jerry Mateparae.

In Pacific Waves today: University of the South Pacific staff are on strike, calling for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia; Susana Suisuiki is in Samoa for CHOGM and shares what leaders, dignitaries and locals in Apia are saying ahead of King Charles III visit on Friday; This week New Caledonia, torn apart by violent riots over the past five months is to receive a high level Pacific Islands Forum fact finding mission; Pasifika Opera singers say there is a demand for Polynesian talent in the prestigious art form following a two night show in Rarotonga.

 His Week That Was – Kevin Healy, Professor Emeritus Stuart Rees speaking about war on Lebanon, war in Sudan, lecture free universities, war on Gaza, Part 2 of a conversation between Dr Saree Makdisi, Professor from University of California, and Louise Adler about his recent book Denial In a time of Genocide, James Hita from the Deep Sea Mining Campaign and the absence of this important issue at the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga and more, PHD candidate Sasha Gillies-Lekakis and the life of ex-President of Peru, Alberto Fujimori and his legacy. Head to www.3cr.org.au/hometime-tuesday for full access to links and previous podcasts

 His Week That Was – Kevin Healy, Conversation between Dr Saree Makdisi & Louise Adler regarding his latest book Denial in a Time of Genocide, Land forces expo at Melbourne Convention Centre: Analysis by Senior Lecturer at RMIT University Dr Binoy Kampmark, & activist, researcher and broadcaster Jacob Grech, Academic, researcher, military analyst and peace activist, Professor Richard Tanter – Are nuclear bombs on board B-52 bombers in Australia? Correspondent for Islands Business, Nic Maclellan and part 2 of his report on the Pacific Islands Forum held in Tonga. Head to www.3cr.org.au/hometime-tuesday for full access to links and previous podcasts

 His Week That Was – Kevin Healy, Activist Robert Martin and his part in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla forced to stay in Turkey, Correspondent for Islands Business, Nic Maclellan reviews the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, Dr Helen McCue, co-coordinator of APHEDA Union Aid Abroad and why there isn't a ceasefire in Gaza and the cost for the people of Gaza, Professor Richard Broinowki and the dangers posed to the two nuclear power plant complexes in Ukraine and Russia from the ongoing war, Professor Emeritus Stuart Rees and the worthy and the unworthy. Head to www.3cr.org.au/hometime-tuesday for full access to links and previous podcasts

Stephen Dziedzic of the ABC recently reported from the Pacific Islands Forum leaders retreat in Tonga. He joins Darren to unpack a very interesting meeting, focusing in particular on the Pacific Policing Initiative (and PM Albanese's discussions with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, unintentionally recorded on camera) and a reference to Taiwan included in the original communique that was subsequently removed after Beijing forcefully objected (with another interesting exchange caught on camera). Australia in the World is written, hosted, and produced by Darren Lim, with research and editing this episode by Corbin Duncan and theme music composed by Rory Stenning. Relevant links Stephen Dziedzic, “Pacific Islands leaders endorse regional policing initiative in strategic victory for Australia”, ABC News, 28 August: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-28/vanuatu-melanesia-officials-warn-policing-could-block-china/104277614 Stephen Dziedzic, “Anthony Albanese caught on camera joking about Pacific Policing Initiative with top US official Kurt Campbell”, ABC News, 29 August: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-29/albanese-top-us-official-filmed-in-private-chat-pacific/104283976 Stephen Dziedzic, “Pacific Islands Forum says error to blame for Taiwan reference in communique that angered China”, ABC News, 2 September: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-02/pacific-islands-forum-meeting-taiwan-reference-china-ambassador/104299186 John Le Carré, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (novel): https://www.penguin.com.au/authors/john-le-carre Odd Lots (Podcast), “How the White House Thinks About Economic Security”, 15 August: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-15/white-house-advisor-daleep-singh-on-economic-security?srnd=oddlots

Kate Adie presents stories from Ukraine, Germany, China, Tonga and IndiaUkraine suffered several devastating missile attacks this week on the cities of Poltava and Lviv. Despite the more buoyant mood in the country in recent weeks, following Ukraine's incursion into Kursk, it served as a reminder that the threat is ever-present. Nick Beake has been in PoltavaLast weekend, the far right AFD party - won the most votes in a state election in the east German state of Thuringia and came a close second in the state of Saxony. The AfD were especially popular among young voters. Jessica Parker has spoken to some of them in Thuringia.Several cities across China have been devastated by heavy rainfall this year and a super typhoon there this weekend is yet another warning for China's leaders that the country is vulnerable to extreme weather events because the infrastructure in cities cannot cope with such heavy storms. Laura Bicker has been in Zhengzhou where she heard about a possible solution: sponge cities.Last week, leaders from around the Pacific gathered in the small island nation of Tonga to discuss key issues they are facing. The Pacific Islands Forum is the region's biggest meeting of the year – and topping the list of concerns was climate change. But on the agenda, there were plenty of other topics – and controversies - as Katy Watson found out.And finally, the famine in Bengal in the 1940s led to one of the worst losses of civilian life on the allied side during the second world war. Many Indians see this as one of the enduring legacies of empire. Ant Adeane visited one of the survivors that period in his home in West Bengal.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Tom Bigwood Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison

Considering new contributions to the Pacific Resilience Fund, is the global community doing enough to support Pacific Island countries? How has the Falepili Union between Australia and Tuvalu been received more broadly across the region? Will it be replicated? How does the Pacific Policing Initiative fit within the Pacific approach to collective security? How can the Pacific balance the pros and cons of the PALM scheme? In this episode, Maima Koro, Henritta McNeil and Joel Nilon join Bianca Birdsall to reflect on the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum, including the Pacific Resilience Fund, Pacific Policing Initiative, and the role of dialogue partners. Maualaivao Maima Koro is the Pacific Research Fellow and academic co-lead of the Regional Perspectives collaboration between Adelaide University and the Defence Science and Technology Group. Dr Henrietta McNeill is a Research Fellow on Pacific security, geopolitics and regionalism at the ANU Department of Pacific Affairs. Joel Nilon is a Pacific Fellow at the ANU Pacific Security College. Show notes: ANU academic programs – find out more Pacific Policing Initiative Power and Influence in the Pacific Islands – co-authored by Henrietta McNeill We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Australia-Japan 2+2, a meeting of Ministers for Defence and Foreign Affairs of Australia and Japan, will take place tomorrow in Victoria. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, “Japan is an essential partner for Australia, and our two nations work closely together, including through ASEAN, the Pacific Islands Forum and the Quad, to make a vital contribution to the region's security and prosperity." - 日豪の外務・防衛担当が会談する、日豪２プラス２が明日５日、ビクトリア州で行われます。ペニーウォン外相は、「日本はオーストラリアにとって必要不可欠なパートナーであり、日豪両国はASEAN、太平洋諸島フォーラム、クアッドなどを通じて緊密に協力し、地域の安全保障と繁栄に貢献します。」とコメントを発表しました。

Acknowledgement//Headlines//  Dr Marco de Jong - Pacific Historian & Lecturer at Auckland University Pacific Historian Dr Marco de Jong joins us to unpack last week's 53rd Pacific Islands Forum summit. We will be discussing climate change mitigation/adaptation concerns for Pacific Island nations, the imposition of western military strategic interests on regional priorities, and how this relates to the ongoing liberation struggle unfolding in Kanaky. Dr de Jong is a lecturer at the Auckland University of Technology Law School, and was raised in Tāmaki Makaurau with ties to Papa Puleia in Sāmoa where he holds the chiefly title Faumuinā. His work details the history of regional politics and environmental governance in the Pacific Islands with a particular focus on Indigenous knowledge, nature conservation, anti-nuclearism, and climate change. Find out more about the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent here.// Harry Millward - Renters and Housing Union Harry Millward, secretary of the Renters and Housing Union or RAHU interviews Clare Hanson from Save Public Housing Collective about her experiences of living in public housing. This interview was recorded and edited by Danielle Hassall with 3CR's Breadline program, a show by the Australian Unemployed Workers' Union. Catch Breadline on Mondays from 6-6:30PM on 3CR 855AM.// Dr Chris Gill - Professor of Chemistry at Vancouver Island UniversityDr Chris Gill, Professor of Chemistry has co-lead the the team that has created revolutionary drug checking technology through spray mass spectrometry used around the world, and originating in ''British Columbia,Canada.'' In Part 1 of this interview, we speak about the importance of small sample sizes in drug checking, the nuances of sensitivity, and what we here in Naarm/melbourne can learn from innovative drug checking technology and the management of opioid overdose crisises. In part 2 this week, we speak about translating this technology into supportive drug checking practices for the community, and check out Substance Drug Checking Service.// Dr Nico Clark - Clinical Director of First Step Dr Nico Clark is the inaugural Clinical Director of First Step, an addiction, mental health and legal services hub supporting over 1,800 people each year. He has worked in the field of addiction medicine for over 25 years, including 10 years with the World Health Organisation in the Substance Use Team, Medical Director of the North Richmond Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR), and currently also Head of Addiction Medicine at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He joins us in the studio to talk about what organisations and systems can do to help end overdose, and we reflect on International Overdose Awarness Day 24 which was 31st of Aug last week.//Important: Information on how to access PREP during shortage via pan.org.au8-14 September: mobilise to disrupt land forces. Find out more via disruptlandforces.orgInformation on CFMEU latest and events via vic.cfmeu.org/news

At the Pacific Islands forum in Tonga, Australia's prime minister was ‘caught on camera' joking with a senior US official about the cost of a newly announced Pacific policing plan. At the same forum, there were diplomatic fireworks from China, which was upset about references to Taiwan in the communique, while the UN chief issued an ‘SOS' on rising sea levels. Foreign affairs and defence correspondent Daniel Hurst speaks to Reged Ahmad about the drama of the Pacific Islands Forum

The Pacific Islands Forum has bowed to China's demand to remove the mention of Taiwan from the final communique of the leaders' summit in Tonga. Lydia Lewis reports.

The Pacific Islands Forum has submitted to China's demand to remove the mention of Taiwan from the final communique of the leaders' summit.

The Pacific Islands Forum has submitted to China's demand to remove the mention of Taiwan from the final communique of the leaders' summit; The Samoan community in Aotearoa gathered in Mangere, Auckland to discuss the Samoa citizenship bill; Guam nuclear test survivors seek justice.

I'm Don Wiseman and today the Pacific Islands Forum summit, the next stage of the Kiribati election process ....deep sea mining drawing closer, there's upset in PNG after a journalist is shut out of a visit by the incoming president of Indonesia....and a call for spiritual leaders to be sent to NZ with RSE workers.

**United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says that rising ocean temperatures present urgent risks for people living in the Pacific Islands.** 联合国秘书长安东尼奥·古特雷斯表示，海洋温度的上升对生活在太平洋岛屿的人们构成了紧迫的风险。**Guterres made the comment while at the Pacific Islands Forum taking place in Tonga. The country is a collection of about 170 islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.** 古特雷斯在参加正在汤加举行的太平洋岛国论坛时发表了这一评论。汤加是一个由大约170个岛屿组成的国家，位于西南太平洋。**The U.N. chief said studies suggest the southwestern Pacific faces more extreme sea level rise than other parts of the world. The problem, he added, is linked to sea temperatures in the area that in some cases are three times higher than worldwide levels.** 联合国秘书长表示，研究表明西南太平洋面临着比世界其他地区更为极端的海平面上升问题。他补充说，这一问题与该地区的海洋温度有关，在某些情况下，该地区的海洋温度比全球平均水平高出三倍。**Warmer temperatures cause water to expand and this can cause sea level rise.** 温度升高会导致水体膨胀，从而引发海平面上升。**"I am in Tonga to issue a global SOS – Save Our Seas – on rising sea levels," Guterres said.** 古特雷斯表示：“我在汤加发出全球SOS——拯救我们的海洋，以应对海平面上升。”**The U.N. leader said that rising seas were "amplifying” the number and severity of storms and coastal flooding across the area. He said such flooding can destroy fisheries, damage crops and poison water. “All this puts Pacific Island nations in grave danger," he said.** 联合国领导人表示，海平面上升正在“加剧”该地区风暴和沿海洪水的数量和严重性。他说，这种洪水会摧毁渔业、破坏农作物并污染水源。“这一切都将太平洋岛国置于极度危险之中，”他表示。**A report recently released by the U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization showed ocean temperatures in the southwestern Pacific are increasing at up to three times the worldwide rate.** 联合国世界气象组织最近发布的一份报告显示，西南太平洋的海洋温度正在以全球平均速度的三倍上升。**Guterres said the Pacific islands are especially at risk because much of their land is “just one to two meters above sea level."** 古特雷斯表示，太平洋岛国尤其面临风险，因为它们的很多土地“仅比海平面高一到两米”。**And, he added, "Half the infrastructure is within 500 meters of the sea."** 他还补充说，“一半的基础设施都在距离海岸500米以内。”**Many scientists blame the planet's rising temperatures on pollution from fossil fuel use. Guterres said the Pacific Islands can expect additional sea level rise of 15 centimeters by 2050 if the pollution levels do not drop.** 许多科学家将地球温度上升归咎于化石燃料使用产生的污染。古特雷斯表示，如果污染水平不下降，到2050年，太平洋岛国的海平面将额外上升15厘米。**Guterres urged world leaders to greatly increase the level of climate-related investments, especially for at-risk countries, to help fight the problem.** 古特雷斯敦促世界领导人大幅增加与气候相关的投资，尤其是对高风险国家，以帮助应对这一问题。**Delegates to the 2023 U.N. climate change conference approved the establishment of a "loss and damage" fund to help poor nations deal with climate disasters.** 2023年联合国气候变化大会的代表们批准设立一个“损失和损害”基金，以帮助贫困国家应对气候灾害。**"Developed countries must deliver on their finance commitments,” Guterres said. He added that one commitment calls for doubling financing to at least $40 billion a year by 2025.** 古特雷斯表示：“发达国家必须履行其财务承诺。”他补充说，其中一项承诺要求到2025年将融资翻倍至每年至少400亿美元。

Ua pasia i le Pacific Islands Forum le fuafuaga a le malo tele e faavaeina ai se vaega o leoleo tu'u faatasi a le Pasefika, le Pacific Policing Initiative.

The recent launch of The Shepparton Irrigation Region Land and Water Management Plan for 2050 was a wonderful opportunity to record some impressive speakers, but put to the test, I failed - what I recorded was less than adequate. The event, at Girgarre's Gargarro Botanic Garden Cafe, was attended by more than 100 people and was organized by the "Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority". The guest speaker was the foundation executive officer of Goulburn-Murray Water, Denis Flett. According to the Melbourne Age, the Liberal-endorsed candidate, Mariam Riza (pictured) to be lord mayor of Melbourne is promising to get more cars into the CBD by ripping up the city's bike lanes, claiming they cause traffic bottlenecks - "Rip up the bike lanes: Liberals launch Melbourne mayoral bid"; "No bike lanes in the city says candidate for Melbourne Council Mariam Riza"; "Pacific in peril: UN urges Australia to block new coal and gas projects"; "How did a sudden reduction in shipping pollution inadvertently stoke global warming?"; "What Indonesia's next climate pledge could do for its people, environment and economy – The Briefing Room"; The book co-authored by Phillip Sutton - "Climate Code Red: the Case for Emergency Action"; "Campaigners sue EU over ‘grossly inadequate' 2030 climate targets"; "Why is climate change causing ‘record-shattering' extreme heat?"; "More Than 40% of World's Electricity Came From Zero-Carbon Sources in 2023"; "‘These ideas are incredibly popular': what is degrowth and can it save the planet?"; "Sydney records hottest August day in seven years amid high fire danger from warm, windy weather"; "‘Working here is hell': latest death of farm worker in 40C heat shocks Italy"; "‘Everything, everywhere, all at once': Australia's survival in a warmer world will be a mammoth multi-tasking effort"; "Power-hungry AI data centers are raising electric bills and blackout risk"; "‘The world needs your leadership', Guterres tells Pacific Islands Forum"; "How much more water and power does AI computing demand? Tech firms don't want you to know"; "The next big climate target: Ending carbon offset scams"; "Climate disinformation continues to leave a mark as world gets hotter"; "Harris Stirs Hope for a New Chapter in Climate Action"; "Investigation reveals global fisheries are in far worse shape than we thought – and many have already collapsed"; "Scientists may have found a radical solution for making your hamburger less bad for the planet": "US tourist dies after ice collapse in Icelandic glacier"; "UPS Drivers Won “Historic Heat Protections.” They Say the Company Hasn't Lived Up to That Promise."; "NZ's looming climate cash crunch"; "The Unstoppable, Exponential Energy Transition with Kingsmill Bond".

Pacific policing, regional security, climate change and the New Caledonia crisis were the main talking points for regional leaders heading into their retreat on Neiafu in Tonga's Vava'u island group on Thursday.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry says the country is committed to helping the development of its Global South partners, including those in Africa (01:05). The Pacific Islands Forum is underway in Tonga, with leaders hoping to draw global attention to the region's worsening climate situation (05:58). The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed evidence of a drone strike on a nuclear power plant in Russia's Kursk region (13:13).

Melanesian leaders discuss human rights violations in West Papua.

*) Israeli army and Zionist settlers unleash terror upon Palestine Illegal Israeli settlers have shot dead a Palestinian and wounded three others in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. This is part of more than 1,270 Zionist terror attacks targeting Palestinians since October last year. At least 680 Palestinians have since been killed and nearly 6,000 others wounded by Israeli army and the illegal settlers in the occupied territory. *) Palestine lambasts Ben-Gvir's call to build synagogue at Al-Aqsa Mosque Palestine has denounced a call by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to build a synagogue inside Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. Palestinian Authority said it was an attempt by Ben-Gvir to drag the region into a “religious war”. The Authority added that the Palestinian people will not accept any harm to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, “which is a red line that cannot be crossed under any circumstances”. *) Turn them in now or face prison — New UK law targets ‘zombie-style' knives Police in the UK are urging owners of “zombie-style” knives and machetes to hand them in as part of a national month-long campaign launched by the government. The soon-to-be-outlawed bladed weapons can be surrendered at stations in England and Wales. The government announced on August 19th that from September 23rd, it will be a criminal offence to possess these weapons in the UK. *) Trump blames Harris and Biden for ‘humiliation' in Afghanistan Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has used the third anniversary of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan to pin the chaotic troop pullout on his Democratic rival for the White House. Trump blamed Kamala Harris, the vice president, and President Joe Biden for what he termed a “catastrophic” withdrawal. Trump said “the humiliation in Afghanistan set off the collapse of American credibility and respect all over the world.” *) Pacific Islands Forum urges polluters to pay for climate damage “If you pollute, you should pay,” Pacific leaders say. Emissions-belching nations have been challenged to stump up for climate-related damage as a key Pacific islands summit opened. The Pacific Islands Forum got underway in Tonga's capital, with leaders hoping to draw global attention to the region's worsening climate plight.

Christopher Luxon has touched down in Tonga for his first Pacific Islands Forum in the top job. The Prime Minister is likely to face questions about climate action - and his government's move to grant new oil and gas permits. Political reporter Anneke Smith has more from Nuku'alofa

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has touched down in Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum and it's expected he'll be quizzed about New Zealand's approach to climate action. Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins spoke with Corin Dann.

①Leaders of Pacific Island nations are gathering in Tonga for their annual meeting. What are the issues that matter? (00:46) ②Russia has fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Ukraine, killing at least seven people. What's the latest in the Russia-Ukraine conflict? (11:48) ③China has accused Canada of trade protectionism after Ottawa announced it will impose a hefty tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles.(25:20) ④The World Health Organization has launched a global response plan to contain the mpox outbreak.(35:10) ⑤Our interview with Ovigwe Eguegu, Policy Analyst at Development Reimagined, on infrastructure partnerships between China and Africa.(43:50)

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued an SOS to 'save our seas'.

  His Week That Was – Kevin Healy, Honorary Associate Professor at UNSW Peter Slezak talks about his role as a Jew For Palestine and the attacks on him and fellow activists over many years, Correspondent for Islands Business, Nic Maclellan and the preparations for the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, Dr Helen Rosenbaum, Research Coordinator with the Deep Sea Mining Campaign detailing the new push for extraction in the sea off the coast of Papua New Guinea, Final part of research into the history of Venezuela by PhD Candidate Sasha Gillies Lekakis. Head to www.3cr.org.au/hometime-tuesday for full access to links and previous podcasts

Hamas says it has rejected new Israeli conditions in the latest Gaza ceasefire talks (01:06). Leaders from Pacific island nations are gathering in Tonga for the annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (15:57). Chinese swimmer Sun Yang takes gold upon his return to the pool (46:23).

Despite pouring rain and an earthquake the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit is officially underway in Tonga.

Despite pouring rain and an earthquake the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit is officially underway in Tonga; The Tonga government is being urged to prioritise educating people in the kingdom about the importance of recycling; RNZ Pacific senior sports journalist Iliesa Tora spoke to stakeholders about some of the ongoing issues with the labour mobility scheme in the Bay of Plenty.

The political crisis in New Caledonia is already dominating the agenda as Pacific leaders arrive at the largest regional meeting in Tonga. Lydia Lewis is in Nuku'alofa.

The opening ceremony for the Pacific Islands Forum is about to get underway. Every year, the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' summit hosts 18 heads of state. Reporter Lydia Lewis spoke to Corin Dann from Nuku'alofa.

An expert in Pacific politics says regional leaders will have their dance cards full at the Forum summit in Tonga next week.

The Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit is just days away from opening in Nuku'alofa in Tonga, and frantic efforts are still needed to ensure visitors are housed.

The Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit is just days away from opening in Nuku'alofa in Tonga, and frantic efforts are still needed to ensure visitors are housed; More than 300 leaders representing nations throughout the Pacific have paid tribute to Kiingi Tuuheitia at Koroneihana celebrations hosted at Tuurangawaewae Marae; St Vincent de Paul organisations in New Zealand are sending a container load of clothing, household untensils and medical goods to their sister organisation in Tonga.

Plans for a high level Pacific Islands Forum mission to New Caledonia have become messy with the French High Commission in Noumea and the local government at loggerheads over who should be organising the visit and welcoming the delegation.

Plans for a high level Pacific Islands Forum mission to New Caledonia have become messy with the French High Commission in Noumea...and the local government at loggerheads over who should be organising the visit and welcoming the delegation; Two young Pacific researchers have teamed up with the South Auckland community to take on rheumatic fever and gout which are two of the major health issues facing Māori and Pacific people; The expanded Pacific Nations Cup series will get underway in Fiji and Canada this weekend with the likes of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Canada, USA and Japan.

 His Week That Was – Kevin Healy Margaret Cassar's decades of advocacy for Palestine working with Adelaide-based Australian Friends of Palestine Association. Women collective farmers in West Bank and support from Australians to install solar power. Speaking with Ken Davis, International Programs Manager with APHEDA Union Aid Abroad. The 24th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Association and its role in world affairs with Richard Broinowki AO, former diplomat, manager of Radio Australia and adjunct professor at both Canberra and Sydney Universities. PhD Candidate Sasha Gillies Lekakis with Part 2 of his research project on the history of Venezuela. Part 3 and final next week. Part 1 of interview with correspondent with Islands Business, Nic Maclellan regarding the lead up to the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga 26-30 August Head to www.3cr.org.au/hometime-tuesday for full access to links and previous podcasts

Pacific Foreign Ministers have given United States territories Guam and American Samoa their nod of approval to be associate members of the Pacific Islands Forum. Caleb Fotheringham has more.

Pacific Foreign Ministers have given United States territories Guam and American Samoa their nod of approval to be associate members of the Pacific Islands Forum; Guam government standing by US need-to-know approach amid suspicion and confusion over potential impacts of long-range missile testing in the territory; Niue's Premier may soon be known as Prime Minister as Niue works towards a 'self-sustaining' future with Aotearoa Premier Dalton Tagelagi believes the title Prime Minister is more fitting; Meet Antony Vavia the first Pacific Islander to graduate with a PhD in Marine Biology from Auckland University of Technology.

Pacific Foreign Ministers have given United States territories Guam and American Samoa their nod of approval to be associate members of the Pacific Islands Forum. Caleb Fotheringham has more.

While the economic ministers from the Pacific Islands Forum countries are currently meeting in Fiji a veteran analyst of Pacific economics, Steve Pollard, has published a blog called 'the Pacific Economic Malaise.'

In six weeks time Tonga will be hosting the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' summit.

The new secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum is seriously concerned about the ongoing unrest in Kanaky/New Caledonia and France's handling of the situation. In his first press briefing, Secretary General Baron Waqa says the Forum hopes to step up its engagement with Paris ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Tonga in August. Lydia Lewis has the story:

The new secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum is seriously concerned about the ongoing unrest in Kanaky/New Caledonia.

The Pacific Islands' Forum is not surprised unrest boiled over in New Caledonia as France pressed ahead with voter reforms. Pacific Islands Forum and prime minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

pWotD Episode 2567: Australia Welcome to popular Wiki of the Day where we read the summary of a popular Wikipedia page every day.With 225,318 views on Sunday, 12 May 2024 our article of the day is Australia.Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. Australia is the largest country by area in Oceania and the world's sixth-largest country. Australia is the oldest, flattest, and driest inhabited continent, with the least fertile soils. It is a megadiverse country, and its size gives it a wide variety of landscapes and climates, with deserts in the centre, tropical rainforests in the north-east, tropical savannas in the north, and mountain ranges in the south-east.The ancestors of Aboriginal Australians began arriving from south-east Asia 50,000 to 65,000 years ago, during the last glacial period. They settled the continent and had formed approximately 250 distinct language groups by the time of European settlement, maintaining some of the longest known continuing artistic and religious traditions in the world. Australia's written history commenced with European maritime exploration. The Dutch were the first known Europeans to reach Australia, in 1606. British colonisation began in 1788 with the establishment of the penal colony of New South Wales. By the mid-19th century, most of the continent had been explored by European settlers and five additional self-governing British colonies were established, each gaining responsible government by 1890. The colonies federated in 1901, forming the Commonwealth of Australia. This continued a process of increasing autonomy from the United Kingdom, highlighted by the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1942, and culminating in the Australia Acts of 1986.Australia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy comprising six states and ten territories: the states of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia; the major mainland Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory; and other minor or external territories. Its population of nearly 27 million is highly urbanised and heavily concentrated on the eastern seaboard. Canberra is the nation's capital, while its most populous cities are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Australian governments have promoted multiculturalism since the 1970s. Australia is culturally diverse and has one of the highest foreign-born populations in the world. Its abundant natural resources and well-developed international trade relations are crucial to the country's economy, which generates its income from various sources: predominantly services (including banking, real estate and international education) as well as mining, manufacturing and agriculture. It ranks highly for quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, civil liberties and political rights.Australia has a highly developed market economy and one of the highest per capita incomes globally. It is a middle power, and has the world's thirteenth-highest military expenditure. It is a member of international groups including the United Nations; the G20; the OECD; the World Trade Organization; Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; the Pacific Islands Forum; the Pacific Community; the Commonwealth of Nations; and the defence and security organisations ANZUS, AUKUS, and the Five Eyes. It is also a major non-NATO ally of the United States.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:16 UTC on Monday, 13 May 2024.For the full current version of the article, see Australia on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm Matthew Neural.

Tonga govt considers China's offer for leaders meeting.

The US President Joe Biden met Pacific island leaders for a second White House summit. He pledged to work with Congress to provide $200 million more in funding for projects in the Indo-Pacific region aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, spurring economic growth, countering illegal fishing and improving public health.