Daniel Flitton

Sep 18, 2024 | thehindu.com | Daniel Flitton

The Quad is wobbly. As a piece of diplomatic furniture, four legs imply steadiness, and that is certainly what the leaders of Australia, India, Japan and the United States hope to convey as they prepare for a summit (September 21-23) in U.S. President Joe Biden’s home State of Delaware on Saturday. A united group of democracies, standing firm in the face of regional challengers. Subtext, read: China.

Jun 11, 2024 | samoaobserver.ws | Terence Wood |William Robinson |Stephen Howes |Daniel Flitton

On behalf of the Pacific Community, I thank the organisers for the opportunity to say a few words this afternoon. I pay homage to the indigenous people of this land, the Kanaka Maoli or first peoples of Havaii on whose land we are now gathered and acknowledge the cultures and traditions of this land and her people who have welcomed us so graciously as host of this much anticipated, 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture.

Jun 11, 2024 | samoaobserver.ws | Terence Wood |William Robinson |Stephen Howes |Daniel Flitton

Developing countries face massive costs to meet the challenges posed by climate change. This year, world leaders will come together at the UN climate talks in Azerbaijan to agree to a new global target for the provision of climate finance. The existing goal of US$100 billion per year by 2020 was met by wealthy donor governments, but two years late. It also fell well short of needs, which are expected soar to around US$2.4 trillion annually by 2030 in the developing world (excluding China).

Feb 12, 2024 | samoaobserver.ws | Enid Westerlund |Reginald Singh |Daniel Flitton |Uale Tofilau

Australia is investing billions of dollars as part of its AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines program. It will take years to be delivered. The enormous cost of this program contrasts with the small possibility that it will ever be used, yet many countries including Australia enhance their defence capability based on the theory that it will deter future conflicts. But this is where Australia’s current relationship with nuclear technologies seems to be at odds with itself.

Feb 9, 2024 | samoaobserver.ws | Enid Westerlund |Reginald Singh |Daniel Flitton |Stephen Howes

We all know that we live in a changing world. In the vast area of Asia and the Pacific that change is most evident. Over the past 20 years, the economies of many nations in the region have been moving out of the category of ‘least developed’ and graduating into a ‘middle income’ status. However, the positive changes that help to make our lives better, healthier, and more prosperous, are not happening at the same time equally across all countries, or even equitably within them.