AGP Executive Report

Samoan Sports: Goretti Su’a added another gold for Samoa, winning Women’s Singles 50+ 5.0 at the Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang after her 2025 title. Culture & Community: The Measina Festival’s Ailao Afi fire-knife competition crowned Lene Luaono as champion, with young autistic performers among the finalists. Local News: Firefighters battled a blaze at Faleata Golf Course in Tuanaimato, believed to have started from burning rubbish; the cause is still under investigation. Business & Tourism: Linkd Tourism expanded its client roster and promoted six staff members, including new leadership roles across trade, PR and marketing. Regional Politics: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister led bilateral talks during the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, reaffirming support for the Blue Pacific 2050 strategy and Samoa’s priorities. Safety & Inclusion: Australia’s Pacific Australia Skills programme ran a safeguarding workshop with Samoan institutions to strengthen trusted reporting and prevent workplace abuse and discrimination. Geopolitics: The Pacific Islands Forum opened amid leader absences tied to Taiwan-related tensions, while Samoa and other partners pushed for climate and security priorities to stay front and centre.

Pacific Security & Drugs: Australia says it will back a $600m maritime crackdown across the Pacific to hit narco-submarines and small smuggling vessels, as seizures rise and leaders push for a region-wide “Waqa Moana” response. PIF Turmoil in Palau: The Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting opened with major absences and fresh Taiwan-related tensions, with Samoa among those not attending amid claims of outside pressure. Samoa at the Forum: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister laid out priorities for digital and AI governance, renewable energy, climate leadership and stronger regional support mechanisms during the Leaders Dialogue. Local Business Milestone: SPBD Samoa marked its 125,000th loan as Tauala’s baking journey grew from WST$1,000 to WST$50,000. Health & Safeguarding: Australia and Samoa ran a workshop to strengthen safeguarding, child protection and trusted reporting mechanisms for safer, inclusive workplaces. Fire & Safety: Firefighters battled a blaze at Faleata Golf Course after rubbish caught alight, with the cause still under investigation. Sport Spotlight: Samoa’s Lushavel Stickland chased more medals in the pool, while rugby league and Pacific sport funding stayed in the spotlight across the region.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister led bilateral talks with partners including New Zealand, Chile, Spain, Japan, Singapore, the UK, Canada, the EU and China, pushing Samoa’s priorities on digital/AI governance, renewable energy, climate leadership and stronger regional support. Regional security debate: The Pacific Network on Globalisation warned leaders against two proposed security deals, saying they could lock in foreign military access without enough local control or oversight. China–Taiwan fallout: The summit opened amid major absences and fresh anger from Beijing over Taiwan’s participation, with Samoa named among leaders reportedly not attending. Samoa governance: Cabinet approved the terms of reference for an Out-of-Country Voting Task Force to pilot overseas voting and recommend Electoral Act changes. Health and culture: Samoa’s traditional healers are working with government agencies on a national framework to protect traditional knowledge, while the Measina Festival spotlighted Miss Samoa contestants and cultural performances. Sports: Lushavel Stickland heads into the women’s 50m backstroke finals after winning bronze in butterfly. Local education: USP Samoa Campus and Savaii Centre drew thousands at Open Day, themed “Where Culture Meets Excellence.”

Measina Festival & Miss Samoa: Samoa’s Measina Arts & Cultural Festival kicked off with Miss Samoa contestants and cultural performances, putting local stories and heritage front and centre. Regional climate science: SINU in Samoa will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (Sept 14–18), with universities and researchers across the Pacific, including Samoa, driving action-focused climate research. Samoa at the Pacific Islands Forum: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister outlined priorities at the Leaders’ Dialogue—digital and AI governance, renewable energy transition, climate leadership, and stronger regional support mechanisms. USP Open Day: Thousands of students and visitors turned out for USP Samoa Campus and Savaii Centre’s Open Day, with “Where Culture Meets Excellence” as the theme. Traditional knowledge protection: Samoan traditional healers and government agencies moved to build a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge and set clearer referral pathways. Drug trafficking crackdown: Australia announced a $600m maritime push to tackle Pacific drug trafficking, with leaders in Palau weighing the next steps. PIF geopolitics: The Palau summit is overshadowed by China–Taiwan tensions and major leader absences, while Samoa’s focus remains on climate and people-centred outcomes.

Pacific Islands Forum fallout: The 55th PIF leaders meeting in Palau is already drawing heat after several top absences and a public China-Taiwan clash over Taiwan’s foreign minister attending the opening ceremony, with China warning of “consequences” while Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese says the Pacific family runs its own affairs. Samoa in the spotlight: Samoa is among leaders reported to have skipped the summit in person, while Samoa’s traditional healers are meanwhile working with government agencies on a national framework to safeguard and protect traditional healing knowledge. Regional security: Australia has pledged $600 million over 10 years to step up a maritime crackdown on drug trafficking through the Pacific, including surveillance and better coordination. Local sport: Samoa swimmer Lushavel Stickland is chasing another medal in the women’s 50m backstroke finals after winning bronze in the 50m butterfly. Diplomatic ties: Canada’s new High Commissioner to Samoa, Keith Smith, has presented credentials, reaffirming cooperation on climate resilience and regional priorities.

Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: China’s envoy Qian Bo warned of “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister Lin Chia-lung attended the PIF opening ceremony in Palau, while leaders like Australia’s Anthony Albanese pushed back that the Pacific family decides its own agenda. Regional Absences: At least five leaders, including Samoa’s prime minister, are skipping or sending deputies, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters calling the pattern “highly suspicious” amid claims of outside interference. Samoa Overseas Care: Cabinet approved overseas treatment for 18 patients at about $800,000 tala, split between Fiji, India and New Zealand. Diplomatic Update: Samoa’s Head of State accepted Canada’s High Commissioner Keith Smith’s credentials, reaffirming cooperation on climate resilience and regional priorities. Sport—Samoa on the Pitch: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Apia with Samoa in Group A, while Toa Samoa named a Rugby League World Cup squad packed with NRL talent.

Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: Samoa’s PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt is among leaders not attending the PIF leaders meeting in Palau, with Fiji, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands also pulling out—sparking fresh talk of outside interference as China warns of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence. China-Taiwan Tensions: China’s Pacific envoy lodged objections after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the opening ceremony; Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese dodged questions on whether Beijing is “bullying.” Sports Diplomacy: Australia pledged $15.6m to help Pacific athletes and officials chase Brisbane 2032 success, with support flowing to events including the 2027 Pacific Games. Samoa in the Spotlight: Samoa’s junior golf pathway gets a boost as a nine-year-old competes at the Samoa Open, while the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Apia with two finalists earning spots at the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Community & Culture: Samoa shifts Teuila to the new Measina Festival name, and the government backs the Miss Samoa Pageant with $30,000.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Samoa’s PM La’auli Leuatea Schmidt is among leaders missing key talks as at least five heads of government skip the 55th PIF leaders meeting in Koror, with Samoa’s delegation led by the deputy prime minister—raising questions about unity amid Taiwan-China tensions. Solomon Islands politics spill over: Outgoing PIF chair Matthew Wale left Palau hours after arriving to face a no-confidence motion at home. Samoa sport spotlight: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Samoa with hosts in Group A against New Caledonia, PNG and the Solomon Islands, with the top two set to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027. Culture & community: Samoa’s Measina Festival launches after 35 years of Teuila, shifting the focus to community-centred culture, ahead of Miss Samoa Pageant 2026/2027, supported by a $30,000 government donation. Health & rights: Samoa’s Ombudsman meets the Education Ministry to strengthen human rights awareness through the Friendly Schools Programme. Fuel cost warning: A regional report warns fuel shocks and rising living costs could turn into wider social and political security problems across Pacific islands.

OFC U-19 Football: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Samoa with eight teams chasing FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 qualification, with Samoa in Group A against New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF leaders meeting begins in Koror, but a major shadow hangs over unity as several heads of government—including Samoa’s PM—are absent or represented by ministers, while Solomon Islands’ outgoing chair Matthew Wale abruptly left after a no-confidence motion. Cost-of-living and security: A new regional peace and security report warns fuel shocks and rising living costs could spill into wider social and political instability, with Samoa flagged as vulnerable due to heavy import reliance. Human rights in schools: Samoa’s Ombudsman met the Education and Culture Minister to strengthen the Friendly Schools Programme, aiming to boost student awareness of rights, safety and education. Culture and community: Government donates $30,000 to support the Miss Samoa Pageant as part of the Measina Arts and Cultural Festival, while Japan approved $357,797 for the Samoa Victim Support Group to expand school facilities. Health science: The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Body Composition Shared Resource Laboratory received an IAEA Collaborating Centre designation, supporting cancer and nutrition-related assessment training for Pacific and wider member states. Sports and identity: Toa Samoa named a powerful Rugby League World Cup squad packed with NRL stars, with fans watching for an upset.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF leaders’ meeting gets underway in Koror, but the runway drama is already spilling into politics, with Kiribati’s late leader withdrawal and uncertainty over Naoero (Nauru) President David Adeang raising fresh questions about unity and outside influence. Health Security: Papua New Guinea has joined Samoa and other Pacific states in strengthening national health security after completing its first-ever WHO Joint External Evaluation, a push to spot and respond faster to public health threats. Public Health Alarm: New US scrutiny is reigniting over Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with fresh documents and calls for a criminal probe after claims he misled Congress about a 2019 Samoa trip linked to the measles outbreak that killed 83 people. Culture Funding Shock: New Zealand-based Pacific arts hub Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost a key funding source beyond 2026, threatening future support for Pacific visual artists. Domestic Violence Support: Japan has approved about SAT 357,797 for the Samoa Victim Support Group to expand school facilities, adding a new classroom, livelihood training room, library and toilets. Samoa Health Capacity: A local registrar is pushing to build paediatric surgery services in Samoa after assessing children during a recent specialist visit, highlighting long waits and the need for overseas treatment. Cabinet Medical Costs: Samoa Cabinet has approved roughly $360,000 tālā to cover a minister’s medical treatment in New Zealand ahead of his formal swearing-in.

Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders have begun gathering in Koror, Palau, but last-minute attendance doubts are already raising questions about unity and outside influence, after Kiribati’s president withdrew and Naoero’s president’s participation remains uncertain. Arts & Culture Funding: New Zealand-based Pacific arts trust Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost its main funding source beyond 2026, calling the outcome deeply disappointing after 40 years supporting Pacific visual artists. Public Health: The WHO is urging Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) as detections in Australia and New Zealand increase the risk of spillover to humans, stressing One Health coordination. Samoa Governance & Health: Samoa Cabinet approved about $360,000 tālā to cover a minister’s medical treatment in New Zealand, while a separate report highlights long waits for paediatric surgery and the need for local capacity. Community Support: Japan has granted $357,797 to expand the Samoa Victim Support Group’s school facilities, adding a classroom, livelihood training room, library and toilets. Culture & Identity: Fa’afafine artist Lindah Lepou’s new exhibition revisits the “human zoos” history through couture and digital work, linking colonisation, exploitation and voyeurism to family whakapapa. Ifoga Debate: Opposition leader Tuilaepa says the Ifoga ritual should heal and unite—not threaten or humiliate—criticising how a recent public apology was handled.

Health & Accountability: New US documents and renewed calls for action say Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. misled Congress about a 2019 Samoa trip tied to the measles outbreak that killed 83 people, with Democrats urging a criminal probe and possible removal. Public Health Watch: The WHO is also urging Pacific countries to step up preparedness for bird flu (H5N1) as it spreads among birds and could spill into humans. Local Health Services: Samoa’s Cabinet approved about $360,000 tālā to cover a minister’s medical treatment in New Zealand, while another report highlights long waits for paediatric surgery and the push to build local capacity. Community Support: Japan has granted $357,797 to expand the Samoa Victim Support Group with a new school building for children and training for women. Governance & Trust: A ship mystery at Aleipata is reigniting questions about consultation and how project information reaches affected communities. Sports & Culture: Manu Samoa Sevens head to New Zealand for the next leg of the World Sevens Series, and a fa’afafine artist’s new work at Pātaka explores colonisation and exploitation through fashion and digital imagery.

Measles & Accountability: New documents reported by the AP and The Guardian say US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told Congress his 2019 Samoa trip “had nothing to do with vaccines,” but a 2019 letter to Samoa’s prime minister instead asked to study MMR vaccine deaths—sparking fresh calls for a criminal investigation and possible DOJ action. Arts & Identity: In Porirua, acclaimed fa’afafine artist Lindah Lepou unveiled “Mata‘AITU,” a multi-disciplinary work using couture, mannequins and AI imagery to revisit colonisation, exploitation and voyeurism, including research into a young boy taken from Samoa to Germany. Health Care Capacity: Samoa’s push for better child surgery care continues, with a registrar seeking paediatric surgery training and partnerships after families face long waits and overseas travel for complex cases. Government Support: Japan has approved a grant of about $357,797 for the Samoa Victim Support Group to expand school facilities, adding a new classroom, training room, library and toilets. Sports: Manu Samoa Sevens have left for New Zealand ahead of the European leg, chasing Olympic qualification points.

US Politics & Health: New documents from the AP and The Guardian renew calls for a criminal probe into US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., after letters tied to his 2019 Samoa visit appear to contradict his Senate confirmation testimony that the trip had “nothing to do with vaccines,” amid renewed scrutiny over the measles outbreak that followed. Samoa Health Capacity: A Samoa surgical registrar says children needing complex paediatric care can wait years or travel overseas, as he pushes for a local paediatric surgery service after visiting specialists assessed dozens of children and carried out operations in Apia. Domestic Governance: Samoa Cabinet approved about $360,000 tālā to cover a minister’s medical treatment in New Zealand, following a directive tied to overseas medical expenses. Community Support: Japan approved a grant of up to SAT 357,797 for the Samoa Victim Support Group to expand school facilities, adding a new building with classroom, training room, library and toilets. Sports: Manu Samoa Sevens depart for New Zealand ahead of the European leg, chasing Olympic qualification points. Business & Tourism: Japan tourism promotion work continues as Sydney’s Lucid Agency adds Setouchi and Sapporo accounts, while ZMO launched a Samoa-based 1-click crypto and stock futures trading platform. Local Watch: Residents raise concerns over an Aleipata ship mystery linked to port expansion work, highlighting gaps in community consultation.

Paediatric care gap: A Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital registrar says children needing complex surgery can wait years for visiting specialists, pushing some families to travel overseas; a Royal Australasian College of Surgeons team recently assessed 50+ children and carried out 26 operations, with hopes partnerships can build a local paediatric surgery service. US vaccine controversy tied to Samoa: New documents reported by the AP and The Guardian say US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote to Samoa’s prime minister in 2019 about studying MMR vaccines, contradicting his claim to Congress that his Samoa trip had “nothing to do with vaccines,” prompting calls for a criminal investigation. Education links to Japan: Five Samoans received JICA SDG Global Leader scholarships to study in Japan, with recipients from meteorology, public management, business and policy fields pledging to give back on return. Tourism business: Sydney’s Lucid Agency won new Japan tourism accounts for Setouchi and Sapporo in Australia. Culture and festivals: Samoa unveiled the Measina Cultural & Arts Festival 2026 logo, with the PM saying it’s about protecting Samoa’s identity and inviting visitors to stay and share the stories. Sports & youth: SOCA highlights a 13-year-old Va’a World Sprints debutant reaching semifinals, while a Samoan footballer urges young players to keep going and get on the field.

US Politics & Health: Newly released documents challenge RFK Jr’s claim that his 2019 trip to Samoa had “nothing to do with vaccines,” with letters showing he asked to study MMR vaccine issues after child deaths. Samoa Governance: Samoa’s top foreign affairs official, CEO Peseta Noumea Simi, has resigned with her final day set for September 16, ahead of her contract end. Culture & Community: The Measina Cultural & Arts Festival 2026 logo was unveiled, with the Prime Minister saying the event is Samoa’s “utmost treasure” and a chance to protect identity for future generations. Samoans in the Region: Samoa’s Henry Onesemo has been named New Zealand’s 2026 Chef of the Year, adding another major honour for Sāmoan cuisine. Sports & Youth: A 13-year-old Samoan paddler, Handel Tupu Fua, reached the semifinals at the Va’a World Sprints in Singapore, while rugby league centre Simi Sasagi weighs shoulder surgery against a Samoa World Cup push. Labour & Rights: Pacific workers are calling for stronger protections under overseas work schemes after reports of harassment and restrictive living conditions.