Nauru

The consultations were in addition to meetings with the economic, infrastructure, education, health, community (women and youth) and the CSO sectors.

“This has been an uplifting experience for myself and the TWG to visit the 14 districts throughout Nauru … to capture the voice of the communities relating to their development challenges and priorities…" said TWG member, Clarissa Jeremiah. 

The NSDS is a development strategy that is integrative across economic, social and environmental pillars. 

“I’m very happy with that and I’m very excited. Thank you Australia for giving our people the opportunity to participate in the programme and learn new skills and bring back to Nauru, President Waqa said.

Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull signed an agreement with President Waqa and the leaders of Kiribati and Tuvalu on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Samoa last Friday.

The agreement was signed by Nauru President, Baron Waqa and Tuvalu, Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga at a side event at the 48^th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Apia.

The rocks will be used to protect the newly reclaimed Queen Elizabeth 2^nd Park in Funafuti as part of Tuvalu’s coastal adaptation programme.

The park is part of Tuvalu’s preparations to host the PIF Leaders Summit in 2019.

At this year's Forum, in Samoa, Mr Waqa was asked if journalists would be allowed into Nauru next year when it hosts the annual event.

Currently, journalists have to pay a non-refundable $US6,089 application fee for a visa to enter Nauru.

ABC said Mr Waqa told reporters they are working with [the Pacific Islands Forum] to make sure that everyone gets there.

Only two Australian journalists have been allowed into Nauru in recent years.

Nauru is hosting the 49th Forum Leaders meeting in 2018.

The Smaller Islands States (SIS) Chairman says his government is working with the Forum on the issue.

“Let me assure you that we are working with the Forum to make sure you all get there,” said President Waqa at the SIS press conference in Apia today (Monday).

Nauru increased the cost of foreign journalists' visa applications from AUD$200 to AUD$8000 in 2014 (US$160 - US$6,366), an amount which is not refundable if the bid is rejected.

Nauru President and Chair of the meeting, Baron Waqa acknowledged the contribution of the sons of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the late Minister-in-Assistance to President Hilda Heine, Mattlan Zachras and former Foreign Minister, Tony de Brum.

“The passing of both men is not only a loss to the Marshalls but to the Pacific region as well. Especially in regard to Tony who was so well known to many in the region. Tony was our champion of climate change and he was like an older brother to all,” President Waqa said.

In a statement, the Nauru Government said at approximately 7:20am on Thursday August 24, 2017, security at the Nauru Regional Processing Centre intervened in an incident in which a male refugee poured a flammable liquid over himself and attempted to set himself alight.

Initial investigations indicate man has a history of behavioural issues including domestic violence and was attempting to visit an estranged girlfriend at the time, who was living in protective accommodation.

Security acted quickly and extinguished the fire immediately.

The campaign by the Pacific Community (SPC) acknowledges Pacific women who have shaped development in the Pacific region.

It marks the 70th anniversary of the Pacific Community,

Minister Scotty made history by becoming the second woman elected to Nauru’s Parliament, following in the footsteps of Ruby Dediya.

Following her election to parliament, Scotty was appointed by newly elected President Baron Waqa to serve in his administration as Minister for Home Affairs (which includes Women’s Affairs), Education, Youth, and Land Management, a position she currently holds.

The NSDS helps the government keep future generation in mind, and develop plans that consider, economic, social and environmental concerns.

The government says it is committed to taking a coordinated and participatory process to review its current NSDS (2005-2025).

“Underlying this effort is to the need to consider recent and emerging development issues including Agenda 2030 and the Samoa pathway.”

In the men's draw, Nauru are chasing a third straight win against in the fifth place playoff against Great Britain, while Fiji are guaranteed to improve on their 10th place finish three years ago when they face Canada in the playoff for seventh spot.

Meanwhile it's an all-Pacific affair in the women's competition, with the Papua New Guinea Flames and Fiji playing off for fifth place.

PNG didn't compete at the last International Cup and tour manager Peter Harrison was expecting the Fijians to provide a stern challenge.