-
From Lepa to Leadership: Hidoria Onesemo-Tuilaepa Brings Samoa’s Youth Voice to the Forefront at YPL 2025
Samoas representative to the 2025 Young Pacific Leaders conference, Hidoria Onesemo-Tuilaepa shared her reflections on the prestigious regional gathering in an interview with The New Atoll. By Losa Huntington for The New Atoll KOROR, Palau: When Hidoria Onesemo-Tuilaepa arrived in Palau for the 2025 Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Conference, she… Listen ⇢
-
“The Law Has Spoken: Now the World Must Act on Climate Justice,” Ambassador Ilana Victorya Seid, AOSIS Chair
In this exclusive opinion editorial for The New Atoll, Ambassador Ilana Victorya Seid, Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, reflects on the recent International Court of Justice advisory opinion and its profound implications for small island developing states and the global pursuit of climate justice. The climate crisis… Listen ⇢
-
International Court of Justice Historic Climate Opinion Marks Legal Turning Point for Pacific Small Island States
The world’s highest court has declared climate harm unlawful, delivering a legal breakthrough long demanded by Pacific Island nations. In a historic advisory opinion on July 23, the International Court of Justice confirmed that states are legally obligated to cut emissions, protect human rights, and cooperate to address climate change.… Listen ⇢
-
King Tupou VI hits it off with Tonga’s Prime Minister Eke
Lopeti Senituli provides insights into the recent meeting of two Tongan leaders. NUKUALOFA, Tonga: There is growing evidence that King Tupou VI has found a kindred spirit in Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke and that they are hitting it off. This is in clear contrast to the working relations between the… Listen ⇢
-
Falepili Mobility Pathway Ballot to Open for Tuvaluans on June 16
FUNAFUTI, TUVALU : The Australian High Commission and the Government of Tuvalu have announced that the inaugural ballot for the Falepili Mobility Pathway will officially open to Tuvaluan citizens on 16 June 2025. In its first program year (2025–2026), 280 visas will be made available through a ballot system, offering… Listen ⇢
-
Vui Gemma Nelson Appointed Ocean Adviser as Palau Takes Over AOSIS Leadership
An international legal expert from Samoa has been appointed as Ocean Adviser to the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), playing a role in supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) interests in global ocean negotiations. By Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson New York, NY : The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)… Listen ⇢
-
Trump Order to Reopen Pacific Remote Islands Marine Monument Sparks Fears of Ecological and Cultural Loss
The Trump administration has reopened the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument to commercial fishing, reversing protections that had been in place since 2009 and expanded under President Obama in 2014. The decision allows commercial fishing between 50 and 200 nautical miles from the monument’s islands, a move that has… Listen ⇢
-
From Fakaofo to the Fono: Esera Fofō Tuisano Becomes New Ulu o Tokelau
With the tide beneath him and his daughter Ollyshia by his side, Esera Fofō Filipo Tuisano made the short yet deeply symbolic boat journey from Fenuafala, Fakaofo to the islet of Falē. This quiet crossing, from the outer islet, home to Tokelau’s main hospital and school, to the spiritual and… Listen ⇢
-
Tuvalus pursuit of digital statehood
Tuvalu, a Pacific island nation facing imminent threats from rising sea levels, has launched an unprecedented initiative to become the world’s first digital nation. Announced at COP27 by Foreign Minister Simon Kofe, the project involves creating a virtual replica of Tuvalu’s land, culture, and governance structures in the metaverse to… Listen ⇢
The New Atoll 