Emotional debate has taken place in Papua New Guinea's parliament as it debates whether to approve independence for the autonomous region.

A Fijian deputy prime minister says the "entire Pacific Islands" identifies with Israel in response to it being accepted into the Pacific Islands Forum as a development partner.

Indonesia says human rights issues in Papua are being dealt with, but civil society says access for the UN rights office and dialogue is needed.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat has voiced serious concern over claims of a "second republic" by a group in the small northern province of Torba.

Fijians are being reassured by the country's prime minister and his senior government ministers that they will head to the polls before the 6 February 2027 deadline.

World Rugby chairman is expected to have direct talks with Samoan Prime Minister La'auli as two rival unions battle for control of the sport.

The second round of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup will determine which Pacific Island teams will stay in the race for top-two finishes in their pools in both the men's and women's competitions.

Pacific Island countries have responded keenly to a proposal by Malaysia for a procurement pool for access to some essential medicines.

The Pacific Community of Policing was formally launched during the 53rd Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Conference held in Saipan.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that Israel has joined the region's main political decision-making institution - the Pacific Islands Forum - as a partner.

The NRL's 19th franchise has revealed its brand identity ahead of its 2028 debut after overcoming an urgent High Court injunction bid.

The Trump administration is pushing ahead with plans for deep sea mining off American Samoa, while legal action has been taken against the move.

Wildfires worsened overnight on Lou Island in Papua New Guinea, with local authorities saying at least half of the islands forests are gone.

Feature - Louise Amelia Murphy is encouraging Pasifika young people in Aotearoa to push past education barriers to pursue their career goals.

The Solomon Islands prime minister has called for more job opportunities for Solomon Islanders through Australia's Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the decision in a statement on Wednesday.

Jotham Napat has shut down claims that he could be facing a leadership challenge through a no-confidence vote at the next parliamentary sitting in two weeks' time.