AGP Executive Report

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow 2026): Pacific teams are front and centre as the Games officially begin in Scotland, with 11 Pacific nations competing and athletes chasing medals over the next 10 days. Kiribati in sport: Kiribati is among the Pacific countries at the event, returning to Glasgow with Commonwealth memories including David Katoatau’s 2014 gold. Pacific teams list: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu have all sent teams, with sports ranging from athletics and swimming to weightlifting and netball. Regional diplomacy (China missile test): Australia’s Pat Conroy says the Pacific Islands Forum won’t be “dictated” to on whether to issue a joint condemnation of China’s missile test, with consensus blocked by members including Nauru and Kiribati. Education (Kiribati digital future): Kiribati’s KITES project is preparing teachers and students for a digital future, using model schools like TUC 1 to expand ICT access, solar-powered learning, and teacher digital support. Maritime security (Solomon Islands): Solomon Islands plans a U.S. Coast Guard “ship rider” deal to patrol its waters with local police aboard, amid rising concerns over trafficking and illegal fishing. Seabed mining (Kiribati region): French Polynesia says it will challenge an American startup’s seabed mining proposal near the maritime borders of Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia.

Commonwealth Games 2026 (Glasgow): Glasgow opened the Commonwealth Games with a pared-down, feel-good ceremony focused on reinvention, after Victoria’s withdrawal left organisers scrambling and the event scaled back to 10 sports. Kiribati at the Games: Kiribati is among 11 Pacific nations competing, with the country returning to Glasgow carrying memories of David Katoatau’s 2014 gold and Ruben Katoatau preparing for his third Games. Pacific diplomacy on China missile test: Australia’s Pacific minister Pat Conroy said Australia won’t “dictate” to the Pacific Islands Forum, as consensus remains elusive on a joint condemnation of China’s missile test—reportedly with Nauru and Kiribati not backing it. Maritime security shift (Solomon Islands): Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says a “ship rider agreement” will be signed for U.S. Coast Guard patrols with local police aboard, amid ongoing concerns about illegal fishing and trafficking. Education push in Kiribati: Teachers and students at TUC 1 are preparing for a digital future under the KITES project, bringing ICT devices, internet, and solar support, plus teacher training to scale across remote communities. Visa access note (Kiribati link): A Henley Passport Index update highlights Kiribati among destinations that can be reached without a traditional visa, underscoring how travel access varies by passport.

Pacific Security Diplomacy: Australia’s Pacific minister Pat Conroy says Canberra won’t “dictate” to the Pacific Islands Forum over whether it condemns China’s recent missile test, with PIF still stuck on consensus after Nauru and Kiribati reportedly declined to back a joint statement. Regional Maritime Enforcement: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale says a “ship rider” deal will be signed for U.S. Coast Guard patrols with local police aboard, after earlier ship-rider boardings in Vanuatu and Kiribati drew Chinese protests. Education & Digital Future (Kiribati): Kiribati teachers and students are being supported under the KITES project, with model schools getting ICT devices, reliable internet, solar power, and teacher training via the Kiribati Teachers College. Commonwealth Games (Kiribati): Kiribati is among 11 Pacific nations heading to Glasgow, with weightlifting a key medal pathway after David Katoatau’s 2014 gold and Ruben Katoatau’s return. Health & Vaccines: A WHO-UNICEF report finds Kiribati met only four vaccination targets in 2025, while only Niue hit 100% coverage.

Visa Access for Kiribati Travelers: The Henley Passport Index 2026 says Nigerians can enter Kiribati visa-free (along with 43 other destinations), with entry rules varying by country (visa-free, visa on arrival, or e-visa). Digital Education in Kiribati: Under the KITES project, model schools like TUC 1 are getting ICT devices, reliable internet, and solar-powered support, while teachers build digital skills through the Kiribati Teachers College. Pacific Security Tensions: China’s missile test near Tuvalu and Kiribati has left Pacific leaders struggling to agree on a unified response, with the Pacific Islands Forum failing to issue a joint statement. Maritime Enforcement Deal: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale says a U.S. Coast Guard “ship rider” agreement will be signed next week in Honiara, with local police aboard to strengthen patrols and crack down on illegal fishing. Seabed Mining Pushback: French Polynesia plans to challenge an American startup’s seabed mining proposal near its waters, arguing it was not consulted and could harm protected ecosystems. Vaccination Gaps: A WHO-UNICEF report finds Pacific countries, including Kiribati, are missing many 90% immunisation targets—Kiribati hit only four in 2025. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Kiribati is set to return to Glasgow with weightlifting in focus, recalling David Katoatau’s 2014 gold and Ruben Katoatau’s third Games run.

Pacific Security Pivot: Australia is expanding defence ties across the region, doubling mutual defence treaties and signing new pacts with Papua New Guinea and Fiji, while China’s missile test near Tuvalu and Kiribati adds pressure as Pacific leaders struggle to agree on a unified response. Maritime Enforcement Deal: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale says a “ship rider agreement” will be signed next week for U.S. Coast Guard patrols with local police aboard, after earlier ship-rider boardings of Chinese fishing boats in Vanuatu and Kiribati sparked Chinese protests. Regional Unity Strained by China: Analysts say differing national interests and relationships with Beijing are complicating the Pacific Islands Forum’s “ocean of peace” vision after the missile launch. Kiribati in the Spotlight: The missile appeared to land near Kiribati’s and Tuvalu’s waters, and China’s embassy in Kiribati has accused critics of double standards over the test. Seabed Mining Row: French Polynesia says it was not consulted about an American startup’s seabed mining proposal near Kiribati and Cook Islands, while global debate continues at the International Seabed Authority. Health Watch: A WHO-UNICEF report finds Kiribati hit only four vaccination targets in 2025, missing the 90% goal for many vaccine types. Sport & Identity: Kiribati returns to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with weightlifting in focus, recalling David Katoatau’s 2014 gold.

High Seas Mining Row: French Polynesia says it was approached but not consulted over an American Deep Sea Minerals plan to explore seabed mining just beyond its maritime borders, as critics warn the move could flout international law and bypass the International Seabed Authority. Maritime Security Deal: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale says a “ship rider” agreement will let the U.S. Coast Guard patrol with local police, citing threats like illegal fishing and trafficking—after earlier U.S. ship-rider actions drew protests from China involving Kiribati. Diplomacy Shift: Papua New Guinea has closed its Taipei Economic Office in Port Moresby, reaffirming One China policy and strengthening ties with Beijing. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Kiribati is heading to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, with weightlifting a key medal pathway and David Katoatau’s legacy still in focus. Visa-on-Arrival Update: PNG has published its latest visa-on-arrival list, which includes Kiribati citizens. Vaccination Gaps: A WHO-UNICEF report finds Kiribati hit only four vaccination targets in 2025, underscoring ongoing child health coverage challenges. Community Connectivity: A new report highlights how community-run internet networks can help close the digital divide, including experience from Kiribati. Pacific Sports & Culture: Pacific nations are arriving in Glasgow with small teams but big ambitions as the Games run with fewer sports than in 2014.

High Seas Mining Row: French Polynesia says it was approached but not consulted about an American Deep Sea Minerals plan to explore seabed mining just beyond its maritime border, as the International Seabed Authority debates new rules and Kiribati is named among the surrounding states. Commonwealth Games Focus: Pacific teams arrive in Glasgow for the 23 July opening with small squads and big hopes; Kiribati’s weightlifting legacy is front and centre, recalling David Katoatau’s 2014 gold and Ruben Katoatau’s return. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands will sign a “ship rider” deal with the US Coast Guard to patrol its waters with local police aboard, amid wider regional concerns over illegal fishing and trafficking. Kiribati in the Spotlight: A new report on vaccination coverage shows Kiribati hit only four of its 2025 targets, while community-led internet networks are highlighted as a practical way to bridge the digital divide in places like Kiribati. Regional Leadership: New Zealand’s deputy PM Carmel Sepuloni heads to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders’ retreat, with a key focus on welcoming Kiribati back to the Forum.

AI Governance: UN bodies and experts say AI is racing ahead faster than communities can adapt, warning that weak guardrails and transparency could widen the digital divide. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: China’s missile test in the South Pacific has triggered fresh regional pushback, while Papua New Guinea’s sudden move to close Taiwan’s representative trade office has drawn U.S. concern and renewed attention on pressure tactics across Oceania. Kiribati & Regional Unity: New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni is set to travel to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders’ retreat, with a key focus on welcoming Kiribati back to the Forum. Health: A WHO-UNICEF report finds many Pacific countries, including Kiribati, are missing vaccination targets—Kiribati hit only four of its goals in 2025. Digital Access: A new report highlights community-run internet networks as a practical way to connect remote islands, stressing local involvement and long-term sustainability. Food & Resilience: In Kiribati, knowledge broker Terereniti Tiiman is promoting water-efficient gardening to boost household food production while easing pressure on groundwater.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: China’s missile test in the South Pacific on July 6 is being linked to Papua New Guinea’s July 16 decision to close Taiwan’s representative trade and economic office in Port Moresby, with the U.S. saying it reflects Beijing’s intimidation campaign and warning it sends a message to Australia, New Zealand and the region. Kiribati & Regional Tensions: The Chinese Embassy in Kiribati pushed back on criticism, saying the missile warhead was a dummy and the test was routine and not targeted at Kiribati, while regional leaders have raised concerns about “nuclear anxiety.” Regional Cooperation: New Zealand’s Deputy PM Carmel Sepuloni is set to travel to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders’ retreat, with a key focus on welcoming Kiribati back to the Forum. Health: A WHO-UNICEF report says Pacific countries are struggling to reach 90% child vaccination targets; Kiribati hit only four targets in 2025. Community Resilience: In Abaiang, Kiribati knowledge broker Terereniti Tiiman is promoting water-efficient gardening to boost food production while easing pressure on groundwater. Travel Rules: Papua New Guinea published a list of 28 countries eligible for visa on arrival in 2026, including Kiribati.

China–PNG–Taiwan Tensions: The U.S. says it is “deeply concerned” after Papua New Guinea ordered the immediate closure of Taiwan’s Port Moresby trade and economic office, warning it fits Beijing’s intimidation campaign, amid reports linking the move to China’s South Pacific submarine-launched ballistic missile test. Kiribati–China Missile Fallout: China’s embassy in Kiribati pushes back on regional criticism, saying the missile warhead was a dummy and that tests are routine and not targeted at Kiribati. Pacific Security & Regional Pacts: New Zealand’s Deputy PM Carmel Sepuloni heads to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders’ retreat, with a key focus on welcoming Kiribati back to the Forum, while New Zealand explores joining Australia and Fiji’s Ocean of Peace Alliance. Health: A WHO-UNICEF report finds most Pacific countries miss the 90% child vaccination goal; Kiribati hit only four targets in 2025. Digital Access: A new report highlights community-run internet networks in places including Kiribati as a practical way to bridge the digital divide. Climate Risk: El Niño is underway and forecast to intensify, raising the odds of more extreme weather across the Pacific.

China–PNG–Taiwan Tensions: China’s missile test fallout is spilling into diplomacy, after Papua New Guinea ordered the “immediate” closure of Taiwan’s representative trade and economic office in Port Moresby, with the U.S. calling it part of Beijing’s intimidation campaign. Kiribati Missile Debate: The Chinese Embassy in Kiribati hit back at regional criticism, saying the missile’s warhead was a dummy and that testing strategic missiles is routine and not targeted at Kiribati. Pacific Security & “Ocean of Peace”: As Australia and Fiji push ahead with the Ocean of Peace Alliance and Vuvale Union treaties, analysts warn the concept may be getting pulled into major-power security competition. Kiribati Travel Rules: PNG published its visa-on-arrival list for 28 countries, including Kiribati, while noting the policy update also affects who can use the system. Health Coverage Gap: A WHO-UNICEF report shows many Pacific states, including Kiribati, are missing vaccination targets—Kiribati hit only four vaccine-type goals in 2025. Community Connectivity: An ITU/Internet Society report highlights community-run internet networks in places like Kiribati as key to reaching remote users, but only when locals help design and run services. Climate Pressure: El Niño is underway and forecast to intensify, raising alarms for extreme weather across the Pacific. Local Resilience in Kiribati: Live & Learn Kiribati spotlights community “knowledge broker” work in Abaiang promoting water-efficient gardening to boost food and protect groundwater.

Kiribati & Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni is set to travel to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders’ retreat, with a key focus on welcoming Kiribati back to the Forum and reaffirming regional unity. Travel & Mobility: Papua New Guinea has published an official visa-on-arrival list for 2026 that includes Kiribati, allowing eligible travellers to apply after landing. Health: A WHO-UNICEF report says Kiribati met only four of its 2025 vaccination targets, while many Pacific states still fall short of the 90% goal for fully immunising children. Community Resilience (Kiribati): In Abaiang, Kiribati knowledge broker Mr Terereniti Tiiman is promoting water-efficient gardening to boost food production and protect groundwater, using peer-to-peer learning. Security (Kiribati in the spotlight): The Chinese Embassy in Kiribati hit back at regional criticism over a recent missile test, calling the warhead a dummy and saying it was not targeted at Kiribati. Climate & Risk: El Niño is intensifying, with forecasts warning of stronger storms and extreme weather impacts across the Pacific.

Pacific Diplomacy: New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni is set to travel to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders’ retreat, with a key focus on welcoming Kiribati back to the Forum and keeping regional unity moving forward. Climate & Rights: A new spotlight piece links climate displacement in the Pacific to rising risks of statelessness, warning that storms and lost citizenship can trap people outside protection. Labour & Trade: RNZ reports New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme marks 20 years, with Timor-Leste joining in 2026 and bringing more than 20,000 workers across Pacific and other countries. Health: A WHO-UNICEF report says most Pacific countries are missing the 90% vaccination target; Kiribati hit only four vaccine targets in 2025. Security Tensions: RNZ reports the Chinese Embassy in Kiribati says criticism of China’s missile test is “double standards,” calling the warhead a dummy and “routine” under international law. Digital Access: An ITU-Internet Society report highlights community-run internet networks, including a Kiribati case, as a practical way to bridge the digital divide.

Visa rules for Kiribati travellers: Germany’s Federal Foreign Office has published its 2026 visa-free list for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), and Kiribati is included—good news for tourism, business trips and family visits (no work allowed). Health: A new WHO-UNICEF report says many Pacific countries are still missing the 90% target for fully vaccinating children; Kiribati hit only four vaccine targets in 2025. Security & diplomacy: China’s Kiribati embassy hit back at regional criticism over a recent missile test, saying the warhead was a dummy and that the test was routine and not targeted at Kiribati. Community resilience: In Abaiang, Kiribati knowledge broker Terereniti Tiiman is promoting water-efficient gardening to boost food production while easing pressure on groundwater. Connectivity: A new report highlights community-run internet networks as a practical way to connect remote islands, including Kiribati, stressing local involvement and long-term sustainability. Weather watch: Pacific communities are being urged to stay vigilant as cyclone season continues, with warnings to follow national meteorological updates closely.

Kiribati & Pacific Security: Pacific leaders and analysts condemned China’s submarine-launched ballistic missile test, saying it landed in the heart of the region’s shared “blue continent” and was unannounced; China’s Response: the Chinese Embassy in Kiribati hit back, calling the warhead a dummy and the test routine, and accusing critics of “double standards”; Diplomacy & Alliances: New Zealand’s Winston Peters said China’s behaviour must be resisted and confirmed exploratory talks with Australia and Fiji on joining their Ocean of Peace-linked security cooperation; Fisheries & Sovereignty: Tokelau’s tuna revenue shock continues after PNA ended Tokelau’s Vessel Day Scheme participation, with documents alleging New Zealand “interference” in Tokelau fisheries management; Health: a WHO-UNICEF report shows Kiribati hit only four vaccination targets in 2025, highlighting gaps even as some Pacific states reach high coverage; Community Resilience: in Kiribati, knowledge brokers are promoting water-efficient gardening to boost food production while easing pressure on groundwater; Digital Access: a new report points to community-run internet networks in places including Kiribati as a practical way to bridge the digital divide.

Fisheries Tensions: Tokelau’s participation in the PNA Vessel Day Scheme was abruptly ended earlier this year, and newly shared correspondence suggests New Zealand’s role may have been more “interference” than support—while New Zealand says Tokelau’s EEZ management hasn’t materially changed. Regional Security: Pacific leaders and analysts condemned China’s submarine-launched ballistic missile test over the South Pacific, with Kiribati-area concerns tied to the “blue continent” and the Treaty of Rarotonga nuclear-free zone; China says the dummy warhead test wasn’t directed at any country. Climate Watch: El Niño is strengthening, with forecasts pointing to very warm Pacific sea temperatures and higher risk of extreme weather across the region—communities are urged to follow national weather warnings closely. Local Resilience: In Abaiang, Kiribati knowledge broker Terereniti Tiiman helped trial water-efficient gardening to boost food production while easing pressure on groundwater, using peer-to-peer learning through the Atoll Food Futures pathway. Travel Rules: Germany’s 2026 visa-free list for short stays includes Kiribati, allowing up to 90 days without a visa (no employment).