Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Tonga Red Cross flags dip in blood donors
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 18, 2025
The Tonga Red Cross Society (TRCS) reported 13 successful blood donations last weekend, out of almost 30 people who turned up. The organisation expressed concern this year’s turnout falls short, compared with more than 30 donors during the same...
VSIS Group powers Tonga’s digital transformation with integrated digital ID and civil registration platform
Daily FT
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VS ONE WORLD, the international business arm of VSIS Group, is set to transform the delivery of public services and enhance the end-user experience for the people of Tonga. The Government of Tonga announced a significant leap forward in its...
New biosecurity equipment to support Tongan produce exporters
Matangi Tonga Online
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June 18, 2025
By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.a Over $185,000 AUD worth of biosecurity equipment was handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry today, 18 June 2025. The equipment includes a state-of-the-art fumigation chamber, protective gear, inspection...
Nigerian Foreign Minister Woos US Govt With Mineral Resources In Exchange For Visa Access For Government Officials, Businessmen
Sahara Reporters
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Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has signalled a strategic offer to the United States: access to critical earth minerals in exchange for easing visa restrictions on government officials. Speaking during the 54th...
Tonga reveals MOSIP and VS One World foundations of DPI success
Biometric Update
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June 17, 2025
Tonga launched its TongaPass digital ID and digital government portal this month. The government is now ramping up registration as it visits eastern Tongatapu villages to register residents to TongaPass. The registration is free and the initiative...
Luxon lands in China with Māori businesses eyeing export growth
Te Ao Maori News
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June 18, 2025
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has touched down in China, leading a delegation of business, trade, and cultural leaders. The visit will focus on expanding trade, valued at over $38 billion in 2024, and will also aim to strengthen educational and...
You can’t reset your DNA. So why are you letting companies treat it like a password?
Biometric Update
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June 17, 2025
Not long ago, mailing your saliva to a Silicon Valley startup was treated like a novelty – a quirky gift, a shortcut to family history, a light-hearted peek into your genetic future. Tens of millions have handed over their DNA to companies like...
Pacific Islands need to boost women in jobs: World Bank
Taipei Times
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June 17, 2025
Less than half of working age women are employed across the Pacific Islands due to outdated laws and other barriers, the World Bank said in a new report yesterday, adding that closing the gender gap could boost economic growth. The World Bank...
Pacific Economic Update: Slowing Growth Highlights Need for More Inclusive Workforce
Odisha Diary
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June 17, 2025
HONIARA, June 17, 2025 — Economic growth is slowing across the Pacific as countries face weak global growth, natural hazards and climate related shocks. The World Bank’s flagship Pacific Economic Update, released today in Honiara, projects...
World Bank slashes Pacific growth forecast
FBC News
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The World Bank is projecting regional growth to fall to 2.6 percent this year, down from 5.5 percent in 2023. In a report of an economic update, it says that economic growth is slowing across the Pacific as countries face weak global growth,...
Health ministry’s information system hit by ransomware attack
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 19, 2025
Tonga’s National Health Information System (NHIS) suffered a ransomware breach this week, says Dr ʻAna ʻAkauʻola his evening. The system has been shut down, and staff moved to manual operations. The breach came to light during a parliament debate...
As economic growth slows, Pacific Islands should boost women in jobs, says World Bank
WKZO - Michigan
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June 17, 2025
By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) -Less than half of working age women are employed across the Pacific Islands due to outdated laws and other barriers, the World Bank said in a new report on Tuesday, and said closing the gender gap could boost...
Pacific immigration conference opens in Tonga
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 17, 2025
The Minister for Foreign Affairs HRH Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala has officially opened the 27th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) at Fa‘onelua Convention Centre today. The five‑day conference, running...
Tonga urges global support for Pacific ocean action
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 14, 2025
Tonga has called for urgent international investment in Pacific-led ocean governance and climate-resilient maritime infrastructure. Speaking at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Tonga delivered a strong message on behalf of Pacific Island...
Massive twist involving 39-year-old star suggested by WWE veteran in case Goldberg defeats Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event
Sportskeeda
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June 19, 2025
A massive twist has been put forward for Goldberg vs Gunther by WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray. The veteran suggested a possible Seth Rollins Money In The Bank cash-in if the former WCW megastar ends up winning the coveted belt. Goldberg recently...
Tonga Red Cross calls for more blood donation
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 13, 2025
The Tonga Red Cross Society (TRCS) is urging for regular blood donors as it marks World Blood Donor Day under the theme of hope and unity. The Tonga Red Cross commemorated World Blood Donor Day yesterday, ahead of the official June 14 observance,...
Tonga Red Cross urges regular voluntary blood donations
Pacific Media Network
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“Every drop counts” is the message from the Tonga Red Cross as the organisation prepares to commemorate World Blood Donor Day. Sione Taumoefolau, the Secretary-General of Tonga Red Cross, says that while the country heavily relies on emergency and...
Tonga Unveils Eco-Tourism Guidelines to Support Marine Communities and Boost the Blue Economy
Pacific Tourism Organisation
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June 11, 2025
The Kingdom of Tonga has taken a significant step toward sustainable tourism and marine conservation with the launch of its Guidelines for the Development of Eco-Tourism Activities Supporting Marine Resource Areas. The initiative was formally...
The Key Role of Journalists in Amplifying Women’s Issues by SPC Mereseini Rakuita, Principal Strategic Lead – Pacific Women and Girls
Pacific Community (SPC)
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"Two in every three Fijian women experience some form of violence in their lifetime from their spouse or partner… Two in three... That could be you. The woman sitting beside you. Someone in your newsroom. In your family. In your village. You, as...
Tonga’s Clean-Up Campaign 2025 Champions a Greener Future for Tourism and Communities
Pacific Tourism Organisation
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June 11, 2025
The Tongan Tourism ministry has launched the Clean-Up Tonga Campaign 2025, a nationwide initiative to boost environmental stewardship, support sustainable tourism, and empower communities in making Tonga a cleaner and greener destination for both...