AGP Executive Report

Deep-sea mining: Talks at the International Seabed Authority ended again without a full regulatory framework, with conservation groups pointing to major gaps in science and baseline data; the ISA Council still extended Nauru Ocean Resources Inc’s exploration contract, while legal challenges over due process continue. Regional security: Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned China’s nuclear-capable missile test is “destabilising,” saying the rocket appeared to land between the Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu, as Pacific island nations push for nuclear-free testing. Digital economy: Nauru’s Trade Commissioner launched the Pacific Digital Assets Forum, a new regional platform for digital assets and digital finance, with a report and conference planned for 2027 and an advisory board now open. Archaeology & exploration: The Amelia Earhart search expedition tied to Purdue’s Archaeological Legacy Institute is set to depart in October after Kiribati cabinet approval, aiming to investigate a lagoon anomaly on Nikumaroro. Health research: A global study finds people are living longer but spending more years in poor health, shifting the focus from life expectancy alone to improving healthspan. Judicial wellbeing: UN-backed coverage highlights the push to support judges’ wellbeing as a structural need for fair, effective justice. Critical minerals research: University of Delaware’s Saleem Ali received a Humboldt Research Award for work on critical minerals and energy transitions.

Health & Longevity: A new Lancet Public Health analysis finds people are living longer, but the extra years are increasingly spent in poor health—globally 14.5% of life in 2023—pushing the challenge from “living longer” to “living better.” Digital Finance: Nauru’s Trade Commissioner has launched the Pacific Digital Assets Forum, a regional platform for digital-asset regulation and policy dialogue, with a first report and conference planned for late 2027. Judicial Well-being: UN coverage marks 25 July International Day for Judicial Well-being, spotlighting the hidden strain on judges and why support is key to fair, effective justice. Critical Minerals Research: University of Delaware geographer Saleem Ali wins a Humboldt Research Award for work on critical minerals and energy transitions. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: Greenpeace condemns the ISA’s extension of The Metals Company’s Nauru-linked exploration contract, while ITLOS decisions keep a due-process-focused inquiry moving. Pacific Security: Australia protests China’s nuclear-capable missile test, saying it’s destabilising, with monitors reporting a landing area between Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu. Exploration Expedition: ALI and Purdue plan an October departure to investigate a visual anomaly on Nikumaroro tied to Amelia Earhart’s missing aircraft.

Pacific Digital Assets Forum: Nauru’s Trade Commissioner office says it has launched the Pacific Digital Assets Forum, a regional platform for digital assets and digital finance, with a Pacific Digital Assets Report, a rotating Pacific Digital Assets Conference, and a Regulatory Index due to roll out from Q4 2027. Judicial Well-being: UN coverage highlights the International Day for Judicial Well-being (25 July), stressing that supporting judges is structural to fair, independent justice. Critical minerals research: University of Delaware geographer Saleem Ali received a Humboldt Research Award to continue work on critical minerals and energy transitions. Deep-sea mining rule-of-law fight: Greenpeace condemns the ISA extending The Metals Company’s NORI exploration contract, while the UN’s top maritime court keeps a deep-sea mining inquiry moving and orders due-process protections for TMC subsidiaries. Health data: A Lancet Public Health study finds people are living longer, but not healthier, with more years spent in poor health worldwide. South Pacific security tensions: Australia’s Penny Wong protested China’s nuclear-capable missile test as “destabilising,” with monitors saying it landed between Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu. Regional diplomacy pressure: Papua New Guinea plans to close Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, reaffirming One China policy after the Australia-PNG treaty took effect.

Digital Finance: Nauru’s Office of the Trade Commissioner has launched the Pacific Digital Assets Forum, a new regional platform pushing responsible rules, policy talks, and cooperation on digital assets. Judicial Well-being: Papua New Guinea judges are calling for stronger support for the people who deliver justice, highlighting the UN-backed Nauru Declaration on judicial well-being. Critical Minerals Research: University of Delaware expert Saleem Ali received a Humboldt Research Award for work on critical minerals that power tech supply chains. Deep-Sea Mining & Law: Greenpeace condemned the ISA’s extension of The Metals Company’s Nauru Ocean Resources Inc contract, while the UN’s top maritime court refused to stop an inquiry into potential due-process and compliance issues. Health & Longevity: A Lancet study finds people are living longer, but not healthier, with more years spent in poor health as chronic illness and disability rise. Pacific Security: Australia protested China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific, with monitors saying it appeared to land between Solomon Islands, Nauru, and Tuvalu. Diplomacy in the Region: Papua New Guinea moved to close Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, a decision tied to wider Pacific power balancing.

Digital Finance for the Pacific: Nauru’s Trade Commissioner’s office says the Pacific Digital Assets Forum (PDAF) is launching as the region’s first platform focused on digital assets and digital finance, aiming for responsible regulation and policy talks, with a Pacific Digital Assets Report and rotating conference planned for Q4 2027 and a regulatory index to compare progress across jurisdictions. Judicial Well-being: UN-linked coverage marks 25 July as the International Day for Judicial Well-being, arguing courts need support not just for independence, but for the human strain judges carry to keep justice running. Critical Minerals Research: University of Delaware geographer Saleem Ali wins a Humboldt Research Award for work on critical minerals and energy transitions, underlining how research feeds the tech supply chain. Deep-Sea Mining Rule of Law: Greenpeace condemns the ISA extending The Metals Company’s Nauru Ocean Resources Inc exploration contract, while UN maritime court moves keep a deep-sea mining inquiry alive under due-process rules. Health Trends: A Lancet study finds people are living longer but not healthier, with more years spent in poor health as chronic illness and disability rise. Regional Security Signals: Australia warns China’s nuclear-capable missile test is “destabilising,” with monitors saying it landed between Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu. Diplomacy Pressure in PNG: Papua New Guinea orders closure of Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, a move tied to One China policy and broader Pacific power balancing. Pacific Tech & Exploration: ALI and Purdue say the Taraia Object Expedition to search for Amelia Earhart’s plane will depart in October after Kiribati approval.

Judicial Wellbeing: July 25 marked the International Day for Judicial Wellbeing, spotlighting how judges’ independence and integrity depend on structural support for their mental and emotional health. Critical Minerals Research: UN University-linked geographer Saleem Ali received a Humboldt Research Award (80,000 euros) to keep working on critical minerals and inclusive energy transitions, including supply-chain research. Aviation Archaeology: The Taraia Object Expedition—run by ALI and Purdue partners—has Kiribati cabinet approval and is set to depart in early October to investigate a lagoon anomaly on Nikumaroro tied to Amelia Earhart’s 1937 disappearance. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Greenpeace says the International Seabed Authority’s extension for The Metals Company’s Nauru Ocean Resources Inc contract undermines the rule of law, as UN-backed deep-sea mining inquiries continue after court rulings on due process. Health Outcomes: A Lancet Public Health study finds people are living longer but spending a growing share of life in poor health, pushing calls for health systems to improve the quality of extra years. Regional Security & Tech: Australia’s foreign minister warned China’s nuclear-capable missile test is “destabilising,” with monitors placing the impact area between Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu.

Deep-Sea Mining & Rule of Law: Greenpeace says the International Seabed Authority extended The Metals Company’s Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) exploration contract despite support for “unlawful” unilateral mining, warning it sets a dangerous precedent and pushing for an immediate moratorium, as UN court moves keep a due-process inquiry going. Health & Longevity: A Lancet Public Health study finds people are living longer, but not healthier—more years are spent in poor health as chronic illness and disability rise alongside life expectancy. Pacific Security & Missiles: Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong protested China’s nuclear-capable missile test as “destabilising,” noting monitors place the landing area between Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu, and she also announced drone tech and training for the Philippine Coast Guard. AI Governance for the Pacific: UNDP highlights Pacific efforts to prepare for AI, citing Tonga’s digital readiness work and 5G rollout, with similar steps in Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu to support AI adoption in local languages. PNG–Taiwan Tech/Trade Shift: Papua New Guinea ordered Taiwan’s Port Moresby trade mission closed, reaffirming One China ties; Taiwan says it will keep operating its representative office.

Deep-Sea Mining & Nauru: Greenpeace says the International Seabed Authority extended The Metals Company’s NORI exploration contract despite concerns over unlawful deep-sea mining, urging a clear timeline for the UN-backed inquiry and pushing for an immediate moratorium. Ocean Governance: The UN’s top maritime court refused to pause the deep-sea mining inquiry, keeping focus on due process for NORI and TOML while the ISA’s legal and technical work continues. Health & Longevity: A Lancet Public Health study finds people are living longer, but not healthier—more years are spent with non-fatal illness and disability, calling for health systems to shift from “life extension” to better quality of life. Pacific Security Tech: Australia protested China’s nuclear-capable missile test as “destabilising,” with monitors saying the rocket landed in waters between the Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu. AI Governance in the Pacific: UNDP highlights Pacific efforts to prepare for AI, pointing to Tonga’s digital readiness work and AI-enabled, language-focused government services. PNG–Taiwan Tech & Trade: Papua New Guinea ordered the closure of Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, a move Taiwan opposes while China praises it.

Health Systems: A new Lancet Public Health study says people are living longer, but the extra years often come with more time in poor health—globally 14.5% of life was spent in poor health in 2023—pushing calls for health systems to focus on quality of life, not just longer lifespans. Pacific Security: Australia says it raised concerns with China over a nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific, with monitors suggesting the rocket landed in waters between the Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu—while Pacific island countries denounce the move as violating the region’s wish to stay free of nuclear weapons testing. Deep-Sea Mining & Law of the Sea: The UN’s top maritime court rejected a bid to pause an investigation into whether deep-sea mining permit holders breached UN exploration contracts, including Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) and The Metals Company’s other subsidiary; separately, ITLOS’s Seabed Disputes Chamber ordered provisional measures to protect NORI and TOML’s due-process rights. AI Governance for the Pacific: UNDP highlights how Pacific countries are preparing for AI—citing digital readiness work in Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu—after a UN push to build global rules for AI governance. Regional Diplomacy: Papua New Guinea will close Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, reaffirming One China ties; Taiwan says it will keep operating its representative office, while China praises PNG’s decision.

Missile & Regional Security: Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong says she raised concerns with China after a nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific, calling it “destabilising” and noting monitors believe it landed in waters between Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu. Pacific Diplomacy: Papua New Guinea will close Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, citing One China policy, while Taiwan calls it a unilateral move; the US says it’s part of Beijing’s intimidation campaign. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: The UN’s top maritime court refused to pause an ISA deep-sea mining inquiry involving Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) and TOML, while ITLOS ordered provisional measures to protect due process rights. ISA Oversight: The ISA Legal and Technical Commission advanced contractor oversight at its 31st session and recommended three exploration contract extensions, including for Nauru. AI for the Pacific: A UNDP piece highlights Pacific digital readiness work—like Tonga’s 5G and AI tools in local languages—framing AI governance as something the Pacific can shape, not just adopt.

Missile Tensions in the Pacific: Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong says she directly raised concern with China over a nuclear-capable missile test, calling it “destabilising,” after reports the rocket landed in waters between Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu. PNG–Taiwan Diplomatic Shift: Papua New Guinea will close Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, citing One China policy, while Taiwan says it will keep operating and seek talks. Deep-Sea Mining Rule of Law: The UN’s top maritime court refused to pause an inquiry into whether ISA permit holders—including Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) and TOML—breached UN exploration contract duties, as ITLOS also ordered provisional measures protecting due process rights. ISA Oversight Moves Forward: The International Seabed Authority’s Legal and Technical Commission advanced contractor oversight at its 31st session and recommended exploration contract extensions, including for Nauru. AI for the Pacific: A UNDP piece highlights Pacific digital readiness work—like Tonga’s 5G and AI-enabled government services—as the region prepares to shape AI governance.

Taiwan–PNG Diplomatic Shift: Papua New Guinea says it will close Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, citing its One China policy—Beijing welcomed it, while Taipei called it a unilateral move and said its representative office will keep operating. Deep-Sea Mining Rulebook: The UN’s top maritime court refused to pause an ISA deep-sea mining inquiry tied to The Metals Company’s subsidiaries, including Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) and TOML, after they challenged the ISA’s process. Due Process Wins at ITLOS: In a separate development, the Seabed Disputes Chamber ordered provisional measures requiring the ISA to respect due-process rights while considering NORI’s exploration contract extension. Pacific Climate Push: Ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders are shifting from awareness to accountability—calling for accessible climate finance and faster delivery on existing commitments. AI Governance for Small States: A UNDP piece highlights Pacific countries building digital readiness for AI, citing Tonga’s 5G rollout and digital-first government services as a model for wider adoption. Nauru-Linked Security Context: Reporting links PNG’s Taiwan move to broader South Pacific tensions after China’s submarine-launched missile test near the region.

Pacific diplomacy & tech geopolitics: Papua New Guinea says it will close Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, citing its One China policy—an abrupt move Taiwan calls “unilateral,” while Beijing frames it as a win for One China. Deep-sea mining governance: The UN’s top maritime court refused to pause an International Seabed Authority investigation into whether The Metals Company’s subsidiaries (including Nauru Ocean Resources Inc, NORI) followed due process under UN deep-sea exploration rules. Rule-of-law in the seabed: In related proceedings, an ITLOS Seabed Disputes Chamber ordered provisional measures requiring the ISA to respect due-process rights tied to NORI and TOML contract extensions. Climate accountability in the Pacific: Ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders are shifting from awareness to accountability—pushing for accessible climate finance and stronger delivery on existing commitments. AI readiness in the Pacific: A UNDP piece highlights how Pacific countries are building digital foundations (like 5G and digital-first government services) to support practical AI adoption. Security & signals in the region: Reporting links PNG’s Taiwan move to broader China-Pacific pressure after a Chinese submarine missile test in the South Pacific, with the US saying it’s “deeply concerned.”

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Battle: Nauru-linked firms NORI and TOML (subsidiaries of The Metals Company) keep facing an International Seabed Authority probe after the UN’s top maritime court refused to pause the inquiry, while ITLOS’s Seabed Disputes Chamber ordered provisional steps to protect due process and fair treatment, including requiring the ISA to follow the right legal framework when considering contract extensions. Pacific Climate Accountability: Ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders are shifting from awareness to accountability—pushing for accessible climate finance and stronger delivery on existing commitments. AI Governance for Small States: A UNDP push highlights how Pacific countries can shape global AI rules, pointing to digital readiness work in Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu as foundations for AI adoption. South Pacific Security Signals: China’s submarine-launched missile test in the South Pacific is being read alongside PNG’s sudden move to close Taiwan’s trade mission, with the US saying it’s part of Beijing’s intimidation campaign. Nauru Tech Relevance: The ISA oversight and due-process rulings directly affect Nauru’s deep-sea resources and the tech-heavy monitoring expected from contractors.

International Seabed Law: ITLOS’ Seabed Disputes Chamber issued unanimous provisional orders protecting The Metals Company subsidiaries NORI and TOML, telling the ISA to respect due process while considering NORI’s exploration contract extension. Deep-Sea Governance: The ISA’s Legal & Technical Commission advanced contractor oversight at its 31st session, including recommendations on exploration contract extensions—an important signal for how mining rules may tighten. Pacific Climate Accountability: Ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders are shifting from awareness to accountability, pushing for accessible climate finance and stronger delivery on existing commitments. AI for the Pacific: A UNDP piece highlights Pacific countries’ digital readiness work—like Tonga’s 5G and digital-first services—aimed at shaping how AI governance should fit small island realities. South Pacific Security Signals: China’s submarine-launched missile test in the South Pacific is being read as a strategic warning, while PNG’s move to close Taiwan’s trade office is sparking diplomatic backlash and concern from the US. Nauru Relevance: Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. appears in ISA contract-extension discussions, keeping Nauru tied to the latest seabed regulation updates.

PNG–Taiwan Rift: Papua New Guinea moved to close Taiwan’s Port Moresby trade and economic office “immediately,” citing the One China policy, while Taiwan says the decision was unilateral and will keep operating. Regional Security Signals: The move follows China’s July 6 submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the South Pacific, with analysts warning Beijing may be pressuring Oceania against deeper Australia–US ties. Deep-Sea Mining Oversight: The UN International Seabed Authority’s Legal and Technical Commission advanced contractor oversight and recommended three exploration contract extensions, while defending its authority against moves to halt inquiries. Pacific Climate Accountability: Pacific leaders heading toward the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau are shifting from awareness to accountability, pushing for accessible climate finance and stronger delivery on existing commitments. AI Governance for the Pacific: A UNDP piece highlights Pacific digital readiness work (5G and digital-first services, including AI tools in local languages) as the region prepares to shape global AI rules. Nauru Tech Link: Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. is among firms considered for exploration contract extensions at the ISA session.