AGP Executive Report

Community & Education: Atkins Kroll Saipan is running a “Back to School Test Drive” campaign through Aug. 31, inviting people of all ages to test drive any Toyota and vote for their preferred school; the top-voted school gets a $1,000 donation. Health & Rights for Marshallese & Pacific Islanders: UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute named Omair Ali, M.D., as director of global and community outreach, including the “Gift of Sight” cataract program for Marshallese and Pacific Islander patients in Northwest Arkansas. Regional Environment & Waste: Samoa joins Fiji, the Marshall Islands and Tonga in a €6 million Pacific marine litter and plastic waste project backed by Germany’s GIZ, with SPREP and the Pacific Community implementing. Culture & Community Through Sport: The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament in Kahului brought together Compact of Free Association communities, including the Marshall Islands, with a “Many oars, one canoe” theme blending sports, culture, and community resources. Pacific Governance & Fisheries: Pacific foreign ministers backed stronger fisheries protection, ocean governance, and maritime boundaries, endorsing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035. Leadership & Tradition: Taiwan’s MOFA sent condolences to the Marshall Islands on the death of paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, praising his role in deepening Taiwan–Marshall ties and protecting Marshallese identity and culture.

Back-to-School Drive on Saipan: Atkins Kroll Saipan is running its Community Matters “Back to School Test Drive” campaign through Aug. 31. Residents can test drive any Toyota at the showroom and vote for their preferred school; the top-voted school gets a $1,000 donation. Regional Ocean Cleanup: Samoa joins Fiji, the Marshall Islands and Tonga in a €6 million Pacific marine litter and plastic waste project backed by Germany’s GIZ, with SPREP and the Pacific Community leading implementation. Eye Care for Marshallese in Arkansas: UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute named Omair Ali, M.D., director of global and community outreach, including the “Gift of Sight” cataract program for Marshallese and Pacific Islanders in Northwest Arkansas. Pacific Fisheries Push: Forum Foreign Ministers in Suva backed stronger fisheries protection, ocean governance and maritime boundaries, supporting a new Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035. Marshall Islands Leadership Loss: Taiwan’s MOFA sent condolences to the Marshall Islands over the death of paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, praising his role in strengthening Taiwan–Marshall ties and protecting Marshallese identity. Women, Girls & Climate: Pacific leaders urged urgent action at CSW66, stressing women and girls’ knowledge as key to climate resilience and safer communities. Community Through Sport: The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament in Kahului brought together athletes and families from Compact of Free Association communities, including the Marshall Islands, under the theme “Many oars, one canoe.”

Marshall Islands–Taiwan ties: Taiwan’s foreign ministry sent condolences to the Marshall Islands over the death of paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, praising his role in deepening Taiwan–Marshall bonds and protecting Marshallese ethnic identity and traditional culture. Pacific climate leadership: Pacific representatives at CSW66 pushed for women and girls to be at the center of climate resilience and disaster risk work, linking gender equality to safer, stronger Pacific communities. Regional fisheries & ocean governance: Forum foreign ministers met in Suva to urge urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and secure maritime boundaries, backing a new regional fisheries strategy for 2026–2035. Community culture through sport: The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament in Kahului brought together athletes, cultural performers, families, and leaders from Compact of Free Association communities including the Marshall Islands, with the theme “Many oars, one canoe.” Geopolitics & security watch: The Pacific continues to respond to rising regional pressures, including calls for stronger missile-test notice and broader security planning across island states.

Regional Fisheries & Ocean Governance: Pacific Forum foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and secure maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and a member-led approach to fisheries development. Women, Girls & Climate Resilience: At CSW66, Pacific leaders pushed for women and girls to be at the center of climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, calling for stronger climate action and finance. Marshall Islands–Taiwan Leadership Loss: Taiwan’s MOFA sent condolences to the Marshall Islands after paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua died, highlighting his role in deepening Taiwan–Marshall ties and protecting Marshallese identity and culture. Community Culture Through Sport: The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament in Kahului brought together athletes, cultural performers, families, and leaders from Compact of Free Association communities, including the Marshall Islands, under the theme “Many oars, one canoe.” PNA Tuna Leadership: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement opened applications for a new CEO to strengthen sustainable tuna fisheries and ocean resource management.

Nuclear Weapons & Marshall Islands: A new op-ed revisits how the nuclear age began in 1945, arguing the bombings were driven by choices and narratives—not inevitability—and noting the wider harm from earlier U.S. nuclear testing that also affected people in the Marshall Islands. Marshallese Deportations: A report highlights rising deportations of Marshallese people under the U.S. Compact of Free Association, citing sharp increases in removals in recent years and the fear of being “sent home” despite long ties to communities in the U.S. Pacific Fisheries & Ocean Governance: Pacific Foreign Ministers meeting in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean rules, and secure maritime boundaries, backing a regional fisheries strategy and member-led implementation. Women, Girls & Climate: The Pacific pushed for stronger recognition of women and girls in climate resilience at CSW66, linking empowerment to safer, more resilient Pacific families. Traditional Leadership & Taiwan Ties: Taiwan’s foreign ministry sent condolences to the Marshall Islands over the death of paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, praising his role in deepening Taiwan–Marshall Islands bonds and protecting Marshallese identity. Sports & Culture Exchange: The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament in Hawai’i brought together Compact of Free Association communities, including Marshallese teams, with a “Many oars, one canoe” theme blending sports, culture, and community support. Regional Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers endorsed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, backing Pacific-led Pre-COP31 meetings and climate finance priorities. Fisheries Leadership: The Nauru Agreement Parties opened applications for a new CEO to lead the PNA Office, focused on sustainable tuna governance and member countries’ ocean resource rights.

Marshall Islands & Taiwan Ties: Taiwan’s foreign ministry sent condolences to the Marshall Islands after paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua died Aug. 11, highlighting his role in strengthening Taiwan–Marshall Islands bonds and protecting Marshallese identity and traditional culture. Regional Fisheries & Ocean Governance: Pacific Forum foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, ocean stewardship, and maritime boundaries, backing a new regional fisheries strategy and calling for member-led, fair management that supports livelihoods and food security. Women, Girls & Climate Resilience: Pacific representatives at CSW66 pushed for stronger recognition of women and girls in climate and disaster risk work, stressing their knowledge and leadership as key to safer, more resilient Pacific families. Sports & Community Culture: The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament in Kahului brought together athletes, cultural performers, families, and leaders from Compact of Free Association communities, including the Marshall Islands, with the theme “Many oars, one canoe.” Marshallese Deportations: A report says deportations of Marshallese people from the U.S. have surged in recent years, with 67 removed in 2024 and potentially far higher numbers in 2025–2026, raising fresh concerns for Marshallese communities abroad.

Marshall Islands–Taiwan Mourning: Taiwan’s foreign ministry sent condolences to the Marshall Islands after paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua died Aug. 11, praising his role in strengthening Taiwan–Marshall ties and protecting Marshallese ethnic identity and traditional culture. Pacific Fisheries & Ocean Governance: Forum foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, ocean stewardship, and maritime boundaries, backing a new Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and pushing stronger regional climate and ocean priorities ahead of COP31. Women, Girls & Climate Resilience: Pacific representatives at CSW66 called for women and girls to be central to climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, linking gender equality to safer, more secure Pacific families. Marshallese Deportations Rise: A report says deportations of Marshall Islands citizens in the U.S. have surged in recent years, with 67 removed in 2024 and potentially far higher numbers in 2025–2026, raising fears for COFA families. Sports + Culture Across COFA: The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament in Kahului brought together athletes, cultural performers, families, and community leaders from COFA communities including the Marshall Islands, under the theme “Many oars, one canoe.”

Marshall Islands–Taiwan Ties: Taiwan’s foreign ministry sent condolences to the Marshall Islands after paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua died Aug. 11, praising his role in strengthening Taiwan–Marshall Islands bonds and protecting Marshallese ethnic identity, culture, and values. Pacific Climate & Gender: Pacific leaders urged the world to put women and girls at the center of climate action at CSW66, highlighting how their knowledge and leadership strengthen resilience for Pacific families. Ocean & Fisheries Governance: Forum foreign ministers in Suva backed stronger fisheries protection, ocean stewardship, and maritime boundaries, endorsing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and pushing member-led implementation. Marshallese in the U.S.: Reports say deportations of Marshallese citizens from the U.S. have surged in recent years, with 67 removed in 2024 and potentially far higher numbers in 2025–2026, raising fears for COFA families. Regional Security Signals: Palau and the Marshall Islands joined a global call for 24-hour notice for missile tests, as geopolitical tensions keep reshaping Pacific priorities.

Marshall Islands–Taiwan Leadership Loss: Taiwan’s MOFA says paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua died Aug. 11 at 81, praising his lifelong work strengthening Taiwan–Marshall Islands ties and protecting Marshallese ethnic identity, culture, and values. Ocean & Fisheries Protection: Pacific Forum foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries and ocean governance, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and calling for member-led, equitable management that safeguards livelihoods, culture, and sovereignty. Women, Girls & Climate Resilience: At CSW66, Pacific leaders pushed for women and girls to be central to climate action, highlighting their knowledge and skills as key to safer, more resilient Pacific families. Marshallese Deportations Rising: A report says deportations of Marshallese citizens from the U.S. have surged in recent years, with 67 removed in 2024 and potentially far higher numbers in 2025–2026, raising fears for COFA families. Local Craft & Livelihoods: In the Marshall Islands, weaving and handicrafts are helping families—especially women—earn income, using local materials like pandanus leaves and traditional techniques that keep each piece unique.

Marshall Islands–Taiwan Cultural Ties: Taiwan’s foreign ministry sent condolences to the Marshall Islands over the death of paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, praising his role in strengthening Taiwan–Marshall Islands bonds and protecting Marshallese identity, traditional culture, and values. Pacific Women & Climate Resilience: Pacific leaders urged the world to put women and girls at the center of climate action at CSW66, highlighting how their knowledge and skills help communities handle climate change, disasters, and everyday survival. Regional Fisheries & Ocean Governance: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger fisheries protection, ocean stewardship, and member-led implementation, supporting a new regional fisheries strategy framework tied to food security, livelihoods, and sovereignty. Marshallese Deportations Rise: A report says deportations of Marshallese citizens from the U.S. have surged in recent years, with 67 removed in 2024 and potentially far higher numbers in 2025–2026, raising concerns for COFA families. Handicrafts & Livelihoods: Marshallese weaving is helping families—especially women—earn income, using local materials like pandanus leaves, with more men joining to support craft work as copra remains hard to sustain.

Marshall Islands Leadership & Security: President Hilda C. Heine urged stronger national security, climate adaptation, and public-sector reform as parliament resumed, highlighting maritime surveillance, drug-trafficking prevention, resilient infrastructure, healthcare and education, plus renewed work to document the legacy of U.S. nuclear testing. Regional Fisheries & Ocean Governance: Pacific Forum foreign ministers backed urgent action to protect fisheries and ocean stewardship, supporting a new Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy (2026–2035) and pushing stronger maritime boundaries and member-led implementation. Women, Girls & Climate Resilience: Pacific leaders called for women and girls to be at the center of climate action at CSW66, stressing their knowledge and empowerment as key to safer, more resilient Pacific communities. Marshall Islands–Taiwan Cultural Ties: Taiwan’s MOFA sent condolences to the Marshall Islands over the death of paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, noting his role in deepening Taiwan–Marshall Islands bonds and protecting Marshallese identity and traditional values. Marshallese Deportations: A report says deportations of Marshallese people from the U.S. have surged in recent years, raising fresh concerns for COFA families living abroad. Handicrafts & Livelihoods: A feature spotlights Marshallese weaving and handicrafts as a vital income source, especially for women and families on outer atolls.

Marshall Islands Leadership & Culture: Taiwan’s MOFA sent condolences to the family of paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, praising his lifelong work strengthening Taiwan–Marshall Islands ties and protecting Marshallese ethnic identity, traditional culture, and values. Women & Climate Resilience: Pacific delegates at CSW66 pushed for women and girls to be at the center of climate action, linking gender equality to safer, more resilient Pacific families. Regional Fisheries & Ocean Governance: Forum foreign ministers in Suva backed stronger fisheries protection, ocean stewardship, and member-led implementation of a new 2026–2035 regional fisheries strategy, tying food security and livelihoods to sovereignty and culture. Marshall Islands in the Spotlight: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine urged stronger national security, climate adaptation, and public-sector reform as parliament resumed, highlighting maritime surveillance and a new Australian-donated patrol vessel for enforcement and fisheries protection. Community & Skills: A feature on Marshallese handicrafts spotlights weaving as a livelihood—especially for women—using local materials and supporting families across atolls. Marshallese Deportations: A report says deportations of Marshallese citizens from the U.S. have surged in recent years, raising fears about what “going home” means for families under COFA rules.

Ocean & Fisheries Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers meeting in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and secure maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and pushing Member-led, equitable management. Royalty & Culture: Taiwan’s MOFA sent condolences to the Marshall Islands over the death of paramount chief Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, praising his role in deepening Taiwan–Marshall ties and protecting Marshallese ethnic identity, traditional culture, and values. Women, Girls & Climate: At CSW66, Pacific leaders called for women and girls to be at the center of climate resilience work, stressing that empowering their knowledge and skills strengthens safety and wellbeing for Pacific families. Marshall Islands Governance & Security: President Hilda C. Heine told Nitijela that security, climate adaptation, and public-sector reform are urgent as geopolitical pressure and rising living costs mount, highlighting maritime surveillance and the arrival of the RMIS Jelmae patrol vessel. Marshallese Deportations: A report says deportations of Marshallese people from the U.S. have surged in recent years, raising concerns for COFA families living in the states. Tuna Leadership: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement opened applications for a new CEO to lead the PNA Office, with a focus on sustainable tuna fisheries, ocean resource management, and good governance. Handicrafts & Livelihoods: A feature highlights Marshallese weaving as a vital income source, especially for women and families on outer atolls. Climate Art for Youth: Jo-Jikum’s two-week Climate Art Seminar ended with a showcase of youth work on climate change, adaptation, and Marshallese culture, including new participation by youth with disabilities.

Marshall Islands Politics & Security: President Hilda C. Heine urged stronger national security, climate adaptation, and public-sector reform as Nitijela resumed, highlighting maritime surveillance, drug-trafficking prevention, and the arrival of Australia’s RMIS Jelmae patrol vessel to boost enforcement across the Marshall Islands’ vast ocean territory. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing Pacific-led Pre-COP31 meetings and calling for more climate finance, renewable investment, and louder Pacific voices. Marshallese Community in the U.S.: Reports say deportations of Marshallese citizens have surged, with 67 removed in 2024 and sharp increases suggested for 2025–2026, raising fears for families living under COFA rules. Culture & Youth: A Jo-Jikum climate art seminar closed with performances and artwork on climate change, adaptation, and Marshallese culture, including the first participation of youth with disabilities. Handicrafts & Livelihoods: Weaving remains a key survival skill for Marshallese families, especially on outer atolls where copra is scarce and women increasingly earn through traditional handicrafts. Sports: Palau’s volleyball teams started strong at the Oceania Championships in Guam, with wins over the Marshall Islands.

Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger Pacific push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and Pre-COP31 meetings to boost climate finance, renewable energy investment, ocean-climate priorities, and Pacific leadership. Local Security & Governance: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine urged stronger national security, climate adaptation, and public-sector reform as Nitijela resumed, highlighting a new National Security and Substance and Drug Summit and the arrival of Australia’s RMIS Jelmae patrol vessel for maritime surveillance and fisheries enforcement. Culture & Inclusion: Jo-Jikum’s two-week Climate Art Seminar, “Loss and Damage,” wrapped with a Showcase Night featuring youth artwork and performances on climate change, adaptation, and Marshallese culture, with youth with disabilities included for the first time. Women’s Livelihoods: A feature on Marshallese handicrafts spotlights weaving as a practical income source for families—especially women—using local materials and expanding beyond copra on outer atolls. Community Life: Palau volleyball teams started strong at the Oceania Championships in Guam, with the women beating the Marshall Islands and the men earning their first win. COFA Reality Check: A report notes rising deportations of Marshallese citizens from the U.S., tied to COFA status and non-U.S. citizenship.

Marshall Islands Politics & Security: President Hilda Heine urged stronger national security, climate adaptation, and public-sector reform as Nitijela resumed, highlighting a new National Security and Substance and Drug Summit and the arrival of Australia’s donated patrol vessel RMIS Jelmae to boost maritime surveillance and fisheries enforcement. Climate & Culture: A two-week Climate Art Seminar by Jo-Jikum wrapped with a Showcase Night featuring youth artwork and performances on climate change, adaptation, and Marshallese culture, including the first participation of youth with disabilities. COFA Life in the U.S.: A report says deportations of Marshallese people from the U.S. have surged in recent years, with 67 removed in 2024 and potentially far higher numbers in 2025–2026, raising fresh concerns for families living under Compact of Free Association rules. Handicrafts & Livelihoods: Weaving remains a key survival skill for Marshallese families, especially women, with traditional handicrafts sold for their uniqueness and intricate designs. Regional Ocean Stewardship: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a Samoa expedition to survey marine life across newly protected areas, supporting Samoa’s push to protect 30% of its ocean. Pacific Sports: Palau’s men and women started strong at the Oceania Volleyball Championships in Guam, with the women beating the Marshall Islands and the men earning a win over American Samoa.