Australia and the South Pacific: come to my aid

Australian development assistance and aid dollars are always being put to use in communities in the Pacific Islands, doing essential work even when Canberra’s attention is elsewhere.

The tyranny of distance: Corporate harm on the frontline in the Pacific

Unseen and unheard, the voices of Pacific Island communities on the frontline of deforestation, irresponsible mining and seabed exploitation are being overlooked and human rights abuses are going unchecked in remote rural regions.

Why China’s ‘debt-book diplomacy’ in the Pacific shouldn’t ring alarm bells just yet

Talk of Chinese “debt trap” diplomacy is nothing new, but a recent report by Harvard University researchers has resurrected long-held fears that China’s debt diplomacy poses a threat to Australian interests in the Pacific.

The power of collaboration between PNG and Australia

Members of the inaugural Pacific Connect Business Network Dialogue in Papua New Guinea share their stories on Open Forum. This is the first in a new series of blogs from our PNG partners, in the lead-up to the Pacific Connect Forum in Sydney this September.

Blockchain technology offers a catalyst for Australia-Pacific collaboration in Papua New Guinea

The ‘Second Track’ leads to first class collaboration opportunities for emerging leaders in Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Developing maritime awareness for the ‘Blue Pacific’

Australia and the Pacific island states need a better understanding of activity in the waters that surround them and to work more closely to deal with threats, incursions and crises.

Australia to fund internet cable to PNG and Solomons

Australia has pledged to cover two thirds of the $200 million cost of a new high-speed internet cable for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands but concerns have been raised about its impact on the existing aid budget.

Australia should be a regional leader on youth, peace and security

The UN-led Youth, Peace and Security agenda highlights the benefits of working with youth to address violence and insecurity globally. Australia’s foreign policy is behind the curve when it comes to recognising and partnering with young people for positive change.

Press censorship clouds the Asia-Pacific

The Chinese model of state-controlled news and suppression of free speech and information is being copied in other countries in Asia and the Pacific, threatening democracy and civil society.

Lessons for the WPS agenda in the Solomon Islands

Women’s rights in the Solomon Islands remain poor, despite Australia’s efforts to promote the UN ‘Women, Peace and Security’ agenda in the region.

#OurTimeNow: Pacific feminists create new spaces to talk and to be heard

Civil organisations and alliances play a crucial role in advocating for a more inclusive approach in policy making around the world. Initiatives such as the Pacific Feminist Forum have made a significant impact by enabling a wide range of voices to be heard.

Aid, influence and ‘strategic anxiety’ in the Pacific

Australia is concerned about China’s increased engagement with the South Pacific. However, while Australia does have a long history of fretting about great-power intrusion into the region, its concerns may also be influenced by alliance considerations.