Tonga co-hosts Global Summit on Living Systems

Tonga co-hosted the Summit on the Future of Living Systems during UNGA 80 in New York. Tonga has strengthen its climate diplomacy credentials by co-hosting the Summit on the Future of Living Systems, held on 24 September alongside the 80th session...

Video sparks debate about the role of the tou'a in Tonga

Suva (PacNews) —The role of the tou'a has become a topic of hot debate on Tongan social media spaces after a clip from a podcast caused quite a reaction from several Tongan netizens, most of whom were men. Back in August a podcaster and...

New in-country testing advances breast cancer care in Samoa and Tonga

The Pacific Community (SPC) is enhancing breast cancer diagnosis and management in the Pacific Islands, where it stands as the most common cancer affecting women. Through a vital new laboratory strengthening initiative, Samoa and Tonga are now...

PM Eke meets Trump during UNGA80, amid US climate skepticism

Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke has met US President Donald Trump in New York. Last last month, during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Trump and the First Lady hosted Hon. Eke and other leaders at the Lotte on Madison...

Earth Is Getting Darker, Literally, and Scientists Are Trying To Find Out Why

🌘 Subscribe to 404 Media to get The Abstract, our newsletter about the most exciting and mind-boggling science news and studies of the week. It’s not the vibes; Earth is literally getting darker. Scientists have discovered that our planet has been...

What Pacific Island leaders told the UN about climate, conflict and peace

A banner at UN Headquarters on the second day of the general debate of the General Assembly’s eightieth session. Photo: UN Photo / Loey Felipe Pacific Island leaders took turns addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York,...

Sink or swim: Can island states survive the climate crisis?

Small island nations across the world are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, and their problems have been accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely affected their economies, and their capacity to protect themselves from...

Tongan lawyer’s alarm as recent NZ court ruling revives RSE exploitation concerns

An Auckland-based Tongan lawyer has raised concerns about the risks facing Tongan workers under New Zealand’s RSE scheme, following a recent court decision that exposed serious breaches of employment law involving workers from the Solomon Islands....

USP School of Law delivers winning verdict at the annual Inter-Tertiary Moot finals

USP’s School of Law team: (L-R) Soane Kualepeli Tupola, Fololeni Loloma, and Ope’anga Hoto Ngu Paunga. Photo: The University of the South Pacific. Ann-Tauilo Motuga | Reporter/Videographer Three Tongan students representing the University of the...

What Pacific Island leaders told the UN General Assembly about climate, conflict and peace

A banner at UN Headquarters on the second day of the general debate of the General Assembly’s eightieth session. Photo: UN Photo / Loey Felipe Pacific Island leaders took turns addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York,...

Journalists dive into Japan’s solutions to climate, disaster and sustainability threats

As small island nations face increasing challenges from climate change, economic ups and downs, and social issues, learning from one another becomes more important than ever. This week, experienced journalists from Pacific and Caribbean countries,...

COP is 'heartbreak' for the Pacific. Here is why they still want to host

Joseph Sikulu's long-haul journey home to the Pacific has felt fruitless after the recent world climate talks. It has become a "heartbreaking" exercise seeing the annual United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) summit achieve so little of...

UNGA80: Tonga’s Prime Minister meets US President Trump

New York — On the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke, joined world leaders at a high-level reception hosted by United States President Donald Trump and First...

Tonga reaffirms commitment on 30-year Beijing legacy

Tonga has renewed its pledge to advance gender equality at the UN’s Beijing Platform 30th anniversary meeting. Hon. Sinaitakala Tu’itahi, Tonga’s Minister for Internal Affairs, delivered the nation’s address at the United Nations General...

PM Eke urges bold UN reform, climate justice push

Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke has called for urgent United Nations reform and climate action. Addressing the UN80 process, he described it as an opening to “ensure the United Nations remains fit for purpose”, especially as the Pacific rolls out its...

Cook Islands dance connects cultures at Te Maeva Nui NZ 2025

The world’s largest Cook Islands festival kicks off in Tāmaki Makaurau this Friday, celebrating culture and heritage for everyone, Kūki or not. Modeled on the original festival in Rarotonga, Te Maeva Nui NZ (TMNNZ) engages communities from across...

Ngahiraka Mai Tawhiti reaches first stop on voyage to Samoa

Navigators from Te Kura Waka have passed Rangitāhuahua (Kermadec Islands), the first stop on their voyage to Samoa, after a week at sea. Nine crew members set sail from Tāmaki Makaurau last week aboard their waka hourua, Ngahiraka Mai Tawhiti, as...

Column: On climate, China steps forward

by Fred Teng On September 24, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered video remarks to the United Nations Climate Summit held in New York, marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. Xi's remarks came at a decisive moment for global...

Pacific makes powerful impact at World Expo

The Pacific region is making a strong impression at this year's World Expo in Japan. Countries represented include Papua New Guinea, Sāmoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Palau, the Marshall Islands, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, the Solomon...

Tax chiefs meet in Tonga for “Pacific Synergy” summit

The 22nd Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) Annual Heads Meeting opened on Monday in Nuku’alofa, signaling three days of high-level regional tax talks. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala formally launched the...