AGP Executive Report

Fisheries Science in Samoa: Samoa welcomed delegates for the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Scientific Committee session, with member countries set to share stock assessment data, observer programme plans, and harvest strategy models to support long-term sustainability of highly migratory fish. Ocean Protection Survey: Pristine Seas and partners began a Samoa expedition to survey biodiversity across new marine protected areas using SCUBA checks, deep-sea cameras, video systems, seabird counts, environmental DNA sampling, and submersible dives—aiming to build a baseline for managing 30% of Samoa’s ocean. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A new look at the Clarion-Clipperton Zone weighs mineral wealth from polymetallic nodules against major environmental risks, including habitat loss in the deep sea. Health Targets: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to cut non-communicable diseases by 5%, tracking diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and obesity through health system monitoring. Precision Medicine for Pacific Peoples: An Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia pushed for personalised medicine that includes Māori and Pacific communities from the start, not as an afterthought. Drug-Free Samoa Launch: Samoa’s National Working Group moved from planning to action, setting priorities for preventing drug-related harm among children and adolescents with UNICEF support. GIS Skills for Climate and Nature: GIS and spatial practitioners across the Pacific trained in environmental data management in Nadi, using tools like the Pacific Environment Portal to strengthen policy and planning. Digicel Fiji Leadership Change: Digicel Fiji’s CEO Farid Mohammed announced his departure after 20 years, citing technology upgrades and network modernisation across Fiji, PNG, Tonga, and Samoa.

Non-Communicable Disease Targets: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to cut NCD prevalence by 5% from 2026/27–2030/31, tracking diabetes, hypertension, cancer, overweight and obesity, with monitoring led by the Ministry of Health’s Patient Information System and related reviews. Precision Medicine Push: An Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia argues personalised medicine must include Māori and Pacific communities from the start, not as an afterthought, as genetic research gaps risk widening health inequities. Ocean Protection Science: National Geographic Pristine Seas is surveying Samoa’s new marine protected areas to build a biodiversity baseline and strengthen the country’s plan to protect 30% of its ocean. Drug-Free Samoa Action: Samoa’s Drug-Free Samoa initiative moves into national action with a new working group coordinating prevention, research, family support, mental health, rehabilitation and enforcement. Tourism Brand Refresh: Samoa Tourism Authority is seeking a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the destination brand, aiming to boost global competitiveness and visitor engagement. Digital Health & Data Skills: GIS and spatial practitioners across the Pacific (including Samoa) train in environmental data management to better support policy and action on climate, pollution and biodiversity loss. Crypto Transparency: Phemex releases its August Proof of Reserves report, claiming full asset backing with an average reserve ratio of 138.39%. Cultural Tech & Diplomacy: China-Samoa ties get a spotlight at a Guangdong cultural event in Samoa, with ministers and community representatives attending.

Precision Medicine in the Pacific: An Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia says personalised care could improve outcomes for Māori and Pacific peoples, but warns they must be included from the start so new genetics tools don’t widen health gaps. Ocean Protection Research: National Geographic Pristine Seas is surveying marine life across Samoa’s new protected areas to build a scientific baseline for the push to safeguard 30% of the ocean. Tourism Brand Refresh: Samoa Tourism Authority is seeking a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the country’s destination brand, aiming to strengthen global marketing and visitor engagement. Drug-Free Samoa Action: Samoa’s national working group has moved from planning into a coordinated response to prevent drug-related harm among children and adolescents, with UNICEF support and key ministries onboard. Tech & Connectivity Leadership: Digicel Fiji’s CEO Farid Mohammed announces his departure after 20 years, citing major network upgrades and transformation work across Fiji, PNG, Tonga and Samoa. Regional Culture Diplomacy: Samoa hosted a Guangdong “Charming China” cultural event with the Chinese Ambassador, highlighting ongoing China–Samoa ties through exhibitions and showcases.

EU Funding & Treaties: Malawi’s delegation says delays in ratifying the Samoa Agreement could slow access to EU funding and development opportunities, urging faster completion of the process. Marine Science for Samoa: National Geographic Pristine Seas is surveying Samoa’s newly protected ocean areas to build a scientific baseline for the push to protect 30% of the sea. Early Childhood Education (ECE): AUT’s newly appointed Pacific professor for Pacific ECE, Dr Jacoba Matapo, credits Pasifika pioneers and cultural knowledge for shaping early learning. Drug Prevention: Samoa’s Drug-Free Samoa initiative moves from planning to action with a national working group focused on prevention and support for children and families. Digital & Environment Skills: GIS and spatial practitioners across the Pacific, including Samoa, train to strengthen environmental data management and decision-making. Crypto Transparency: Phemex publishes an August Proof of Reserves report claiming full asset backing with an average reserve ratio of 138.39%. Tourism Branding: Samoa Tourism Authority seeks a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the destination brand and boost global competitiveness.

Ocean Protection Research: National Geographic Pristine Seas is surveying marine life across Samoa’s newly protected areas to build a scientific baseline for the country’s push to protect 30% of its ocean. Pacific Education Leadership: Faalogo Aganoa Dr Jacoba Matapo has been appointed AUT’s first Pacific professor for Pacific ECE, spotlighting Pacific knowledge and language in early childhood learning. Digital Growth & Wayfinding: A new Pacific-focused piece argues AI and Digital Public Infrastructure can act like “wayfinding” for inclusive digital transformation across Pacific Island countries. Drug Prevention for Youth: Samoa’s Drug-Free Samoa initiative moves from planning to action with a national working group to coordinate prevention, research, family support, mental health, and enforcement. GIS for the Environment: Pacific GIS and spatial practitioners gathered in Fiji to strengthen environmental data management and tools for climate, pollution, and biodiversity action. Tourism Branding: Samoa Tourism Authority seeks a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the destination brand and strengthen global competitiveness. Crypto Transparency: Phemex released an August Proof of Reserves report claiming full asset backing with an average reserve ratio of 138.39%. Child Vendors Pressure: Samoa continues debating child street vending as police move to enforce the Education Act 2009.

Pacific ECE & Education Leadership: Auckland University of Technology has appointed Samoa-born educator Dr Jacoba Matapo as the first Pacific professor for Pacific Early Childhood Education, spotlighting Pacific knowledge, language, and cultural practices. Ocean Science for Policy: National Geographic Pristine Seas is surveying marine life across Samoa’s newly protected marine areas to build the science base for the country’s 30% ocean protection push. Crypto Transparency: Phemex released an August Proof of Reserves report claiming full asset backing, with an average reserve ratio of 138.39% across eight assets. Drug-Free Samoa Action: Samoa’s National Working Group has moved from planning to an inaugural national push to prevent drug-related harm for children and families, with UNICEF support. GIS & Environmental Data Skills: Pacific GIS professionals (including Samoa) gathered in Fiji for training to strengthen environmental data management and decision-making. Tourism Brand Refresh: Samoa Tourism Authority is seeking a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the destination brand and digital strategy, with proposals due Aug 31. Public Health Warning: Health New Zealand is urging vigilance after an unexplained measles case, raising concerns about possible community spread. Child Vendors Enforcement: Samoa Police plan to enforce the Education Act 2009 against school-aged street vending, responding to long-running concerns about child vendors.

Pacific ECE Leadership: AUT has appointed Faalogo Aganoa Dr Jacoba Matapo as the first Pacific professor for Pacific Early Childhood Education, spotlighting Pacific knowledge, language, and cultural practices and honouring pioneers from the 1970s onward. Ocean Science for Samoa: National Geographic Pristine Seas is surveying marine life across Samoa’s newly protected marine areas to support the push to protect 30% of the ocean, with findings meant to strengthen the country’s ocean management baseline. Crypto Transparency (Samoa-linked): Phemex published its August 2026 Proof of Reserves, reporting an average reserve ratio of 138.39% and claiming full asset backing above 100% across eight assets. Drug-Free Samoa Action: Samoa’s National Working Group has moved from planning to an inaugural meeting to coordinate prevention of drug-related harm among children and adolescents, with UNICEF support and key ministries onboard. GIS Skills for Climate & Nature: Pacific GIS and spatial professionals gathered in Nadi for training to improve environmental data management and decision-making across biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. Tourism Brand Refresh: Samoa Tourism Authority is seeking a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the destination brand, with proposals due Aug 31.

Ocean Science & Policy: National Geographic Pristine Seas is launching a Samoa expedition to survey marine life across newly protected areas, aiming to build a scientific baseline for Samoa’s push to sustainably manage 30% of its ocean. Public Health & Community Safety: Samoa’s Drug-Free Samoa initiative has moved from planning to action, with a national working group meeting to coordinate prevention, research, family support, mental health, and treatment. Digital & Data Skills: GIS and spatial professionals from across the Pacific gathered in Nadi for training to improve environmental data management and decision-making. Indigenous Tech & Health Research: A Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia is bringing together Pacific health leaders to shape more equitable, culturally grounded genomics research. Crypto Transparency: Phemex published its August Proof of Reserves, reporting an average reserve ratio of 138.39% across eight assets, with asset-level coverage and a verification system. Tourism Tech & Branding: Samoa Tourism Authority is seeking a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the destination brand and digital strategy, with proposals due Aug 31.

Marine Protection: National Geographic Pristine Seas is launching a four-week survey in Samoa’s newly protected ocean areas, aiming to map biodiversity across reef, mid-ocean and deepwater sites and build a scientific baseline for the country’s plan to manage 30% of its waters. Public Health & Prevention: Samoa’s Drug-Free Samoa initiative has moved from planning to action, with a national working group meeting to set governance and priorities, supported by UNICEF and key ministries. Crypto Transparency: Phemex released its August Proof of Reserves report, claiming full asset backing with an average reserve ratio of 138.39% across eight assets. Health Research (Precision Medicine): A Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia is bringing Pacific health leaders together to push for equitable, culturally grounded participation in genomics and precision medicine. Digital Skills for the Environment: GIS and spatial practitioners across the Pacific gathered in Nadi for training to strengthen environmental data management for climate, pollution and biodiversity action. Tourism Branding: Samoa Tourism Authority is seeking a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the destination brand and digital strategy, with proposals due Aug. 31.

Drug Policy & Youth Support: Samoa’s National Working Group for a Drug-Free Samoa held its inaugural meeting to set direction and priorities, with UNICEF support and partners from Health, Education, Justice and Police—pushing a coordinated approach that links prevention, research, family support, mental health, rehab and enforcement. Regional Security & Training: ASPI’s “Fault Lines” looks at RIMPAC’s 24 July–6 Aug developments, highlighting South Korea’s growing naval role as the maritime component commander and the scale of the Indo-Pacific drill. Public Health (Skin Disease): A New Zealand-focused report warns scabies isn’t “just an itch,” linking it to serious infections and conditions—relevant for Pacific prevention messaging. Tourism Branding: Samoa Tourism Authority is seeking a lead brand and creative agency to refresh Samoa’s destination brand, covering strategy, research, digital work and rollout. Digital Health Research: A Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia is bringing Pacific health leaders together to push equitable, culturally grounded genomics and precision medicine participation. Environment (Deep-Sea Mining): UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urges Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, calling it an irreversible threat to ecosystems and culture. Child Protection: Samoa’s child street vendor debate continues as police move to enforce the Education Act 2009 to stop school-aged vending.

Drug Policy & Youth Support: Samoa’s National Working Group for a Drug-Free Samoa held its inaugural meeting to set direction, governance, and priorities, with UNICEF support and partners including Health, Education, Justice, and Police—pushing a coordinated approach that links prevention, research, family support, mental health, rehabilitation, and enforcement. Regional Security & Training: ASPI’s “Fault Lines” looks at RIMPAC’s wrap-up and highlights South Korea’s growing maritime role, including a South Korean officer commanding the maritime component amid a massive multi-nation exercise. Public Health Research: A new push in Samoa is bringing Pacific leaders together for a Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium, aiming to keep genomics and precision medicine culturally grounded and equitable for Indigenous communities. Environment & Data Skills: GIS and spatial practitioners from across the Pacific gathered in Nadi for training to strengthen environmental data management and action amid the region’s biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution pressures. Tourism Tech & Branding: Samoa Tourism Authority is seeking a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the country’s destination brand, covering strategy, research, creative work, and digital rollout. Community Safety: Samoa’s child street vendor debate continues as police move to enforce the Education Act 2009, targeting school-aged vendors. Health Alert: New Zealand is warning about measles after an unexplained case, urging extra vigilance for people who were in Wellington/Palmerston North around mid-July. Ocean Protection: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke renewed calls for Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning of irreversible ecosystem harm.

Education Tech: Samoa launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS) to give officials real-time data on students, teachers and schools, aiming to improve planning, accountability and learning outcomes. Tourism Branding: Samoa Tourism Authority is seeking a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the country’s destination brand, with work covering strategy, research, creative, digital and rollout support. Health Alert: Health New Zealand is urging extra vigilance after an unexplained measles case in Palmerston North, with possible community spread concerns for people who were in Wellington around the Matariki weekend. Digital & Data Skills: GIS and spatial practitioners from across the Pacific gathered in Nadi, Fiji, for training to strengthen environmental data management and action. Ocean Protection: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke called on Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning of irreversible harm to ecosystems. Precision Medicine: A Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium in Samoa is pushing for Indigenous participation so genomics research is equitable and culturally grounded. Governance & Tech Leadership: Cabinet approved new CEO appointments, including for Samoa Shipping Corporation, Development Bank of Samoa, and the District Development Authority.

Samoa Tourism Authority refresh: Samoa is putting out a tender for a lead brand and creative agency to rebuild its destination brand, with work covering strategy, research, creative development, and digital rollout; the refreshed identity is meant to better reflect Samoan culture and boost global competitiveness, and proposals close 31 Aug 2026. Education tech in Samoa: Samoa has launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS) to give officials real-time data on students, teachers, and schools—aimed at stronger planning, accountability, and learning outcomes amid teacher shortages and climate disruption. GIS skills for the Pacific environment: Pacific GIS and spatial practitioners gathered in Nadi for training to improve environmental data management and decision-making, using tools like the Pacific Environment Portal to connect science to policy action. Precision medicine symposium in Apia: Indigenous health leaders and researchers met in Samoa for the Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium, pushing for equitable, culturally grounded genomics research that includes Pacific communities. Deep-sea mining pushback: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could cause irreversible harm to ecosystems. Cabinet appointments: Cabinet approved new CEO roles including Vaelua Sonny Brown for Samoa Shipping Corporation and other top leadership changes across key agencies.

Samoa Education Tech: Samoa has launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS) to give officials real-time data on students, teachers and schools, aiming to improve planning, accountability and learning outcomes across the country. Youth & Digital Inclusion: A UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation in Apia heard young Samoans push for better jobs, stronger mental health support, and more say in decisions—plus wider access to digital technology. Pacific Health Research: The Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium in Samoa is bringing about 110 health leaders and researchers together to expand precision medicine in ways that are equitable and culturally grounded for Indigenous communities. Ocean Protection: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could cause irreversible damage to ecosystems. Regional Environment Skills: GIS and spatial practitioners from across the Pacific met in Nadi, Fiji for training to strengthen environmental data management and action. Shipping Leadership: Samoa’s Cabinet appointed Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown as CEO of the Samoa Shipping Corporation for a three-year term.

Education Tech: Samoa has launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS), a new platform meant to give officials real-time data on students, teachers, and schools—aiming to improve planning, accountability, and learning outcomes. Youth & Policy: At a UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation in Apia, more than 100 young people pushed for better jobs, stronger mental health support, improved education and skills, and more say in decisions—especially around access to digital technology. Health Research: Indigenous health leaders are calling for Pacific participation in precision medicine studies, warning that without inclusion, existing health gaps could widen. Ocean Protection: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, saying it threatens ecosystems and cultural ties to the Moana. Government Appointments: Cabinet approved new CEO roles, including Vaelua Sonny Brown as CEO of Samoa Shipping Corporation. Digital Payments: BSP Cook Islands rolled out upgraded 4G EFTPoS terminals to speed up transactions, with further upgrades planned across the Pacific.

Child Protection & Education Enforcement: Samoa’s child street vendor debate is getting fresh pressure as researchers from the National University of Samoa flagged a 27% rise in child vendors (including very young sellers), and police move to enforce the Education Act 2009. Public Health: Health New Zealand is warning of possible community measles spread after an unexplained case in Palmerston North, urging extra vigilance for people who were in Wellington around mid-July. Education Tech: Samoa launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS) to give officials real-time data on students, teachers, and schools, aiming to improve planning and learning outcomes. Youth & Inclusion: A UN youth consultation in Apia pushed for jobs, better education and mental health support, plus stronger youth participation in decisions. Ocean & Environment: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke called on Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning of irreversible ecosystem harm. Pacific Health Research: Samoa hosted a Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium seeking Indigenous participation so genomics benefits don’t widen health gaps. Government & Transport Leadership: Cabinet appointed new CEOs, including Vaelua Sonny Brown for Samoa Shipping Corporation. Digital Payments in the Region: Cook Islands merchants and customers are seeing faster EFTPoS transactions after BSP upgraded terminals.