AGP Executive Report

ICC Under Pressure: The International Criminal Court has ended its insurance deal with Axa as US criticism escalates, with Washington preparing wider financial sanctions that could disrupt the court’s operations. ICC Exit, Naoero Style: Naoero (formerly Nauru) has formally withdrawn from the Rome Statute after US President Donald Trump urged countries to quit the ICC; the US has since congratulated Naoero’s move as a sovereignty win. Identity Reset: At the UN General Assembly, President David Adeang announced Naoero’s return to its traditional name, with international code changes from NRU to NRO and residents to be referred to as dei-Naoero. Regional Governance Theme: Solomon Islands’ Attorney-General conference heard calls for public institutions to prioritize merit and accountability over personal connections—an issue tied to trust in government. Pacific Ocean Politics: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says the region must balance ocean conservation with economic development as climate pressures and marine resource demands rise.

ICC Pressure on the Pacific: The ICC has ended its contract with insurer AXA as US sanctions threats loom over the court’s ability to operate, with Washington already targeting ICC judges and officials and warning of wider financial restrictions. Nauru Rebrands as Naoero: At the UN General Assembly, President David Adeang formally pushed the traditional name “Naoero,” saying it better reflects local identity and language, with the international code shifting from NRU to NRO. ICC Exit Gets US Praise: The same UN week saw Naoero announce withdrawal from the ICC, and the US publicly congratulated the move as “sovereignty” against what it calls ICC overreach. Regional Governance & Rule of Law: Fiji’s former Attorney-General Graham Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law approach as Fiji faces a constitutional review and an election run-up. Ocean Policy Tension: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. urged Pacific leaders to balance marine conservation with economic development, while defence ministers in Fiji discussed regional security planning amid unrest concerns.

ICC Withdrawal & US-UN Rift: Naoero (formerly Nauru) formally announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court after Donald Trump urged countries to quit the Hague-based court; the US then publicly congratulated Naoero, framing the move as defending sovereignty. Sovereignty Through Naming: President David Adeang used the UN General Assembly to press the world to adopt “Naoero,” saying the change restores local identity and will shift international codes and how residents are referred to. Deep-Sea Mining Divide: At the UN, Naoero also urged the International Seabed Authority to finish seabed mining rules, while other Pacific voices—like American Samoa—warn that major impacts remain unclear and oppose commercial extraction for now. Regional Governance & Rule of Law: Fiji’s former Attorney-General Graham Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical legal role as Fiji faces a constitutional review and election season. Climate Finance & Loss: Pacific leaders at the UN General Assembly pushed for grants over loans, arguing climate-vulnerable states are being forced into debt for disasters they did not cause. Ocean Protection vs Jobs: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said the Pacific must balance marine conservation with economic development, rooted in traditional “bul” stewardship.

ICC Rift at UNGA: Naoero (formerly Nauru) formally announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal documents with the Rome Statute repository after US President Donald Trump urged countries to quit the court; Washington praised the move as defending sovereignty, while Europe signalled it will fight to protect the ICC. Name Reclamation: President David Adeang used the UN General Assembly to push the world to adopt “Naoero,” saying the change restores local language and identity, with the international code shifting from NRU to NRO and residents increasingly described as dei-Naoero. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: In the same UN remarks, Adeang backed responsible seabed development but warned that delays in finishing international rules could push countries toward unilateral action, while also criticising the International Seabed Authority for slow progress. Regional Governance Lens: Solomon Islands’ Dr Transform Aqorau told a legal conference that public institutions must prioritise merit, fairness and accountability over connections—warning that wantokism should not decide access to jobs, contracts or state resources. Pacific Climate Finance Push: Climate-vulnerable leaders at UNGA demanded grants and faster access to disaster funding, arguing loans are not solidarity and that small states are being forced to borrow for recovery from harms they did little to cause.

ICC Withdrawal & US Reaction: Naoero (formerly Nauru) has formally announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal instruments at the Rome Statute repository after President David Adeang’s UN General Assembly speech. The US quickly praised the move as a stand for sovereignty, with Washington’s senior diplomat meeting Naoero’s deputy foreign minister in New York. Sovereignty vs International Courts: Trump urged countries to quit the ICC, but Naoero was the only one to follow during the UN week, while European leaders signaled they will defend the court. Name Reclamation: Adeang also used the UN platform to push the world to “say our name,” restoring the traditional Naoero spelling and pronunciation, with international code changes expected. Seabed Mining Pressure: In the same UN address, Naoero criticized delays at the International Seabed Authority and urged rules to be completed, warning that continued stalling could drive unilateral action. Regional Governance & Rule of Law: Fiji’s former Attorney-General Graham Leung was elected president of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law approach as Fiji faces a constitutional review and elections.

ICC Withdrawal & US Reaction: At the UN General Assembly, Naoero’s President David Adeang announced the country will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal documents with the Rome Statute repository, while the US praised the move as standing up for sovereignty after Trump renewed attacks on the ICC. Name Reclaiming: Adeang also used the UN podium to formally push the world to use “Naoero” instead of “Nauru,” saying the change restores local language and identity, with the international code shifting from NRU to NRO and residents increasingly referred to as dei-Naoero. Seabed Mining Clash: In the same UN remarks, Adeang urged the International Seabed Authority to finish the Mining Code, warning that delays could drive unilateral action, as Pacific debate over deep-sea extraction continues. Regional Governance Theme: Separately, Solomon Islands Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau told an Attorney-General’s conference that public institutions must prioritize merit, fairness, and accountability over personal connections—an issue that resonates across the Pacific’s governance reforms. Pacific Climate Pressure: Pacific leaders at the UN pressed for climate finance as grants, not loans, with Tuvalu’s PM calling sea-level rise a present reality and warning vulnerable states are paying for damage they did not cause.

Naoero at UN: President David Adeang used the UN General Assembly to formally restore Nauru’s traditional name, “Naoero,” urging the world to “say our name,” and noting changes to the country code (NRU to NRO) and the demonym (dei-Naoero). ICC withdrawal: In the same UN push, Naoero announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal instruments with the Rome Statute repository, after US President Donald Trump urged countries to leave the ICC. Deep-sea mining rules: Adeang also pressed the International Seabed Authority to finish seabed mining rules, warning delays could push countries toward unilateral action. Pacific climate finance push: Pacific leaders at the UN argued climate-vulnerable states are being forced into debt for disaster recovery, calling for grants and faster access to climate funds. Governance message: Dr Aqorau urged public institutions to prioritize merit and accountability over connections, warning that “wantokism” should not decide access to public jobs or contracts.

ICC Withdrawal & US Pressure: Naoero (formerly Nauru) says it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court after President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly the court is “increasingly irrelevant,” following Donald Trump’s call for countries to leave and amid US praise and warnings about ICC “overreach.” Seabed Mining Rules: In the same UN address, Adeang urged the International Seabed Authority to finish the Mining Code, arguing delays could push states toward unilateral action. Name Restoration at the UN: Adeang also formally pushed the world to use “Naoero,” saying the change restores the country’s traditional name, pronunciation, and identity, with international code shifting from NRU to NRO. Diplomatic Realignment: Naoero’s UN week included a move toward new ties, including Georgia, after Nauru withdrew recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Regional Climate Politics: Across the Pacific, leaders at the UN demanded climate finance as grants (not loans) and warned that vulnerability—not income—should decide eligibility. Pacific Governance Capacity: UNDP-backed training in Naoero’s corrections service highlights continued regional institution-building.

UNGA Diplomacy & Sovereignty: Naoero (formerly Nauru) formally returned to its traditional name at the UN General Assembly, with President David Adeang urging the world to “say our name,” including changes to international codes and the official demonym. ICC Withdrawal Push: At the same UN forum, Adeang announced Naoero will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, depositing its withdrawal documents, while the US welcomed the move after Trump urged countries to quit the ICC. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Clash: Adeang also used his UN address to press the International Seabed Authority to finish seabed mining rules, warning that delays could push countries to act without waiting for multilateral agreement. Regional Capacity Building: In Nadi, a Pacific legal writeshop is underway for submissions to the ICJ climate advisory process, with Naoero among participating states. Local Governance & Corrections: UNDP-backed training continues for Naoero corrections officers, aiming to close operational gaps and build professional qualifications.

ICC Withdrawal & US-UN Tensions: At the UN General Assembly, Naoero (formerly Nauru) President David Adeang announced the country will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, calling it increasingly irrelevant, after Donald Trump urged states to quit the ICC; the US then congratulated Naoero’s deputy foreign minister, while European leaders signaled they will defend the court. National Rebranding at the UN: Adeang also used the UN podium to press the world to “say our name,” formally restoring the traditional name Naoero, including changes to the international code (NRU to NRO) and the official demonym. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Clash: In the same UN address, Naoero criticized delays by the International Seabed Authority on a mining code, warning that waiting could push countries to act without multilateral agreement. Diplomacy & Recognition: Naoero’s name shift and ICC stance came alongside new diplomatic moves, including Georgia and Naoero establishing relations after Naoero withdrew recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Regional Climate Push: Pacific leaders at the UN urged grants and faster climate finance, warning small states are being forced to borrow for disaster recovery.

Naoero Name Reclaiming: President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly that Nauru is now officially “Naoero,” saying the change restores the traditional name, pronunciation, and identity; the international code is set to move from NRU to NRO and the demonym to “dei-Naoero.” ICC Withdrawal Push: At UNGA, Adeang also announced Naoero’s voluntary withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, following Donald Trump’s call to leave the ICC; Europe’s leaders meanwhile signaled they will defend the court. Deep-Sea Mining Clash: Adeang used the same UN platform to criticize delays at the International Seabed Authority and urged completion of seabed mining rules, while a separate UNGA thread highlighted a Pacific divide over commercial deep-sea extraction. Climate Finance at UNGA: Pacific leaders at UNGA pressed for climate grants instead of loans, warning that disaster recovery is pushing vulnerable states deeper into debt. Diplomatic Moves: Georgia and Naoero signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations, after Nauru reversed recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Naoero Name Change at UN: President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly that the Republic of Nauru is now officially “Naoero,” saying it restores the traditional name and pronunciation and urging the world to “Say our name.” ICC Withdrawal Push: At the same UN week, Naoero became the only country to follow US President Donald Trump’s call to leave the International Criminal Court, with Adeang saying Naoero will deposit its withdrawal instruments before leaving New York. Deep-Sea Mining Clash: Adeang also used the UN platform to criticize delays at the International Seabed Authority, warning that if rules aren’t finished, countries may act without waiting for multilateral agreement. Diplomacy Reset: Georgia and Naoero established diplomatic relations after Naoero ended recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, with a protocol signed in New York. Regional Legal Capacity: In Nadi, Fiji’s Attorney-General opened a Pacific writeshop for submissions to the ICJ on climate change, with Naoero among participating island states. India-PIC Cooperation: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar chaired FIPIC talks in New York, offering tailored capacity-building for Pacific priorities and meeting Adeang to reaffirm development support. Pacific Climate Messaging: Pacific leaders used UNGA to press for climate finance as a present reality, with Tuvalu and Solomon Islands stressing existential risk and vulnerability.

UN General Assembly, Naoero name change: President David Adeang told the UN that Nauru is now officially “Naoero,” saying the shift restores the traditional name and pronunciation and urging the world to “say our name.” ICC withdrawal: At the same UN week, Naoero became the only country to follow US President Donald Trump’s call to leave the International Criminal Court, with Adeang saying Naoero will deposit its withdrawal instruments before leaving New York. Deep-sea mining rules: Adeang also pressed the International Seabed Authority to finish its mining code, warning that delays could push countries to act without waiting for multilateral agreement. Diplomacy beyond the Pacific: Georgia and Naoero signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations after Naoero withdrew recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Regional climate push: Pacific leaders used UNGA to highlight climate threats and demand stronger climate finance and action, including calls for climate justice at the International Court of Justice process. Pacific governance capacity: UNDP-backed training for Naoero’s corrections service is underway, with Fiji Corrections Service support to build local operational skills.

UNGA Climate Push: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press urgent action on sea-level rise and climate finance, with Tuvalu’s PM calling it “present reality” and urging grants for adaptation and loss-and-damage. Naoero Name Change: Nauru’s President David Adeang told the UN the country is now officially Naoero, saying the shift restores the traditional name and ending with “Say our name,” including changes to international codes and how residents are described. ICC Withdrawal Clash: Adeang announced Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court after Trump urged countries to quit the ICC; Europe’s leaders signaled they’ll defend the court while the US escalates pressure with sanctions and visa bans. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: At the UN, Naoero also targeted delays at the International Seabed Authority, arguing rules should be completed so countries don’t act unilaterally. Regional Diplomacy: Georgia and Naoero signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations after Nauru reversed recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Pacific Legal Capacity: Fiji opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the ICJ climate advisory process, with Naoero among participating states. India-PIC Cooperation: India’s UNGA sidelines diplomacy included FIPIC talks on tailored capacity-building for Pacific priorities and meetings with Naoero’s president reaffirming development support. Pacific Mobility: Australia published the full PALM eligibility list, including Naoero, as part of its labour mobility push across the region.

Name Change at the UN: Naoero’s President David Adeang used the UN General Assembly to press the world to “Say our name,” saying the country is reclaiming its traditional identity after Parliament approved a constitutional amendment. ICC Withdrawal: Adeang also announced Naoero’s voluntary withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, depositing withdrawal documents with the Rome Statute repository, after Trump urged countries to quit the ICC. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: From the same UN podium, Adeang criticized delays at the International Seabed Authority and warned that if rules aren’t finished, countries may act without waiting. Pacific Climate Legal Push: Naoero joined 16 Pacific Island countries at a regional writeshop in Nadi preparing submissions to the ICJ advisory proceedings on climate change, with leaders calling for climate justice. New Diplomatic Ties: Georgia and Naoero established diplomatic relations after Nauru reversed recognition of Georgia’s occupied territories, with a protocol signed in New York. Regional Diplomacy: India’s Jaishankar met Naoero’s president on UN sidelines, reaffirming development support, while also chairing FIPIC talks on climate, disaster resilience, health, and capacity building.

ICC Exit & US Pressure: At UNGA 81, U.S. President Donald Trump urged countries to quit the International Criminal Court, calling it “evil” and “rogue,” but only Naoero (formerly Nauru) followed through—announcing it will withdraw from the Rome Statute and deposit its withdrawal papers. Deep-Sea Mining Clash: In the same UN push, Naoero’s President David Adeang criticised the International Seabed Authority for delays on mining rules, arguing the wait is prompting unilateral action. Rebrand at the UN: Adeang also formally urged the world to use “Naoero,” saying the change restores the traditional name and pronunciation; the international code is set to shift from NRU to NRO and the demonym to dei-Naoero. New Diplomatic Links: Georgia and Naoero established diplomatic relations after Naoero ended recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, with a protocol signed in New York. Regional Diplomacy: India’s Jaishankar met Adeang on UNGA sidelines, reaffirming development cooperation, while also chairing FIPIC foreign ministers talks with Pacific partners.