AGP Executive Report

Pacific Fisheries Diplomacy: Ministers from across the Forum Fisheries Committee wrapped up a week of talks in Wellington on 2 July, with New Caledonia’s minister and officials attending as observers and a new chair set for 2026–2027. Indigenous-Led Conservation: A regional learning exchange led by IUCN and partners is bringing traditional leaders and youth from across the Pacific—including New Caledonia—together to strengthen customary governance, climate resilience, and sustainable financing. Safe Drinking Water Gap: A new global data map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, noting that more than 2 billion people worldwide lack safe services at home—an issue with clear health implications for Pacific communities. New Caledonia Vote Watch: Provincial elections are framed as a key step in shaping territory-wide negotiations with France, with updated voter rolls and a political balance that will influence who sits at the table after unrest-delayed polls. Health & Environment Dispute: In Fiji, an energy-from-waste proposal at Vuda Point is headed to an Environmental Tribunal after its EIA was rejected, raising concerns tied to public health and waste handling.

Elections & Health Access: New Caledonia’s provincial elections are set to shape the territory’s Congress and “collegial” government after a long delay marked by unrest in 2024; campaigning has been intense, with voters also weighing dire economic and social conditions that can affect health services and everyday care. Water Security: A new global mapping look at safe drinking water shows huge gaps remain—more than 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water—highlighting why clean-water infrastructure and reliability are still urgent for Pacific health resilience. Dengue Prevention: A regional health push for Wolbachia is framed as a shared public good across borders, stressing that success depends on clear roles, mosquito-release choices, strong monitoring, and sustained community involvement. Environment & Public Health: Fiji’s energy-from-waste plan faces legal headwinds after its environmental impact assessment was rejected, with concerns raised around imported waste, hazardous ash, water supply, and public health impacts. Fisheries & Food Systems: Pacific fisheries ministers wrapped talks in Wellington, with New Caledonia participating as an observer—important for regional food security and livelihoods that underpin nutrition and health.

Elections & Governance: Campaigning in New Caledonia has officially closed ahead of Sunday’s provincial elections, with the vote set to shape the territorial Congress and the next “collegial” government and president. The provincial elections are widely seen as the key political test for the territory’s future relationship with France, after multiple postponements following the 2024 unrest. Water & Health Equity: A new global map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, highlighting that more than 2 billion people lack safe water at home—an urgent public health gap that affects infection risk and child health. Dengue Control: A regional push to scale Wolbachia is framed as a shared public good for dengue prevention across Asia and the Pacific, stressing clear roles for governments and partners, plus strong mosquito monitoring and community involvement. Indigenous Conservation: Pacific traditional leaders and conservation practitioners are meeting to strengthen Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, with New Caledonia among participants. Regional Fisheries: Pacific fisheries ministers wrapped a week of talks in Wellington, with New Caledonia’s minister attending as an observer and a new chair taking over for 2026–2027.

Election Countdown (Health & Services): With campaigning ending Friday midnight ahead of Sunday 28 June provincial elections, New Caledonia’s vote will shape the territorial Congress and the next “collegial” government—deciding who negotiates the future relationship with France. Water Access Watch: A new global map highlights how far safe drinking water still is for many people, with UN-defined “safely managed” service remaining out of reach for billions—an issue that matters for local health planning. Dengue Response (Regional): A regional look at dengue control stresses that Wolbachia can help at scale, but success depends on clear roles, mosquito release choices, strong monitoring, and sustained community involvement. Northern Province Politics: In the lead-up to the same vote, coverage focuses on long-time Northern Province leader Paul Neaoutyine and how his UNI coalition faces challenges as voters weigh the province’s economy and services. Pacific Conservation (Indigenous-led): Pacific leaders and Indigenous advocates are meeting on traditional governance and climate resilience, including participation from New Caledonia, linking environmental stewardship to community health. Transport Disruption: Air Oceania resumed flights after a local aviation fuel shortage, with possible knock-on effects for medical travel and access to care.

Election Health & Access: New Caledonia’s provincial elections are set to shape the next territorial Congress and government after years of postponements following the 2024 unrest; campaigning closes Friday midnight ahead of Sunday 28 June voting, with major pro-independence and pro-France blocs pressing sharply on sovereignty and the territory’s future. Water Security: A new global map highlights how safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the kind of infrastructure and service gaps that can hit Pacific communities hardest. Dengue Strategy: A regional-focused explainer argues dengue control needs coordinated, well-resourced choices for Wolbachia rollout—covering mosquito release methods, supply decisions, baseline monitoring, and sustained community involvement. Northern Province Leadership: In the run-up to Sunday’s vote, coverage spotlights long-time Northern Province leader Paul Neaoutyine and how his UNI coalition’s campaign is being tested by personal tragedy and internal disputes. Pacific Conservation: Traditional leaders and Indigenous advocates across the Pacific, including participants from New Caledonia, are meeting on Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, linking customary governance with sustainable financing. Transport Disruption: Air Oceania resumed flights after a fuel shortage in the Loyalty Islands, with renewed rotations to Lifou and plans for Maré—plus a medical-transport-linked flight to Ouvéa that could become longer-term if Air Calédonie doesn’t change course.

Indigenous-led conservation: Pacific traditional leaders, conservation groups and youth advocates are meeting in a regional forum led by IUCN and Conservation International, with New Caledonia among participants, to strengthen Indigenous governance for climate resilience and environmental protection. Elections and public health pressures: With New Caledonia’s provincial campaigning closing ahead of the June 28 vote, the French High Commission has banned alcohol sales and consumption until election day to help prevent unrest, citing a tense economic and social climate and targeted policing. Northern Province leadership in focus: As voters head to the polls, coverage spotlights long-time Northern Province president Paul Neaoutyine and how his UNI coalition’s campaign is being tested by personal tragedy and political disputes. Dengue prevention across the region: A regional health piece highlights how Wolbachia could help scale dengue control, stressing clear roles, mosquito release choices, baseline monitoring and steady community involvement. Water access data: A global map shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the gap between high-access countries and those still below 20% coverage. Transport update: Air Oceania resumed daily Nouméa Magenta–Lifou flights after a fuel shortage, with plans to add Nouméa Magenta–Maré next week.

Indigenous-led conservation: Pacific traditional leaders, youth and conservation groups are meeting in a regional learning exchange backed by IUCN and Conservation International, focusing on customary governance, climate resilience and sustainable financing across Cook Islands, New Caledonia and more. Safe water gap: A new global mapping review highlights how safely managed drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the need for reliable, accessible clean-water services. Dengue prevention (Wolbachia): A regional public-health push argues dengue control with Wolbachia works best when countries clearly plan mosquito-release and supply roles, backed by strong monitoring and community involvement. Election health context in New Caledonia: With provincial campaigning ending ahead of the 28 June vote, the French High Commission has banned alcohol sales until election day to help prevent unrest, as voters cite strained public services, especially health and transport, plus cost-of-living pressures. Northern Province race: In the lead-up to Sunday’s provincial elections, long-time Northern Province leader Paul Neaoutyine’s UNI coalition faces challenges as campaigning is disrupted by personal tragedy and political disputes. Transport continuity: Air Oceania resumed flights after a fuel shortage in the Loyalty Islands, restoring daily Nouméa Magenta–Lifou rotations and planning further routes.

Indigenous-led conservation: Pacific traditional leaders, conservation groups and youth advocates are meeting this week for the Pacific Inclusive Conservation Learning Exchange, backed by IUCN and Conservation International, to strengthen Indigenous governance, climate resilience and sustainable financing across the region. Elections and health impacts: With New Caledonia’s provincial campaigning ending ahead of the 28 June vote, coverage highlights how the political process is tightly linked to public services—especially health and transport—plus cost-of-living pressures and youth concerns. Alcohol restrictions: The French High Commission has banned alcohol sales and consumption in New Caledonia until election day (28 June), citing unrest prevention amid a tense economic and social climate and reported targeting of police and gendarmes. Local governance focus: The Northern Province election race puts long-time leader Paul Neaoutyine’s UNI coalition under challenge, as voters weigh the province’s economy and services. Dengue prevention region-wide: A regional push for Wolbachia-based dengue control stresses clear roles for governments and partners, plus community involvement and mosquito monitoring. Water access map: A new global data look shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the scale of infrastructure and service gaps.

Provincial Election Countdown: Campaigning in New Caledonia ends Friday midnight ahead of Sunday 28 June polls that will refresh the three provincial assemblies and then shape the territorial Congress and the next collegial government. Alcohol Restrictions: The French High Commission has banned alcohol sales and consumption in New Caledonia until next Sunday (midnight June 28) to help prevent public unrest amid a tense economic and social climate and reported targeting of police and gendarmes. Northern Province at Stake: In the north, veteran Palika leader Paul Neaoutyine’s long run as Northern Province president since 1999 faces fresh challenge as voters go to the polls, with his campaign disrupted by personal tragedy and political disputes. Air Travel Disruption: Air Oceania resumed daily Nouméa Magenta–Lifou flights on June 22 after a local aviation fuel shortage in the Loyalty Islands, with plans to add Nouméa Magenta–Maré next week. Dengue Prevention Insight: A regional focus on Wolbachia is highlighted as a scalable dengue control approach, stressing clear roles for governments and partners plus strong mosquito monitoring and community involvement. Water Access Data: A new global map underscores that safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, with access far below 20% in several low-income countries.

Alcohol curfew ahead of vote: The French High Commission in New Caledonia has banned all alcohol sales and consumption until June 28, election day, citing a tense economic and social situation and “delinquency” in Nouméa plus stone-throwing targeting police and gendarmes. Provincial election stakes: Campaigning ends Friday midnight before Sunday’s provincial elections, which will shape the Congress and the next collegial government that negotiates New Caledonia’s future with Paris; the roll includes about 192,584 eligible voters, with rules changed since 2019. Northern Province leadership under pressure: Veteran Palika leader Paul Neaoutyine’s long run as Northern Province president since 1999 faces a challenge as voters go to the polls, with his UNI coalition disrupted by personal tragedy and political disputes. Air travel disruption easing: Air Oceania resumed daily Nouméa Magenta–Lifou flights on June 22 after a fuel shortage suspension, with plans to add Nouméa Magenta–Maré next week; it also flew to Ouvéa at request of groups opposing an Air Calédonie hub transfer. Dengue prevention focus: A regional health piece highlights how Wolbachia could help control dengue across Asia and the Pacific, stressing clear roles, mosquito release choices, baseline monitoring, and steady community involvement. Water and health context: A global data map underscores how safe drinking water access remains far from universal, with major gaps in low-income countries—an issue that matters for long-term public health planning.

Alcohol restrictions: The French High Commission in New Caledonia has banned all alcohol sales and consumption until next Sunday, June 28 (election day), citing a tense economic and social situation, “delinquency” in Nouméa, and police and gendarmes being targeted by stone-throwing. Election health context: With campaigning ending Friday midnight ahead of Sunday’s provincial elections, journalists say voters’ top concerns include strained public services—especially health and public transport—plus cost of living, housing access, and jobs. Safe water spotlight: A new global data map highlights how far “safely managed” drinking water still is from universal—showing many countries remain below 20% access, even as Europe, North America and Australia sit near 99%+. Dengue prevention update: A regional approach to dengue control is gaining momentum through Wolbachia, with success tied to clear roles, steady mosquito monitoring, and community involvement. Local transport continuity: Air Oceania resumed daily Nouméa Magenta–Lifou flights on June 22 after a gasoline shortage in the Loyalty Islands, with plans to add Nouméa Magenta–Maré next week.

Election Watch (Health & Safety): New Caledonia’s French High Commission has banned all alcohol sales and consumption until Sunday 28 June, aiming to prevent public unrest amid a tense economic and social climate and reports of “delinquency” and police/gendarmerie being targeted by stone-throwing. Public Health Context: A separate global health brief highlights how safe drinking water access still falls below 20% in several low-income countries, underscoring why reliable water and sanitation matter for everyday health. Dengue Prevention (Regional): A new regional focus on dengue stresses that Wolbachia can help curb transmission at scale, but success depends on clear roles for governments and partners, strong mosquito monitoring, and sustained community involvement. Air Access (Lifou/Maré): Air Oceania resumed flights from Nouméa Magenta to Lifou after a local aviation fuel shortage in the Loyalty Islands, with plans to add Nouméa–Maré next week—important for timely travel, including health-related needs. Campaign Pressure: With campaigning ending before the 28 June vote, coverage notes voters’ concerns around public services, especially health and transport, plus cost of living and housing access.

Election & Public Safety: The French High Commission has banned all alcohol sales and consumption in New Caledonia until June 28 (election day), starting Monday and running to Sunday midnight, citing tense economic and social conditions, “delinquency” in Nouméa, and police and gendarmerie being targeted by stone-throwing. Voter Priorities: Local reporting ahead of the vote says people are most worried about public services—especially health and public transport—plus cost of living, housing access, and youth job prospects. Local Governance: With campaigning ending Friday midnight ahead of Sunday’s provincial elections, the poll will shape the makeup of the territorial Congress and the future “collegial” government. Northern Province Focus: In the north, veteran Palika leader Paul Neaoutyine’s long run as Northern Province president since 1999 is facing a challenge as the election approaches. Regional Health Note: A new regional push on dengue prevention highlights Wolbachia as a scalable approach, but stresses countries must clearly plan mosquito release methods, supply, monitoring, and community involvement.

Election & public health safety: The French High Commission in New Caledonia has banned all alcohol sales and consumption until next Sunday, June 28 (election day), starting Monday and running to midnight, citing a tense economic and social situation, “delinquency” in Nouméa and stone-throwing targeting police and gendarmes—similar to measures used during the May 2024 unrest. Local politics: Campaigning officially closes Friday midnight ahead of Sunday’s provincial elections that will renew the North, South and Loyalty Islands assemblies, then shape the territorial Congress and the future “collegial” government. Northern Province leadership: As voters head to the polls, long-time Northern Province president Paul Neaoutyine (Palika) faces a challenge after his wife Georgina died last week, with the UNI coalition’s campaign also disrupted by political disputes. Dengue prevention (regional health): A new push for Wolbachia to curb dengue stresses that success depends on clear roles for governments and partners, plus decisions on mosquito release methods and strong baseline monitoring with steady community involvement. Climate risk (Pacific): SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway, emphasizing early action to protect families and reduce risks.

Election & public safety: The French High Commission has banned all alcohol sales and consumption in New Caledonia until 28 June, election day, citing tense economic and social conditions, “delinquency” in Nouméa, and concerns that police and gendarmes are targeted with stone-throwing. Campaign countdown: Campaigning officially ends Friday midnight ahead of Sunday’s provincial elections, which will shape the territorial Congress and the future “collegial” government. Northern Province politics: Long-time Northern Province leader Paul Neaoutyine (Palika) faces a challenge as voters head to the polls, with the province’s economy spanning agriculture, aquaculture, tourism and nickel. Dengue prevention in the region: A new regional push highlights Wolbachia as a scalable dengue tool, stressing clear roles for governments and partners, plus decisions on mosquito release methods and strong community-backed monitoring. Climate & health readiness: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts now that it’s been declared underway, with practical steps to reduce risks for families.

Dengue Prevention (Regional Health): A new report argues dengue control needs cross-border planning, highlighting Wolbachia as a self-sustaining approach that can work at scale across Asia and the Pacific—if countries agree on clear roles for governments, suppliers, and partners, plus decide how mosquitoes are released (adults vs eggs) and whether they’re produced locally or imported, backed by strong mosquito monitoring and community involvement. Alcohol & Public Order (Local Health & Safety): The French High Commission in New Caledonia has banned all alcohol sales and consumption until June 28 (election day), citing a tense economic and social situation and “delinquency,” including attacks on police and gendarmes; similar restrictions were used during the May 2024 unrest. Health-Linked Transport (Local Access): Air Oceania resumed daily flights between Nouméa Magenta and Lifou after a fuel shortage in the Loyalty Islands, with plans to add Nouméa–Maré next week—important for access to care and services across islands. Elections & Services (Community Wellbeing): As campaigning closes ahead of the June 28 provincial vote, coverage notes major voter concerns around public services, especially health and public transport, alongside cost of living and youth job access.