August 2026

SUVA, 14 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS)—Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers are backing new regional principles for artificial intelligence and a safer digital environment as the Pacific enters a new phase of connectivity, with all Forum Members now connected to undersea telecommunications cables. Ministers supported the Pacific Digital and Artificial Intelligence Technology Principles for consideration by Forum […]

PORT MORESBY, 14 AUGUST 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) —Papua New Guinea Rugby is worried more union players might be lured to rugby league, as it continues to be suspended by World Rugby. The interim president of the PNG Rugby Union, Vince Karawa, told RNZ Pacific from Port Moresby that the Australian government’s large financial investments in

decade in charge of FIFA with funding increasing from US$2 to US$3 million over a four-year cycle to US$8 million in the last round. Infantino inaugurated a new national soccer center in Papua New Guinea, funded by FIFA Forward money in 2023, and another has opened in the Solomon Islands. Vanuatu has a new stadium.

PORT MORESBY, 14 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) officers will continue to investigate corruption allegations against public servants, politicians and others despite threats and intimidation against them, says acting commissioner Don Sawong. “Icac will treat any threats, harassment and intimidation to its officials with utmost seriousness,” he said. “I

PORT MORESBY, 13 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — While parts of the country are already experiencing dry conditions, the National Weather Services (NWS) says the peak period between October and November is yet to come. NWS assistant director Benjamin Malai told The National that rain over the weekend in some parts of the country is

PORT MORESBY, 13 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — The Papua New Guinea Government plans to establish a policy of reciprocity in its visa arrangements with other countries, says Prime Minister James Marape. Marape said that it was not directed specifically at the United States (U.S) which recently imposed a refundable visa bond of K88,000 (US$20,000)

PORT MORESBY, 13 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Brian To’o’s character away from rugby league was a major factor in the PNG Chiefs’ decision to sign the Penrith Panthers star winger, club general manager of football Michael Chammas has said. To’o has agreed to join the PNG Chiefs from 2028, adding another major name to the new

PORT MORESBY, 13 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)–A major pay gap between Australia and the other 13 nations competing at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup has raised fresh questions about fairness in international rugby league. Australian players selected for the Kangaroos will receive a flat AUD$40,000 (K124,984) each for representing their country at the World

KOROR, 13 AUGUST 2026 (ABC PACIFIC) — In the final days of May, a Chinese research vessel ventured 74 kilometres into Palau’s waters and reportedly spent 14 hours moving slowly through the island nation’s maritime zone. With a bow built to push through a metre of Arctic sea ice, the 89-metre icebreaker, Ji Di, might

PORT MORESBY, 12 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS/FFA)—The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has stepped up technical support for Papua New Guinea’s tuna industry as it prepares for tighter European Union food safety and market access requirements. The FFA Market Access Team completed a technical mission to PNG from 28 July to 7 August 2026, working