The UN flag flies outside the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York City. Photo: AFP
Vanuatu - rights
The UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group will examine Vanuatu's human rights record for the fourth time on Thursday (Geneva time).
Vanuatu is one of 14 states to be reviewed during the session from 29 April to 10 May.
The country delegation will be led by Minister for Justice and Community Services, John Amos Nalau.
The UPR is a peer review of the human rights records of all 193 UN member states.
Fiji/Australia - agreement
Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australia's visiting Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, have signed two memorandums of understanding (MOU) on port infrastructure and services, and on cyber security cooperation.
The MOUs were signed by the two governments through the Vuvale Partnership.
Fiji Ports Corporation and Australia have also signed a grant agreement on the development of a Lautoka Port masterplan to upgrade the port and enhance international and domestic operations.
Papua New Guinea - personnel
PNG's Prime Minister James Marape says Papua New Guineans have a chance to be recruited to join the Australian military.
Marape has just walked the Kokoda Track with Australian PM Anthony Albanese.
The Post-Courier newspaper reported the prime minister saying Australia indicated to him in February - after his address in their Parliament - that they would need up to 10,000 personnel in their Defence Force.
He said he was asked if PNG was willing to supply Australia with personnel for the Defence Force, and he replied 'by all means'.
The PNG Defence Force provided air support for the travel to Kokoda, and provided security and catering for the travelling prime ministers..
Papua New Guinea - election
The Papua New Guinea Local Level Government election dates have been changed because the national census will be conducted around the same time in July, which would tax resources.
This is according to Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Minister Soroi Eoe.
The National newspaper reports the issue of writ is expected on July 25th, with polling starting 24 August and ending September 6th.
The minister said local level is an important third tier of government, and the ministry has concern for sometimes.
Samoa - vehicles
Two assessments have been done in Samoa in preparation for the government fleet moving towards electric vehicles.
One assessment was on Samoa's traffic volumes and vehicle market, and the other, on solutions for disposing of and recycling EV batteries in the island nation.
One of the partners behind the project, the United Nations Development Programme, said the project will expedite the adoption of EVs and electric outboard motors for vessels; while also supporting policy reforms and initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Pacific - ocean
The UK Government and the Pacific Community (SPC) have signed a three-year £2.4 million (FJ$5.4m) funding agreement on ocean management.
The Pacific Community (SPC) said the 'Integrated Ocean Management and Maritime Governance Programme' is pivotal for establishing maritime boundaries as an aspect of national sovereignty and economic development.
UK government's Oceania Network head, Vicki Treadell, said this funding will support Pacific Island Countries "as they work to ensure a free and open Indo Pacific, and uphold the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea".
