AGP Executive Report

Pre-COP31 diplomacy: Tuvalu’s climate spotlight keeps building as Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal heads to Fiji for the Pre-COP Leaders’ event (Oct 5–6), with meetings lined up including Palau’s president and Australia’s and Fiji’s prime ministers. Island resilience & tourism angle: The 8th Virtual Island Summit highlighted practical climate and ocean solutions, with Tuvalu’s PM pointing to the Oct 6 pre-COP side event showcasing the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) and reclaimed land on Funafuti. Relocation stories at the heart of talks: Fijian women and elders will bring lived climate relocation experiences to Nadi for a Pre-COP31 talanoa, using a documentary to stress what relocation means beyond housing. Health warning for families: Fiji’s childhood cancer awareness push says 20–30 children are diagnosed each year, urging early recognition of warning signs—important for Tuvalu families who may seek regional treatment. Culture & writing: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Tuvalu for workshops after weather delayed the first Cultural Festival, helping students turn local stories—like sea-level-rise-linked memories—into words. Travel logistics for Pacific visitors: Australia’s Transit Without Visa list for 2026 confirms 70 eligible nationalities, shaping how travelers may connect via Australian airports en route to third destinations.

Climate diplomacy for islands: Pacific leaders say practical climate and ocean solutions are already underway, but they need stronger collaboration, finance and partnerships to scale up, with Tuvalu’s PM highlighting a Funafuti coastal adaptation project ahead of pre-COP talks. Relocation voices at COP31: Fijian women and elders preparing to share relocation stories directly with climate ministers in Nadi next week, focusing on what’s lost beyond housing—land, livelihoods, culture and belonging. Health warning for families: Fiji’s childhood cancer experts urge early detection after noting 20–30 diagnoses a year and that many children arrive late for treatment, including cases from Tuvalu and other Pacific islands. Tuvalu culture and storytelling: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Funafuti for workshops after weather delayed Tuvalu’s first Cultural Festival, helping students turn local experiences into new writing. Sea level rise protections: The UN approved its first declaration on sea level rise, aiming to safeguard sovereignty and legal/financial protections for low-lying island nations. Pacific travel and mobility: Australia confirmed Tuvalu is eligible for its PALM work placement scheme, while a separate transit-without-visa list for 2026 may interest travelers connecting via Australia.

Tuvalu Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s Prime Minister was honoured for climate leadership, as regional attention keeps turning to pre-COP31 planning in Fiji and Tuvalu. Pre-COP31 Access & Security: Fiji and Tuvalu event organisers say the names of attending world leaders won’t be released publicly, citing security protocols, with leaders expected to arrive in stages and speak in an invitation-only plenary. Island Resilience & Tourism Angle: A Virtual Island Summit (15–17 Sept) highlighted practical climate, ocean and economic solutions, including sessions touching tourism and climate finance—useful context for travellers planning around the October meetings. Culture & Storytelling: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Tuvalu for the first time, running creative writing workshops in Funafuti after weather delayed the national Cultural Festival—an uplifting stop for culture-minded visitors. Sea-Level Reality Check: The UN approved its first declaration on sea level rise, aiming to protect island sovereignty—an important backdrop for Tuvalu travellers watching how climate policy shapes daily life.

Maritime Safety: Three Bougainvilleans stranded after bad weather forced them to burn through all fuel containers on a trip from Nissan to Buka survived 69 days at sea on fish, roasted cocoa beans and rainwater, before rescue in international waters and lodging in Kiribati. Pre-COP31 & Tuvalu Focus: A Virtual Island Summit (15–17 Sept) highlighted island-led climate, ocean and tourism finance solutions, while Tuvalu’s Prime Minister opened discussions ahead of a pre-COP leaders’ side event on 6 Oct showcasing the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project. Who’s Coming to Pre-COP31: Fiji and Tuvalu’s Pre-COP31 leader list remains tightly held due to security protocols, with leaders expected to arrive in stages and speak in an invitation-only Tuvalu programme. Climate Diplomacy Win: The UN approved its first sea level rise declaration, aiming to protect island sovereignty with legal and financial safeguards—an important signal for low-lying nations like Tuvalu. Pacific Mobility for Work: Australia confirmed PALM work placements for citizens of 10 Pacific countries including Tuvalu, easing legal pathways for employers and workers. Culture & Storytelling: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Tuvalu for workshops after weather delayed the national cultural festival, helping students turn local experiences into stories. Regional Tax Cooperation: Palau hosted the first PITAA annual meeting in the country since 2004, bringing Tuvalu and other Pacific tax administrators together to strengthen revenue systems. Science for the Sea: CSIRO will lead a Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) from Fiji through Tuvalu and other islands to track how the ocean is changing and what it means for climate impacts.

Visa & Work Travel Updates: Australia published its 2026 Transit Without Visa list (70 nationalities) with strict rules like an onward flight within eight hours, plus exclusions for some diplomatic passport holders. Pre-COP31 on the Horizon (Tuvalu/Fiji): A Virtual Island Summit highlighted island-led climate solutions and the need for stronger finance; Tuvalu’s PM also flagged a pre-COP leaders’ side event on 6 October featuring the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project. Who’s Coming to Pre-COP31: Fiji and Tuvalu’s Pre-COP31 leader attendance list was withheld under security protocols, with leaders arriving in stages from 5–8 October. Sea-Level Rise Diplomacy: The UN approved its first sea level rise declaration, aiming to protect sovereignty and set legal/financial protections—an issue central to low-lying island states like Tuvalu. Pacific Science for Travelers: CSIRO will run a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) with Pacific researchers, docking in Fiji and New Zealand and passing near Tuvalu. Culture & Community: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Tuvalu for workshops after weather delayed the first Cultural Festival, helping a new generation put local stories into words. Regional Meetings: Palau hosted the Pacific tax chiefs’ PITAA annual meeting, with Tuvalu among participating delegations.

Pre-COP31 Logistics: Tuvalu and Fiji’s Pre-COP31 in Nadi (Oct 5–8) is set to bring leaders to Tuvalu first on Monday, then Tuesday, but Tuvalu’s Ministry of Environment says it won’t release the world-leader list for security reasons, promising media access once the event starts. Climate Costs for Coral Tourism: Australian researchers launched the Carbon Impacts Tracer, translating coal, oil and gas emissions into real-world outcomes like extreme heat, rising seas, poverty and coral loss—timed just before key coal decisions and pre-COP meetings. Sea-Level Rise Diplomacy: The UN approved its first declaration on sea level rise, aiming to protect low-lying island sovereignty with legal and financial safeguards—highlighted through stories of disappearing land and culture across the Pacific. Pacific Ocean Research: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) from Fiji toward Antarctica, with Pacific researchers onboard and planned stops including Fiji, Tuvalu and Kiribati—good news for future marine protection and reef resilience. Tuvalu Culture & Storytelling: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Funafuti for eight days of writing workshops after weather postponed Tuvalu’s first Cultural Festival, helping students turn local experiences into stories. Work & Mobility for Tuvaluans: Australia confirmed PALM eligibility for Tuvalu (plus nine other countries), supporting legal work placements that can boost skills and remittances.

Pacific Ocean Research: CSIRO will lead a major voyage on the RV Investigator from Fiji to Antarctica (Sept–Dec 2026), with Pacific researchers onboard and a stop in Tuvalu waters, to track how the ocean is driving and responding to climate change. Tuvalu Culture & Writing: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to Funafuti for her first visit, running creative writing workshops with students and community leaders after weather delayed Tuvalu’s first Cultural Festival. Sea-Level Rise Diplomacy: The UN General Assembly approved a first declaration on sea level rise, aimed at protecting island nations’ sovereignty—an issue that directly affects Tuvalu and other low-lying states. Pacific Policy at UNGA81: Pacific leaders used UNGA81 to push climate action as a present security and economic crisis, with the PIF calling for movement from commitments to implementation ahead of Pre-COP in Fiji and Tuvalu. Labour Mobility for Tuvaluans: Australia confirmed Tuvalu as one of 10 eligible countries for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) work placement scheme. Regional Tax Cooperation: Tuvalu is among delegations attending Palau’s PITAA annual meeting, focused on strengthening Pacific revenue systems.

Pacific Ocean research: CSIRO will lead a major RV Investigator voyage (27 Sep–16 Dec 2026) from Fiji to Antarctica, with Pacific researchers onboard to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how that’s reshaping marine life, with Fiji set to host a pre-COP meeting (5–8 Oct). Climate diplomacy: UNGA81 coverage highlights how small island states keep pushing climate action as sea-level rise threatens culture and sovereignty, while a UN declaration on sea level rise moves forward to protect low-lying nations’ rights. Tuvalu culture & storytelling: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh returned to her grandfather’s homeland for her first Tuvalu visit, running creative writing workshops in Funafuti after weather delayed the national Cultural Festival. Labour mobility for Tuvaluans: Australia confirmed the PALM work-placement scheme eligible countries, including Tuvalu, aiming to match Pacific workers with Australian employers. Regional priorities at UNGA: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to New York to press climate, ocean governance, development finance, and sea-level rise implementation ahead of Pre-COP in Fiji and Tuvalu. Tourism note: Palau hosted PITAA tax chiefs in Koror, with Tuvalu among delegations—useful for business travel context.

Pacific Ocean Research: CSIRO will lead a major voyage on the RV Investigator from Fiji to Antarctica (Sept–Dec 2026), with Pacific researchers onboard to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how that’s reshaping marine life, with Fiji hosting a pre-COP meeting Oct 5–8. Climate Justice & UN Push: Island leaders keep using the UN stage to stress that climate change is now a security and economic crisis, not a future problem, while UNGA also advanced a first declaration on sea level rise aimed at protecting island sovereignty. Tuvalu Culture & Storytelling: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh made her first visit to Tuvalu, running creative writing workshops in Funafuti after severe weather postponed the national Cultural Festival, helping students and community leaders capture local stories and climate realities in their own words. Labour Mobility for Tuvaluans: Australia confirmed the PALM scheme’s eligible countries for work placements, including Tuvalu, as part of a Pacific labour mobility push tied to skills, legal work pathways, and remittances. Regional Tourism Angle: Pacific moves to boost yachting tourism, adding another travel option for island visitors.

Culture & Tourism: Commonwealth Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh made her first visit to Tuvalu, staying eight days in Funafuti after severe weather postponed the country’s first Cultural Festival; she ran creative writing workshops with students, teachers, aspiring writers and community leaders, including at Fetuvalu Secondary School and Nauti Primary School, where children wrote about Tuvalu’s coconut trees and “standing ground” amid sea level rise. Climate Diplomacy: UNGA coverage highlights small island states pushing back as climate impacts erase land and culture; Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. says it “doesn’t mean we should give up,” while the region’s message is framed as a conscience for a warming world. Regional Travel Context: Palau hosts Pacific tax administrators in Koror, with Tuvalu among participating delegations, underscoring ongoing Pacific regional coordination that can shape business and visitor links. Pacific Mobility for Visitors/Workers: Australia’s PALM scheme confirms Tuvalu as eligible for work placements, a development that can affect travel flows for skills and employment. Sea-Level Rise Policy: A UN declaration on sea level rise is described as advancing protections for island sovereignty, a key backdrop for Tuvalu travelers planning around climate resilience.

Climate Diplomacy: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says rising seas have already erased burial grounds and culture, but island nations won’t “give up” as they push their message at the UN. Sea-Level Action: The UN General Assembly approved its first declaration on sea level rise, aiming to protect island sovereignty and spur climate aid. Pacific UNGA Push: Pacific leaders used UNGA81 to frame climate change as a present security and economic crisis, with calls to move from commitments to implementation. Pre-COP Momentum (Tuvalu): Tuvalu is set to host an impactful pre-COP in October, keeping regional climate priorities front and centre. Work & Travel Links (Tuvalu): Australia confirmed Tuvalu is eligible for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, supporting legal work placements that can also boost remittances. Regional Economy & Tourism: Fiji’s tourism industry is set for Industry Day 2026, while Pacific moves to boost yachting tourism. Pacific Research: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a major ocean and climate science voyage that will dock in Fiji and travel through waters including Tuvalu. Identity & Culture: Naoero (formerly Nauru) officially reclaimed its traditional name at the UN.

Pacific Labour Mobility (PALM): Australia has confirmed the 10 countries whose citizens can apply for work placements under the PALM scheme—Fiji, Kiribati, Naoero, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu—aimed at easing labour shortages while building skills and remittances. Sea-level rise diplomacy: The UN General Assembly approved its first declaration on sea level rise, with language tied to climate change and support for developing states—an issue that directly affects low-lying islands like Tuvalu. Pre-COP momentum: Pacific leaders are heading to UNGA81 to push climate, ocean governance, and sea-level rise priorities, with Fiji and Tuvalu set to host Pre-COP31 in October. Ocean science for Tuvalu waters: CSIRO will run a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) with Pacific researchers onboard, including planned stops through Tuvalu. Culture & travel vibes: Tagata Pasifika highlighted Tuvalu’s Fakaapo Arts Festival, delayed by bad weather but still drawing visitors for Tuvaluan arts and culture. Regional governance meet-up: Palau hosts the PITAA annual meeting (Sept 21–25) with Tuvalu among delegations, focusing on modern tax systems that support public services and infrastructure.

Pacific Labour Mobility (PALM): Australia has confirmed the full 10-country list for its Pacific Australia Labour Mobility work placements—Fiji, Kiribati, Naoero (Nauru), Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu—aimed at filling labour shortages while letting workers build skills and send remittances home. UN Climate Push for Sea-Level Survival: UNGA approved a first declaration on sea level rise, a rare multilateral win that could strengthen protections for island nations’ sovereignty, with Tuvalu and others facing near-term existential risk. Pre-COP & COP Momentum: Pacific leaders are heading to UNGA81 to press for faster climate action and ocean governance, ahead of Fiji and Tuvalu’s pre-COP in October and COP31 in November. Ocean Science for the Region: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) with Pacific researchers, including routes through Tuvalu and nearby islands, to track ocean and climate change. Tuvalu Travel Angle: With Tuvalu hosting pre-COP, expect heightened international attention on flights, accommodation, and local events tied to climate diplomacy.

New Name, New Identity: Nauru has officially changed its name at the UN to Naoero (pronounced “Now-ero”), with the demonym shifting to dei-Naoero, reclaiming traditional pronunciation and cultural identity. Sea-Level Sovereignty: The UN General Assembly approved a unanimous declaration on sea level rise, giving low-lying island nations clearer protection of sovereignty and fresh momentum for climate action. Tuvalu in the Spotlight: Pacific leaders are heading to UNGA81 to push implementation on climate, ocean governance, and sea-level rise, with pre-COP31 hosted by Fiji and Tuvalu in October. Labour Mobility for Travel Plans: Australia released PALM eligibility, including Tuvalu, alongside Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, PNG, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste—useful for visitors tracking regional work pathways. Pacific Tourism Push: Pacific leaders are also moving to boost yachting tourism, a potential win for Tuvalu’s visitor mix.

Climate & Pre-COP Focus: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese urged Pacific nations to make the economic case for renewables, ahead of Fiji and Tuvalu’s pre-COP push, framing cleaner energy as both climate protection and better macro policy. Pacific Sea-Level Advocacy: Saint Kitts and Nevis joined leaders at the UN’s Rising Nations Gala in New York, with Tuvalu and Palau among co-conveners, to spotlight the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise. Labour Mobility for Visitors & Workers: Australia released the full PALM eligibility list—Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga, and Timor-Leste—positioning it as a way to build skills and support families. Tourism & Travel Signals: Pacific moves to boost yachting tourism, while Samoa’s Oceania Boxing event highlighted sport travel links across the region. Regional Policy Watch: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to UNGA81 to press climate, ocean governance, and sea-level rise implementation, with a push to mobilise the Pacific Resilience Facility.

Climate & Pre-COP Focus: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese urged Pacific nations to make the economic case for renewables, ahead of Fiji and Tuvalu’s pre-COP push, while Pacific leaders head to UNGA81 in New York to press for climate action, ocean governance, and sea-level rise funding. Sea-Level Rise Diplomacy: Saint Kitts and Nevis joined Tuvalu and other small island states as co-conveners for a UN event backing the Declaration on Sea Level Rise, reinforcing momentum for coordinated international action. Pacific Labour Mobility (Travel-Adjacent): Australia released the PALM eligibility list for workers—now including Tuvalu—supporting regional skills and remittances, and linking migration policy to people’s ability to move for work. Transit Rules for Travelers: New Zealand published transit visa waiver countries for Auckland (still requiring an NZeTA), and Australia reiterated strict Transit Without Visa conditions for eligible nationalities. Regional Tourism Angle: Pacific moves to boost yachting tourism, while Samoa’s boxing event highlights how sport draws visitors and builds regional experience.