AGP Executive Report

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.

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 with support from the Pacific Community. Pacific Health Research: A Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia is pushing for Indigenous and Pacific participation in genomics and precision medicine so benefits don’t bypass Māori and Pacific communities. Digital Payments Upgrade (Cook Islands/Samoa): BSP Cook Islands has rolled out faster 4G EFTPoS terminals, and BSP says it has upgraded close to 7,000 terminals across PNG, Tonga and Samoa, with more upgrades planned. Youth & Inclusion: Over 100 young people in Samoa called for better jobs, stronger mental health support, and more say in decisions, highlighting unequal access to digital technology. Ocean Protection: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning of irreversible ecosystem harm. Governance & Leadership: Samoa’s Cabinet approved new CEO appointments, including Vaelua Sonny Brown for Samoa Shipping Corporation and Tamaletā Taimang Jensen for the Development Bank of Samoa.

Measles Watch: Health New Zealand is investigating an unexplained measles case in Palmerston North and warns people who were in Wellington around 11–12 July (including Matariki events) to watch for symptoms, as officials fear community spread—an urgent reminder for Pacific families after Samoa’s 2019 outbreak. 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 with SPC support. Youth Voice in Policy: More than 100 young Samoans fed into a UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation, calling for better jobs, stronger mental health support, improved education and skills, and a bigger role in decisions—plus more access to digital tech. Pacific Health Research: A Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia is pushing for Indigenous participation in genomics and precision medicine so benefits don’t bypass Māori and Pacific communities. Ocean Protection: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could cause irreversible harm to ecosystems and the Moana that sustains culture. Digital Payments Upgrade: BSP Cook Islands has rolled out faster 4G EFTPoS terminals, and says it has upgraded thousands of terminals across the Pacific, including Samoa. Ocean Conservation (Region): Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary marine protected area initiative. Shipping Leadership: Samoa’s Cabinet appointed Vaelua Sonny Brown as CEO of the Samoa Shipping Corporation for a three-year term.

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 and learning outcomes with support from the Pacific Community. Youth & Digital Inclusion: More than 100 young Samoans urged stronger jobs, mental health support, and a bigger role in decisions, including better access to digital technology, during a UN youth consultation. Pacific Precision Medicine: Indigenous health leaders gathered in Apia for a Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium, pushing for equitable, culturally grounded genomics research that includes Māori and Pacific communities. Ocean Protection Push: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke called for Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could cause irreversible ecosystem damage. Regional Fisheries Governance: Pacific nations are moving to turn a South Pacific albacore tuna harvest plan into enforceable rules via new implementing arrangements. Government Appointments: Cabinet approved new CEO roles, including Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown for Samoa Shipping Corporation and Tamaletā Taimang Jensen for the Development Bank of Samoa.

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, aiming to improve planning, accountability and learning outcomes with support from the Pacific Community. Youth in the Driver’s Seat: A UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation in Apia heard calls for better jobs, stronger mental health support, more access to digital tech, and real participation in decisions shaping Samoa’s future. Digital Payments Upgrade (Cook Islands/Samoa): BSP Cook Islands rolled out faster 4G EFTPoS terminals, and says it has upgraded close to 7,000 EFTPoS terminals across PNG, Tonga and Samoa, with more rollouts planned. Ocean Protection Push: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could irreversibly damage ecosystems. Regional Science & Health: Indigenous health experts in Samoa are pushing for greater Pacific participation in precision medicine research so benefits don’t widen existing health gaps. Ocean Conservation (Melanesia): Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary marine protected area initiative led by PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji. Government Leadership Moves: Cabinet approved new CEO appointments, including Vaelua Sonny Brown for Samoa Shipping Corporation and Tamaletā Taimang Jensen for the Development Bank of Samoa.

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, aiming to improve planning, accountability and learning outcomes with support from the Pacific Community’s EQAP. Youth & Digital Inclusion: A UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation in Apia drew calls for better jobs, stronger mental health support, more access to digital technology, and a bigger role for young people in decisions shaping Samoa’s future. Payments Upgrade (Cook Islands → wider Pacific): BSP Cook Islands has rolled out faster 4G EFTPoS terminals (Verifone V660P 4G), replacing older devices and cutting wait times; BSP says it has upgraded nearly 7,000 terminals across PNG, Tonga and Samoa and will continue across the region. Ocean Protection vs Deep-Sea Mining: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could irreversibly damage ecosystems and the Moana that sustains Pacific communities. Pacific Ocean Governance: Pacific nations are moving to turn a South Pacific albacore tuna deal into enforceable rules, with new implementing arrangements to guide how fishing levels are set and managed. Samoa Leadership Moves: Cabinet approved CEO appointments including Vaelua Sonny Brown for Samoa Shipping Corporation and Tamaletā Taimang Jensen for the Development Bank of Samoa. Health Research Access: Indigenous health experts in Samoa are pushing for Pacific participation in precision medicine research so genomics and genomics-based care don’t widen existing health gaps.

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, aiming to improve planning, accountability, and learning outcomes. Youth & Digital Inclusion: A UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation in Apia heard calls for better jobs, stronger mental health support, and more youth seats at the decision-making table, including wider access to digital technology. Health Research Access: Indigenous health experts in the Pacific are pushing for active participation in precision medicine studies, warning that Māori and Pacific communities have often been left out of genetics and genomics research. Ocean Protection: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, saying it threatens ecosystems scientists are only beginning to understand. Pacific Fisheries Science: Pacific nations are moving to turn a South Pacific albacore tuna deal into enforceable rules, focusing next on practical implementation arrangements. Payments Upgrade (Cook Islands): BSP Cook Islands rolled out faster 4G EFTPoS terminals, part of a wider Pacific push to modernise digital payments.

Education Tech in Samoa: SPC has helped Samoa launch the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS), aiming to give officials real-time data on students, teachers, and schools so planning and learning outcomes can improve. Youth in the Driver’s Seat: A UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation in Samoa heard young people push for better jobs, stronger mental health support, more digital access, and a real seat at decision-making tables. Government Leadership Moves: Cabinet approved three CEO appointments, including Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown as new Samoa Shipping Corporation CEO and Tamaletā Taimang Jensen to lead the Development Bank of Samoa. Digital Payments Upgrade (Region Watch): BSP Cook Islands rolled out faster 4G EFTPoS terminals, replacing 100+ devices and continuing upgrades across the Pacific. Clean Energy Finance (Region Watch): The ADB committed US$850m to expand India’s rooftop solar rollout, backed by digital monitoring and grid-readiness support. Ocean Conservation: Melanesian nations, including Solomon Islands, are moving toward a massive transboundary marine protected area corridor (MOCOR), with details on enforcement still thin. Science & Policy (Pacific Fisheries): Pacific nations are working on implementing arrangements for a long-term, science-based albacore tuna harvest plan.

Samoa Education Tech: SPC has helped Samoa launch the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS), giving officials real-time data on students, teachers, and schools to improve planning, accountability, and learning outcomes. Youth & Digital Inclusion: A UN youth consultation at Taumeasina Island Resort pushed for more jobs, stronger mental health support, better access to digital tech, and a bigger seat at decision-making. Shipping Leadership: Cabinet approved Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown as CEO of the Samoa Shipping Corporation for three years, replacing Leiātaua Samuel Phineas. Solar Finance (Regional): The ADB backed India’s rooftop solar rollout with US$850m, including digital monitoring and grid-readiness support—useful context for Pacific energy planning. Payments Upgrade (Cook Islands): BSP Cook Islands rolled out faster 4G EFTPoS terminals, replacing 100+ units and continuing upgrades across the Pacific. Ocean Conservation: Melanesian nations moved toward a massive transboundary marine protected area corridor (MOCOR), with management details still thin. Sports: Samoa’s Jack Hitila Opeloge narrowly missed a podium at the Commonwealth Games weightlifting event, while Xavier Lusignan won bronze.