AGP Executive Report

Vaccine & Health Aid: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations topped 1 million doses, with Fiji receiving over half a million as it battles a Delta outbreak; Vanuatu received 20,000 as Canberra pushes bilateral delivery beyond COVAX. Sovereignty & Diplomacy: Vanuatu accuses France of stalling talks over the disputed Matthew and Hunter islands (Umaenupne and Umaeneg), warning progress could be derailed by France’s 2027 elections. Elections & Parliament: Five former Vanuatu prime ministers are contesting the snap election on October 13, including Bob Loughman on Tanna, as the Electoral Commission screens candidates and plans to publish qualified names. Ocean Governance & Climate Law: Pacific legal and political voices are pushing to turn the ICJ climate advisory opinion into real negotiations, while Dame Meg Taylor warns geopolitical rivalry and outside funding could weaken Pacific-led ocean control. Regional Security & Law: Fiji is driving Pacific cybercrime coordination, finalising a regional handbook with Vanuatu and others to strengthen cybercrime laws. Connectivity & Tourism: Solomon Airlines launched a second weekly direct Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, boosting access to Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub. Disaster Preparedness: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, tsunami advisories were issued across much of the Pacific, including Vanuatu, with coastal monitoring on alert. Local Governance & Jobs: (Not Vanuatu-focused) Philippines’ DMW plans an Independence Day jobs fair with opportunities including Vanuatu.

Vanuatu–France Islands Dispute: Vanuatu says France is stalling talks over the disputed Matthew and Hunter islands, warning a French election could derail progress. Vanuatu Elections: Five former Vanuatu prime ministers are among more than 300 candidates seeking seats in a snap election on October 13, with the Electoral Commission screening eligibility and debts. Pacific Ocean Governance: Former PIF SG Dame Meg Taylor warns geopolitical rivalry and foreign funding could weaken Pacific-led ocean decision-making, urging economic self-determination. Climate Law Momentum: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, a move Vanuatu helped drive. Regional Security Transparency: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he can’t legally publish a China security pact due to a non-disclosure clause. Pacific Cybercrime Push: Fiji is driving Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination, with a regional legal handbook nearing completion after meetings including Vanuatu. Energy Access: A Vanuatu climate network coordinator says solar training in Fiji is building practical skills to cut costs and improve resilience. Connectivity for Santo: Solomon Airlines launched a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, boosting tourism access.

Vanuatu Snap Election Line-up: Five former Vanuatu prime ministers are contesting a snap election on October 13, with caretaker PM Bob Loughman also running—Serge Vohor (Pikinini blong Ground Movement), Charlot Salwai (Reunification Movement for Change), Ham Lini (Pentecost Island Custom Movement), Sato Kilman (Melanesian Progressive Party), Joe Natuman (independent), and Loughman (Vanuaku Party). The Electoral Commission is screening 300+ applicants, including a rule that outstanding government debts over two months disqualify candidates, with qualified names due Saturday. Pacific Ocean Governance & Geopolitics: Former PIF SG Dame Meg Taylor used World Ocean Day to warn that militarisation and dependence on outside funding could weaken Pacific-led ocean governance, urging unity and economic self-determination. Regional Cybercrime Law Push (incl. Vanuatu): Fiji’s justice minister says Pacific legal systems must keep pace as PILON finalises a regional cybercrime legislation handbook in Nadi, with Vanuatu among participating countries. World Oceans Day—Vanuatu’s Call: Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu backed urgent ocean stewardship, citing the “triple planetary crisis” and new global legal momentum for ocean protection. Tsunami Monitoring After Philippines Quake: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories remain for multiple Pacific states including Vanuatu, with agencies urged to inform coastal communities and follow local procedures. Tourism Connectivity: Solomon Airlines launched a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, boosting access to Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub.

Ocean Diplomacy: A senior international law expert says global ocean and climate talks often diverge between public promises and closed-door positions, sidelining Pacific and Global South voices in forums like BBNJ and deep-sea mining. Vanuatu Climate & Ocean Stewardship: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu used World Oceans Day to push urgent ocean stewardship, framing the ocean as central to development and a shared responsibility. Regional Governance Under Pressure: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor warned that militarisation and reliance on outside funding could weaken Pacific-led ocean governance, urging economic self-determination. Cybercrime Lawbuilding (Vanuatu in the mix): Fiji’s justice minister says Pacific cybercrime coordination is accelerating, while a PILON handbook process in Nadi is finalising a regional framework with Vanuatu among participants. Energy Resilience: Pacific communities are moving fast on solar as fuel costs bite; Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says training is building practical local capacity. Tsunami Monitoring: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories cover much of the Pacific including Vanuatu, urging coastal authorities to inform communities and stay out of the water. Connectivity for Tourism: Solomon Airlines launched a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, boosting access to Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub.

Pacific Ocean Governance: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor used World Ocean Day to warn that geopolitical rivalry and dependence on outside funding could weaken Pacific-led ocean decision-making, urging stronger economic self-determination and support for Pacific-owned institutions. Climate & Legal Pressure: Vanuatu’s earlier push for climate accountability is reflected in a UN General Assembly resolution endorsing an ICJ advisory opinion that failing to protect the climate system breaches international law. Energy Transition Skills: Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel highlighted Pacific solar training under the Solar Scholars programme, framing renewables as survival against fuel-price shocks. Cybercrime Cooperation: Fiji’s justice minister Siromi Turaga backed a Pacific-wide cybercrime legal handbook process in Nadi, with Vanuatu among participating countries. Disaster Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across much of the Pacific including Vanuatu, with coastal agencies told to inform and guide at-risk communities.

Ocean Governance & Pacific Unity: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor used World Oceans Day to warn that militarisation and reliance on outside funding could weaken Pacific-led control of ocean priorities, urging stronger economic self-determination and unity around institutions built by Pacific states. Vanuatu Climate & Ocean Stewardship: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu echoed the call for urgent ocean action, pointing to a “triple planetary crisis” and new international legal momentum for protecting marine ecosystems. Energy Transition in the Pacific: Rising fuel costs are pushing communities toward solar; Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says Solar Scholars training is giving practical skills and resilience benefits for households and schools. Media Integrity Ahead of Elections: Pacific media leaders are debating how mainstream outlets can uphold ethical standards and maintain trust as unregulated social platforms spread misinformation ahead of the 2027 national election. Cybercrime Law Cooperation: Fiji’s acting AG Siromi Turaga says Pacific countries are accelerating cybercrime reforms, with a regional handbook being finalised through PILON meetings that include Vanuatu and other states. Regional Disaster Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories remain in effect across much of the Pacific including Vanuatu, with authorities urged to inform coastal communities and stay out of the water. Food & Health Policy: Health bodies are pressing for mandatory health star ratings on packaged foods to tackle obesity, while regulators weigh whether voluntary uptake is too low.

Cybercrime & Justice: Legal experts from across the Blue Pacific are meeting in Nadi, Fiji, to finalise a regional handbook to help countries strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses, with Vanuatu’s Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga saying it will “safeguard our digital borders” and bolster rule of law. Ocean Governance & Climate: World Oceans Day brought renewed calls for stronger ocean protection, with Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu warning of a “triple planetary crisis” and pointing to new international legal momentum. Regional Security & Funding: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor cautioned that geopolitical rivalry and foreign funding dependence could weaken Pacific-led governance, urging more economic self-determination. Pacific Disaster Watch: After a powerful 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across much of the Pacific, including Vanuatu, with agencies urged to inform coastal communities and follow local instructions. Pacific Regionalism: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Food Safety for EU Market: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules, aimed at keeping access to the EU seafood market.

Pacific-led regionalism & security: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led governance, backing the Pacific Islands Forum as the “apex” of regional architecture ahead of the 55th Leaders’ Meeting in Palau later this year. Ocean governance push: Former Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor urged Pacific states to protect Pacific priorities in ocean decision-making, warning foreign funding and militarisation could dilute regional control. Tsunami alert across the Pacific: After a powerful Mindanao earthquake (7.8), regional agencies issued tsunami advisories and coastal monitoring alerts covering Vanuatu, Fiji, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, PNG and others, with officials telling people to stay out of the water and follow local instructions. Climate finance credibility hit: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo said he was disappointed after AFP reported the Tuvalu Trust Fund invested in oil and coal-linked holdings, now under review. Vanuatu-linked climate justice: A UN General Assembly resolution on states’ climate obligations followed an ICJ advisory opinion; Vanuatu’s government brought the ICJ case, backed by Pacific youth climate legal action. EU seafood compliance: EU food-safety rules training in Suva targets Pacific freezer-vessel compliance, with the regulation expected to affect most EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU.

Pacific diplomacy & honours: Australia named diplomat Ewen McDonald and Monash sonographer Peter Coombs to the Order of Australia, spotlighting renewed Pacific engagement and health/education links. Vanuatu–France sovereignty dispute: A “David vs Goliath” stoush over Matthew and Hunter (Umaenupne/Umaeneg) islands is back in focus, with France facing pressure over control of the territories and the wider precedent for maritime sovereignty. Regional security & policing: PNG, Fiji and Tonga senior leaders visited a Pacific-led police training program in Brisbane, underscoring skills for public order, search and rescue and regional stability. Ocean protection push: PNG announced a major Western Manus no-take marine protected area, framed as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves linking PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Media accountability: Vanuatu’s VBTC content head urged Pacific media to stay transparent and accountable as social media misinformation increasingly shapes election choices. Women’s safety in Vanuatu: A new national survey reports intimate partner violence by husbands/partners fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with faster recent progress but still too slow.

Vanuatu–France Islands Dispute: A “David vs Goliath” sovereignty fight is brewing over Matthew and Hunter islands (Umaenupne and Umaeneg), with France controlling the uninhabited territories since 1965 and fears in Paris that any return could spark wider claims. Climate Justice Push: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing the ICJ’s climate obligations ruling, a case Vanuatu helped trigger through civil society action—while activists still face crackdowns in multiple countries. Women’s Safety in Vanuatu: Vanuatu reports partner violence against women fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), showing faster progress than the global average, though change is still too slow. Regional Ocean Protection: Papua New Guinea announced a major no-take Western Manus marine protected area (over 200,000 km²) as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, linking conservation with long-term fisheries sustainability. Pacific Media Accountability: Vanuatu’s VBTC urged Pacific media to protect trust amid election misinformation, warning that weak trust lets leaders avoid accountability. EU Seafood Rules: EU food-safety changes could affect most Pacific freezer vessels exporting to the EU, with regional training in Suva to help authorities comply.

Vanuatu–France Islands Dispute: Vanuatu is framing its long-running sovereignty fight over the uninhabited Matthew and Hunter (Umaenupne and Umaeneg) islands as “David versus Goliath,” with France’s control since 1965 raising fears of wider overseas-territory sovereignty claims. Climate Justice & UN Action: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing the ICJ’s climate obligations ruling, a win that traces back to a Vanuatu-linked civil society push by Pacific students—while activists in multiple countries still face crackdowns. Women’s Safety in Vanuatu: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global decline in intimate partner violence, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and government response efforts credited. Media Accountability in Vanuatu: VBTC’s content head says Pacific media must stay accountable and transparent as misinformation—especially around elections—erodes trust. Regional Ocean Governance: PNG announced a major no-take Western Manus marine protected area, designed to connect with a Melanesian Ocean Corridor that includes Vanuatu. Pacific Security Watch: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China, after concerns about Chinese access in the region.

Vanuatu & Gender Justice: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global drop in intimate partner violence, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and government response credited for the pace of change. Pacific Ocean Governance: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area of about 200,000 km² with a total fishing ban, framed as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves linking PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Regional Security: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China and begin treaty negotiations with Australia, aiming to “reset” ties. Pacific Trade & Compliance: EU food-safety rules are set to affect most Pacific freezer vessels; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained to meet the new standards and protect access to EU seafood markets. Media Accountability: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation urged Pacific media to stay accountable and transparent as misinformation—especially around elections—erodes trust.

Vanuatu & Climate Justice: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing last year’s ICJ advisory opinion that states have a legal duty to prevent climate harm, a case originally brought by Vanuatu—showing how Pacific civil society is shaping global climate law. Vanuatu & Women’s Safety: Vanuatu’s latest national survey reports partner violence by husbands/partners fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with a faster decline in recent-year prevalence—an important signal for Vanuatu Women’s Centre and government prevention work. Regional Security (Solomon Islands): New PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China and start treaty negotiations with Australia, after criticism over potential Chinese force access. Pacific Health & Drugs: Experts warn illicit drug activity is spreading beyond Fiji, with “warning signs” showing up in wastewater and drug busts across Tonga and the Solomon Islands. Media Accountability (Vanuatu-linked): Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation urged Pacific media to stay accountable and transparent, warning misinformation around elections can undermine trust and accountability. Ocean Protection (PNG/Vanuatu link): PNG announced a major no-take Western Manus marine protected area as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, explicitly involving Vanuatu in the regional conservation push.

UN Climate Resolution: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing last year’s ICJ advisory opinion that states must prevent climate harm, a move born from a Vanuatu-led legal push by Pacific Islands students—while activists still face persecution in some countries. Women’s Safety in Vanuatu: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global drop in intimate partner violence, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and government/provincial partners credited for prevention and response work. Regional Media Accountability: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation content chief Stevenson Liu urged Pacific media to stay transparent and accountable as social media misinformation increasingly shapes election choices. Pacific Security Pivot (Solomon Islands): New PM Matthew Wale says he will review the 2022 secretive security pact with China and start negotiations on a comprehensive treaty with Australia, while Australia signals deeper police cooperation and a $35m support package. Ocean Governance: PNG plans a huge no-take Western Manus marine protected area as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, linking conservation with long-term fisheries sustainability across Fiji, Vanuatu and PNG. Border & Trade Security (Vanuatu): Vanuatu joins Pacific customs leaders to strengthen border security and trade.

Media accountability: Vanuatu’s public broadcaster says Pacific media must stay transparent and hold politicians to account, warning that social media misinformation is already shaping election choices. Climate justice push: The UN General Assembly backed an ICJ advisory opinion saying states have legal duties to prevent climate harm, even as some governments keep targeting climate and environmental activists. Oil shock risk: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over US$20b a year to the oil import bills of vulnerable economies, hitting least developed countries and Pacific SIDS hardest. Solomon Islands pivot: New PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secret 2022 security pact with China and start talks on a new comprehensive treaty with Australia, including stronger police cooperation. Ocean protection: PNG plans a Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary—over 214,000 sq km—linked to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves with Vanuatu and Fiji. Regional tourism data: SPTO and Niue Tourism released 2024 International Visitor Survey findings to guide Pacific tourism planning.

Pacific Security Reset: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says his government will review the secretive 2022 security pact with China, after admitting he only saw the agreement days before his Australia trip and promising a broader review of security deals. Australia–Solomons Treaty Push: Australia and Solomon Islands have agreed to “elevate” ties via a new comprehensive treaty and boost police cooperation, alongside a reported $35m package tied to cyclone response and energy shocks. PNG Ocean Protection: Papua New Guinea announced plans for the Western Manus largest no-take marine sanctuary in Melanesia, aiming to protect biodiversity while supporting long-term fisheries sustainability. Vanuatu Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, highlighting strong visitor interest and local capacity building through the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative. Energy Resilience in the Pacific: 350.org and the Institute of Climate and Sustainable Cities trained community leaders in solar PV installation in Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu, installing systems to cut fuel costs and support emergency power. Governance & Accountability: Vanuatu’s regional political context also intersects with broader Pacific governance themes as leaders push for resilience planning and better systems for disaster-prone communities.