Regional Archive October 2009

Media Release - Delegates from 15 Pacific Islands Countries have returned from an intensive two- week study tour of Korea directed at facilitating the development of e-Government in the Pacific.

The University of the South Pacific (USP) has developed its first wind-solar-hydro system, launching it last week.

Scientists are reportedly working on the first Worldwide Earthquake Alert System to help us better respond to disasters.

Media Release - The first ever meeting of Forum Disability Ministers held in Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands, 21 - 23 October has endorsed a Pacific Regional Strategy on Disability 2010 - 2015 to support member countries protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities in the region.

Press Release - Majuro, Marshall Islands, 23 October, 2009 - The Pacific Climate Change Roundtable closed in the Marshall Islands this week.

Press Release - 22 October 2009 - Pacific islands countries are still waiting for "numbers on the table" from the developed countries outlining how much they plan to cut their greenhouse gas emissions.

Media Statement - Members of the Pacific Islands Forum have been urged to pass appropriate laws and regulations to empower persons with disabilities in the region.

Press Release - Majuro, Marshall Islands, 20 October, 2009 - Nature can be used to help the Pacific adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Press Statement - Economic Ministers of the Pacific Islands Forum will attend the 13th Forum Economic Ministers' Meeting (FEMM) in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, from 27-28 October 2009.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) are seeking to strengthen their partnership toward the sustainable management of natural resources in the Asia and Pacific region.

A Pacific journalist has urged fellow journalists to put a human face and touch on reports of climate change, to tell the stories of those who are most vulnerable to the effects.

The quest to become Oceania's top football club begins on Saturday when the Match Day 1 of 2010 O-League kicks off.

The newly-expanded 2010 O-League featuring the champion clubs of Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu is set to get underway this weekend.

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat commends the Government of Solomon Islands for its dedication and commitment to fighting corruption following its decision to start working towards acceding to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing $10 million in budget support to the Cook Islands that will give a short-term boost in economic activity in response to the global financial crisis.

Palau has declared itself as the world's first shark sanctuary, ending all commercial shark fishing in its waters and inviting other nations to follow suit.

Yesterday's tsunami warning caused residents of nations around the region to seek out family members and rush for higher ground as they anticipated the waves hitting.

The latest bulletin from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has canceled the tsunami warning and watch that was issued in the region.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 8 was generated in the Vanuatu region at around 10am this morning prompting a tsunami warning for countries nearby.

The University of the South Pacific (USP) is providing counseling support for its students from Samoa and Tonga after the tsunami that devastated parts of the island nations last week.

ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA - Television and radio broadcasters from across the Asia-Pacific region have pledged to step up their role in the fight against climate change.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $1 million to support emergency relief efforts in Samoa, following last week's devastating tsunami which left close to 170 people dead and thousands homeless.

The names of Samoan nationals who became victims of last week's tsunami have been released and the death toll as of Saturday is at 135 deaths and 310 injured.

The 2009 Pacific Mini Games came to an end on Friday in the Cook Islands. Fiji took first place with a total of 78 medals.

Press Statement - STATEMENT BY THE CHAIR OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM AND PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA, HON KEVIN RUDD, MP.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda has expressed his deepest sympathy and offered ADB assistance to Samoa for the loss of lives and destruction of property following the tsunami and earthquake of 29 September 2009.