Pacific nations

The 28th UNFCCC global climate negotiations are drawing record crowds and set to exceed 60,000-plus attendance records for the COP Presidency led by Forum and Pacific delegations, like many at the recent COP, featured increased numbers of youth voices to help amplify the Pacific urgency and future-facing focus for climate ambition, climate action and climate justice at the COP28.

Australian academics have published a report called The Future of Nationality in the Pacific.

They want want to ensure people who are forced to move because of climate change are not deprived of their citizenship.

Most research on statelessness and climate change in the Pacific has focused on whether, if a country were submerged, would statehood survive.

However, most people are likely to have left the country long before that kind of territory loss occurs.

One epidemiologist says the "possibilities are seemingly endless".

An in-principle agreement has been struck between Moderna, the Australian government and the Victorian government, with the aim of having the facility running by 2024.

Moderna's Australian head, Michael Azrak, said he was proud the company would have an Australian manufacturing presence.

"We're ready to pitch tent in Australia," Mr Azrak said.

"The facility we're envisaging will have the capability of at least 100 million doses if needs be."

Prime Minister James Marape was present at the meeting, which was held through a video conference, where those present shared and discuss common challenges.

The Cook Islands were thrashed 76-0 by New Zealand with the Kiwi Ferns running in 14 unanswered tries - six of those to winger Honey Hireme.

The Moana also conceded 58 points in their opening match against Australia and second rower Crystal Tamarua said they knew it was going to be tough going up against the top three teams in the world in the group stage.

But she said it was still an honour to represent their nation.

The lead-in to the World Cup has been dominated by some high profile names forgoing the chance to play for the Kiwis and Kangaroos, instead choosing to represent their Pacific heritage.

Toa Samoa coach Matt Parish believes this will be the most competitive World Cup yet but said the Rugby League International Federation needs to take the lead in addressing the financial disparity between the haves and have-nots.

"They need to have some spine and make sure that every team in the tournament gets the same amount of money, then we will see a much evener contest," he said.

The 38-year-old made his name in the 13-a-side game, winning NRL titles with the Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs at both ends of his career and starring for Queensland, the Kangaroos and Fiji Bati, either side of an equally impressive stint in rugby union.

The loosening of representative rules means a player with dual eligibility that misses out on selection for Australia, New Zealand or England can still play for a second tier nation at the World Cup.

Tuqiri said that has got to be good news for Pacific nations.

Speaking at the World Trade Organization, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Regional workshop in Nadi, Fiji last week, SPTO Chief Executive Officer Chris Cocker said the internet continues to revolutionise tourism marketing and product distribution globally.

However, the Pacific tourism industry has failed in many aspects to keep pace with the level of technological change.

RBNZ reports Fiji and Samoa represented the Pacific at the last Championship in Glasgow three years ago, with one added berth on offer for 2017.

Former Samoa international Lee Edwards has taken charge of the country's Under 21 team and is excited by what she's seen.

"Quite a dark horse - I think people will be quite surprised that the talent that's out there for the 21s, especially also we've got three local girls from Samoa in the team," she said.

'Akilisi Pohiva attended his first Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Port Moresby last week.

Mr Pohiva says it was a good chance to observe regionalism at work.

However he says greater cooperation is also needed when it comes to the airways of the Pacific.