Tuvalu's PM says vague promises have done little for Pacific atolls
Tuvalu's Prime Minister Kausea Natano has called on the United Nations to recognise his nation in a new plan.
Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano addresses the UN on climate change. Photo: Supplied/UN
Natano told AFP the Rising Nations Initiative aims to convince members of the UN to recognise the nation, even if they are submerged underwater because that is their identity.
He said vague promises and messages of sympathy from the international community have done little for Pacific atoll countries, whom this week began a push for a formal legal process to retain their statehood, should the worst come to pass.
As so-called "floating islands" are not directly connected to the ground below, atolls sit on top of "lenses" of freshwater which are increasingly permeated by saltwater as oceans rise, he said.
This has left them dependent on rainwater for drinking and agriculture -- and Tuvalu is now into its sixth month of drought.
Education remains a top priority for Samoa government
Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has told the United Nations Transforming Education Summit that education remains a top priority for her Government.
The Samoa Observer reports the summit, held at the UN General Assembly in New York, was to address global education objectives impacted by the Covid pandemic.
It was also to look into students' vulnerability to domestic violence and child labour.
Fiame spoke about the country's national development strategy, which prioritises education and places a strategic emphasis on "empowering communities, building resilience and inspiring growth".
She said despite government efforts, the exclusion of a marginalised population due to social, cultural, and financial hardships impacts gender equality, inclusion, health, and well-being of students.
Fiame said urgent attention is needed to attain life learning skills that are sustainable going forward under the UN's Action Track 3.
Education for everyone should include students in remote islands says FSM President
The Micronesian president says education for everyone should include students living in the country's remote islands.
David Panuelo was speaking at the UN Transforming Education Summit.
He said access to electricity and technology continues to be a major challenge to hundreds of remote islands throughout Micronesia.
Panuelo said it is the government's dream to bring training and skills development to students in these remote island communities, to learn first-hand how to build and sustain power grids using renewable energy.
He said if they are to adhere to the notion of 'education for all', they have to be mindful of all children and youths, including those in remote and inaccessible parts of the world.
He said Micronesia is committed to transformative investments to strengthen educational opportunities for the future of its nation.
New legislation in American Samoa seeks to hike salary of Governor
New legislation has been introduced in the American Samoa Senate seeking to hike the salary of the Governor by 25 percent to $US150,000.
The Lieutenant Governor would get $US140,000 up from $US85,000 if the bill is passed.
The effective date of the new bill is January 2025 - when a new administration takes office after the November 2024 gubernatorial race.
But it's not clear whether the Senate or the House of Representatives will have time to pass it this session, given session finishes up, ahead of the mid-terms, at the end of next week.
Pasifika players shine at NRL club awards
Pasifika players in the NRL have shone at the end-of-year awards at their respective clubs.
Tongan international Jason Taumalolo won player of the year for the sixth time in a row at the North Queensland Cowboys.
North Queensland forward Jason Taumalolo has been added to the Kiwis training squad. Photo: Photosport
Fellow countryman Tevita Tatola won player of the year for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and Joe Ofahengaue for the West Tigers.
Samoan international Tino Fa'asuamaleaui won player of the year for the Gold Coast Titans, while Samoan prospect Payne Hass won player of the year for Brisbane Broncos.
Tyson Frizell, who is of Tongan descent, won player of the year for the Newcastle Knights.