Fiji

Fijian PM highlight obstacles to UN Development Goals, promote Suva Declaration

He was speaking at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York.

“Many developing countries do not have the financial resources to do what is needed to fulfil the goals. Many countries have the ideas, the plans and the resolve to act; but do not have the financial backing they need,” he said.

“If we can recognise that the lack of funding is what can hold many of us back, then it should be one of the key critical issues to be discussed in this summit. We have our goals. Now, how do we get there? We must make affordable financing for sustainable progress a reality.

No precedent for quota-based tuna management: PNA

Transform Aqorau's comments comes after Pacific leaders called for a review of the PNA's Vessel Day Scheme and promoted a New Zealand style quota management system instead.

Speaking to industry stakeholders at the 5th Pacific Tuna Forum in Fiji this week, Dr Aqorau says his body is already considering a catch based management system, but is moving cautiously.

VIDEO: Rugby Union World Cup Highlights Round Up

The Wallabies won the match 28-13 courtesy of a  stellar two-try performance from David Pocock.

In what was a far from a polished performance, the three-try win fell short of delivering a valuable bonus point in the 'Pool of Death' clash at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

In another game, Scotland beat Japan 45-10 in their opening game.

Fiji eyes strengthening ties with Papua New Guinea

In extending Fiji's well wishes to PNG on its 40th independence day celebration, the Fijian prime minister highlighted the progress the Melanesian state has made and the importance of its ties with Fiji, Fiji's Department of Information said Tuesday.

Since gaining independence, the two nations have enjoyed close relationship of mutual respect and friendship which was further cemented through their membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Bainimarama told his PNG counterpart Peter O'Neill in the congratulatory message.

Fiji will host 2017 UN Summit

It is also continuing its engagement efforts by seeking membership of the UN Human Rights Council by 2017.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola disclosed this in Parliament Monday.

He said – “Fiji is a founding member of the Ambassadorial Group of Friends of Oceans and Seas, and we are a leading  advocate of creating a triennial Summit on Oceans and Seas that would oversee the implementation of Goal 14.”

Fiji calls for restructure of the tuna industry in the Pacific

While addressing the Pacific Tuna Forum in Nadi today, Osea Naiqamu says challenges facing the Tuna industry requires tough questioned to be asked.

A recent World Bank study estimates the catch value of tuna in our region at US$2.4 billion. 

Tags: 

Australia pair Pocock & Hooper against Fiji

Pocock starts at number eight with Hooper at seven - just as they did in the win over New Zealand in August.

Toulon's Matt Giteau, who is available after the Australian Rugby Union relaxed rules over overseas-based players in April, starts at centre.

Will Genia is preferred to Nick Phipps at scrum-half and wins his 61st cap.

Pacific teams confident as RWC kicks off

First up is England in the opening match of the tournament at Twickenham on Saturday morning.

Expecting a raucous atmosphere, head coach John McKee revealed during the week his team used loud speakers during training camps in an effort to prepare for the atmosphere at the home of English rugby.

While the bulk of the 82,000 strong Twickenham crowd will be barracking for the home side but coach John McKee says the Pacific Nations Cup winners are embracing the occasion.

New York opportunity for Pacific artisans

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) are inviting cultural enterprises in the crafts, visual arts and fashion sectors from Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands to apply for funded participation at the popular tradeshow which attracted over 30,000 buyers from over 80 countries this year.

Hopes for new Australian climate policy appear remote

The leaders of Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji have expressed hope that Mr Turnbull, who was this week sworn in as prime minister after ousting Tony Abbott as Liberal Party leader, could be a champion for Pacific countries battling rising sea levels and intensifying weather systems.

The change in Canberra came a week after the Pacific Islands Forum meeting highlighted a growing chasm between the Pacific countries and Australia and New Zealand on the issue of climate change.