This Week in Oceania - Tuesday 8th April 2025


Know what’s happening across Oceania—before your coffee’s cold.


THIS WEEK IN OCEANIA

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Tuvalu’s Bold Call for Climate Action at Global Shipping Forum

Tuvalu continues to champion a global levy on greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. Collaborating with an alliance of Pacific, Caribbean, African, and Latin American countries, Tuvalu aims to address climate change impacts through international maritime regulations.

Tuvalu's Minister for Transport, Energy, Communication, and Innovation, Simon Kofe, emphasized the urgent need for stronger measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport. Representing one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, Kofe argued that a global carbon levy could not only reduce emissions but also generate critical financing to support adaptation and resilience in small island states.
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Nauru's Embassy Inauguration in Beijing

On April 1, 2025, Nauru officially inaugurated its embassy in Beijing, marking a significant milestone in its diplomatic relations with China. The ceremony was attended by Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Lionel Aingimea, and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.

U.S. Tariffs Imposed on Nauru

The United States has imposed tariffs on Nauru, despite minimal trade between the two nations. This action raises questions about the motivations behind targeting one of the world's smallest economies.

PRESENTED BY VONU STUDIOS

Children's Book: Vonu and the Druas Play Hide and Seek

Vonu and the Druas Play Hide and Seek
Join Vonu the turtle and the stingray twins, the Druas Vai and Fai, in an exciting game of hide and seek! A heartwarming story filled with fun and adventure, perfect for young readers. Get your copy today!

Simply scan the QR code to start your adventure or click this link:
Amazon Link: Vonu and the Druas Play HIde and Seek ->

SPORTS

Australia National Youth Archery Championships in Canberra

Australia National Youth Archery Championships in Canberra

Photo credit: Archery Australia

The 2025 National Youth Archery Championships are set to commence on April 17 in Tuggeranong, Canberra. Over 150 young archers from across Australia will compete in various categories, with top performers aiming for selection to represent Australia at the Youth World Championships in Winnipeg, Canada, this August.

MUSIC

APRA Music Awards Nominees Announced

APRA nominees 2025

Photo Top L-R: Kevin Parker, Missy Higgins, Tones And I, Troye Sivan. Bottom: King Stingray
Photo credit: ARPA AMCOS

The APRA Music Awards have announced their finalists for the 2025 Song of the Year. Nominees include Missy Higgins for "The Second Act," Troye Sivan for "One of Your Girls," King Stingray for "Through the Trees," Amyl and the Sniffers for "U Should Not Be Doing That," and emerging hip-hop group 3% for "Won't Stop." The awards ceremony is scheduled for April 30 at Melbourne Town Hall.

MARITME SECURITY

USS Shiloh Completes Oceania Maritime Security Initiative

USS Shiloh

USS Shiloh (CG 67) patrolled, and conducted several boarding and intelligence gathering operations in the South Pacific region in support of Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) 2025.
Photo credit: Ensign Paula Hackbart

The USS Shiloh (CG 67) has returned to its home port after completing a patrol from February to April 2025 in the South Pacific. The mission focused on strengthening relationships with partner nations and ensuring maritime stability and security in the region.

TID BITS

FNPF Launches 'Vinaka' Campaign

Photo credit: FNPF

FNPF Launches 'Vinaka' Campaign

The Fiji National Provident Fund has introduced the 'Vinaka Campaign' to express gratitude to members for their dedication and hard work, aiming to deliver optimal retirement outcomes. FNPF Chief Executive Officer Viliame Vodonaivalu emphasized that the "Vinaka" campaign reflects the Fund’s deep commitment to securing the financial future of its hardworking members.

Solomon Islands Cybersecurity Initiatives

From L-R - British High Commissioner HE Paul Turner, PS Alwin Danitofea, NZ Deputy High Commissioner HE Rebacca Williams and Australian High Commissioner HE Rod Hilton.
Photo credit: Solomon Business Magazine Online

Solomon Islands Cybersecurity Initiatives

The Solomon Islands government has launched the Solomon Islands Computer Emergency Response Team (SICERT) project to address cybersecurity threats, enhancing the nation's digital security infrastructure.

Liam Lawson

Liam Lawson
Photo credit: Liam Lawson Facebook Page

Liam Lawson Reflects on Japanese Grand Prix Performance

New Zealand driver Liam Lawson finished 17th in the Japanese Grand Prix. He acknowledged that he and his new team, Racing Bulls, have areas to improve ahead of the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.

PNG Hosts Artificial Intelligence Summit

Attendees of the AI Summit 2025. Photo credit: Papua New Guinea Post-Courier Online

PNG Hosts Artificial Intelligence Summit

The International Training Institute (ITI) is hosting the 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit at the Crown Hotel in Port Moresby. The summit aims to educate businesses and various sectors on the future of AI, covering topics such as Generative AI, AI in education, modern banking, and environmental and climate change applications.

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