AGP Executive Report

FIFA World Cup buzz in Port Vila: With a week to go, Vanuatu fans are lining roads in Brazil colours for today’s World Cup parade, with stores running low on Brazil flags as “Brazil fever” takes over. Sports diplomacy: Fiji’s Bula Boys play Vanuatu in Port Vila today (3:30pm) in the first of two FIFA friendlies, with coach Stephane Auvray using the matches to assess players under international conditions. Climate justice in the Pacific: A UN General Assembly resolution on climate obligations backs the ICJ’s view that states must prevent environmental harm, with Vanuatu’s government playing a key role in the ICJ case. Women’s safety progress: Vanuatu reports a faster drop in intimate partner violence than the global average, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), according to the Second National Survey on Women’s Lives and Family Relationships. Local media accountability: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation content head Stevenson Liu says traditional media must stay transparent to protect trust as misinformation spreads online.

Climate Justice & UN Action: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing states’ climate duties after last year’s ICJ advisory opinion, a move tied to a Vanuatu-led case and pushed by Pacific Islands students. Violence Against Women: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global drop in physical or sexual partner violence, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), according to a national survey. Energy Prices & Food Security: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add about US$20.4b a year to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, squeezing aid and public services. Ocean Conservation: Papua New Guinea announced the Western Manus no-take marine protected area as part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves spanning Fiji, Vanuatu and PNG. Sports & Culture: “Brazil fever” is sweeping Port Vila ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with flags in short supply and thousands expected at a World Cup parade. Local Media Accountability: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation urged Pacific media staff to be accountable and transparent as misinformation spreads online. Regional Music: Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26,” featuring artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu.

Media accountability: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation content chief Stevenson Liu told Pacific media workers that trust is their biggest asset, warning that social media misinformation—especially around elections—can undermine accountability. Climate costs for Pacific: UNCTAD says Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add about US$20.4b a year to oil-import bills for the world’s most vulnerable economies, with LDCs and small island states hit hardest. Regional ocean protection: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary covering over 214,000 sq km, aimed at protecting biodiversity and supporting fisheries sustainability under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (including Vanuatu). Pacific security reset: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 China security pact and Australia and the Solomons have agreed to begin talks on a new comprehensive treaty, with police cooperation and a $35m support package mentioned. Vanuatu links abroad: Three Vanuatu women have qualified as personal care assistants in Australia after traineeships with St John’s in Wangaratta, including a Vanuatu-themed cultural celebration. Tourism data: SPTO and Niue Tourism Office released 2024 International Visitor Survey findings to guide Pacific tourism planning.

Pacific Health Funding Push: Vanuatu’s public health director Jenny Stephens is lobbying at the WHO in Geneva as global funding cuts bite programmes like malaria, TB and HIV, with the US withdrawal leaving a major gap. Regional Security Reset: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secret 2022 security pact with China, after admitting he only saw the agreement days before his Australia trip, while Australia and the Solomons commit to a new “comprehensive treaty” and boost police co-operation. Vanuatu in the Spotlight Abroad: Three Vanuatu women have completed traineeships and become qualified personal care assistants in Wangaratta, with St John’s highlighting their cultural celebration and care work. Tourism Data for the Pacific: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, using Pacific-wide data to guide sustainable tourism planning. Sports Links Across Melanesia: Vanuatu goalkeeper Kaloran Firiam is expected to join Fiji’s Navua FC, alongside Solomon Islands players, ahead of the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT. Environment & Resilience: FAO reports Samoa forestry officers trained in sustainable teak and pine production in Suva, building climate resilience through regional knowledge exchange.

Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu: Team Samoa joined delegations at the opening ceremony at Korman Stadium in Port Vila, with athletes from 24 countries and territories set to compete across 14 sports over 12 days, after cultural performances and early-day football, tennis and table tennis. Solomon Islands–China security shake-up: New PM Matthew Wale says he will review the secretive 2022 security pact with Beijing, noting he only saw the agreement shortly before his Australia trip, while Australia and the US remain concerned about the deal’s implications. Australia–Solomons treaty push: Australia and Solomon Islands have agreed to start negotiations on a “comprehensive treaty” and boost police co-operation, with Australia also committing $35m for cyclone response and energy-shock impacts. Vanuatu health funding push at WHO: Vanuatu’s public health director says global funding cuts are hitting malaria, TB and HIV programmes, as the WHO faces a major US withdrawal and China steps up as a top contributor. Regional media capacity: The Pacific Media Partnership Conference opens in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and newsroom adaptation to digital change. Tourism data for the Pacific: SPTO and Niue Tourism share findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and key source markets including New Zealand and Australia.

Vanuatu Tourism: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and the Vanuatu Tourism Office have released fresh International Visitor Survey results for 2025, showing Vanuatu is still drawing travellers with “authentic cultural connections” and natural attractions, with 54% of visitors being first-timers and holiday travel the top purpose. Public Health Funding: Vanuatu’s director of public health says the country is lobbying for new international aid as global cuts hit malaria, TB and HIV programmes, with the US pull-out from the WHO leaving a major funding gap. Energy Skills: Community leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu completed hands-on solar training to cut reliance on imported fuel and build local energy resilience as fuel costs keep climbing. Regional Media: Vanuatu’s broadcaster leaders say newsroom staff are struggling to shift from traditional reporting to digital formats, as regional media executives gather in Papua New Guinea to discuss how to keep journalism resilient amid misinformation and pressure on resources. International Context: A UN trade agency warns that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could sharply raise oil import costs for vulnerable economies, including small island states like Vanuatu.

Global Health Funding: Vanuatu’s public health director Jenny Stephens says the country is lobbying for new international aid as US WHO funding cuts bite into malaria, TB and HIV programmes—now with China stepping in as the WHO’s biggest assessed contributor and raising questions about whether Beijing can also fill a leadership gap. Energy Security: Pacific leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu completed hands-on solar technology training to cut reliance on imported fuel, with community systems installed after Solar Scholars capacity-building in Nadi. Tourism Performance: Vanuatu’s International Visitor Survey for 2025 shows strong results, with 647 responses analysed and the report highlighting visitor satisfaction and the role of culture and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality. Regional Media: The Pacific Media Partnership Conference opens in Port Moresby this week, with NBC hosting delegates to focus on resilient storytelling, safety in journalism and future collaboration. Pacific Diplomacy & Security: A push to strengthen Australia–Solomon Islands ties is set to include a new “comprehensive treaty” and renewed policing talks aimed at curbing China’s influence. Climate Costs Watch: UNCTAD warns oil-shock disruptions could hit vulnerable economies—including small island states—harder through higher fuel bills and strained public finances.

Tourism Watch: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey shows strong performance, with 647 responses analysed and visitors drawn by culture, nature and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality—SPTO and the Vanuatu Tourism Office say the data will guide planning and investment. Energy & Resilience: 350.org Pacific and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities trained community leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu to install solar PV, installing two systems at a kindergarten in Sigatoka and a social services building in Lautoka to cut fuel costs and cover outages. Climate Risk: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean temperatures and reduced, uneven rainfall, with ministers preparing water and emergency support and MPs pushing for stronger coordination to reach outer islands. Regional Security & Influence: PNG PM James Marape says Lombrum remains sovereign and won’t be treated as a foreign base as Australia expands its defence presence—an issue tied to growing regional security competition. Media Capacity: PNG is hosting the Pacific Media Partnership Conference on resilient journalism, tackling misinformation and digital disruption and focusing on how Pacific broadcasters can strengthen storytelling together.

Energy & Resilience: Vanuatu is on El Niño watch, with Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu warning of warmer ocean conditions, uneven rainfall and possible water and agriculture impacts, while the Council of Ministers prepares response measures and may declare a State of Emergency. Community Solar Training: In Fiji, Solar Scholars workshops trained community leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu to install solar PV systems to cut fuel costs and keep power running during outages. Disaster Response Recognition: New Zealand’s Rob Allen received a Distinguished Service Decoration for leading emergency engineering work in Vanuatu after a Port Vila plane crash and the 17 December earthquake. Climate Accountability: A UN vote backing the ICJ advisory opinion on climate change signals governments are ready to respond to legal obligations—raising pressure for real action. Regional Security & Trade Links: The Quad’s new agenda spotlights ports, cables and minerals across the Pacific, while Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi to scale up border protection against drugs and organised crime.

Climate & Resilience: Vanuatu is on El Niño watch, with government warning of warmer ocean conditions, uneven rainfall and possible water and agriculture impacts, and urging early preparations including water storage and updates on official advisories. Energy Independence: Pacific communities including Vanuatu are training local solar installers and maintainers as fuel costs rise, aiming for more community control over power and less reliance on imported fossil fuels. Local Recognition: New Zealand’s Rob Allen has been awarded a Distinguished Service Decoration for emergency engineering leadership in Vanuatu, including rescue support after a Port Vila plane crash and the 7.3 earthquake. Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to push for ocean rules grounded in Indigenous stewardship and national, implementation-ready processes—an approach relevant to the region’s shared seas. Regional Security & Trade: The Quad announced new Pacific infrastructure plans, including port development in Fiji, alongside maritime surveillance and minerals partnerships—signalling a shift toward resilience and economic security. Border Threats: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi to scale up cooperation against drug trafficking and other cross-border crime.

Vanuatu in the Black Sea spotlight: Ukrainian authorities say Russian drones attacked three foreign-flagged merchant ships in the export corridor overnight, including the Turkish-owned cargo vessel ANT operating under the Vanuatu flag; a fire was reported and two crew members were injured and evacuated for medical care, renewing shipping-security fears in the region. Climate accountability: The UN has backed a landmark International Court of Justice climate ruling, with 141 nations voting for it, setting up a legal reference point for future climate cases even though it isn’t enforceable. Regional finance push: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium businesses in Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu access finance, especially for blue economy, green economy and climate resilience projects. Local health focus: Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health says cancer care and NCD screening are priorities, but warns the biggest barrier is a shortage of trained staff, prompting regional learning visits to Solomon Islands and PNG. Sports and identity: Fiji Football president Rajesh Patel warned Bula FC players who declined a national call-up for a Vanuatu tour that they could face restrictions on future national and district representation.

Climate Accountability: The UN has backed an ICJ ruling saying countries have a legal duty to limit global warming to 1.5°C, with 141 nations voting for it—setting up a new basis for climate lawsuits even though it’s not enforceable. Pacific Finance: A new EU-backed “Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund” has launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium businesses across Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu access funding, especially for the blue/green economy and climate resilience. Vanuatu in the News: Vanuatu-flagged ships are again caught in the Black Sea conflict, with reports that a drone attack hit the Turkish-owned cargo vessel ANT while it was sailing from Odesa to Turkey, injuring two crew and sparking a fire. Regional Security: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) says it will jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, a move critics warn could become another US-China flashpoint. Health Sector: Vanuatu’s health leadership says cancer care and NCD screening are priorities, but shortages of trained staff remain a major hurdle.

Vanuatu Politics: The Supreme Court has delayed a decision on whether an early election can be triggered, with the constitutional case over a 2022 motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Bob Loughman set to be ruled on next week. Regional Health: Vanuatu’s health sector is pushing ahead on non-communicable diseases and cancer care, but leaders say the biggest hurdle is a shortage of trained staff, with plans shaped by recent visits to Solomon Islands and PNG. Pacific Business Finance: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund has been launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium businesses in Vanuatu and other Pacific states access finance, especially in the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. International Shipping Safety: Russia’s drone attacks in the Black Sea have hit multiple civilian vessels, including a Vanuatu-flagged ship (ANT) linked to Turkey, injuring crew and raising fresh security fears for the maritime export corridor. Community Loss: South Island community leader Richie George has died after a quad bike crash, with local tributes highlighting his long-running support for Ni-Vanuatu workers, students and language and culture events.

Black Sea Shipping Under Strain: Russian drones struck a Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship, ANT, owned by a Turkish company, as it sailed from Ukraine’s Odesa region to Türkiye, damaging the vessel, starting a fire (later extinguished), and injuring two crew members who were evacuated for medical care. Regional Security Warnings: Türkiye says two Turkish crew were lightly injured and warns against “uncontrolled escalation,” urging safe navigation for civilian shipping while calling for negotiations to end the war. Broader Attack Pattern: Ukraine also reported drone attacks on three other foreign-flagged merchant vessels in the same maritime corridor, with fires contained by crews; the flags included Vanuatu, Comoros and Panama. Pacific Diplomacy: The Quad plans to build port infrastructure in Fiji, with Australia saying it will deliver high-quality projects aligned with Pacific priorities—raising fresh questions about US-China rivalry in the region. PNG Sovereignty Line: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape says his country will not allow foreign military bases, even as Australia expands activity at the Lombrum naval port.

Black Sea Shipping Safety: Ukraine says Russian drones hit multiple foreign merchant vessels, including a Vanuatu-flagged Turkish-owned cargo ship ANT near Odesa, injuring two crew and sparking a fire that was quickly contained. Regional Security: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape insists Australia’s expanded presence at the Lombrum naval base is not a foreign base, stressing PNG sovereignty even as Australian “living services” are sought. West Papua Diplomacy: Vanuatu is asking Pacific Islands Forum members to back its UN push for West Papuans’ self-determination, keeping the issue on the international agenda. Pacific Culture & Music: Vanuatu artists are among the line-up for Solomon Islands’ Aelan Riddim Festival in Honiara, with performers from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Kava Trade Pressure: New Caledonia kava businesses warn prices are jumping—linked to higher freight costs and reduced supply from Vanuatu—threatening jobs and the local kava bar scene.

West Papua Diplomacy: Vanuatu has asked Pacific Islands Forum member states to back a UN General Assembly push for West Papuans’ self-determination, keeping the issue on the international agenda despite MSG officials saying it can’t be raised there. Pacific Music & Culture: The Aelan Riddim Festival is set for Honiara this weekend, with artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu promising a big lineup and cross-island collaboration. Climate Justice Push: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing the ICJ climate advisory opinion, a major win for climate-vulnerable SIDS including Vanuatu, reinforcing states’ legal duties and the protection of maritime zones. Regional Trade & Costs: New Caledonia kava bar operators warn prices are jumping—blaming higher freight and reduced production from Vanuatu—threatening jobs and the social hub culture of kava bars. Aviation & Tourism: Qantas unveiled a Great Barrier Reef-themed livery on its newest A321XLR, “Coral Sea,” highlighting reef restoration support and tourism links. Sports (Vanuatu-linked): Fiji has named a provisional squad for friendlies including a match against Vanuatu in Port Vila as part of its 2029 build-up.