AGP Executive Report

Independence Diplomacy: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape joined Vanuatu leaders in Port Vila to mark the country’s 46th Independence Anniversary, highlighting PNG’s 1980 Defence Force support and presenting awards tied to the long-running PNG–Vanuatu partnership. EU–Vanuatu Ties: EU Ambassador Barbara Plinkert wrapped a five-day visit, meeting Vanuatu’s finance, foreign affairs and sector ministries and flagging EU support across agriculture, infrastructure, climate resilience, governance and investment. Maritime Boundaries: Vanuatu’s foreign minister Marc Ati appointed former PM Joe Natuman as Special Envoy for Maritime Boundary and Decolonisation issues, as Port Vila presses unresolved disputes including the Matthew and Hunter islands with France. Media & Platforms: A new report argues Facebook algorithm changes are hitting Pacific news reach hard, with Vanuatu’s public broadcaster among those reporting sharp drops—raising questions about how public information survives when distribution is controlled offshore. Regional Environment: SPREP says the SWAP2 waste-and-pollution programme is progressing, with Vanuatu among nine countries backing cleaner waste management and marine-litter hotspot work. International Shockwaves: Nauru (now Republic of Naoero) has withdrawn recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and ended ties, with Georgia and Abkhazia trading accusations over “pressure” and “forced” decisions.

EU–Vanuatu Independence Diplomacy: EU Ambassador Barbara Plinkert wrapped a five-day visit to Port Vila, meeting Vanuatu’s finance, foreign affairs, infrastructure, fisheries and agriculture leaders to reaffirm EU support across agriculture, infrastructure, climate resilience, governance and economic development. Maritime Boundaries Push: Foreign Minister Marc Ati appointed former PM Joe Natuman as Special Envoy for Maritime Boundary and Decolonisation Issues, as Vanuatu presses France over the Matthew and Hunter islands and seeks movement on long-stalled maritime talks. Independence Anniversary Spotlight: PNG PM James Marape joined Vanuatu’s 46th Independence Day celebrations in Port Vila, with state honours recognising PNG’s historic support during Vanuatu’s 1980 independence struggle. Regional Security & Influence: The US is in advanced talks to help finance a port in Solomon Islands (Bina Harbour), reviving competition with China in Pacific infrastructure and strategic access. Diplomatic Shock in the Pacific: Nauru severed ties with Georgia’s Russia-occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, reversing its 2009 recognition—prompting sharp reactions from Abkhazia. Climate & Oceans: PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji’s Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) continues to expand, with Solomon Islands joining, though details on enforcement and community consultation remain thin.

Diplomatic Shifts in the Pacific: Nauru has severed diplomatic relations with Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, with Georgia saying it reaffirms international law while Abkhazia claims “unprecedented” external pressure. Maritime Boundaries: Vanuatu appoints former PM Joe Natuman as Special Envoy for Maritime Boundary and Decolonisation Issues, as Port Vila presses unresolved disputes with France over Matthew and Hunter and a maritime boundary with New Caledonia. Independence Day Diplomacy: India’s EAM S Jaishankar and the UAE leadership sent Independence Day messages to Vanuatu, highlighting cooperation including an IT Centre of Excellence and healthcare support. Regional Security Watch: A Pacific expert warns that the region’s security priorities risk being sidelined as alliances and new security organisations multiply amid intensifying great-power competition. Ocean Protection Push: PNG, Vanuatu, Fiji and now Solomon Islands back the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, but observers warn it could become “paper parks” without real enforcement. Governance & Integrity (Vanuatu-linked regionally): Vanuatu’s electoral roll is still based on 1980-era records, with names of deceased voters remaining unless death certificates are provided. Global Sanctions Spillover: US Treasury sanctions target Iran-linked tanker networks and an alleged Hormuz “extortion” insurance scheme, with some vessels flagged in places including Vanuatu.

U.S. Sanctions & Maritime Security: The US Treasury’s OFAC sanctioned eight oil tankers and 10 entities tied to Iran’s Strait of Hormuz “shadow fleet,” including two firms described as brokering IRGC-linked extortion “insurance” schemes, with links flagged to countries including Vanuatu. Vanuatu Governance & Integrity: The MSG Secretariat welcomed new Director General Dr Anna Naupa, the first female and first ni-Vanuatu to lead the regional body, as staff transition into a new chapter. Vanuatu Elections Roll: Electoral Commission chair Edward Kaltamat says Vanuatu’s roll dates back to 1980, with voters now at about 302,307 versus a 309,000 census population, and notes deaths and duplications remain unless death certificates are provided. Food Security vs Exports: The Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs says Vanuatu should feed its own people first ahead of the 50,000 Taro Project, with taro distribution planned for schools, hospitals, correctional services and security forces. Regional Security Debate: A Pacific security expert warns that the region’s security architecture is getting more complex and risks sidelining Pacific priorities as new alliances and geopolitical competition grow. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: At the ISA Assembly in Kingston, Vanuatu is set to present a science item as Pacific civil society and others push for a global deep-sea mining moratorium. RSE Worker Protections (Regional Policy Link): New Zealand’s immigration minister says accommodation and worker protections for RSE workers will be phased in over two years, though housing decisions remain a live issue.

Vanuatu Electoral Roll Integrity: Electoral Commission chair Edward Kaltamat says the roll dates back to 1980, with deceased names still present and duplications that can’t be removed without death certificates—an issue snap elections and ID use are meant to reduce. MSG Leadership: The Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat formally welcomed new Director General Dr Anna Naupa, its first female and first ni-Vanuatu DG, as acting DG Ilan Kiloe hands over. Climate & Oceans Policy: Vanuatu is set to speak at the International Seabed Authority Assembly in Kingston as Pacific civil society pushes for a deep-sea mining moratorium and a stronger science-led code. Food Security vs Exports: Vanuatu’s National Council of Chiefs urges feeding locals first ahead of the 50,000 Taro Project, aimed at supplying schools, hospitals and security services. Regional Geopolitics: Vanuatu and New Caledonia maritime talks with France remain stalled over sovereignty claims to two uninhabited islands. Pacific Influence Race: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says the US is in advanced talks to finance Bina Harbour, reviving competition with China-backed infrastructure.

MSG Leadership: Dr Anna Naupa officially takes over as the first female, first ni-Vanuatu Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat, with the MSG Secretariat backing her new chapter in Port Vila. Maritime Boundary: Vanuatu’s talks with France over the maritime boundary with New Caledonia stall after France ties the dispute to sovereignty over two uninhabited islands, keeping the long-running issue alive. Regional Security Architecture: A Pacific security expert warns that growing Australia-linked alliances and new regional security bodies are making the “crowded” Pacific security landscape more complex, risking Pacific priorities being sidelined. Deep-Sea Mining: At the International Seabed Authority Assembly in Kingston, Vanuatu is set to present a science item as Pacific civil society and others push for a global moratorium amid calls for stronger safeguards. Climate Finance After ICJ: Vanuatu’s ICJ win is framed as a start, not an end—advocates argue the real test is turning legal duties into climate finance that reaches vulnerable Pacific communities. Food Security: Vanuatu’s National Council of Chiefs urges feeding locals first as the 50,000 Taro Project prepares to launch, with taro distribution aimed at schools, hospitals and security services. RSE Worker Protections: Government announces phased changes to Recognised Seasonal Employment rules, promising stronger protections and clearer accommodation standards, though key court issues remain unresolved.

Pacific Aid & China vs Australia: A new Lowy Institute aid map says Australia outspends China in the Pacific (A$2.15b in 2024; 37% of development finance vs China’s 6%), with Beijing leaning on smaller, highly visible projects while Chinese firms dominate construction. Climate Finance Push: Vanuatu’s ICJ climate win is being framed as the start of the real fight—turning legal duties into climate funding that reaches vulnerable communities, with Save the Children warning children are still waiting for change. Vanuatu Food Security: Chiefs urge the country to feed itself first as the 50,000 Taro Project prepares to supply schools, hospitals and security services before any export push. RSE Worker Protections: Government announces phased changes to Recognised Seasonal Employment rules, including a migrant exploitation protection visa option, but accommodation quality remains a live issue pending court outcomes. MSG Leadership: The MSG Secretariat formally welcomes Dr Anna Naupa as Director General, the first female and first ni-Vanuatu to hold the post, amid ongoing regional political sensitivity. Maritime Sovereignty: France-linked delays keep Vanuatu-New Caledonia boundary talks stuck over sovereignty of two uninhabited islands. Regional Governance & Sovereignty Debate: Solomon Islands opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare attacks a planned US shiprider agreement as a surrender of control, urging the full text be tabled in Parliament first.

Leadership Shake-Up (Victoria, Australia): Jacinta Allan announced she will resign as Premier of Victoria, setting up a leadership spill where her deputy Ben Carroll is poised to take over Labor leadership ahead of the November 28 election. Regional Governance (Vanuatu/MSG): Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka defended Dr Anna Naupa’s merit-based appointment as MSG director-general after criticism from Vanuatu chiefs; the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs later apologised for a misleading report. Accountability & Public Funds (Vanuatu): Trade Minister Samson Samsen stepped down over public concern about the Value Addition Funds; PM Jotham Napat appointed Iavro Robson and ordered full accounting, refunds, and possible legal action. Climate Law Momentum (Vanuatu-led): Vanuatu’s push at the UN for an ICJ clarification on climate obligations gained support from 86 countries, with a planned UN vote in December. Maritime Sovereignty Debate (Solomon Islands): Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare warned a planned US shiprider agreement would surrender sovereign control over Solomon Islands waters and urged release of the full text to Parliament. Police Oversight (Malaysia, regional governance signal): Malaysia’s IPCC reported 1,635 complaints since 2023 with 76% resolved, highlighting oversight and complaint-handling pressures.

MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government is pushing back hard after customary leaders reportedly demanded the revocation of Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Director-General, calling the move “regressive” and insisting the selection was merit-based through an independent MSG process; the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs later apologised, saying its earlier statement was misleading and that it was not consulted. Climate Justice Momentum: Vanuatu’s climate court push gained major backing at a global summit, with 86 countries supporting a resolution asking the International Court of Justice to clarify governments’ obligations to protect people from climate harm—aimed at strengthening future climate finance and treating it as a human rights issue. Stablecoin Regulation: Vanuatu has appointed Jackson Miake as its Stablecoin Commissioner, following the 2025 Stablecoins Bill that sets up a supervisory commission, licensing rules, reserve requirements and a merit-based commissioner selection. Regional Security Debate: While focused on Solomon Islands, the week’s shiprider agreement controversy echoes across the region—Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says the US deal could hand foreign forces legal authority in Solomon waters, raising sovereignty concerns that also matter for Vanuatu’s maritime policy discussions. Police Oversight Update: Malaysia’s IPCC reported 1,635 complaints since 2023 with 76% resolved, highlighting how independent police oversight is being used to rebuild public trust.

MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government and civil society are pushing back hard after customary leaders reportedly demanded the revocation of Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as the first woman to lead the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat, with the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs later apologising that its earlier statement was misleading; Trade & Industry Shake-up: Minister Samson Samsen has stepped down over public concern about the Value Addition Funds, with PM Jotham Napat appointing Iavro Robson and directing tighter accounting, refunds for misuse, and possible legal action; Climate Justice Pressure: A year after the ICJ confirmed countries’ binding duty to protect the climate, Save the Children says Pacific children are still facing daily impacts, while Vanuatu-led momentum continues to build for further court clarification on governments’ obligations; Regional Capacity Building: A Solomon Islands labour law training programme brought participants from across the Pacific, including Vanuatu, to strengthen skills in dispute resolution, bargaining and labour processes; Connectivity Reality Check: Pacific coverage highlights that reliable electricity—not just satellite internet—is the main barrier for remote communities, with solar-backed Starlink setups improving access for schools and health services.

Vanuatu–MSG Leadership Row: The Vanuatu government has hit back hard at the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs after the chiefs demanded the revocation of Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Director-General, calling the stance discriminatory and “regressive, divisive and an embarrassment,” while the Council later apologised saying its earlier statement was misleading and that it was not consulted. Trade & Public Finance: Vanuatu’s Minister for Trade and Industry Samson Samsen has stepped down amid public concern over the Value Addition Funds, with PM Jotham Napat appointing Iavro Robson and directing a full accounting, refunds for misuse, and possible legal action. Climate Justice Push: Vanuatu’s climate court action gained major momentum at a global summit, with 86 countries backing a resolution seeking an International Court of Justice clarification on governments’ obligations to protect people from climate harm. Regional Civil Society: Vanuatu’s NGO umbrella group VANGO has backed the merit-based MSG appointment process for Dr Naupa, arguing kastom should not block qualified women from leadership roles. Labour Law Capacity Building: A regional labour law and dispute resolution training programme drew participants from Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and Papua New Guinea, strengthening skills for grievances, bargaining, mediation and arbitration. Culture & Community Links: Bislama Language Week is being marked from Port Vila to New Zealand, highlighting how ni-Vanuatu communities keep the language alive through families and education.

MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government and civil society are pushing back hard after the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs demanded the revocation of Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as MSG Director-General by 30 July, calling it discriminatory and “regressive, divisive and an embarrassment”; Malvatumauri later apologised over a misleading statement, while VANGO says the appointment was merit-based through an independent MSG process. Trade Portfolio Change: Vanuatu’s Trade and Industry Minister Samson Samsen has stepped down amid public concern over the Value Addition Funds, with PM Jotham Napat appointing Iavro Robson and directing full accounting, refunds for misuse, and possible legal action. Climate Court Momentum: Vanuatu’s push for the ICJ to clarify states’ legal duties on climate change gained support from 86 countries at a global summit, setting up a UN General Assembly vote in mid-December after COP27. Regional Labour Skills: Trade union representatives from Solomon Islands, with participants from Vanuatu and others, completed a labour law and dispute resolution training aimed at strengthening industrial relations practice.

Climate Justice Push: Vanuatu’s campaign to get the ICJ to clarify governments’ legal duties on climate harm has surged, with 86 countries backing a UN resolution after COP27, setting up a mid-December vote. MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government is locked in a public fight with the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs over the appointment of Dr Anna Naupa as MSG DG, with chiefs demanding revocation by 30 July on customary grounds; the government calls it regressive and says the process was merit-based. Civil Society Backing: VANGO and member NGOs have come out in support of Naupa and the government’s defence of a transparent, merit-based appointment. Trade Minister Resigns: Samson Samsen has stepped down after public concern over Value Addition Funds administration; PM Jotham Napat appoints Iavro Robson and orders full accounting and refunds or legal action for misuse. Regional Labour Skills: Trade unions from Vanuatu and others joined a Solomon Islands labour law and dispute resolution training, aimed at strengthening industrial relations and bargaining skills.

MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government and civil society groups have rallied behind Dr Anna Naupa’s merit-based appointment as MSG DG after the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs demanded her revocation by 30 July, calling it gender-discriminatory and “regressive” while Malvatumauri later apologised for a misleading report. Trade & Public Funds: Vanuatu’s Trade Minister Samson Samsen stepped down over public concern about Value Addition Funds administration; PM Jotham Napat appointed Iavro Robson and ordered full accounting, refunds, and possible legal action. Climate Justice One-Year On: A year after the ICJ climate advisory opinion, Pacific leaders and youth campaigners say legal clarity still hasn’t translated into enough child-focused climate finance and action. Regional Security: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement, expanding exercises and training amid intensifying great-power competition. Connectivity Reality Check: Reporting from the Pacific highlights that reliable electricity—not just satellite internet—is the key barrier to connecting remote communities, including in Vanuatu.

MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government has hit back hard at the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs over calls to revoke Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as MSG Director-General, saying the stance is “regressive, divisive” and that Naupa was selected through a rigorous independent MSG process on merit. Civil Society Support: VANGO and member NGOs have backed Naupa, arguing leadership should be based on qualifications and that kastom should not block qualified women from regional roles. Climate Justice One-Year On: A year after the ICJ’s landmark climate advisory opinion, Pacific children and civil society say daily harm continues and governments must turn legal duty into real climate finance and protection. Regional Security Moves: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a defence cooperation statement for 2026–2029, expanding dialogue, training and exercises amid intensifying strategic competition in the Pacific. Commonwealth Games: Glasgow 2026 is officially underway, with Pacific teams including Vanuatu taking centre stage at the opening ceremony. Trade Portfolio Change: Vanuatu’s Trade Minister Samson Samsen has stepped down over public concern about Value Addition Funds administration, with PM Jotham Napat appointing Iavro Robson and ordering full accounting and refunds where needed.

MSG Leadership Clash in Port Vila: Vanuatu’s government has condemned the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs after it demanded the revocation of Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as Director-General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), calling the stance discriminatory and gender-based, and saying the process was independent and merit-based. Customary Ultimatum: Malvatumauri has set a 30 July 2026 deadline, warning chiefs will initiate customary actions if the appointment isn’t rescinded, arguing customary traditions require a male leader. Regional Security Push: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement in Port Moresby, expanding dialogue, training, joint exercises and personnel exchanges amid intensifying strategic competition in the Pacific. Pacific Connectivity Reality Check: Reporting highlights that satellite internet rollouts still hinge on reliable electricity, with solar-plus-Starlink approaches being used to power schools and health services in remote communities. Climate Justice Milestone: One year on from the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion, Vanuatu-linked Pacific youth and partners are calling for more child-focused climate adaptation funding, arguing the ruling strengthens states’ legal duties under international law.