Pacific Dynamics
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Kiribati Bilateral Relations
India-Kiribati Bilateral Relations Background The concurrent accreditation of Kiribati was transferred to High Commission of India, Suva in October 2011. Prior to that High Commission in Wellington was concurrently accredited to Kiribati from September 1992. High-Level Exchanges FIPIC: The Forum for India-Pacific Island Countries was inaugurated on 19 November 2014 at Suva. Hon’ble Prime Minister of India also hosted the First Summit of the Forum in Suva (Fiji) during his historic visit to Fiji on 19 November 2014. The Forum saw participation of 14 Pacific Island Countries. Kiribati delegation was led by former President Hon. Anote Tong, attended the Summit. FIPIC-II: As a follow-up of the historic first FIPIC Summit in 2014, India organized the second FIPIC at Jaipur on 21 August 2015, which was hosted by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Building upon the success of the first FIPIC, India announced major initiatives to boost cooperation with the 14 Pacific Island countries. Kiribati delegation led by Mr. Teekoa luta, Advisor on Asia, attended the Forum. Interaction with PSIDS at New York: On 24 September 2019, on the sidelines of the UNGA, Prime Minister of India Hon. Narendra Modi held an interaction, first of its kind, with the leaders of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS). This high-level exchange will be followed up with the third Summit meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), which is scheduled to be held in the first half of 2020. India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference (IPISDC): Government of India organized the India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference (IPISDC) at Suva, Fiji on 25-26 May 2017. -
Atoll Politics: the Republic Ofkiri- Bati, Edited by Howard Van Trease
226 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· SPRING 1995 Atoll Politics: The Republic ofKiri and the pursuit of self-reliance (chap bati, edited by Howard Van Trease. ter 29). Christchurch: Macmillan Brown The book generally does not grap Centre for Pacific Studies, University ple with the conflicts between culture, of Canterbury and Suva: Institute of politics, economics, and the environ Pacific Studies, University of the South ment. The relatively large volumes of Pacific, 1993. ISBN 982-02-0081-4, international assistance have helped XX + 392 pages, tables, maps, figures, the government to postpone many photographs, appendixes, glossary, painful compromises and have helped notes, bibliography, index. Cloth to perpetuate certain contemporary NZ$34.90; paper Nz$29.25. development myths. Given these cir cumstances, the country's achieve- Written primarily by I-Kiribati, Atoll ments are all the more noteworthy. Politics assembles wide-ranging and A major issue-one that urgently forthright views that focus on the 1991 warrants attention but is largely over- elections and related development looked by the book-is the conflict issues. This period was crucial for between the economic force of the tra- Kiribati politics and encompassed ditional maneaba system and that of the transformation from the succes- the emerging private sector. A new sive governments of the popular economic system obviously has to first president, Ieremia Tabai, to a evolve-a system that will both new government under Teatao advance the commitment to self-reli- Teannaki. ance, based not only on atoll subsis- The thirty-four chapters of Atoll tence but also on trade, and minimize Politics cover the history of Kiribati social costs. -
Climate Change and Challenges to Self- Determination
THE YALE LAW JOURNAL FORUM FEBRUARY 24, 2020 Climate Change and Challenges to Self- Determination: Case Studies from French Polynesia and the Republic of Kiribati Tekau Frere, Clement Yow Mulalap & Tearinaki Tanielu abstract. This Essay examines the nexus of climate change (including related natural phe- nomena such as ocean acidification) and self-determination, particularly for low-lying atoll states and other entities at the front lines of climate change. The Essay begins by briefly surveying the current state of international law and literature on self-determination. The authors adopt a view of the right of peoples to self-determination as a jus cogens norm, which all members of the inter- national community are obligated to respect and uphold for all peoples. The Essay highlights the linkages between that view of self-determination and the enjoyment of several core human rights that are dependent on a healthy environment. Prominent among these is the right of a people, under international law, to freely dispose of their natural resources as they see fit, in pursuit of that people’s economic, social, political, and cultural development. The Essay then unpacks this argu- ment by examining two case studies. The first case study centers on French Polynesia, where peo- ple’s vulnerabilities to climate change and related natural phenomena hamper their right to freely dispose of their natural resources. The second case study examines the Republic of Kiribati, where climate change and related natural phenomena pose a risk to the Republic’s status as a state, at least under a classic conception of international law, because they have led to a defeatist narrative regarding the Republic’s future. -
20 September 1978 FORUM COMMUNIQUÉ the Ninth South Pacific Forum Was Held in The
NINTH SOUTH PACIFIC FORUM Alofi, Niue 16 - 20 September 1978 FORUM COMMUNIQUÉ The Ninth South Pacific Forum was held in the Fale Fono, Alofi, Niue 16-20 September 1978. The following Heads of Government participated: Rt Hon J M Fraser, CH, MP, Prime Minister of Australia; Hon Dr T R A H Davis, Premier of the Cook Islands; Rt Hon Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, KBE, Prime Minister of Fiji; Hon Ieremia Tabai, Chief Minister of the Gilbert Islands; H E Hammer DeRoburt, OBE, MP, President of Nauru; Rt Hon R D Muldoon, PC, MP, Prime Minister of New Zealand; Hon R R Rex, CMG, OBE, Premier of Niue; Rt Hon M T Somare, CH, MP, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea; H R H Prince Tu’ipelehake, KBE, Prime Minister of Tonga; Hon Tupuola Efi, Prime Minister of Western Samoa; Hon P Tovua represented his Prime Minister on behalf of Solomon Islands and Hon T Sione represented his Chief Minister on behalf of Tuvalu. The Forum was officially opened by His Excellency Sir Keith Holyoake, GCMG, CH, Governor General of Niue on the occasion of the formal opening of the Niue Fale Fono and the Niue Constitution celebrations on 16 September 1978. The Forum admitted two new members, Solomon Island and Tuvalu, as full members of the Forum. Both Solomon Islands and Tuvalu have participated in earlier Forums as observers. The Forum sent congratulatory messages to the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands in New York on the admission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations and to the Chief Minister of Tuvalu on the forthcoming independence of Tuvalu. -
Amerimuncvi BG Kiribati.Pdf
© 2018 American University Model United Nations Conference All rights reserved. No part of this background guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without express written permission from the American University Model United Nations Conference Secretariat. Please direct all questions to [email protected] Hayden Schutt Co-Chair Hello Delegates, Welcome to AmeriMUNC and the Kiribati committee! My name is Hayden Schutt, and I will be one of your co-chairs this session. Abby and I are so excited to meet all of you and to get started! Whether this is your first conference or last, I completely understand all of the emotions that can go along with stepping into a new environment or saying goodbye to something that has been very impactful on your life. I am a freshman here at American University and am currently pursuing a major in CLEG (Communications, Economics, Law, and Government). I call Minnesota my home, so please feel free to laugh or acknowledge my accent that becomes present whenever I say words with“long vowel” sounds (*Bagel, Bag, *Minnesota, etc.)! While in high school back in MN, I was heavily involved in the YMCA’s Youth in Government program. As a senior, I served as the YMCA’s Youth Governor for their Minnesota program and attended many state and national conferences. Government is one of my passions, and I am looking forward to going back to Model United Nations with all of you! Throughout this conference, I encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. -
Opening Statement at the High-Level Event On
United Nations Nations Unies T HE PRESIDENT OF THE GEN ERAL ASSEMBLY LE PRESIDENT DE L’AS SEMBLEE GENERALE 29 June 2015 Statement of H.E. Mr. Sam Kahamba Kutesa, President of the 69th Session of the General Assembly, at the Opening of the High-Level Event on Climate Change Your Excellency, Mr. Anote Tong, President of the Republic of Kiribati, Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Mr. Secretary-General, Distinguished delegates, Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to welcome you all to this High-level Event on Climate Change. I particularly welcome His Excellency, Mr. Anote Tong, President of the Republic of Kiribati, and the Honourable Ministers joining us today. The presence of so many high-level participants and the active engagement of Member States show the importance we collectively attach to addressing climate change. One of the key priorities I selected for the 69th session is climate change. In my acceptance speech in June last year I underscored that climate change is one of the defining global challenges of our times and that this session would give impetus to the ongoing process under UNFCCC. This high-level event, at the mid-point between the twentieth Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP 20), held in Lima, and COP 21, to be held in Paris, provides a unique opportunity to take stock of the work done so far and keep the momentum towards reaching an ambitious and universally- binding climate change agreement. It will also aim to promote climate action to slow global warming and limit greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), through concrete initiatives and multi-stakeholder approaches. -
1 ELEVENTH SOUTH PACIFIC FORUM Tarawa, Republic Of
ELEVENTH SOUTH PACIFIC FORUM Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati 14 – 15 July 1980 FORUM COMMUNIQUÉ The Eleventh South Pacific Forum was held in Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati on 14-15 July, following on the celebration of the first anniversary of the Independence of Kiribati on 12 July. The Meeting was attended by Heads of Government from Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (as an observer), Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Hebrides, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu, while Western Samoa was represented by a senior Minister. The Beretitenti of Kiribati, the Hon Ieremia Tabai, chaired the meeting, which took place in the Maneaba ni Maungatabu (House of Assembly). The main issues discussed were as follows: Admission of New Members (a) Federated States of Micronesia The Forum welcomed the admission to the Forum in an observer capacity of the Federated States of Micronesia, noting that following a decision of the Tenth Forum in Honiara last year, the FSM had already become a member of the South Pacific Bureau for Economic Co-operation. The question of full membership for the FSM was reserved for review at a later stage. (b) New Hebrides The Forum, taking note that the New Hebrides was scheduled to achieve Independence on 30 July 1980, welcomed the admission of the New Hebrides to full Forum membership. A statement was made to the Forum by Fr Walter Lini, Chief Minister of the New Hebrides, drawing attention to the continuing unrest and insurrection on the island of Espiritu Santo and recalling that his Government was freely elected. -
Executive Instability in TUVALU & NAURU
By Lisepa Paeniu Outline The issue of instability Parliamentary structures of both countries Options that could be introduced Executive Instability Motions of vote of no confidence in the Head of Government MPs defect from Government to join Opposition Instability includes: Different HoG A change in the Ministerial portfolios of Cabinet, or a new Cabinet altogether or just a new PM/President Tuvalu Year Prime Minister 1978-1981 Toaribi Lauti 1981-89 Tomasi Puapua 1989-92 Bikenibeu Paeniu 1993-96 Kamuta Latasi 1996-99 Bikenibeu Paeniu 1999-2000 Ionatana Ionatana 2000-2001 Faimalaga Luka 2001-2002 Koloa Talake 2002-04 Saufatu Sopoaga 2006-2010 Apisai Ielemia 2010 Maatia Toafa 2010-11 Willy Telavi Why is exec instability an issue? Economy suffers Lack of continuity of policies International obligations Implementation of reforms inconsistent Termination of civil servants Public confidence undermined Political Systems in Tuvalu and Nauru Westminister parliamentary systems Nauru has 18 MPs,Tuvalu has 15 MPs No formal political party system Both have HoG selected by majority in Parliament Speakers are elected as MPs No control/consequence for MPs that cross the floor No limit on when an MP tables a motion of no confidence Options 1. People to vote for PM directly (Kiribati Constitution) Section 32 of the Constitution 1979 – 1991 H.E Ieremia Tabai, GCMG (Nonouti) 1991-1994 H.E Teatao Teannaki (Abaiang) 1994-2002 H.E Teburoro Tito (South Tarawa) 2003- current H.E Anote Tong (Maiana) 2. The office of the Speaker filled by a non-elected MP (Niue Constitution) Options 2 3. MP who crosses floor to resign from Parliament and a by- election to be held (Electoral Act 1967 Samoa) 4. -
19 Twentieth South Pacific Forum Tarawa, Kiribati 10
SPFS(89)19 TWENTIETH SOUTH PACIFIC FORUM TARAWA, KIRIBATI 10 - 11 JULY 1989 FORUM COMMUNIQUE The Twentieth South Pacific Forum was held in Tarawa, Kiribati, from 10-11 July, 1989. The Forum was attended by Heads of Governments of Australia, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, New Zealand, Nauru, Niue, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands were represented by their Deputy Prime Ministers, Tonga by its Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, and Western Samoa by its Minister for Justice and Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Beretitenti of Kiribati, His Excellency Ieremia Tabai, GCMG, chaired the meeting. DIALOGUE Forum/Dialogue Partners Meeting 2. In accordance with the decision taken at the 1988 South Pacific Forum, a number of selected non-regional governments with a demonstrated and constructive interest in the South Pacific were invited to participate in a post-Forum Dialogue with a representative panel of Forum leaders. The Forum welcomed the attendance at the inaugural Dialogue of: Canada Hon Pat Carney Personal Representative of the Secretary of State for External Affairs France H E Ambassador Philippe Baud Permanent Secretary for the Pacific Japan H E Ambassador Toshio Isogai Japanese Ambassador to Fiji United Kingdom Lord Glenarthur Minister of State Foreign & Commonwealth Office United States Mr C Edward Dillery Assistant Secretary, Director of Management Policy Department of State Although accepting an invitation to participate in the Dialogue, the People's Republic of China was unable to attend. 3. Forum leaders highlighted a number of issues which they wished to discuss with the Dialogue Partners, both individually and collectively. -
The Appointment and Removal of the Head of Government of the Kiribati Republic
The Appointment and Removal of the Head of Government of the Kiribati Republic. A Report for Daphne Caine MHK, October 2019. Professor Peter W Edge, School of Law, Oxford Brookes University. [email protected] Professor Jennifer Corrin, Centre for Public International and Comparative Law, The University of Queensland Law School. [email protected] Professor Claire de Than, Jersey Law Commission. [email protected] Creative Commons License: BY-NC-ND I. Executive Summary. This report examines the unique arrangements for the appointment and removal of the President of the Pacific state of Kiribati, in the context of political, historical and social factors. It outlines the potential for similar mechanisms to be introduced in the Isle of Man, while remaining aware of the significance of the constitutional, geographical and cultural differences between the two jurisdictions. The report concludes that the dual effect of a vote of no confidence in Kiribati’s model, which triggers not only a new Presidential election but also a fresh general election for the legislature, provides a measure of balance between competing democratic mandates. However it is not the only option, and refinements could be made. Requiring a special majority for a vote of no confidence in the President without triggering a general election may also be considered. Attention should also be paid to identifying the desirable number of presidential candidates, and to how they are to be nominated. II. Kiribati and its Constitutional Development. Kiribati, officially the Republic of Kiribati, is a sovereign state in the Pacific, constituting 33 islands spread over 3 million km in the central Pacific Ocean, with more than one third of the 72,000 population living on one island.1 It is categorized as part of Micronesia, which includes other island archipelagos, such as Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia. -
Media and the Politics of Climate Change in Kiribati: a Case Study on Journalism in a “Disappearing Nation”
Media and the politics of climate change in Kiribati: A case study on journalism in a “disappearing nation” Taberannang Korauaba February 28, 2012 Pacific Media Centre, School of Communications, AUT University A thesis submitted to Auckland University of Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Communication Studies. 1 Abstract __________________________________________________________________ Although the Pacific nation of Kiribati has been identified as one of the most vulnerable countries to the impact of climate change, little is known about the attitudes of the local media and the public toward this issue. This is in contrast to empirical studies‟ findings which have shown that the public and the media were aware of the threats posed by climate change. Aware of and concern about are very different from „we care and let‟s do something because it is our country‟. President Anote Tong and his growing focus on this issue – centred on his close relationship with the foreign news media – have increasingly cast his I-Kiribati people as the victims and thus further marginalised their ability to learn about climate change. Further to this, there is no connection with what Tong has declared overseas with his government‟s 2008-2011 Development Plan. This thesis argues that Kiribati is not united on climate change. Traditional, cultural and religious beliefs about land, environment and sea, and division among educated elites and political parties are some of the key barriers to communicating and receiving climate change stories. The government‟s closed door policy, top down approach and its one-way communication have restricted the media‟s access to information relating to climate change, and more importantly how 'climate funds' are distributed in the country. -
Sustainable Development for Tuvalu: a Reality Or an Illusion?
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR TUVALU: A REALITY OR AN ILLUSION? bY Petely Nivatui BA (University of the South Pacific) Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Studies (Coursework) Centre for Environmental Studies University of Tasmania Hobart, Tasmania, Australia December 1991 DECLARATION This thesis contains no material that has been accepted for the award of any other higher degree or graduate diploma in any tertiary institution and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, contains no material previously published or written by another person, except when due reference is made in this thesis. Petely Nivatui ABSTRACT For development to be sustainable for Tuvalu it needs to be development which specifically sustains the needs of Tuvaluans economically, politically, ecologically and culturally without jeopardising and destroying the resources for future generations. Development needs to be of the kind which empowers Tuvaluans, gives security, self-reliance, self-esteem and respect. This is different from western perspectives which concentrate and involve a western style economy and money system in which money is the centre of everything. For Tuvaluans the economy is based on and dependent on land, coconut trees, pulaka (Cyrtosperma) and fish, as well as the exchange of these commodities. The aim of this thesis is to compare western and Tuvaluan concepts and practices of sustainable development in order to evaluate future possibilities of sustainable practices for Tuvalu. An atoll state like Tuvalu has many problems. The atolls are small, isolated, and poor in natural resources. Transport and communication are difficult and the environment is sensitive. Tuvalu is classified by the United Nations as one of the least developed countries, one dependent on foreign assistance.