AGP Executive Report

Education & Skills: Tuvalu’s MEHRD has launched a $2.5m teacher-upgrading programme (with GPE funding, UNICEF support, and USP’s Institute of Education) to help teachers earn or continue a Bachelor of Education while staying in the classroom, aiming to improve learning for about 970 children—especially important because many teachers, particularly on outer islands, lack formal qualifications. Climate Mobility & Rights: A new analysis highlights how the climate change–statelessness link is being overlooked across the Asia-Pacific, arguing governments need faster action to prevent nationality loss as climate-driven movement grows. Youth Voices: A Pacific youth survey (covering Tuvalu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Samoa) finds young people feel development benefits are uneven, trust in leaders is low, and human-rights protections are a major concern—though many still want to engage politically. Fossil Fuels & Trust Funds: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s climate-linked trust fund has fossil-fuel exposure via investments managed through Mercer, prompting Tuvalu to review its “fossil fuel exposure” after criticism from climate activist Richard Gokrun. Regional Institutions: USP’s Council meeting in Tonga reaffirmed commitment to Pacific leadership and institutional renewal, adopting audited finances and naming the Governor-General of Tuvalu as Chancellor from 1 July 2026.

Climate Mobility & Statelessness: A new analysis highlights how the Australia–Tuvalu Falepili Treaty is already moving Tuvaluans to Australia, but warns that climate-driven displacement can also trigger loss of nationality and statelessness risks across the Asia-Pacific—calling for faster regional action. Tuvalu Education: Tuvalu has launched a $2.5m programme to upgrade teacher qualifications so all teachers meet a Bachelor of Education requirement, with support from GPE, UNICEF and USP’s Institute of Education. Fossil Fuels Backlash: An AFP investigation says the Tuvalu Trust Fund—Tuvalu’s biggest financial asset—has invested via Mercer in funds tied to coal, gas and major oil refining, prompting criticism from climate activist Richard Gokrun and Tuvalu’s push for fossil-fuel phase-out. Pacific Youth Voices: A survey of young people in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Samoa finds many feel development benefits are unfairly distributed and worry about human-rights protections, though youth still want to engage politically. Regional Travel Costs: New Zealand’s reduced visa fees and longer Pacific visa timeframes could cut government revenue by about $1–2m a year, even as officials say it strengthens Pacific connections. Higher Education Governance: The USP Council meeting in Tonga adopted audited 2025 finances, reviewed 2026 outlook pressures, and named the Tuvalu Governor-General as USP’s next Chancellor from 1 July 2026.

Education & Skills: Tuvalu has launched a $2.5m programme to upgrade teacher qualifications nationwide so every teacher meets a Bachelor of Education requirement, with support from GPE, UNICEF and USP’s Institute of Education. Climate Finance Scrutiny: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s climate trust fund—managed by Mercer—has invested in coal mining, gas exploration and a major crude oil refinery, prompting Tuvalu climate activist Richard Gokrun to call it “really shocking” given the country’s frontline exposure to sea-level rise. Regional Mobility & Costs: New Zealand’s Pacific visa fee cuts and longer default visas could cost the government $1–2m a year, with officials saying the system is mainly funded by visa fees and will be managed via budget transfers. Pacific Leadership in Learning: The USP Council’s 101st meeting in Tonga adopted audited 2025 finances, reviewed 2026 outlook pressures, and confirmed the Governor-General of Tuvalu as USP’s 33rd Chancellor from 1 July 2026. Youth Voices: A survey of young people in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Samoa finds many doubt development benefits are fairly shared and worry about human rights protections, though many still want to engage politically.

Climate & Money: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund—managed by Mercer—has invested in coal mining, gas exploration and a major crude oil refinery, prompting Tuvalu to review its “fossil fuel exposure” after activists warned it clashes with the country’s push to phase out fossil fuels. Education: Tuvalu launched a $2.5m programme to upgrade teacher qualifications so all teachers meet a Bachelor of Education requirement, with support from GPE, UNICEF and USP’s Institute of Education. Regional Higher Ed: The University of the South Pacific Council met in Tonga, adopting USP’s 2025 audited accounts and reviewing 2026 finances, while appointing Tuvalu’s Governor-General as USP Chancellor from 1 July 2026. Pacific Mobility Costs: New Zealand’s visa fee cuts and longer Pacific visas could cost the government $1–2m a year, with officials saying the system will be funded via budget transfers. Work Rights Debate: New Zealand’s ACT clarified its proposed $6/day charge on temporary visa holders would not apply to RSE seasonal workers—after earlier confusion about whether it would. Pacific Diplomacy: Taiwan’s Vice Foreign Minister Ger Bau-shuan highlighted cooperation with Pacific allies including Tuvalu, linking climate resilience, the blue economy and women’s empowerment. Climate Science: A report on Super El Niño warns extreme warming can disrupt marine ecosystems and fisheries, threatening food security and livelihoods across island nations.

Climate & Oceans: A new look at Super El Niño explains how extreme warming can knock marine food chains off balance, cutting plankton productivity and destabilising fisheries—bad news for coastal and island livelihoods. Tuvalu Climate Finance: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s climate trust fund has been invested via Mercer in fossil-fuel-linked holdings, prompting Tuvalu to review its “fossil fuel exposure.” Education: Tuvalu launched a $2.5m programme to upgrade teacher qualifications so more educators meet the Bachelor of Education requirement, with support from GPE, UNICEF and USP’s education institute. Regional Mobility & Cost of Living: New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer default visas could cost the government $1–2m a year in revenue, even as officials say it helps Pacific connections. Pacific Higher Education: USP’s council meeting in Tonga adopted audited 2025 finances, discussed 2026 cost pressures, and named Tuvalu’s Governor-General as USP Chancellor from 1 July 2026. Work Rights: ACT backtracked after criticism over a proposed $6/day charge for temporary visa holders, with RSE workers (including Tuvaluans and Kiribati citizens) at the centre of the dispute.

Climate & Accountability: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund—managed by Mercer—has fossil-fuel exposure, including stakes tied to coal mining, gas exploration and a major refinery, prompting Tuvalu climate activist Richard Gokrun to call it “really shocking” and urge a phase-out as sea-level rise already floods homes and fields. Education & Skills: Tuvalu launched a $2.5m programme to upgrade teacher qualifications so all teachers meet a Bachelor of Education requirement, with support from GPE, UNICEF and USP’s Institute of Education, aiming to strengthen classroom teaching across the islands. Regional Institutions: The University of the South Pacific’s 101st Council meeting in Tonga adopted unqualified audited financials for 2025, reviewed the 2026 outlook, and named the Governor-General of Tuvalu as USP’s 33rd Chancellor from 1 July 2026. Pacific Mobility & Cost of Living: New Zealand’s visa fee cuts and longer Pacific visa timeframes could cost the government $1–2m a year, while officials say the move should deepen Pacific connections. Pacific Diplomacy: Taiwan’s vice foreign minister attended Marshall Islands Constitution Day events, praising Tuvalu and other Pacific allies for climate resilience, the blue economy and regional security.

Climate & Money: AFP reports Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund—managed by Mercer—has fossil-fuel exposure, including coal mining, gas exploration and a major refinery, prompting Tuvalu to review the risk after activist Richard Gokrun called it “really shocking.” Education: Tuvalu launched a $2.5m programme to help teachers meet new rules requiring at least a Bachelor of Education, with support from GPE, UNICEF and USP’s Institute of Education, aiming to improve classroom teaching across the islands. Regional Institutions: The University of the South Pacific’s 101st Council meeting in Tonga adopted USP’s 2025 audited accounts, reviewed the 2026 outlook, and named Tuvalu’s Governor-General as Chancellor from 1 July 2026. Pacific Travel Policy: New Zealand’s visa fee cuts and longer Pacific visas are expected to reduce revenue by about $1–2m a year, with officials saying the system will be funded via budget transfers. Work Rights Politics: ACT backtracked after David Seymour floated a $6/day charge for temporary visa holders, saying it won’t apply to RSE seasonal workers.

Climate & Money: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund—managed by Mercer—has fossil fuel exposure, including coal mining, gas exploration and a major crude oil refinery, prompting Tuvalu to review the fund’s “fossil fuel exposure” after activists called it shocking. Education Upgrade: Tuvalu launched a $2.5m programme to help teachers meet new rules requiring at least a Bachelor of Education, with support from GPE, UNICEF and USP’s Institute of Education. Regional Mobility Costs: Tuvalu’s visa changes for Pacific visitors are expected to cut New Zealand revenue by about $1–2m a year as fees drop and longer stays are granted. Higher Ed Governance: The University of the South Pacific’s 101st council meeting in Tonga adopted 2025 audited accounts, reviewed 2026 forecasts, and named Tuvalu’s Governor-General as USP Chancellor from 1 July 2026. Climate Politics: Pacific leaders and governments are backing a push for a “just transition” away from fossil fuels after COP30’s failure to deliver concrete phase-out steps.

Fossil-fuel backlash: An AFP investigation says Tuvalu’s $200m climate trust fund is tied to coal mining, gas exploration and a major oil refinery—prompting Tuvalu to review its “fossil fuel exposure” after the fund was managed by Mercer; climate activist Richard Gokrun called it “really shocking.” Education uplift: Tuvalu launched a $2.5m programme to upgrade teacher qualifications nationwide so all teachers meet new Bachelor of Education requirements, with support from GPE, UNICEF and USP’s Institute of Education. Regional university governance: The USP Council met in Tonga, adopted audited 2025 finances, reviewed the 2026 outlook, and named Tuvalu’s Governor-General as USP Chancellor from 1 July 2026. Pacific mobility pressure: New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer default visas could cut revenue by $1–2m a year, raising questions about funding for immigration processing. Climate diplomacy momentum: A coalition of 59 countries met in Colombia to push national roadmaps and a Fossil Fuel Treaty after COP30 failed to deliver concrete fossil-fuel phase-out language.

Education & Skills: Tuvalu has launched a $2.5m programme to upgrade teacher qualifications nationwide, aiming to meet new rules that all teachers hold at least a Bachelor of Education, with support from GPE, UNICEF and USP’s Institute of Education. Regional Learning & Governance: The University of the South Pacific’s 101st Council meeting in Tonga backed USP’s 2025 audited accounts and reviewed the 2026 outlook, citing rising costs and student affordability pressures, and named Tuvalu’s Governor-General as USP’s 33rd Chancellor from 1 July 2026. Climate Resilience & Migration Reality: A new report spotlights Tuvalu’s land reclamation efforts in Funafuti as sea water increasingly floods key infrastructure, while many Tuvaluans apply to relocate to Australia under the Falepili Union pathway. Pacific Travel Costs: Tuvalu-linked regional moves to cut Pacific visa fees and extend visa timeframes are expected to reduce revenue by about $1–2m a year, raising pressure on immigration funding even as officials say the benefits include stronger regional engagement. International Climate Law: Pacific leaders are backing a UN climate resolution tied to the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, calling it a legal breakthrough even as major oil and emissions-heavy states oppose it. Workforce Visa Policy Shake-up (NZ): In New Zealand, ACT says its proposed $6-a-day “infrastructure surcharge” for temporary visa holders would not apply to RSE seasonal workers—after earlier comments from David Seymour suggested it might.

RSE visa charge backtrack: New Zealand’s ACT Party says its proposed $6-a-day “infrastructure surcharge” on temporary visa holders won’t apply to seasonal RSE workers—after David Seymour suggested it “would have thought” seasonal workers were included, which would have meant roughly $1,278 for a typical 7-month stint (and about $1,644 for Tuvalu/Kiribati up to 9 months). Local education push: Tuvalu has launched a $2.5m programme to lift teacher qualifications nationwide to a Bachelor of Education standard, aiming to support teachers without pulling them from classrooms, with help from GPE, UNICEF and USP’s Institute of Education. Pacific visa revenue squeeze: New Zealand is also cutting Pacific visa fees and extending timeframes, with officials warning the government could lose about $1–2m a year as fixed immigration costs get spread across fewer fee payers. Climate diplomacy momentum: The UN General Assembly backed strong climate action tied to the ICJ’s advisory opinion, despite opposition from major oil and emissions-heavy states.

RSE charge row: ACT has backtracked after David Seymour floated a nearly $1,300-a-year “infrastructure surcharge” for seasonal workers on New Zealand’s RSE scheme—then clarified it won’t apply to RSE workers, saying the tax targets standard temporary work visas, not seasonal programmes. Pacific diplomacy: Taiwan’s vice foreign minister Ger Bau-shuan attended the Marshall Islands’ Constitution Day in Taipei, praising Tuvalu and other Pacific partners on climate resilience, the blue economy, and regional security. Tuvalu education push: Tuvalu launched a $2.5m programme to lift teacher qualifications nationwide to a Bachelor of Education level, aiming to strengthen classroom teaching across the islands. Visa fee fallout (NZ): New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer default visas could cut revenue by about $1–2m a year, with officials saying the impact will be managed via budget transfers. Climate legal momentum: The UN General Assembly backed strong climate action tied to the ICJ’s advisory opinion, despite opposition from major oil and emissions-heavy states.

Diplomatic Push: Tuvalu’s region stays in focus as Vice Foreign Minister Ger Bau-shuan attended the Marshall Islands’ Constitution Day in Taipei, pledging continued cooperation on climate resilience, the blue economy, security and public health, and highlighting support for Taiwan’s participation in UN and other bodies. Education Upgrade: Tuvalu also moved fast on domestic priorities, launching a $2.5m programme to help teachers meet new Bachelor of Education requirements—backed by GPE, UNICEF and USP—aiming to strengthen classroom teaching across the islands. Visa Shock to Budgets: New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer default visas are expected to cut government revenue by about $1–2m a year, with officials saying the immigration system will be funded through budget transfers. Climate Law Momentum: Pacific leaders are praising a UN climate resolution as a legal breakthrough, backing action aligned with the world court’s view that failing to protect the planet breaches international law.

Pacific Visa Shock: Tuvalu’s wider region is feeling the squeeze as New Zealand cuts Pacific visa fees and extends default multi-entry visas—dropping the cost from $216 to $161 for a 12-month period—while officials warn the change could mean a $1–2 million revenue hit per year and add pressure to an immigration system mainly funded by fees. Climate Migration Reality Check: For Tuvalu, the stakes are personal: land reclamation continues as sea water increasingly floods key infrastructure, even the runway, while most people apply to relocate to Australia under the Falepili Union pathway—raising the haunting question of what happens to a country when people leave. Global Climate Push: The UN General Assembly backed stronger climate action despite US opposition, endorsing the top court’s view that failing to protect the planet violates international law. Regional Diplomacy & Health: Taiwan’s allies—including Tuvalu—are again urging its inclusion in the World Health Assembly, arguing Taiwan’s health support deserves a seat at the table.

US–Iran Diplomacy: The latest push for de-escalation is gaining momentum, with Rubio citing “significant progress” and Trump saying a deal is “largely negotiated,” while key details stay under wraps. Pacific Climate Reality (Tuvalu): While Tuvalu builds land to hold back rising seas, the bigger story is people leaving—most residents have applied for Australia’s Falepili Union pathway, raising the hard question of what a nation becomes when its population relocates. UN Climate Push: The UN General Assembly backed strong climate action despite US opposition, endorsing the world court’s view that failing to protect the planet breaches international law. Energy Transition Politics: A new coalition is trying to accelerate fossil-fuel phaseout outside COP, but the real test is whether major players follow through. Health Diplomacy (Taiwan): Taiwan’s allies—including Tuvalu—are pressing for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly after it was left out again.

Taiwan’s Diplomatic Push: Taiwan’s allies list is still tiny, but it includes Tuvalu—raising the question of whether Taipei should invest far more in the small states that keep recognizing it. Pacific Climate Reality: Tuvalu is building land to fight sea-level rise, even as most people apply to relocate to Australia under the Falepili Union—turning a practical engineering project into a painful “what happens if we leave?” test for national survival. UN Climate Pressure: The UN General Assembly backed strong climate action tied to the world court’s view that failing to protect the planet violates international law, despite US-led opposition. Energy Transition Politics: A new coalition is trying to accelerate the fossil-fuel phaseout outside COP after Santa Marta’s momentum—now the hard part is making commitments real. Mobility Watch: The US paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, and travelers are pivoting to visa-free or visa-on-arrival options—an extra reminder that borders are shifting fast.