AGP Executive Report

COVID-19 Aid: Australia’s vaccine donations to Pacific nations have topped 1 million doses, with Fiji receiving more than half a million and Vanuatu getting 20,000 as part of faster bilateral delivery to help cover gaps left by COVAX. Sovereignty Dispute: Vanuatu says France is stalling negotiations over the disputed Matthew and Hunter islands, warning a resolution could slip further as French elections loom. Climate & Law: A Pacific student campaigner says the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion gives a legal blueprint that must now be pushed from courtrooms into negotiations. Ocean Stewardship: A legal challenge in the U.S. targets seafood imports from fisheries accused of killing whales and dolphins, including Vanuatu, arguing regulators aren’t enforcing marine protection limits. Tourism & Connectivity: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly direct Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, boosting access to Santo for Australians. Politics: Five former Vanuatu prime ministers are among candidates for the snap election, with the Electoral Commission screening eligibility ahead of a published list. Port Vila Day: Communities marked 51 years of Port Vila Day with rebuilding-focused celebrations after the 2024 earthquake.

Vanuatu-France Islands Dispute: Vanuatu says France is stalling talks over the disputed Matthew and Hunter islands, with negotiations reportedly delayed and political pressure rising ahead of French elections. Port Vila Day 2026: Port Vila marked 51 years with community stalls, music and parades under the theme “Yumi rebuilt tugeta mo grow strong,” reflecting rebuilding after the 2024 earthquake. Climate Court Momentum: A Pacific youth climate advocate says the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion gives a legal blueprint that must now be pushed from courtrooms into negotiations. Tourism Connectivity: Vanuatu Tourism Office welcomed a second weekly direct non-stop Brisbane to Espiritu Santo service, boosting access for Australians to Santo. Regional Tourism Trade: SPTO released its SPTE 2026 report showing record participation and strong B2B meetings, with wider Pacific representation. Politics: Five former Vanuatu prime ministers are contesting the snap election, including Bob Loughman as caretaker PM. Energy Skills: Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel highlighted solar training as fuel costs bite, stressing practical skills for communities.

Vanuatu Election Watch: Five former Vanuatu prime ministers are among the candidates for the snap election on October 13, with the caretaker PM Bob Loughman also running; the Electoral Commission is screening more than 300 applicants and says anyone with outstanding government debt beyond two months will be disqualified, with qualified names due this Saturday. Air Links to Santo: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, boosting capacity for Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub and giving Australians more getaway options. Ocean Governance: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor used World Ocean Day to warn that militarisation and reliance on outside funding could weaken Pacific-led control of ocean priorities. Climate & Energy at Home: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu urged urgent ocean stewardship, while Pacific communities push ahead with solar training to cut fuel costs and improve power reliability for households and schools. Regional Cybercrime: Fiji is driving Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination, with a regional handbook being finalised after meetings that include Vanuatu and other Pacific legal teams. World Oceans Day Tsunami Alert: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, tsunami advisories were issued across parts of the Pacific including Vanuatu, with coastal agencies told to act on local assessments.

New Air Connectivity: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly, direct Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving more Australians easier access to Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub. Ocean Governance & Power Imbalances: A senior international law expert says closed-door ocean and climate talks often sideline Pacific and Global South voices, with public commitments not matching private positions. World Oceans Day Push: Former PIF SG Dame Meg Taylor warned that militarisation and reliance on outside funding could weaken Pacific-led ocean governance, urging economic independence and stronger Pacific control. Climate & Ocean Stewardship: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu called for urgent ocean stewardship as Pacific leaders highlight a “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Regional Cybercrime Response: Fiji is driving Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination, with a regional handbook nearing completion after Fiji talks, including Vanuatu’s participation. Tsunami Monitoring in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US advisories include Vanuatu, with coastal agencies urged to inform communities and stay out of the water. Local Sports: Vanuatu drew 2–2 with Fiji Islands in an international friendly, while Brazil fever hits Port Vila ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Pacific Ocean Safety: Tsunami advisories remain in force across parts of the Pacific after a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, with Vanuatu and neighbours listed and officials urged to inform coastal communities and stay out of the water. Ocean Governance & Independence: Former Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor used World Ocean Day to warn that militarisation and reliance on outside funding could weaken Pacific-led control of the ocean agenda. Renewables for Resilience: Pacific communities, including Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel, are pushing solar after fuel costs and unreliable power hit households, schools and small businesses. Media Trust Ahead of Elections: Vanuatu Broadcasting Television’s Stevenson says unregulated social media platforms threaten trust and accountability ahead of the 2027 national election. Cybercrime Laws: Legal experts meeting in Fiji, including Vanuatu, are finalising a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime responses and protect digital borders. Vanuatu–Fiji Travel Link: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways to boost routes via Nadi and support international trade shows and sales missions. Sports (Vanuatu angle): Extra Bula FC rep Asivorosi Rabo says Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win inspires his own push toward the global stage.

Tourism & Trade: Vanuatu Tourism Office renews its MOU with Fiji Airways, boosting direct connections via Nadi and promising more roadshows and sales missions to bring more travellers to Port Vila and the islands. Ocean Governance: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor warns that militarisation and reliance on outside funding could weaken Pacific-led control of ocean priorities. World Oceans Day: Vanuatu Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu calls for urgent, coordinated action on the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, pointing to new international ocean protection momentum. Cybercrime: Fiji is pushing Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination as a regional handbook nears completion after PILON talks in Nadi, with Vanuatu among the countries involved. Energy Skills: Pacific leaders train for solar resilience as fuel costs bite; Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says the shift is about survival, stability and community-ready skills. Regional Alert: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories remain in force across parts of the Pacific including Vanuatu, with agencies urged to inform coastal communities and follow local guidance. Media Trust: Pacific media leaders debate how mainstream outlets can stay accountable and protect editorial independence as unregulated platforms spread misinformation ahead of elections.

Tourism & Trade: Vanuatu Tourism Office renews its MOU with Fiji Airways, using daily Nadi–Vanuatu flights to boost access for travellers from Australia, NZ, Asia, North America and beyond, and to ramp up roadshows and sales missions. Cybercrime Law: Legal experts from across the Pacific, including Vanuatu, meet in Nadi to finalise a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses. World Oceans Day: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu calls for urgent ocean stewardship, warning of a “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories include Vanuatu, with coastal monitoring on alert and warnings to stay out of the water. Football: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” name six Extra Bula FC youngsters for senior debuts against Vanuatu, while Vanuatu-based rep Asivorosi Rabo draws World Cup inspiration from Argentina’s 2022 win. Agribusiness: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate finale spotlights agrifood entrepreneurs and innovation across Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands.

Pacific Tsunami Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami advisories across the Pacific, with Vanuatu and neighbours among the monitored areas; authorities urge people to move off beaches and away from harbours as waves are forecast to be under 0.3m in some places. Pacific-led Regionalism: Former Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor says rising geopolitical rivalry and foreign funding could weaken Pacific decision-making, calling for stronger Pacific ownership of ocean governance. Security & Climate Push: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, backing the Pacific Islands Forum ahead of the 55th Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Tuvalu Trust Fund Scrutiny: Tuvalu’s PM expressed disappointment after AFP reported fossil-fuel-linked investments in the Tuvalu Trust Fund, saying the situation is being reviewed. Vanuatu Sport Spotlight: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” play Vanuatu in Port Vila today, with a new generation set to debut in the friendly. Agrifood Innovation (Samoa): EU-FAO supported Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 wrapped in Apia, highlighting agribusiness entrepreneurship in the region.

World Cup Pathway: New Zealand have secured Oceania’s direct qualification spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after dominating the qualifying campaign, with New Caledonia runners-up heading to intercontinental play-offs; the All Whites booked their third World Cup appearance by beating Fiji 7-0 and then New Caledonia 3-0, with Vanuatu among the teams they defeated. Pacific Football Friendlies: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” continue preparations for their next match against Vanuatu after a 2-1 loss in Port Vila, with the teams set to meet again next Tuesday. Regional Sport Development: Papua New Guinea hosted an ITF U12 West Pacific training camp in Port Moresby, bringing together young players from PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu for technical and high-performance development. Melanesian Culture & Music: WAN FIRE 2026 is set for June 20 in Port Moresby, promising a Melanesia-wide celebration with performers from Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu. Climate & Fossil Fuels: Tuvalu’s PM says it’s “not a good look” after AFP revealed the Tuvalu Trust Fund invested in oil and coal, with the government reviewing the holdings.

Fiji–Vanuatu Football: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” continue preparations after a 2-1 friendly loss in Port Vila, with the teams set to meet again next Tuesday at 5:00pm, after an own goal proved decisive in the first match. Fiji–Vanuatu Friendly Today: Fiji’s men’s national side plays Vanuatu in Port Vila today (3:30pm), with coach Stéphane Auvray using the games to test players under international conditions despite injuries disrupting parts of camp. Pacific Tennis Development: The ITF U12 Regional Training Camp – West Pacific 2026 in Port Moresby (June 2–5) brought together young players from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to build technical and tactical skills. Vanuatu–France Islands Dispute: A diplomatic stoush over contested islands south of Vanuatu—Matthew and Hunter, known in kastom as Umaenupne and Umaeneg—could have wider sovereignty implications if control changes. Climate Justice: A UN General Assembly resolution on states’ climate change obligations follows the ICJ advisory opinion, with Vanuatu highlighted for bringing the original case that helped frame climate action as a human rights duty. Sports Round-Up: In Australia, Sydney staged a late AFL comeback against St Kilda, while NRL saw Wests Tigers thrashed 68-0 by Penrith.

Vanuatu–France Sovereignty Row: Vanuatu is framing its dispute over the contested Matthew and Hunter islands as “David versus Goliath,” using the kastom names Umaenupne and Umaeneg, with France controlling the islands since 1965 and French politicians warning any return could spark wider sovereignty claims. Fiji vs Vanuatu Football: Fiji’s Bula Boys play Vanuatu in Port Vila today in the first of two FIFA friendlies, with six Extra Bula FC youngsters set for senior debuts. Vanuatu Violence-Against-Women Progress: Vanuatu’s intimate partner violence has dropped from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), according to the Vanuatu Women’s Centre’s Second National Survey on Women’s Lives and Family Relationships. Vanuatu World Cup Buzz: “Brazil fever” has hit Port Vila ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with fans lining roadsides and shops reportedly running low on Brazil flags. Regional Ocean Conservation: Papua New Guinea is moving to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean with a total fishing ban in Western Manus, linking into a Melanesian Ocean Corridor that includes Vanuatu. Melanesian Music Spotlight: WAN FIRE 2026 is set for June 20 in Port Moresby, bringing together musical wantoks from Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu.

Fiji–Vanuatu Football: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” play Vanuatu today in Port Vila (3:30pm), with coach Stéphane Auvray using the friendlies to test players under international conditions, including six Extra Bula FC youngsters set for senior debuts. Melanesian Music: WAN FIRE 2026 is set for June 20 in Port Moresby, promising a weekend of Melanesian culture with performers from Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu. Pacific Sports & Culture: “Brazil fever” is sweeping Port Vila ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with fans lining roadsides in team colours and stores running low on Brazil flags. Women’s Safety in Vanuatu: Vanuatu reports a faster decline in intimate partner violence than the global average, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), according to the Vanuatu Women’s Centre’s second national survey. Climate & Oceans: Papua New Guinea moves to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean around Manus with a total fishing ban, linking into a Melanesian Ocean Corridor that also includes Vanuatu. Trade & Food Safety: EU rules on freezer vessels could affect 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu training in Suva to meet new requirements.

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.