Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Palauans React to U.S. Proposal to host Asylum seekers
Island Times
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July 25, 2025
By: Summer Kennard Koror, Palau – Palauans from across the nation are voicing strong and varied opinions in response to a U.S. proposal to temporarily house asylum seekers in the island nation—an idea described by the U.S. ambassador as merely a...
Proposed Palau Trademark Act aims to boost investment and protect intellectual property
Island Times
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July 25, 2025
KOROR, Palau (July 24, 2025) — A new legislative proposal introduced in the Olbiil Era Kelulau seeks to establish Palau’s first comprehensive trademark law, aiming to protect intellectual property and stimulate sustainable economic development in...
Rethinking Boards in Palau: Toward Merit, Efficiency, and a Vision for the Future
Island Times
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July 25, 2025
Dear Editor, In Palau today, there is a silent but growing cost to public governance, one that hides behind protocols, ceremonies, and appointments, but seldom receives the critical scrutiny our ancestors would have demanded. Our national and...
U.S. Ambassador explains Asylum seeker deal with Palau
Island Times
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July 25, 2025
By: Bernadette Carreon Koror, Palau – U.S. Ambassador to Palau Joel Ehrendreich told Palauan leaders that individuals likely to be sent to Palau under a proposed asylum agreement are those whose claims have been deemed inadmissible or abandoned in...
Council of Chiefs nixes US request for Palau to admit asylum seekers
The Pacific Island Times
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July 24, 2025
Koror, Palau. Photo by Mar-Vic Cagurangan/Pacific Island Times Palau is too fragile to accommodate asylum seekers, the nation’s traditional leaders said, advising President Surangel Whipps Jr. against yielding to the Trump administration’s request...
Pacific Economies Hold Steady in 2025 but Face Slower Growth Ahead, Says ADB
PNG Business News
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Economic growth in Pacific island nations is expected to hold steady this year but slow slightly in 2026, according to the Asian Development Bank’s latest Asian Development Outlook (ADO) released 23 July, 2025. The ADB maintained its 2025 growth...
Palau considers US request to take asylum seekers amid Pacific ties
The Sun Daily
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July 23, 2025
SYDNEY: The small Pacific nation of Palau is weighing a request from the United States to accept asylum seekers currently seeking refuge in America. The proposal, still under review by Palau’s Council of Chiefs, could deepen ties between the two...
Palau faces critical decision on New National Hospital sSite, USDA Assessment Finds
Island Times
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July 22, 2025
KOROR, Palau — Three Palauan states—Koror, Airai, and Ngatpang—have offered potential land for the nation’s urgently needed new hospital, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture assessment released this month. The “USDA Assessment of...
Palau President meets BOH leadership; visitor numbers continue to rise
Marianas Business Journal
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Investment and financial education programs for Palauans were discussed during a meeting between President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., of Palau, and James C. Polk, president and chief banking officer of the Bank of Hawaii. Polk was joined by Rita...
ADB encourage Pakistan’s economic growth, deflation in fiscal year 2024-25
Associated Press of Pakistan
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July 23, 2025
- Advertisement - ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):The Asian Development Bank has encouraged Pakistan’s economic growth in fiscal year 2024-25, with food and non-food prices declining and inflation under control in the first eleven months of the last...
Trump eyes set on tiny Palau for migrant plan under threat of aid cuts
Al Mayadeen
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July 23, 2025
The US is pressuring the tiny Pacific nation of Palau to accept asylum seekers it no longer wants, which critics say is a coercive tactic that shifts America’s refugee burden onto weaker allies. The Trump administration is quietly negotiating a...
Palau supports Australia’s bid to host COP31
Pacific News Service
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“It’s about time we bring this to the Pacific,” said Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., of Australia’s plan to host COP31 (Conference of the Parties on Climate Change) in 2026. Australia had expressed its intent to bid to host COP31 in 2026. It...
Palau considers US refugee proposal; key questions remain on capacity, rights, and impact
Marianas Variety
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KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. has introduced a draft agreement with the United States that would allow Palau, at its discretion, to accept third-country nationals currently in the U.S. who are seeking...
A Terrorist Tidal Wave of Dirty Tricks Struck Oceania 40 Years Ago
CovertAction Magazine
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July 25, 2025
Four decades ago, in the middle of political turmoil fanned by the U.S., Palau President Haruo Remeliik (far right), leader of the world’s first nuclear-free nation, was assassinated. [Source: earthisland.org] From Tahiti to New Zealand to New...
Palau considers U.S refugee proposal; key questions remain on capacity, rights,…
Pacific News Service
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Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has introduced a draft agreement with the United States that would allow Palau, at its discretion, to accept third-country nationals currently in the U.S who are seeking protection but cannot be sent back to...
Governments at ISA must Establish a Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining, Reaffirm Authority over International Seabed Lies Collectively With All States
Common Dreams
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July 25, 2025
The 30th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) concluded today, with governments continuing to fall short in protecting the deep sea. While politicians from Palau, France and Panama attended to rally the international community,...
Palau Bar admissions committee votes to adopt NextGen UBE beginning in July 2026
Island Times
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July 18, 2025
The Palau Bar Admissions Committee (“PBAC”) has voted to adopt the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam (NextGen UBE) beginning in July 2026. Palau will join Guam, the Northern Marianas Islands, and seven other United States jurisdictions in becoming among...
Palau sets stage for 2026 Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting
Island Times
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July 18, 2025
KOROR, Palau — The Republic of Palau is gearing up to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) in 2026, the most high-profile regional gathering to take place in the country since it last hosted in 2014. President Surangel S....
Palau considers U.S. refugee proposal; key questions remain on capacity, rights, and impact
Island Times
·
July 18, 2025
Koror, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. has introduced a draft agreement with the United States that would allow Palau, at its discretion, to accept third-country nationals currently in the U.S. who are seeking protection but cannot be sent...
Palau President Whipps asks for close to US$5 million supplemental budget
Pacific News Service
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Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr is looking for a budget boost by submitting earlier this month a proposed supplemental financial package amounting to almost US$5 million. In a letter to the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) on 01 February, 2023...