AGP Executive Report

Pacific Economic Resilience: Finance and economic ministers from across the Pacific are set to meet in Majuro June 23–24, with the Marshall Islands chairing, to tackle regional shocks—fuel costs, energy security, and supply disruptions—while advancing the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development and discussing a “Triple Shock” energy, import-cost, and food-security agenda. El Niño Preparedness: SPREP is urging Pacific communities to start preparing now that El Niño has been declared underway, stressing early action and staying informed to protect families and reduce risks. Climate Justice & Mobility: At the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, Prime Minister Terrance Drew called for climate justice and stronger partnerships that include local communities in shaping adaptation and mobility solutions, highlighting the unfair burden on small island states. Heat-Resilient Reefs in the Marshall Islands: Scientists working in the Marshall Islands are searching for rare “super reefs” that can withstand warming seas, including a Majuro-area site where corals appear to be coping unusually well—work aimed at protecting and connecting resilient reefs to help recovery. Water Security Support in RMI: Australia’s ADV Reliant delivered water infrastructure cargo to remote Marshall Islands atolls under a UNDP-led project, helping expand safe drinking water storage with modular tanks despite difficult landing conditions. Public Health Reminder: Hawai‘i reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge residents to remove standing water to cut mosquito breeding.

Coral Resilience in the Marshall Islands: Scientists with Woods Hole are hunting for “super reefs” that can endure hotter seas, with work in Majuro lagoon and a push to map and protect heat-tolerant coral strongholds that could help reefs recover across the Central Pacific. Climate Justice at Berlin Forum: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew urged climate justice and stronger partnerships that include local communities, highlighting how SIDS face severe impacts despite low emissions. Regional Energy Pressure in Majuro: Pacific Islands Forum economic and finance ministers meet in Majuro June 23–24 to coordinate responses to fuel security risks and external shocks, with energy security a key agenda item. Dengue Alert for Travelers (Oʻahu): Hawaiʻi DOH reported a travel-related dengue case in an Oʻahu visitor; local transmission risk is expected low, but officials urged residents to remove standing water to cut mosquito breeding. El Niño Watch for the Pacific: SPREP says El Niño conditions are established, pointing to drier-than-usual conditions for parts of the Western Pacific and a higher drought risk, alongside above-normal rainfall in some central/eastern areas.

Coral Survival Research (Marshall Islands): Scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution are racing to map “super reefs” in the Central Pacific, including work in the Marshall Islands near Majuro and Laura, where some corals appear to withstand heat waves that are bleaching most reefs worldwide; the team is using ocean-current modeling, lab heat tests, and a robotic “Yellowfin” survey vessel to quickly spot the most resilient coral colonies and build a future network of protected “stepping stone” reefs across the region. Climate Justice Diplomacy (Berlin): St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew urged climate justice and stronger partnerships at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, calling for local communities—alongside island leaders including the Marshall Islands—to shape climate mobility and adaptation plans. Regional Energy & Resilience (Majuro): Pacific Islands Forum economic and finance ministers meet in Majuro June 23–24 to coordinate responses to energy shocks, fuel security risks, and external pressures, with energy security a key agenda item. Clean Shipping Pact (Majuro): Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership to coordinate a low-carbon, climate-resilient transition for regional shipping, including cleaner fleets and port upgrades. Public Health (Oʻahu): Hawaiʻi DOH reported a travel-related dengue case in an Oʻahu visitor; officials say local transmission risk is low but urged residents to remove standing water to cut mosquito breeding.

Coral Survival Research: Woods Hole scientists are racing to map “super reefs” in the Marshall Islands—rare coral communities that resist or bounce back from extreme heat—using ocean-current modeling, lab heat tests, and the Yellowfin robotic vessel to scan reefs fast and flag the most heat-tolerant colonies. Climate Justice & Mobility: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew urged climate justice and stronger partnerships at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, calling for local communities—including SIDS like the Marshall Islands—to shape climate solutions. Regional Energy Pressure: Pacific Islands Forum economic and finance ministers will meet in Majuro (June 23–24) to coordinate responses to rising fuel costs and external shocks, with energy security high on the agenda. Water Security Logistics in RMI: Australia’s ADV Reliant delivered over 120 tons of water infrastructure cargo to remote atolls for UNDP’s ACWA+ project, enabling new community water hubs where wharf access is limited. Dengue Reminder (Hawaiʻi): Hawaiʻi DOH reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge residents to remove standing water to cut mosquito breeding. Pacific Shipping Pact: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro to coordinate a cleaner, more equitable shift away from fossil fuels in regional maritime transport.

Climate Justice Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew urged climate justice and stronger partnerships at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, stressing that Small Island Developing States like the Marshall Islands face the harshest impacts despite contributing least to emissions. Coral Resilience Research: Scientists in the Marshall Islands say a few rare “super reef” sites near Laura appear to be coping with heat better than surrounding areas, offering hope for reef recovery and regional marine-protected networks. Regional Energy Pressure: Pacific Islands Forum economic and finance ministers meet in Majuro June 23–24 to coordinate responses to fuel security and external shocks, with energy security a key agenda item. Water Security Logistics in RMI: Australia’s Reliant delivered over 120 tons of water infrastructure cargo to remote Marshall Islands atolls to expand safe drinking water storage under a UNDP-linked project. Clean Shipping Push: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro to help coordinate a low-carbon, climate-resilient maritime transition across Oceania. Health Alert (Neighboring): Hawai‘i reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge residents to remove standing water.

Climate Justice Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew urged climate justice and real partnerships at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, stressing that Small Island Developing States face severe impacts despite contributing little to emissions. Coral Resilience Research: Scientists say some Marshall Islands reefs are “behaving as if there was no heat wave,” as researchers race to understand rare “super reef” resilience while global warming drives mass coral bleaching. Regional Energy Pressure: Pacific Islands Forum economic and finance ministers will meet in Majuro June 23–24 to coordinate responses to fuel security and external shocks, with energy security a top agenda item. Dengue Risk Reminder: Hawai‘i reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu; officials say local transmission risk is low, but residents should remove standing water to cut mosquito breeding. Clean Shipping Push: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro to speed a low-carbon, climate-resilient maritime transition across Oceania.

Reef Resilience in the Spotlight: As marine heat waves drive record coral bleaching, Woods Hole scientists say a rare “super reef” near Laura in Majuro lagoon is holding up as if there were no heat wave at all—researchers are racing to understand why, because reef loss would hit fisheries, coastal protection, and even the atolls themselves. Regional Energy Shock Planning: Pacific Islands Forum Economic and Finance Ministers meet in Majuro June 23–24, chaired by RMI Finance Minister David Paul, to push faster rollout of the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development and coordinate a response to fuel security pressures and external shocks. Mosquito-Borne Health Alert: Hawaiʻi DOH reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu tied to a visitor exposed in a dengue area; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge people to remove standing water to cut mosquito breeding. Clean Shipping Push: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro to coordinate a low-carbon, climate-resilient shipping transition across Oceania.

Climate Diplomacy: Marshall Islands Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is in Berlin for the 2nd Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, pushing “Global Climate Mobility Principles” and a roadmap for turning climate-mobility goals into real partnerships. Coral & Ocean Health: New reporting from Majuro highlights how researchers are using robotic dive tools to track coral “strongholds” in the Central Pacific as marine heat waves drive severe bleaching and slow recovery. Regional Climate Risk: SPREP says El Niño conditions are now established, with Western Pacific likely to turn drier and face higher drought risk, while Central/Eastern areas may see above-normal rain—urging proactive water planning. Clean Shipping: Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro to coordinate a low-carbon, climate-resilient transition for regional shipping and ports. Public Health & Mosquito Control: Hawai‘i DOH reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge residents to remove standing water to cut mosquito breeding. Water Infrastructure in RMI: Australia’s Reliant delivered over 120 tons of water-storage cargo to remote atolls under the ACWA+ project, helping communities install modular tanks where wharf access is limited.

Public Health Alert: Hawai‘i DOH says a new travel-related dengue case was found on Oʻahu in a visitor exposed in a dengue-prone region; officials deployed teams for inspections and mosquito control, stressing the local transmission risk is low but urging residents to remove standing water and prevent mosquito breeding. Climate Risk for the Pacific: SPREP reports El Niño conditions are now established, with Western Pacific countries likely to face drier-than-usual weather and higher drought risk, while Central/Eastern islands may see above-normal rainfall—prompting calls for proactive water planning. Coral Survival Effort: In Majuro, Woods Hole scientists are using a robotic “dive buddy” to revisit reef sites as record marine heat waves drive severe coral bleaching and threaten reef recovery across the Central Pacific. Clean Shipping Push: Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro to coordinate a low-carbon, climate-resilient maritime transition across Oceania, aiming to reduce fossil fuel use and upgrade ports and skills. Energy Cost Relief for RMI: The World Bank approved an extra $9m for Marshall Islands budget support to help families and services facing sharply higher energy costs, alongside longer-term resilience work. Wildfire Readiness: Guam is bringing specialized wildfire training to build local mitigation capacity as dry conditions raise fire risk.

Pacific Climate Watch: El Niño is now established, with SPREP warning Western Pacific countries to expect drier-than-usual conditions and higher drought risk, while Central/Eastern islands may see above-normal rainfall—prompting calls for proactive water planning. Coral Survival Efforts: Scientists are searching for “super reefs” and protected coral strongholds that could help repopulate damaged reefs across the Central Pacific, as record heat drives mass bleaching. Ocean & Shipping Transition: Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro to coordinate a low-carbon, climate-resilient shift for regional shipping and ports. Marshall Islands Energy Relief: The World Bank approved an extra $9m in budget support for the Marshall Islands to help families and public services cope with sharply higher energy costs. Fisheries & Livelihoods: Tokelau was removed from the Nauru Agreement’s tuna management scheme, risking major revenue losses tied to access days under the Vessel Day Scheme. Maritime Security: The U.S. Coast Guard launched Operation Blue Pacific to deter illegal fishing, drug and people smuggling across Oceania, including patrols involving the Marshall Islands. COP31 Voices: Pacific COP31 envoys were appointed, including Marshall Islands’ Kristina Eonemto Stege for Oceania and Inia Seruiratu for the Ocean, to push regional priorities at COP31.

Climate & Oceans: Scientists are using “super reef” searches and new tools like an unmanned dive guide in Majuro to find coral strongholds that could help repopulate heat-damaged reefs across the Central Pacific. El Niño Watch: SPREP says El Niño conditions are now established, with Western Pacific likely to turn drier and face higher drought risk, while parts of the Central/Eastern Pacific may see above-normal rain—urging proactive water planning. COP31 Pacific Voice: The Pacific has appointed new climate envoys ahead of COP31, including Marshall Islands envoy Kristina Eonemto Stege (Oceania/1.5°C), plus ocean and climate-finance priorities. Clean Shipping: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro to coordinate a low-carbon, climate-resilient shipping transition. Energy Costs in RMI: The World Bank approved an extra $9m in budget support for the Marshall Islands to cushion sharply higher fuel and energy costs. Wildfire Preparedness: Guam launched wildfire training for local agencies as dry conditions raise fire risk. Nuclear Risk & Diplomacy: A large coalition—including the Marshall Islands—condemned a drone attack targeting electrical infrastructure linked to the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant.

Climate & Water Security: SPREP says El Niño conditions are established, with Western Pacific likely to face drier-than-usual weather and higher drought risk, while Central/Eastern islands may see above-normal rainfall—urging proactive water planning. Ocean & Coral Resilience: Woods Hole researchers are searching for “super reefs” that may better withstand heat as global warming drives mass coral bleaching. Clean Shipping: Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro, aiming to coordinate a low-carbon, climate-resilient maritime transition across Oceania. Energy Costs in the Marshall Islands: The World Bank approved an extra $9m in budget support for the RMI to help manage sharply higher energy costs, bringing total support under the program to $30m. Wildfire Preparedness: Guam launched specialized wildfire training for local agencies as dry conditions raise fire risk. Ocean Governance at COP31: The Pacific appointed COP31 envoys, including Marshall Islands’ Kristina Eonemto Stege for Oceania and Fiji’s Inia Seruiratu for the Ocean, to push regional priorities globally. Maritime Safety & Rights: A new explainer highlights how international rules like the Maritime Labour Convention protect seafarers—amid rising security risks in the Gulf.

Climate Outlook: SPREP says El Niño conditions are now established, with Western Pacific likely to turn drier and drought risk rising, while Central/Eastern islands may see above-normal rain—urging proactive water planning. Ocean & Coral: Woods Hole scientists are searching for “super reefs” as global warming threatens corals worldwide, with new field work highlighted from Majuro. Energy Costs: The World Bank approved an extra $9m for the Marshall Islands to help cover sharply higher energy costs, bringing total support to $30m under an existing resilience-focused program. Clean Shipping: Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro to coordinate a low-carbon, climate-resilient maritime transition for island routes. COP31 Voices: The Pacific appointed envoys for Oceania, climate finance, and ocean priorities ahead of COP31, including a Marshall Islands envoy. Wildfire Readiness: Guam launched wildfire training for local agencies as dry conditions and fire risk build. Nuclear Safety & Environment: A joint statement condemns the May 17 drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Plant, warning of potential transboundary radiological and environmental harm.

Climate & Oceans: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine joined National Geographic’s Pristine Seas dive off Majuro, spotlighting deep-sea and reef research feeding into the Reimaanlok framework. Energy Costs: The World Bank approved an extra $9m in budget support for the Marshall Islands, bringing total aid to $30m to blunt fuel-price shocks and protect essential services. Coral Bleaching Research: Woods Hole scientists are searching for “super reefs” as global warming continues to stress corals worldwide. Regional Climate Planning: El Niño conditions are now established; SPREP urges Pacific water-management planning as drier-than-usual conditions raise drought risk. COP31 Leadership: Pacific climate envoys were formally appointed for COP31 in Türkiye, including Marshall Islands’ Kristina Eonemto Stege to keep 1.5°C within reach and Fiji’s Inia Seruiratu as Ocean Envoy. Shipping & Emissions: Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro to coordinate a cleaner, low-carbon maritime transition. Wildfire Readiness: Guam launched wildfire training as dry conditions loom across the Pacific. Nuclear Legacy & Peace: Pacific leaders renewed calls for global peace and highlighted unresolved nuclear testing legacies across the region.

Maritime Security in the Pacific: The U.S. Coast Guard is expanding its Oceania presence under “Operation Blue Pacific,” aiming to deter drug and people smuggling and illegal fishing, while offering search-and-rescue cooperation and saying it welcomes collaboration with China. Climate Signals for Islanders: SPREP says El Niño conditions are now established, with Western Pacific countries likely facing drier-than-usual weather and higher drought risk, while parts of the Central and Eastern Pacific may see above-normal rainfall. COP31 Leadership for the Region: Pacific COP31 envoys have been appointed, including Marshall Islands’ Kristina Eonemto Stege (Oceania/1.5°C), Fiji’s Inia Seruiratu (Ocean), and Papua New Guinea’s Ruel Yamuna (Climate finance). Energy Cost Relief for the Marshall Islands: The World Bank approved an extra $9 million in budget support, bringing total aid to $30 million to help the Marshall Islands cope with sharply higher fuel costs. Ocean Conservation Spotlight: President Hilda Heine took part in National Geographic Pristine Seas dives off Majuro, with surveys feeding into the Reimaanlok framework. Coral Under Heat Stress: Woods Hole scientists are searching for “super reefs” that may better withstand extreme warming after record bleaching impacts reefs worldwide.

Coral Research in Majuro: Woods Hole scientist Anne Cohen used an unmanned “Yellowfin” robot dive-buddy to revisit a reef as record marine heat waves drive the worst global coral bleaching on record, with over 80% of reefs affected. Marshall Islands Energy Relief: The World Bank approved an extra $9m in budget support for the Marshall Islands, lifting total aid to $30m to help families and services hit by sharply higher fuel costs. Ocean Conservation Spotlight: President Hilda Heine went into Majuro waters in a National Geographic Pristine Seas submersible, surveying deep-sea and reef sites to feed conservation planning under the Reimaanlok framework. Sea-Level Rise and Statehood: Tuvalu renewed its push that rising seas can’t erase sovereignty as UN member states negotiate a sea-level rise declaration, with flooding and freshwater damage already reshaping daily life. Climate-Driven Tuna Shifts: Pacific countries advanced a new warning system to track how warming seas may move skipjack tuna beyond national waters, aiming to protect livelihoods and government revenue. Nuclear Legacy and Decolonisation: Pacific leaders and advocates renewed calls to address unresolved nuclear testing harms and colonial legacies as major anniversaries approach.