Tuvalu Government Media

07/06/2026

07/06/2026

June 8, Funafuti - During her recent visit to Tuvalu, the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Samantha Mostyn, visited Nauti Primary School where she donated educational resources and sporting equipment to schools across the country and joined the launch of the Tuvalu National Sports Policy 2026 - 2033.

The donations, provided through Australian support, will benefit primary and secondary schools throughout Tuvalu, including those in the outer islands, helping to strengthen learning opportunities and promote sports development among young people.

Addressing students at Nauti Primary School, Governor-General, Her Excellency Samantha Mostyn encouraged the children to embrace education and lifelong learning, "Always be curious, always grow your knowledge, always enjoy learning. It's not just something your teachers and parents make you do. It's actually something that you can enjoy."

A highlight of the visit was the launch of the National Sports Policy, developed with support from the Australian Volunteer Program. The policy provides a roadmap for strengthening sports development, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating opportunities for athletes across Tuvalu.

Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Hon. Hamoa Holona, acknowledged Australia's contribution to both education and sports development, "This educational resource generously provided through Australian funding is not just for Nauti Primary School, but for all primary and secondary schools across the islands of Tuvalu."

The visit underscored the strong partnership between Tuvalu and Australia and their shared commitment to investing in the future of Tuvalu's children and youth.

05/06/2026

June 5, Suva - Tuvalu has called on Pacific leaders to ensure that commitments to gender equality are translated into real action during the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting (PIFWLM) in Suva, Fiji.

A key proposal advanced by Tuvalu was the development of a Pacific Compact on Gender and Climate Action to strengthen the integration of gender equality into the region's climate agenda and support a stronger Pacific voice ahead of COP31.

Special Envoy Hon. Monise Laafai emphasized the importance of moving beyond commitments and ensuring that regional plans deliver meaningful outcomes for Pacific women and communities.

"For Tuvalu, gender equality is not a line in a preamble, it has to live in the actions a plan commits us to. We came to Suva to ask the region to close the distance between what we say and what we do."

Tuvalu also called for stronger measures to address gender-based violence and ensure that the needs of women and girls are reflected across the region's climate and security priorities.

04/06/2026

June 3, Funafuti - Australia's Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Samantha Mostyn, yesterday, visited the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) Phase 1B site in Funafuti, where she was hosted by Tuvalu's Minister for Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation, Hon. Simon Kofe.

The visit provided an opportunity for Her Excellency to witness firsthand the progress of one of Tuvalu's most significant climate adaptation initiatives, designed to strengthen coastal resilience, reclaim land, and safeguard communities from the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise.

Welcoming the Governor-General, Minister Kofe emphasized the importance of the project for Tuvalu's future, stating that, "Climate change may have dealt us a difficult hand, but our future will not be decided by fate alone. It will be shaped by the choices and the partnerships we make today."

Hon. Kofe noted that TCAP demonstrates how international partnerships can translate into practical action on the ground, adding that, "For many families, it represents something even more important, confidence that there is a future worth planning for."

Across its various phases, the TCAP initiative is expected to create more than 20 hectares of reclaimed and elevated land, providing safer areas for communities, critical infrastructure, emergency response, and future development.

Australia is a key co-funder of the project and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Tuvalu's efforts to address the impacts of climate change and build a more resilient future for its people.

The site visit formed part of the Governor-General's official visit to Tuvalu and highlighted the strong partnership between Tuvalu and Australia in advancing climate resilience and sustainable development.

03/06/2026

June 4, Funafuti - The Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Samantha Mostyn, and Tuvalu's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Labour and Trade, Hon. Paulson Panapa, officially opened the new Australian High Commission Chancery in Funafuti this week.

The new Chancery stands as a symbol of the deep and enduring friendship between Tuvalu and Australia and reflects the shared commitment of both countries under the Falepili Union.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor-General Mostyn described the new building as "an enduring symbol of the relationship between Australia and Tuvalu" and said it represents Australia's commitment to "care, kindness and respect" in its partnerships across the Pacific.

Her Excellency Mostyn also highlighted the significance of the Chancery's location, stating that "this land represents our shared endeavour to create opportunities for all to stay and thrive."

Hon. Paulson Panapa welcomed Australia's continued presence and support in Tuvalu, noting that "this new Chancery is more than a building, it is a symbol of the enduring friendship and partnership between Tuvalu and Australia."

Hon. Panapa further emphasized that the opening demonstrates Australia's recognition of the importance of small island states and reaffirms that Tuvalu's challenges are "shared challenges that require the support of trusted friends and partners."

The state-of-the-art facility, powered by renewable energy, will serve as a hub for diplomatic engagement, development cooperation, and people-to-people connections between Tuvalu and Australia for many years to come.

The ceremony concluded with the official ribbon-cutting and a tour of the new Chancery.

03/06/2026

June 3, Japan - Addressing the Climate Resilience Plenary at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, Prime Minister Hon. Feleti Penitala Teo delivered a powerful message on the urgent need to strengthen the connection between climate action and ocean management.

The Prime Minister reminded delegates that Tuvalu remains one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change and sea-level rise, "Climate change is our reality," he said. "It is no longer a projection or mere speculation. It is a daily occurrence and a lived reality."

Prime Minister Teo spoke of the impacts already being experienced across Tuvalu, including coastal erosion, coral bleaching, changing fish migration patterns, and increasing threats to livelihoods and food security.

He stressed that climate resilience requires an integrated approach that connects ocean governance, climate adaptation, ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities, "For Tuvalu, Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management should not be a planning exercise only, but a survival framework," he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) as a practical example of this approach in action. Through TCAP, Tuvalu has already reclaimed 15.5 hectares of elevated, flood-free land while strengthening coastal resilience and supporting national development.

Looking ahead to the Pre-COP31 Special Leaders Side Event to be hosted by Tuvalu in October, Prime Minister Teo called on the international community to formally recognize the climate-ocean nexus and make sustainable ocean planning a core component of global climate action.

03/06/2026

June 3, Japan - Prime Minister Hon. Feleti Penitala Teo today addressed the High-Level Segment of the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, Japan, highlighting the critical importance of sustainable ocean management for the future of Small Island Developing States.

Speaking on behalf of Tuvalu, the Prime Minister reminded delegates that for Pacific peoples, the ocean is far more than a natural resource, "It is our identity, it is our livelihood, it is our culture, and for many of the small island countries of the Pacific like mine, it is our very survival," he said.

Prime Minister Teo emphasized that climate change is placing increasing pressure on ocean ecosystems and coastal communities, making coordinated ocean governance more urgent than ever.

He welcomed the proposed Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) Support Platform, describing it as a practical tool that can help countries strengthen coordination, build capacity, and improve access to technical and financial support.

Hon. Teo stressed that any future platform must remain country-driven, respect national sovereignty, and provide long-term support to Pacific nations.

"For Tuvalu, sustainable ocean planning is not only about managing space at sea. It is about strengthening resilience, protecting livelihoods and nationhood, supporting national development, and safeguarding the ocean that sustains our people and defines who we are," he said.

Prime Minister Teo also announced that Tuvalu is preparing to launch its inaugural National Ocean Policy on World Oceans Day, reaffirming the country's commitment to sustainable and integrated ocean management.

03/06/2026

June 3, Funafuti - The Government of Tuvalu hosted a State Dinner last night, in honour of the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Samantha Mostyn, and her delegation.

Hosted by Acting Prime Minister Hon. Panapasi Nelesone, the occasion celebrated the longstanding friendship between Tuvalu and Australia, a partnership that dates back to Tuvalu's independence in 1978.

In his remarks, Hon. Nelesone reflected on the strength of the relationship between the two nations, stating, “The true strength of any partnership is measured by whether it endures over time and continues to grow through both opportunities and challenges.”

Hon. Nelesone also highlighted the realities faced by Tuvalu as a frontline nation on climate change, while expressing hope that more world leaders would visit Tuvalu to witness firsthand both its vulnerabilities and resilience.

“Tuvalu is not simply a story about climate change. It is a story about people. It is a story about culture, identity, faith, family, and belonging. It is a story worth protecting,” he said.

The evening provided an opportunity for both countries to celebrate their shared friendship, cooperation, and commitment to working together for a secure and resilient future under the Falepili Union.

Guests also enjoyed Tuvaluan hospitality, local cuisine, music, and traditional cultural performances that showcased the richness of Tuvalu's heritage.

The dinner was prepared by the island communities of Nanumaga and Vaitupu, while traditional fatele performances were presented by the island communities of Nanumea and Nukufetau, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the evening's celebrations.

02/06/2026

June 2, Funafuti - Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Panapasi Nelesone, met with the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC, during her official visit to Tuvalu.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between Tuvalu and Australia, with discussions focusing on cooperation under the Falepili Union, climate resilience, development assistance, national security, and support for Tuvaluans settling in Australia.

Hon. Nelesone acknowledged Australia's continued support to Tuvalu through key initiatives, including the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP), the National Security and Coordination Centre, and budget support.

Speaking on the realities facing Tuvalu, Hon. Nelesone noted, “Climate change remains the single greatest threat facing our nation. Sea-level rise is not a distant possibility for Tuvalu; it is our lived reality.”

The Acting Prime Minister also shared practical experiences of Tuvaluans relocating to Australia under the Falepili mobility pathway, particularly in relation to housing and transportation, and welcomed continued collaboration as the programme evolves.

In response, Her Excellency reiterated Australia's commitment to Tuvalu and reaffirmed the importance of the special partnership between the two countries under the spirit of Falepili.

02/06/2026

June 2, Funafuti - Governor-General of Tuvalu, His Excellency Rev. Sir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani, received a courtesy call from the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Samantha Mostyn, during her official visit to Tuvalu.

The two leaders reaffirmed the warm and enduring friendship between Tuvalu and Australia, reflecting on the strong partnership that continues to unite the two nations through mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values.

Discussions also focused on the future of the Tuvalu-Australia relationship, including a continued commitment to work together on matters of common interest and to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the peoples of both countries.

The meeting highlighted the spirit of Falepili, caring for, sharing with, and protecting one another, that underpins the special relationship between Tuvalu and Australia.