AGP Executive Report

Water Security for Vava’u: Solar-powered desalination has delivered WHO-standard drinking water to Hunga and Matamaka in Tonga’s Vava’u, producing up to 8,600 litres a day and training local operators—an economic win too, by reducing costly bottled-water imports. UN Climate Push: Tonga PM Fakafānua told the UN the world has heard Pacific warnings but still hasn’t acted, calling for ocean-linked climate action, ocean protection, and faster, accessible financing for small island states. Loss & Damage Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely access to loss-and-damage information and stronger support for journalists. Pacific Finance Targets: Pacific leaders met UN chief Guterres urging climate finance delivery, with the Pacific Resilience Facility aiming for US$500m by end-2026. Tonga-China Education Link: Princess Pilolevu ended a China visit by opening a Tonga Centre at Shanghai Ocean University, highlighting education and ocean cooperation. ASEAN Talent Snapshot: A Reeracoen survey shows ASEAN growth and hiring signals vary by country—useful for firms eyeing regional expansion. Global Business Recognition: UAE envoy Badr Jafar received a UN Changemakers Award for bridging business and philanthropy.

UN Climate & Finance Push: Tonga PM Fakafānua told the UN General Assembly the world has heard Pacific warnings but still hasn’t acted, calling for reform of the global system and faster, accessible climate finance and technology for Small Island Developing States. Loss & Damage Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely public access to loss-and-damage information and stronger support for journalists as climate impacts hit livelihoods and budgets. Ocean Governance: Fakafānua also backed stronger UN coordination on ocean issues, proposing a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and linking ocean protection to climate resilience and economic security. Pacific Debt Warning: A World Bank Pacific Economic Update says growth is slowing and fiscal space is tightening as debt rises alongside climate disasters and higher fuel and shipping costs. Tonga–China Education Link: Princess Pilolevu ended a China visit by opening a Tonga Centre at Shanghai Ocean University, highlighting ocean cooperation, education ties, and cultural exchange. Labour Mobility: Australia confirmed PALM eligibility for Tonga and other Pacific countries, supporting legal work placements to ease labour shortages. Regional Diplomacy: The UK re-joined the Pacific Community, citing climate, marine protection, and support for prosperous Pacific economies.

UN Climate Push: Tonga PM Fakafānua told the UN General Assembly the world has heard Pacific warnings but still hasn’t acted, urging reform of the global financial system and stronger links between climate, biodiversity and the ocean. Loss & Damage Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information and more support for Pacific journalists. Ocean Governance: Fakafānua also backed a proposal for a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and renewed Tonga’s push to lift ocean protection ambitions toward 50%. Pacific Finance Goal: Pacific Islands Forum leaders pressed UN chief António Guterres on climate finance, targeting US$500m for the Pacific Resilience Facility by end-2026. Diplomatic Trade Talks: UAE Deputy PM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed met Tonga’s PM in New York to discuss cooperation across economy, trade, tourism, education and development. Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed Tonga among 10 eligible countries for legal work placements in Australia. Education Win: A Tongan graduate, Meleana Payn, became the first Pasifika student to complete a University of Auckland conjoint Bachelor of Commerce and Sport degree. Maritime Safety Warning: A regional climatologist urged extra caution for Pacific boat operators as El Niño-linked weather turbulence coincides with recent sea tragedies.

Pacific diplomacy & climate finance: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua used the UN General Assembly to push for reform of the international system, faster access to affordable finance and stronger climate and ocean action for Small Island Developing States, warning the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation or major-power rivalry. Ocean governance push: Tonga also backed a proposal for a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and renewed its push to lift ocean protection ambitions toward 50%. UK returns to regional work: The UK re-joined the Pacific Community after 17 years, citing shared priorities on climate change, human rights and marine protection, with development aid aimed at resilience. SIDS DOCK leadership: Seychelles took over the SIDS DOCK presidency through 2027, with Tonga’s PM Fakafanua elected vice president, as the group focuses on sustainable energy and climate resilience. Labour mobility for Tonga: Australia confirmed PALM work-placement eligibility for Tonga and nine other countries, opening legal pathways for Pacific workers to fill labour shortages. Blue Pacific conservation funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in new grants for tropical Pacific conservation, including projects in Tonga, to scale marine protection efforts. El Niño risk reminder: A Pacific climatologist urged extra caution at sea as El Niño-linked rough conditions coincide with recent maritime tragedies.

NRL & Sports Business: Leigh Leopards have signed Tongan powerhouse Tevita Pangai Junior on a multi-year deal from 2027, adding 147 NRL games of front-row power after a tough 2026 at Hull KR that included suspensions. UN Diplomacy & Climate Finance: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua used UNGA81 to push reform of the global system, stronger Pacific climate action, and faster access to finance and technology for Small Island Developing States, linking climate, biodiversity and ocean protection. Ocean Governance: Tonga is calling for a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and wants to lift its ocean protection ambition from 30% to 50%, arguing healthier seas underpin fisheries, livelihoods and resilience. AI & Data Sovereignty: UN leaders warned of “colonisation by data,” urging developing countries to have a real voice in AI regulation and fair access to technology. Pacific Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme has confirmed 10 eligible countries for work placements, including Tonga, with the programme aimed at easing labour shortages. Infrastructure & Resilience: Tonga’s wider Pacific region focus on resilience continues as El Niño warnings and flood-preparedness projects highlight the cost of climate shocks. Media & Leadership: Pacific media leaders elected PNG journalist Neville Choi as the new PINA president, with Tonga’s journalist Moala stepping aside.

UN diplomacy & AI governance: Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation, urging UN reform and stronger climate and ocean action at UNGA81. Ocean policy: Tonga also pushed for a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and aims to lift ocean protection from 30% to 50%, linking healthier seas to fisheries, livelihoods and resilience. Climate finance & SIDS priorities: Pacific leaders at UNGA stressed climate threats as present realities, with calls for grants at scale and investment that protects jobs, education and resilient infrastructure. Pacific labour mobility: Australia confirmed PALM work-placement eligibility for 10 countries including Tonga, opening legal pathways to address labour shortages. Tonga infrastructure dispute: Former PM Dr ʻAisake Eke rejected claims that his government caused delays to the Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge, saying requirements were met and delays came after Fakafanua took office. Regional media leadership: Papua New Guinea journalist Neville Choi was elected new PINA president, with Tonga’s media leaders urging youth pathways and better support for women in leadership. Blue Pacific conservation funding: Bezos Earth Fund pledged US$25m more for tropical Pacific conservation, including Tonga, to scale marine protection efforts.

Ocean Governance & Climate Finance: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua pushed for a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and a move to lift ocean protection ambitions from 30% to 50%, arguing healthier seas underpin fisheries, livelihoods and resilience. UNGA Climate Push: Pacific leaders used UN General Assembly platforms to stress sea-level rise as “present reality” (Tuvalu) and to demand climate finance as grants at scale for loss and damage. Tonga Infrastructure Dispute: Former PM ʻAisake Eke rejected claims that his government left unresolved land and contract preparations behind for the US$97m Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge, saying delays occurred after Fakafanua took office. Skills & Credentials: Tonga National University, the Public Service Commission and qualifications authorities pledged to fix certificate recognition problems affecting some TNU graduates. Maritime Security Funding: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian maritime security investment, including efforts targeting illegal fishing and cross-border crime. Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed Tonga among 10 eligible countries for legal work placements. Media & Women in Leadership: Pacific media leaders urged stronger pathways for young journalists and better support for women’s leadership as advertising declines and digital disruption reshapes newsrooms.

Tonga–UN Ocean Governance: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua is pushing for a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs, arguing the ocean underpins Tonga’s fisheries, livelihoods and climate resilience, as Tonga also targets lifting ocean protection from 30% to 50%. Infrastructure & Public Works: Former PM Dr ʻAisake Eke disputes PM Lord Fakafanua’s claims over delays to the US$97m Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge, saying required preparations were met and delays came after the new government took office. Education & Jobs: Tonga National University, the Public Service Commission and the qualifications authority have pledged to fix certificate recognition problems affecting some TNU graduates, after Parliament heard PSC refused to recognise certain business qualifications. Labour Mobility & Travel: Australia’s PALM scheme confirms Tonga among 10 eligible countries for legal work placements in Australia, while New Zealand’s ACT leader David Seymour says he’d trial visa-free travel for Sāmoa for a year if conditions aren’t abused. Maritime Security & Enforcement: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian investment in Pacific maritime security, including efforts targeting illegal fishing and cross-border crime. Digital Safety for Women: A new Face Forward initiative will provide real-time protection from online abuse for women and gender-diverse political candidates and teams across Tonga and the region. Regional Climate Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in new grants to support tropical Pacific conservation, including projects in Tonga.

Ozone & Climate Risk: Antarctica’s ozone hole hit 27.4 million sq km in September—one of the biggest on record—while officials stress the Montreal Protocol is still working as ozone-depleting chemicals keep falling. SIDS Investment & Debt: Tonga’s PM Godwin Friday told a UN summit that small island states must be backed to build resilient infrastructure without breaking debt—so jobs, education, and reliable power can survive disasters. Tonga Skills & Credentials: Tonga National University, the Public Service Commission and the qualifications board pledged to fix certificate recognition problems affecting some TNU graduates, after Parliament raised accreditation concerns. Maritime Security Funding: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australia-backed maritime security money, including moves targeting illegal fishing and cross-border crime, with shiprider-style enforcement in Tonga’s waters. Regional Defence Cooperation: Defence leaders including Tonga met in Nadi to push stronger Blue Pacific cooperation, focusing on maritime jurisdictions and crisis roles. Pacific Finance Watch: BSP Financial Group shares jumped 8.07% on the ASX, highlighting ongoing banking momentum across Tonga and the wider Pacific. Governance & Accountability: Former PM ʻAisake Eke denied claims that his government caused Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge delays, escalating a public blame dispute over the US$97m project. Women’s Online Safety: A new Face Forward initiative will fund real-time protection against online abuse for women and gender-diverse political candidates across Tonga and other Pacific countries.

India-Pacific diplomacy: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired the second FIPIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York, with Tonga’s Finance Minister among participants, reaffirming cooperation on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare and capacity building. Tonga skills & jobs: Tonga National University, the Public Service Commission and the qualifications authority pledged to fix issues around TNU certificate issuance and recognition, after MPs raised concerns that some graduates’ qualifications were not accepted. Maritime security funding: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian investment aimed at tackling illegal fishing, drug trafficking and cross-border crime, including shiprider-style enforcement in Tonga’s waters. Women’s political safety: A new regional initiative, Face Forward, will provide free online protection for women and gender-diverse political candidates and teams across Tonga and other Pacific countries. Health project setback: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre has effectively collapsed after the US-based sponsor failed to secure promised funding. Labour mobility: Australia released the list of countries eligible for its Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, including Tonga.

Tonga Health: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre project has effectively collapsed after a US-based sponsor failed to secure promised funding, with the Health Minister saying the promised facility can’t proceed. Pacific Governance & Integrity: UNODC warns Pacific governments to bake transparency and anti-corruption safeguards into disaster planning, launching a Pacific Integrity Toolkit for Disaster Planning to protect public funds during emergencies. Digital Safety for Women: A new regional initiative, Face Forward, will provide real-time online abuse protection for women and gender-diverse political candidates and teams across Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Tonga, Samoa and the Solomon Islands until March 2028. Labour Mobility: Australia has named 10 PALM scheme eligible countries, including Tonga, alongside Fiji, Samoa and others—aimed at skills, income and remittances. UN Funding Pressure: A UN budget liquidity crisis could delay agreed development and humanitarian work across the Pacific if assessed contributions keep running late. Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are pushing shared climate and resilience priorities at UNGA81, including ocean governance and finance for sea-level rise. Organised Crime Watch: PINA says Tonga’s drug networks have grown more sophisticated over decades, with concerns about locally manufactured meth and links to regional trafficking. Business & Tourism: SPTO and partners launched a Pacific Tourism Yachting Strategy 2026–2030 to improve regulation, data and community benefits for yacht tourism.

Health & Infrastructure: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre project has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, a major setback for plans aimed at tackling diabetes and kidney disease. Aviation & Public Finance: PM Lord Fakafānua says Lulutai Airlines is draining government finances, blaming payload limits and low seat fill rates (only 12 of 19 seats) tied to passenger weight classifications, with reduced freight as the alternative. Crime & Security: PINA President Kalafi Moala warns organised crime in Tonga has grown and become more sophisticated, including alleged local meth manufacturing and links to Australia and New Zealand. Labour Mobility & Remittances: Australia has named 10 PALM-eligible countries, including Tonga, highlighting work opportunities and remittances as key economic support for Pacific families. Digital Connectivity: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua joined Pacific leaders at UNGA81 to push for affordable, secure digital connectivity and safer online spaces. Ocean Economy & Conservation: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect tropical Pacific ocean areas, including support for marine protected areas involving Tonga. Governance & Integrity: UNODC urges Pacific governments to build transparency and anti-corruption safeguards into disaster planning to protect public funds during emergencies. Regional Business & Tourism: SPTO launched a Pacific yachting strategy (2026–2030) focused on regulation, SME support, sustainability, and improving yacht tourism data. Sports with Economic Links: Fiji Rugby is exploring moving a home Test against South Africa to Western Australia to capture wider tourism and commercial benefits. Gambling Pressure: A bigger Powerball jackpot and a new $12 prize tier could increase gambling spending in Pacific communities already under financial pressure.

Tonga Health & Finance: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre project has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, a major blow for plans aimed at tackling diabetes and kidney disease. Aviation & State Costs: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says state-owned Lulutai Airlines is a drain on public finances, blaming payload limits and low seat fill rates tied to passenger weight, while also pointing to past procurement concerns around the Twin Otter aircraft. Governance & Integrity: PINA President Kalafi Moala warns corruption is shifting into Tonga’s civil service, including alleged manipulation of land records—an issue that climate displacement and vulnerable climate finance can worsen. Crime & Public Safety: Moala also says organised crime networks in Tonga have grown more sophisticated, with claims of local meth production and links to Australia and New Zealand. Pacific Digital Economy: Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua joined Pacific leaders at UNGA81 to push digital connectivity priorities, including cybersecurity and safer digital spaces. Labour Mobility: Australia released the full PALM eligibility list, naming Tonga among 10 Pacific countries whose citizens can qualify for work and remittances. Ocean Economy: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect tropical Pacific ocean areas, including support for marine protected areas involving Tonga. Media & Skills: BBC Media Action ran a Pacific workshop in Savusavu on using social media responsibly as misinformation rises—relevant for Tonga’s business and public trust environment.

Pacific Labour Mobility: Australia has published the full PALM eligibility list, naming 10 countries whose citizens can qualify to work in Australia—Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga and Timor-Leste—framed as a skills-and-remittances boost for Pacific families. Tonga Health: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre has effectively collapsed after the US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, a major setback for plans aimed at tackling diabetes and kidney disease. Tonga Corruption & Crime: PINA President Kalafi Moala says organised crime in Tonga has grown more sophisticated, with allegations of meth being manufactured locally and networks still operating despite arrests. Pacific Digital Push: Pacific leaders at UNGA81 backed digital connectivity priorities—affordable access, cyber-security and safer online spaces—while stressing sovereignty and data protection. UN Anti-Corruption in Disasters: UNODC urges Pacific governments to build transparency and integrity safeguards into disaster planning, warning that weak accountability leaves communities most exposed. Tonga Transport Costs: PM Lord Fakafānua links Lulutai Airlines losses to payload limits, saying the DHC-6 Twin Otter often carries far fewer passengers than seats allow. Regional Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect tropical Pacific ocean areas, including support for Tonga. Business & Infrastructure: A Tonga bridge project over Fanga’uta Lagoon faces delays due to a landowner dispute, with funding from the ADB and World Bank.

Health & Aid Accountability: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, a major blow for diabetes and kidney-care plans. Infrastructure & Land Rights: A 720-metre Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge project in Tongatapu is slowed by a dispute with landowners over fair treatment and land acquisition terms, despite ADB/World Bank funding. Governance & Corruption: UNODC says Pacific disaster planning must include transparency and anti-corruption safeguards, warning that weak integrity in preparedness leaves communities exposed when disasters hit. Media & Trust: A BBC Media Action survey finds people increasingly get information from social media, pushing Pacific newsrooms toward better verification and fact-checking skills. Regional Policy & Development: Pacific leaders head to the UN General Assembly with a united push on climate, ocean governance and development finance, while UN DESA flags low social protection coverage in Tonga and other Pacific SIDS. US Immigration Rules: New US exchange-visitor “two-year home” requirements and broader public-benefits scrutiny could affect some Tongans and other Pacific applicants. Tourism & Mobility: Stats NZ shows record New Zealand-resident travel returns from Tonga and the Cook Islands, underlining strong diaspora-driven demand.

Health & Infrastructure: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, a major setback for plans aimed at tackling rising diabetes and kidney disease. Governance & Integrity: PINA President Kalafi Moala says corruption is increasingly shifting into Tonga’s civil service, with land administration allegations highlighted as climate displacement and climate-finance risks grow. Economy & Cost of Living: Tonga’s inflation hit 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing costs, with housing/utilities up 26.8% year-on-year. Business & Services: PSH Hospitals has begun groundwork for a private hospital in Samoa’s Savai’i, aiming to cut the need for patients to travel for specialist care. Policy & Mobility: New Zealand is expanding visa-waiver travel for Pacific families under a Labour plan, targeting easier, cheaper visits for weddings, funerals and family events. Regional Development: Pacific leaders are taking a united climate-and-finance message to the UN General Assembly, pushing action on sea-level rise, ocean governance and resilience funding.