AGP Executive Report

COP31 Fossil-Fuel Tension: Australia and Türkiye will co-drive COP31 in Antalya, with Australia running negotiations and Türkiye leading the agenda—both countries still rely heavily on coal, gas and oil, while Pacific leaders push for faster, fairer action. Tuvalu Statehood at UN: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo welcomed a UN Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, saying it protects continuity of statehood and maritime boundaries under UNCLOS as sea-level rise threatens Tuvalu’s future. Land Reclamation in Funafuti: Teo also said Tuvalu has reclaimed 15.3 hectares of flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares underway—plus digital tools to safeguard sovereignty and heritage. Loss & Damage Reporting Push: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely access to loss-and-damage information and stronger accountability from governments and regional agencies. Climate Finance Pressure: Pacific leaders met UN chief António Guterres urging climate finance to move from promises to implementation, including the Pacific Resilience Facility target of US$500 million by end-2026. Water, Food, and Gender: Research and advocacy ahead of pre-COP31 highlight how El Niño is stressing water security, especially for women and girls, and call for climate justice that reaches communities.

Pacific Ocean science: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a Sept–Dec 2026 Pacific voyage on RV Investigator, collecting ocean and atmosphere data from Fiji to Antarctica, with early-career researchers from across the region including Tuvalu, to better protect marine ecosystems as climate change accelerates. Sea-level rise statehood: World leaders unanimously adopted a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, affirming continued statehood and UN membership even if territory becomes uninhabitable, and protecting maritime zones—an issue Tuvalu and other island states have pushed hard at the UN. Tuvalu at UNGA81: Prime Minister Feleti Teo told the UN sea-level rise is “present reality,” citing Funafuti coastal adaptation that reclaimed 15.3 hectares and calling for climate finance as grants at scale for loss and damage. Just transition planning: Ireland and Tuvalu agreed to co-host a 2027 international conference on a just transition away from fossil fuels, with a pre-conference in Ireland, aiming to turn commitments into timed action. Climate reporting for loss & damage: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, urging stronger coverage of economic, cultural and social harms already hitting communities. Weather disrupts voyaging: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia’s Fiji/Tuvalu leg was postponed due to cold fronts and gale-force winds, with visits potentially pushed to May 2027.

Tuvalu climate action and culture: Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo told the UN General Assembly sea-level rise is “a present reality,” pointing to reclaimed elevated land on Funafuti (15.3 hectares so far) and digital efforts to safeguard national identity. Sea-level rise statehood protections: World leaders unanimously approved a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, affirming continued statehood and UN membership even if territory becomes uninhabitable, and keeping maritime zones stable. Pacific push for reform: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua urged UN and global system reform, stronger climate action, and ocean protection, warning the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation. Just transition planning: Ireland and Tuvalu agreed to co-host a 2027 conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, framing it as energy security and sovereignty. Media on loss and damage: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration to improve reporting on climate harms beyond money. Voyage postponed by weather: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia’s trip to Fiji and Tuvalu was delayed by cold fronts and gale-force winds, with visits now potentially pushed to May 2027. Climate science in the region: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a Pacific Ocean research voyage starting 27 September, with Tuvalu included in the route. Climate finance access: Pacific leaders, including Tuvalu-linked voices, renewed calls for grants and faster, fairer funding that matches real impacts.

Sea-Level Rise Statehood Shield: World leaders unanimously adopted a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, affirming that countries should not automatically lose statehood, sovereignty, or UN membership when rising seas make territory uninhabitable, and that maritime zones remain stable—an issue Tuvalu has pushed hard at the UN. Tuvalu at UNGA: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo told the General Assembly sea-level rise is “a present reality,” citing coastal adaptation that has reclaimed 15.3 hectares on Funafuti and calling for climate finance as grants at the scale needed for unavoidable impacts and loss and damage. Just Transition Planning (2027): Ireland and Tuvalu formalised plans to co-host an international conference next July on a timed, practical transition away from oil, gas and coal, framed as energy security and sovereignty—not just emissions cuts. Pacific Climate Finance Pressure: Pacific leaders warned climate change is no longer “tomorrow’s problem,” stressing justice in funding and urging accessible, predictable, grant-based support rather than loans that rebuild what disasters destroy. Water + Food Resilience Push: Tuvalu’s UNGA week also featured MOCCAE’s water-secure agriculture push, linking water stress to food security and community resilience. Media on Loss & Damage: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for stronger reporting on cultural and social harms already affecting communities. Ocean Science for Action: CSIRO is set to lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) including stops in Tuvalu, to track how the ocean is changing and what it means for climate resilience.

Sea-Level Rise, Statehood, and Rights: World leaders unanimously approved a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, affirming a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” and protecting maritime zones and UN membership even when coastlines change; Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo called sea-level rise a “present reality,” citing Funafuti coastal adaptation that has reclaimed 15.3 hectares and urging climate finance as grants at the scale needed for unavoidable impacts. Loss and Damage Reporting: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, pledging stronger, more accurate coverage of climate harms that go beyond money—covering displacement, saltwater intrusion, stronger cyclones and community impacts. Tuvalu’s Fossil Fuel Transition Push: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined plans for a 2027 conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, framing it as energy security, economic resilience, and sovereignty—not just emissions cuts. Pacific Climate Diplomacy at UNGA81: Pacific leaders used UN General Assembly week to stress the crisis is no longer “tomorrow,” while Fiji was selected to pilot a COP31 “Climate Implementation Bridge” to turn climate plans into finance-ready projects. Ocean and Climate Science: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage with Pacific partners, including Tuvalu waters, to track how the ocean is changing and what it means for climate action.

Sea-Level Sovereignty: World leaders adopted a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, urging support for low-lying nations and a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” even as land is lost. Tuvalu in the Spotlight: Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas met France’s President Macron at New York’s Rising Nations Gala, where leaders highlighted turning sea-level commitments into real measures. From Commitments to Projects: COP31 preparations kept focus on implementation—Turkey’s Erdoğan warned climate action can’t move at the same pace without fair financing and technology, while Fiji was selected to pilot the COP31 “Climate Implementation Bridge” to make climate plans funding-ready. Pacific Climate Push at UNGA81: Pacific leaders and envoys used UNGA week to demand faster emissions cuts and more accessible climate finance, framing the crisis as security and economic survival, not a distant future. Ocean Science for Resilience: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) including Tuvalu waters, pairing Australian and Pacific researchers to track ocean and climate change. Water and Food Security: UAE hosted a high-level ministerial dialogue on water-secure agriculture, stressing water efficiency as a foundation for food resilience. Climate Justice in Courts: Pacific attorney generals are running a regional writeshop for ICJ climate advisory proceedings, arguing climate justice must be demanded now. Media and Loss & Damage: SPREP’s Pacific Editors Forum adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Declaration, calling for stronger reporting on climate, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Sea-Level Sovereignty: The UN General Assembly adopted a landmark declaration on sea level rise, affirming a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” so countries that lose territory keep national boundaries, sovereign rights and UN membership. Pacific Climate Justice & Law: Fiji’s Attorney-General Siromi Turaga opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the ICJ climate advisory proceedings, with legal teams from 16 Pacific states including Tuvalu. COP31 Implementation Push: Fiji was selected to pilot the COP31 “Climate Implementation Bridge (BRIDGE)” to turn climate plans into finance-ready projects, ahead of a Fiji–Tuvalu–Australia Pre-COP in Nadi. Ocean of Peace to UNGA: Fiji’s “Ocean of Peace” declaration is being taken to UNGA in New York, calling for stronger action and climate finance for sea-level rise. Climate Finance Pressure: Tuvalu’s climate minister said Australia’s aid is “little” if coal and gas expansion continues, while Pacific leaders at UNGA urged faster, more accessible, grant-based funding. Regional Voice at UNGA81: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are in New York pushing shared priorities—climate, ocean governance, development finance, and the Pacific Resilience Facility target of US$500m. Media on Loss & Damage: SPREP’s Pacific Editors Forum adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Declaration, urging stronger coverage of climate, biodiversity loss and pollution.

Sea-Level Rise & Climate Displacement: Tuvalu and other low-lying Pacific states are being pushed toward loss of land and even uninhabitable futures, as Prime Minister Philip Davis warned at New York’s Rising Nations Gala that “the sea keeps rising” and called for bigger, faster adaptation finance to protect people’s right to stay. Fossil Fuels vs. Energy Security: Germany’s plan to end fossil fuels by 2045 and UN chief António Guterres’ call for national phase-out plans with clear timelines set a hard contrast to ongoing fossil fuel expansion. Climate Finance Gap: Turkish President Erdoğan said equal climate pace is unrealistic without closing financing and technology gaps—echoing Pacific demands for accessible, predictable, grant-based support. Pacific Voice at UNGA81: Pacific leaders are in New York pushing climate, ocean governance, development finance, and sea-level rise, while Tuvalu’s climate minister criticized Australian aid as “means little” if coal and gas expansion continues. India-Pacific Cooperation: India’s FIPIC foreign ministers meeting reaffirmed work on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, health, education, and capacity building, with India placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “strategic partner stream.” Media & Accountability: SPREP’s Pacific Editors Forum adopted a Savusavu Loss and Damage media declaration, and UNODC urged Pacific journalists to probe integrity and accountability in disaster and climate funding.

Pacific Media & Loss and Damage: The SPREP Pacific Editors Forum adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, urging Pacific news leaders to amplify community voices on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, and to keep 1.5°C “alive and thriving.” Tuvalu & Fossil Fuels Accountability: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Vakafua Talia says Australia’s aid “means little” while Canberra backs coal and gas expansion, pointing to a stark gap between fossil fuel subsidies and Pacific support. UNGA81 Push for Implementation: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to UNGA81 in New York with a unified climate, ocean and sea-level rise agenda, including backing for the Pacific Resilience Facility to reach US$500m. Climate Week NYC & Security Framing: Climate Week NYC opened with calls to treat climate breakdown and nature loss as national security priorities, not just environmental issues. Nepal Floods—Who Pays: After Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood, questions return to climate justice: countries that emit least still face devastating impacts, raising the issue of who funds recovery. Pacific Digital Priorities: A UNGA side event focused on affordable, secure digital connectivity for the Pacific, including protecting sovereignty and data as infrastructure expands.

UN Climate Push: UN chief António Guterres urged governments to adopt national plans to transition away from fossil fuels, with clear timelines and support for workers and communities, as climate shocks and energy insecurity rise. Sea-Level Rise Diplomacy: Tuvalu and other Rising Nations leaders backed the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise at New York events, with Prime Minister Philip Davis warning that the Pacific is already facing record-strength storms. Pacific UNGA81 Focus: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to UNGA81 to press for climate action, ocean governance, and development finance, including pushing the Pacific Resilience Facility toward US$500m. Accountability in Funding: A UNODC adviser urged Pacific journalists to probe how climate and disaster funds are managed, stressing integrity built into preparedness from the start. Tuvalu-Australia Fossil Fuel Clash: Tuvalu’s climate minister said Australian aid “means little” while Canberra backs coal and gas expansion, citing fossil subsidies far larger than Pacific aid. Tuvalu Fisheries Support: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority seeks a preferred supplier for repair and maintenance of its vessels through 2030, including engineering support and planned maintenance training. Nature & Oceans: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a baseline study of Tokelau’s reefs and open ocean to guide future protection and marine planning.

UN climate push: UN chief António Guterres urged governments to adopt national fossil-fuel transition plans with clear timelines and worker protections, warning energy and human security are being hit by climate shocks. Tuvalu at UNGA81: Prime Minister Philip Davis told the Rising Nations Gala in New York that the “quiet” in the Atlantic is being replaced by Pacific super typhoons and Category 5 hurricanes—no policy, treaty, fund or sea wall can stop what’s coming. Pacific resilience funding pressure: A UN budget liquidity crisis could delay agreed climate, humanitarian and development work across the Pacific if assessed contributions keep lagging. Accountability in disaster funding: UNODC urged Pacific journalists to probe how climate change and disaster money is managed, stressing integrity must be built into preparedness from the start. UNGA81 priorities: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are heading to UNGA81 with a unified message on climate change, sea-level rise, ocean governance and development finance, including pushing the Pacific Resilience Facility toward US$500m. Tuvalu fisheries support: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority is seeking a preferred supplier for repair and maintenance of its vessels through 2030, including planning, spare parts and training. Australia fossil-fuel hypocrisy: Tuvalu’s climate minister said aid “means little” while Australia backs coal and gas expansion, citing fossil subsidies far outweighing Pacific support. Nature protection in the region: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a Tokelau expedition to map reefs and deep-sea biodiversity to support future ocean policy and marine protection.

UN climate funding squeeze: The UN’s liquidity crisis is delaying already-approved programs, with Pacific states warning the fallout could hit development, climate and humanitarian work. Climate accountability push: UNODC is urging Pacific journalists to probe how disaster and climate funds are managed, stressing integrity and community voice in preparedness. UNGA81 digital priorities: Pacific leaders in New York are pushing for affordable, secure digital connectivity that protects sovereignty, data and Indigenous knowledge. Tuvalu on fossil-fuel hypocrisy: Tuvalu’s climate minister says Australia’s aid “means little” while coal and gas expansion continues, citing huge fossil subsidies versus smaller Pacific support. Pre-COP momentum: PIF leaders are taking a united climate-and-seas message to UNGA81, aiming to mobilise US$500m for the Pacific Resilience Facility ahead of Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu. Sea-level rise spotlight: Saint Kitts and Nevis co-convened a UN event celebrating the new UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, with Tuvalu among co-conveners. Fisheries support for Tuvalu: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority is seeking a preferred supplier for vessel repair and maintenance through 2030, backed by New Zealand funding. Taiwan ties with climate cooperation: Tuvalu’s foreign minister met Taiwan President Lai, highlighting cooperation on disaster response, renewable energy and resilient infrastructure.

UNGA81 Pacific push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to UN General Assembly in New York to press climate change, rising seas, ocean governance and development finance, with a focus on lifting the Pacific Resilience Facility toward US$500m and moving from promises to implementation. Tuvalu climate warning on fossil-fuel hypocrisy: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Vakafua Talia says Australia’s aid means little while Canberra backs coal and gas expansion, pointing to huge fossil fuel subsidies dwarfing Pacific support. Climate Week NYC security framing: UK foreign minister Ed Miliband urged governments to treat climate breakdown and nature loss as national security risks, arguing for action before disasters hit. Tuvalu pre-COP momentum: As Tuvalu prepares for pre-COP events, the message is clear: 1.5°C is a survival line, not a slogan, and vulnerable states need real solutions and funding for renewables. Fisheries vessel maintenance tender: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority seeks proposals for marine engineering repair and maintenance services for its vessel fleet, supporting safer, reliable operations through 2030. Pacific ocean and biodiversity science: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a Tokelau expedition to map reefs and deep-sea environments to guide future ocean policy and protection. Pacific feminist forum in Fiji: The 4th Pacific Feminist Forum (21–24 Sept) will bring together women’s rights defenders and climate justice voices under “Feminist Futures, Just Pacific.” Tuvalu–Taiwan cooperation: Tuvalu’s FM Paulson Panapa met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, highlighting joint work on climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure and outer-island food security.

Pacific UN push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to UNGA81 in New York (21–28 Sept) with a unified message on climate change, rising seas, ocean governance and development finance, while warning some climate planning may rely on inaccurate elevation data. Tuvalu fisheries upkeep: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority is calling for proposals to repair and maintain its vessels under the New Zealand-funded TFSP3, covering inspections, maintenance planning, spare parts and training through 2030. Pre-COP momentum: Fiji is preparing for Pre-COP31 (5–8 Oct) with events across Nadi venues and leader convenings also planned in Tuvalu on 5–6 Oct. Climate justice at the core: Tuvalu climate minister Maina Vakafua Talia tells Australia to stop expanding coal and gas, calling it “life and death” for low-lying nations and urging real renewable investment support. Regional weather resilience: The Pacific Meteorological Council highlights progress on early warning systems, including Tuvalu’s use of AI in daily forecasting and severe weather monitoring. Diplomacy & adaptation ties: Tuvalu’s FM Paulson Panapa meets Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, citing cooperation on climate adaptation, digital innovation and resilient infrastructure. Pacific women’s leadership: The 4th Pacific Feminist Forum opens in Fiji next week (21–24 Sept), centering climate justice and women’s rights defenders across the region.

Pacific UN push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to UNGA81 in New York (21–28 Sept) with a unified message on climate change, rising seas, ocean governance, and development finance, including a focus on the Pacific Resilience Facility target of US$500m by year-end. Tuvalu fisheries upkeep: The Tuvalu Fisheries Authority is seeking proposals for repair and maintenance of its vessels under the New Zealand-funded TFSP3, covering inspections, workplans, spare parts, workshop support, and training through 2030. Pre-COP build-up: Fiji’s climate preparations for Pre-COP31 (5–8 Oct) include a “Green Zone” and a leaders’ component extending to Tuvalu on 5–6 Oct, with thousands of delegates expected to amplify Pacific priorities ahead of COP31. Forecasting and early warning: At the Pacific Meteorological Council meeting, Tuvalu highlighted AI integration in daily forecasting and severe weather monitoring, alongside regional progress on weather services and early warnings. Fossil-fuel pressure on Australia: Tuvalu’s climate minister warned that Australia must stop expanding coal and gas, saying fossil-fuel subsidies dwarf Pacific aid and that action is “life and death” for low-lying islands. Climate justice and 1.5°C: Coverage reiterates that 1.5°C is survival for Pacific nations, with legal and rights arguments gaining momentum as impacts intensify. Pacific women’s forum: The 4th Pacific Feminist Forum in Fiji (21–24 Sept) will foreground climate justice alongside women’s rights defenders and community-led priorities.

Pacific diplomacy at UNGA81: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to New York to push a unified regional voice on climate change, ocean governance, development finance and sea-level rise, with a focus on turning commitments into implementation and mobilising support for the Pacific Resilience Facility. Tuvalu pre-COP push: Tuvalu is preparing for an impactful pre-COP31, with Tuvalu Broadcasting training and planning to cover high-level visits in early October and keep Tuvaluans and the diaspora informed. Ocean and biodiversity work: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a baseline study of Tokelau’s lagoons, reefs and open ocean to guide future protection plans, including a national ocean policy and marine spatial planning. Climate justice and loss & damage: In the Marshall Islands, a UN loss-and-damage meeting hears how warming is already hitting homes, food, water and cultural sites, reinforcing the urgency of 1.5°C action. Fossil-fuel pressure on Australia: Tuvalu’s climate minister warns Australia’s coal and gas expansion is a “life and death” issue for low-lying islands, pointing to the scale of fossil-fuel subsidies versus Pacific aid. AI and oceans at UNGA: UNESCO calls for AI literacy and human-centred AI governance, while also highlighting cooperation on sea-level rise and ocean observing. Tuvalu–Taiwan ties: Tuvalu’s foreign minister meets Taiwan President Lai, stressing cooperation on climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure and outer-island food security.