AGP Executive Report

Culture & Travel Spotlight: A new “Marshall Islands Pocket Guide” has launched, with 136 Majuro and outer-atoll listings and practical tips, built from 10 days of on-the-ground research and developed with OCIT to boost RMI’s visibility across the Pacific. Regional Health Watch: In New York, federal healthcare cuts that began July 1 left nearly half a million people without coverage, with lawyers warning the biggest hit fell on those just above Medicaid limits—an issue that echoes how policy shifts can quickly disrupt everyday life. Pacific Church & Identity: A profile of Bishop Michael T.T. Castori highlights deep family ties to Tonga, including traditional ceremonial elements during his ordination in Honolulu. Tobacco Control Training: TACO launched its 2026 Tobacco Control training for 900+ professionals across the WHO Western Pacific Region, with participation including the Marshall Islands. Local Governance: Majuro’s low turnout in the constitutional convention election is drawing attention, with unofficial results expected soon and at least one recount petition already filed. Nuclear Oceania Context: A commentary revisits how nuclear testing sites across Oceania included Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, tying history to today’s debates.

Healthcare & Community Impact: New York lawyers warn that July 1 federal healthcare cuts and Medicaid eligibility changes left about 450,000 people without the Essential Plan, with many still uninsured after a month—especially those just above eligibility limits, creating major strain for both patients and providers. Constitutional Convention Politics: Majuro’s ConCon election drew extremely low turnout, with results expected quickly and a recount request already filed by Vice Speaker Isaac Zackhras, underscoring how little public energy is showing up for constitutional change. Marshall Islands Tourism & Visibility: The new Marshall Islands Pocket Guide launched, with 136 articles covering Majuro and outer atolls, built from on-the-ground research and developed with OCIT to boost regional and international travel interest. Tobacco Control Training: WHO Western Pacific tobacco control professionals—including participants from the Marshall Islands—joined a record-setting 2026 training programme launched by Hong Kong’s TACO, now running as monthly webinars through November. Culture, Faith & Pacific Ties: A profile highlights Bishop Michael T.T. Castori’s deep family and cultural connections to Tonga, including traditional practices and symbols woven into his ordination in Honolulu. Deep-Sea Minerals Debate: A Pacific-focused op-ed argues the conversation is moving from simple “for or against” to a “follow the science, protect the environment, do no harm” approach, with different island nations taking different paths. Nuclear Oceania Context: Commentary points to Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands as one of the key Pacific sites of nuclear testing, framing how indigenous harm was long sidelined in decision-making.

Marshall Islands tourism spotlight: South Pacific Pocket Guide launched the “Marshall Islands Pocket Guide,” a new online resource with 136 Majuro-and-outer-atoll articles, built from 10 days of on-the-ground visits and created with OCIT support to boost RMI visibility across the Pacific and beyond. Deep-sea minerals debate: A Pacific-focused op-ed says the conversation is moving from “for or against” toward “follow the science, protect the environment, do no harm,” highlighting differing approaches from Nauru, the Cook Islands, and Tonga. Tobacco control training: The Marshall Islands’ TACO (WHO Western Pacific Region) rolled out its 2026 Tobacco Control training, now in monthly webinars, with 900+ professionals from across the region including the Marshall Islands. Culture & faith ties: A report on Bishop Michael T.T. Castori’s ordination highlights deep Tongan cultural connections—woven mats, kapa cloth, and family roles—showing how Pacific identity travels through church life. Local governance: Majuro’s constitutional convention election drew very low turnout, with unofficial results moving fast and a recount petition already filed.

Marshall Islands Pocket Guide Launch: A new online Pocket Guide for the Marshall Islands has gone live, with 136 articles on Majuro and the outer atolls, built from 10 days of on-the-ground research and developed with OCIT to boost tourism visibility across the Pacific and beyond. Constitutional Convention Vote Watch: Majuro’s constitutional convention election drew very low turnout, with counting finishing quickly and an early recount request filed by Vice Speaker Isaac Zackhras after he trailed in the two-seat race. Church & Culture Gathering: Members of King’s Chapel’s Marshallese church held a national conference, bringing people together from across the U.S. and highlighting how faith communities keep Marshallese culture connected through shared events. Deep-Sea Minerals Debate: A Pacific-focused op-ed says the deep-sea minerals conversation is shifting from simple “for or against” to a “follow the science, protect the environment, do no harm” approach, with different island nations taking different paths. Women’s Safety Ranking: A new Women, Peace and Security Index ranking places Northern Europe at the top for women’s inclusion, justice, and security, with the U.S. listed in the lower half. Nuclear Oceania Context: A commentary points to Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands as one of the major Pacific nuclear explosion sites, tying past impacts to today’s concerns about future conflict.

Women & Security: A new Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index ranks Northern Europe as the best place for women, with Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden taking top spots—an eye-opener for how inclusion, justice, and safety are measured worldwide. Nuclear Oceania: A Pacific-focused piece argues the region has been hit hardest by nuclear testing, naming Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands among major atmospheric explosion sites, and warns future conflict could be fought far from decision-makers. Marshall Islands Tourism: The Marshall Islands Pocket Guide launches online, with 136 Majuro-and-atoll articles built from 10 days of on-the-ground research, partnering with OCIT to boost RMI’s visibility across the Pacific. Tobacco Control Training: TACO’s 2026 Tobacco Control training program kicks off with a record 900+ professionals across the WHO Western Pacific Region, including participants from the Marshall Islands. Local Governance: Majuro’s constitutional convention election drew extremely low turnout, with unofficial results moving quickly and at least one recount petition filed. Deep-Sea Minerals Debate: An op-ed says the Pacific conversation is shifting from simple “for or against” to “follow the science, protect the environment, do no harm,” highlighting different country approaches. Marshallese Culture: A conference at King’s Chapel celebrates Marshallese church life, drawing visitors from across the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii.

Tourism & Local Business: The Marshall Islands Pocket Guide has launched, with 136 Majuro-and-outer-atoll articles built from 10 days of on-the-ground research and delivered with OCIT support—aimed at boosting RMI visibility across the Pacific and beyond. Public Health Training: TACO (Department of Health) rolled out its 2026 Tobacco Control training, with a record 900+ tobacco control professionals joining monthly webinars, including participants from the Marshall Islands. Culture & Community: King’s Chapel held a conference celebrating Marshallese culture, drawing members from across the country and from overseas communities. Disaster Risk Reduction Opportunities: UNITAR is calling for applications for Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026, open to motivated adults (18+) from Pacific Island countries including the Marshall Islands; deadline is 21 August 2026. Governance & Civic Participation: Majuro’s constitutional convention election saw very low turnout, with unofficial results expected soon and at least one recount petition filed. Deep-Sea Minerals Debate: An op-ed says the Pacific conversation on deep-sea minerals is moving beyond simple “for or against,” toward “follow the science, protect the environment, do no harm.” Shipping & Finance (Marshall Islands link): Global Ship Lease (incorporated in the Marshall Islands) updated its Q2 2026 earnings call to Aug 5, 10:30 a.m. ET, with results released before market open.

Tobacco Control Training: TACO (Marshall Islands’ Department of Health) launched its 2026 Tobacco Control Annual Training Programme via monthly webinars, with a record 900+ tobacco control professionals joining from across the WHO Western Pacific region, including participants from the Marshall Islands. Tourism & Culture Visibility: The Marshall Islands Pocket Guide went live, a new online destination guide for Majuro and the wider republic, built from 10 days of on-the-ground research and developed with OCIT to spotlight attractions, food, transport, and outer-atoll experiences. Constitutional Convention Vote: Majuro saw very low turnout for the constitutional convention election, with fast counting and at least one recount petition filed after unofficial results showed close races in Ailinglaplap/Majuro totals. Church & Peacebuilding: The Pacific Conference of Churches urged leaders to keep the “Ocean of Peace” vision grounded in justice, dialogue, and human dignity—warning it could be overshadowed by military and security arrangements. Disaster Risk Leadership: UNITAR announced applications are open for Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026, welcoming motivated applicants (including from the Marshall Islands) with an Aug. 21, 2026 deadline.

Ocean of Peace & Church Voices: The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) is urging Pacific leaders to keep the region’s “Ocean of Peace” vision from being overtaken by military and security interests, calling for peace rooted in justice, dialogue, and human dignity—especially as the Fiji–Australia Veitacini Treaty adds deterrence and collective defence language. Ocean of Peace & Nuclear Memory: The PCC letter, written from Majuro, also ties the debate to the 80-year legacy of Bikini Atoll nuclear testing and ongoing harms like displacement and environmental damage. Pacific Families Under Fuel Pressure: A new analysis warns that the US–Iran conflict is raising fuel and food costs across the Pacific, squeezing households and essential services in countries that rely on imported petroleum. Marshallese Culture in Action: A King’s Chapel conference brought Marshallese church members together, with attendees traveling from across the Pacific, including Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. Local Governance Watch: Majuro’s constitutional convention (ConCon) election drew very low turnout, with unofficial results expected soon and a recount petition already filed. Leadership Opportunity: UNITAR is accepting applications for a Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction program for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026, open to motivated applicants including from the Marshall Islands.

Ocean of Peace Debate: The Pacific Conference of Churches, writing from Majuro, is urging leaders to keep the region’s “Ocean of Peace” vision rooted in justice, dialogue, and human dignity—not military and security interests—citing concerns that it’s being “hijacked” as defence cooperation grows, including after the Fiji–Australia Veitacini Treaty. Constitutional Convention Vote: Majuro saw extremely low turnout for the constitutional convention election, with officials moving quickly on tabulation and a recount petition already filed by Nitijela Vice Speaker Isaac Zackhras. Pacific Household Costs: A new analysis warns that the US–Iran conflict is pushing up fuel prices and squeezing Pacific economies, hitting petrol pumps, supermarkets, and even health services. Marshallese Culture & Faith: A King’s Chapel conference highlighted Marshallese church life and culture, drawing members from across the Pacific. Leadership Opportunity: UNITAR is calling for applications for a Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction program for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026, welcoming applicants from Marshall Islands and across the region. EU Sanctions Reach the Pacific: The EU’s 21st Russia sanctions package lists hundreds of new entities and also names far-flung countries in the hunt for loopholes, including the Marshall Islands.

Constitutional Convention vote: Majuro’s ConCon election saw very low turnout, with results moving fast—tabulators finished in under 48 hours and a recount petition was filed by Nitijela Vice Speaker Isaac Zackhras, who is currently trailing in the two-seat race. Church & peace advocacy: From Majuro, the Pacific Conference of Churches’ Rev. James Bhagwan urged leaders to keep the Pacific’s “Ocean of Peace” vision focused on justice, dialogue, and human dignity, warning it’s being pulled toward military and security interests amid the Fiji–Australia Veitacini Treaty. Pacific family costs: A new analysis says distant conflict is raising fuel and living costs across the Pacific, where most energy depends on imported petroleum—pressuring governments and essential services. Marshallese culture event: King’s Chapel held a conference celebrating Marshallese culture, drawing members from across the islands and from places like Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. Leadership opportunity: UNITAR opened applications for Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026, inviting applicants from the Marshall Islands and across the Pacific.

Ocean of Peace under pressure: The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) and its General Secretary, Rev. James Bhagwan, urged Pacific leaders to keep the “Ocean of Peace” vision rooted in justice, dialogue, and people’s wellbeing—not military and security interests—pointing to the Veitacini Treaty’s deterrence and collective defence provisions and warning about the nuclear-test legacy and other regional harms. Fuel costs hit Pacific families: A University of Fiji expert says the US–Iran conflict is raising fuel prices and squeezing Pacific economies that rely on imported petroleum, with knock-on effects for transport, electricity, and even health services. Majuro constitutional convention vote draws low turnout: In Majuro, the ConCon election saw very few voters and fast counting; unofficial results show Isaac Zackhras trailing Rendy Johnny and Wilson Note, with a recount petition already filed. Marshallese culture spotlighted: A King’s Chapel conference brought Marshallese church members together from across the Pacific, celebrating community ties and cultural “extensions.” Climate land-loss warning: A Pacific Security College policy paper flags rising sea levels and flooding as a growing faultline for peace and security, threatening homes and traditional land governance. Marshall Islands in global business news: Marshall Islands–incorporated Global Ship Lease and Toro Corp. both announced upcoming shareholder/earnings events. Travel policy update: India’s visa access dropped slightly in July 2026 as Cape Verde removed visa-on-arrival for many countries, including India.

Cultural & Community Life: Members of King’s Chapel Marshallese church gathered in Guam for a conference celebrating Marshallese culture, with attendees traveling from across the Pacific including Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. Civic Participation: Majuro’s constitutional convention election drew very low turnout, with officials aiming to release final unofficial results soon and a recount petition already filed by a Nitijela vice speaker. Leadership & Opportunity: UNITAR is calling for applications for a Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction program for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026, welcoming motivated adults (including Marshallese) to build disaster-risk leadership skills. Faith & Peacebuilding: The Pacific Conference of Churches urged Pacific leaders to keep the “Ocean of Peace” vision grounded in justice, dialogue, and human dignity, warning it could be overtaken by military interests amid regional defense deals. Climate & Land Loss: A new Pacific Security College policy paper highlights climate-driven land loss as a “fault line” that can destabilize communities and trigger conflict if land governance is ignored. Regional Costs of War: A Pacific-focused analysis says distant conflict is raising fuel and living costs, squeezing essential services across island economies. Marshall Islands in Global Trade/Shipping: Marshall Islands–incorporated Global Ship Lease and Toro Corp. posted upcoming shareholder and results dates, underscoring the islands’ ties to global shipping and finance.

Lifelong Learning & Leadership: UNITAR is calling for applications for its Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction program for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026, open to motivated adults (18+) from Pacific Island countries including the Marshall Islands and across Asia-Pacific, with an Aug. 21, 2026 deadline. Ocean of Peace, Not Militarisation: The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) and its General Secretary Rev. James Bhagwan urged Pacific leaders to keep the region’s “Ocean of Peace” vision grounded in justice, dialogue, and human dignity—warning it’s being pulled toward defence and security interests after the Fiji–Australia Veitacini Treaty. Climate & Land Loss: A Pacific Security College policy paper warns that climate-driven land loss is becoming a “fault line” for peace and security, as flooding and erosion force communities to abandon traditional homelands. Fuel Costs Hit Families: A University of Fiji expert says the US–Iran conflict is raising fuel and food costs across the Pacific, straining essential services and household budgets. Local Governance: Majuro’s constitutional convention election saw very low turnout, with unofficial results expected soon and a recount petition already filed. Culture & Faith: A King’s Chapel Marshallese church conference brought members from across the islands, including visitors from outside the Marshall Islands. Business & Shipping (Marshall Islands link): Marshall Islands–incorporated Global Ship Lease and Toro Corp. both announced upcoming investor events and governance dates. EU Sanctions Reach Global Targets: The EU’s 21st Russia sanctions package adds hundreds of new listings, including banks, crypto operators, and even countries far beyond Europe—among them the Marshall Islands. Sports Lifestyle: Atkins Kroll Lexus Guam announced the return of the 2026 Lexus Masters Pro-Am, sending Lexus owners to Incheon, South Korea.

Constitutional Convention turnout: Majuro’s ConCon election drew strikingly low interest, with few voters at polling stations and results tabulated in under 48 hours; Vice Speaker Isaac Zackhras has already filed for a recount after trailing in the two-seat race. Church-led peace message: From Majuro, the Pacific Conference of Churches’ Rev. James Bhagwan urged leaders to keep the Pacific’s “Ocean of Peace” rooted in justice, dialogue, and people’s wellbeing—warning it’s being pulled toward defence and deterrence after regional security moves. Climate and land loss pressure: A new Pacific Security College policy paper flags land governance as a growing fault line as sea-level rise accelerates flooding, cracks in nuclear-waste sites, and forced relocation—raising the risk of future instability. Nuclear-free hypocrisy debate: Commentary highlights how missile protests in the region clash with the Marshall Islands’ history as a nuclear testing site, calling out double standards in Pacific nuclear politics. Culture event: King’s Chapel held a conference celebrating Marshallese culture, drawing visitors from across the country and from overseas. US citizenship bill critique: A legal commentary on H.R. 9246 argues “free association with U.S. citizenship” is misleading, tying the debate to Puerto Rico’s citizenship history.

Sanctions & loopholes: The EU approved its 21st Russia sanctions package on July 23, adding 218 new sanctioned entities and widening the net to banks, drone makers, ship-servicing crews, athletes, oil refineries, and even crypto platforms—while countries as far-flung as the Marshall Islands appear in the search for ways around restrictions. Marshallese culture: A King’s Chapel conference brought Marshallese church members together from across the islands and from abroad, including Hawaii and Washington/Oregon, to celebrate community and faith. Ocean of Peace under pressure: Pacific churches are urging leaders to keep the region’s “Ocean of Peace” vision grounded in justice and dialogue, warning it’s being pulled toward defence and security deals after the Fiji–Australia Veitacini Treaty. Fuel-cost strain: A new analysis says distant war is hitting Pacific families through higher fuel and food prices, stressing how imported petroleum costs ripple into transport, electricity, and even health services. Climate land-loss warning: A Pacific Security College paper warns climate-driven land loss is becoming a fault line for peace and security, with communities already forced to move as flooding and erosion intensify. Leadership opportunity: UNITAR is calling for applications for a Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction programme for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026, open to motivated applicants across Pacific Island countries including the Marshall Islands. Marshall Islands in global shipping: Marshall Islands–incorporated Global Ship Lease and Star Bulk both announced upcoming earnings calls and webcasts, underscoring the islands’ ties to international maritime business.

Ocean of Peace Under Pressure: The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) urged leaders to keep the region’s “Ocean of Peace” vision rooted in justice, dialogue, and human dignity, warning it’s being pulled toward military and security interests after the Veitacini Treaty and amid rising regional tensions. Fuel Costs Hit Home: A new analysis says the distant U.S.-Iran conflict is raising fuel and food prices across Pacific islands, stressing how imported petroleum pressures households and essential services. Climate Land Loss Warning: A Pacific Security College policy paper warns climate-driven land loss is becoming a fault line for peace and security, with communities facing repeated flooding and forced relocation. Marshallese Culture Spotlight: A King’s Chapel conference brought Marshallese church members together from across the U.S. to celebrate Marshallese culture and community ties. Marshall Islands in the Nuclear Story: Commentary highlights the Marshall Islands’ nuclear testing legacy and questions “nuclear-free” claims as major powers conduct missile activity in the Pacific. Leadership Opportunity: UNITAR is calling for applications for a Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction programme for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026, with Marshall Islands among encouraged countries. Visa & Mobility Note: Austria updated visa-exemption guidelines, including pathways for travelers with valid residence permits in other Schengen countries. Business/Shipping (Marshall Islands-linked): Global Ship Lease and Star Bulk announced upcoming earnings calls; Toro Corp. scheduled its 2026 AGM, with Toro incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.