AGP Executive Report

Vanuatu-France Islands Dispute: Vanuatu says France is stalling talks over the disputed Matthew and Hunter islands, with Prime Minister Jotham Napat warning progress could be derailed by French elections. Port Vila Day 2026: Port Vila marked 51 years of Port Vila Day at Seafront Park under a “rebuild together” theme, celebrating the city’s recovery after the 2024 earthquake. Tourism Connectivity: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly direct Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, boosting access to Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub. Vanuatu Politics: Five former Vanuatu prime ministers are in the race for a snap election, with the caretaker PM Bob Loughman also contesting. Climate Law Push: A Pacific climate campaigner says the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion is a legal blueprint that must now drive negotiations, not just court wins. Ocean & Climate Negotiations: A legal expert warns Pacific and Global South voices are sidelined in behind-the-scenes ocean and climate talks. Energy Skills: Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says Pacific solar training is about resilience against fuel costs and power instability. Regional Tourism Trade: SPTE 2026 in Fiji reported record participation and stronger regional collaboration, including new Pacific representation.

Vanuatu Politics: Five former prime ministers are among the candidates lining up for Vanuatu’s snap election, with caretaker PM Bob Loughman also contesting—Electoral Commission screening will check eligibility, including outstanding government debts. Tourism & Travel: Solomon Airlines has added a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, boosting access for Australians to Santo and strengthening Vanuatu’s tourism links. Ocean & Climate: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu urged urgent ocean stewardship on World Oceans Day, warning of a “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Regional Governance: Former Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor warned that geopolitical rivalry and reliance on outside funding could weaken Pacific-led ocean governance, calling for stronger economic self-determination. 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 skills. Media & Elections: Pacific media leaders are pushing for stronger ethics and accountability as unregulated platforms threaten trust ahead of the 2027 national election. Cybercrime: Fiji is driving Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination, with a regional legal handbook nearing completion after meetings including Vanuatu. Disaster Watch: After a 7.8 quake near the Philippines, tsunami advisories were issued across parts of the Pacific including Vanuatu, with coastal monitoring on alert.

Vanuatu Tourism & Air Links: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly direct, non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for Santo getaways and boosting capacity for Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub. Ocean Governance & Climate: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor says rising geopolitical pressure and foreign funding could weaken Pacific-led ocean decision-making, urging stronger economic independence and unity. World Oceans Day (Vanuatu): Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu calls the ocean a shared responsibility amid a “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Regional Energy Skills: Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says Pacific communities are moving fast on solar as fuel costs bite, with Solar Scholars training building local installation and maintenance skills. Cybercrime (Pacific): Fiji is pushing Pacific-wide coordination and a regional cybercrime handbook after PILON talks in Nadi, with Vanuatu among the legal teams involved. Media & Elections: Vanuatu broadcasters warn that unregulated online platforms can erode trust and accountability ahead of the 2027 national election. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, Pacific agencies including Vanuatu are monitoring coasts under tsunami advisories, with New Zealand saying there’s no threat locally. Football (Local Interest): Brazil fever hits Port Vila ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Extra Bula FC’s Asivorosi Rabo backing Argentina after their 2022 triumph. Sports Results: Vanuatu drew 2–2 with Fiji Islands in an international friendly.

Pacific Ocean Safety: Tsunami advisories are in place across much of the Pacific after a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, with Vanuatu and neighbours listed among areas where coastal agencies should inform and guide communities. Climate & Ocean Governance: Former Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor urged Pacific unity on World Ocean Day, warning that militarisation and outside funding could weaken Pacific-led control of ocean priorities. Renewables for Resilience: Pacific leaders and trainees are pushing solar as fuel costs bite, including Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel highlighting lower bills and steadier power. Media Trust & Elections: Pacific broadcasters are calling for stronger ethics and accountability as unregulated platforms and misinformation loom over the next election cycle. Cybercrime Push: Fiji is driving Pacific-wide cybercrime law coordination, with a regional handbook nearing completion after talks including Vanuatu. Vanuatu–Fiji Tourism Link: Vanuatu Tourism Office renews its MOU with Fiji Airways to boost routes and international promotion of Vanuatu travel. World Cup Football Pathways: New Zealand’s OFC qualification is noted alongside Pacific football momentum, including Vanuatu-linked World Cup build-up and local club ambitions.

Ocean Governance Push: Former Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor used World Ocean Day to warn that militarisation and outside funding could dilute Pacific-led control of ocean priorities, urging stronger Pacific economic independence and unity. Vanuatu Climate Leadership: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu called for urgent, coordinated action on the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, pointing to new international legal momentum for ocean protection. Cybercrime Cooperation: Fiji’s Acting AG Siromi Turaga backed Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination as legal experts in Nadi finalised a regional handbook to strengthen laws and defenses, with Vanuatu among the countries involved. Energy Costs & Solar Skills: Pacific communities are moving toward solar as fuel prices bite; Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel highlighted hands-on Solar Scholars training in Fiji and the push for local installation and maintenance skills. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories listed many Pacific islands including Vanuatu, with authorities told to inform coastal communities and stay out of the water. Tourism Trade Boost: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways to expand joint promotion and make travel easier via daily flights through Nadi. Media Trust Ahead of Elections: Pacific media leaders discussed how mainstream outlets can uphold ethics and counter misinformation from social media and unregulated platforms ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Modern Slavery Concerns: Australia’s anti-slavery commissioner says victims are being let down by justice system gaps, with very low conviction rates.

Tourism & Aviation: The Vanuatu Tourism Office has renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, using the airline’s Nadi network and daily flights to make it easier for travellers from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, North America and beyond to reach Vanuatu. Ocean Protection: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu urged urgent ocean stewardship on World Oceans Day, calling the Pacific’s “triple planetary crisis” (climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution) a shared responsibility. Regional Governance: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor warned that growing geopolitical rivalry and foreign funding could weaken Pacific-led decision-making, urging stronger economic self-determination and ocean governance ownership. Cybercrime Laws: Legal experts from across the Blue Pacific met in Nadi to finalise a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses, including Vanuatu’s participation. Disaster Watch: After a powerful 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across parts of the Pacific, including Vanuatu, with authorities urging people to stay out of the water and follow local instructions. Football: Fiji and Vanuatu continue their friendly build-up, while Vanuatu’s presence in the wider OFC World Cup pathway remains in focus as New Zealand secured Oceania’s direct qualification spot.

Pacific Security & Governance: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor says rising geopolitical rivalry and foreign funding could weaken Pacific-led decision-making, urging stronger economic independence and ocean governance. Regional Diplomacy: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, backing the Pacific Islands Forum ahead of the 55th Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Ocean & Climate: Taylor also called for Pacific unity to protect ocean governance as strategic competition grows. Tsunami Watch: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami advisories across parts of the Pacific, including Vanuatu, with officials warning people to stay out of the water and follow local instructions. Food & Health Fallout: UN agencies warn the Hormuz crisis is turning into a wider food security emergency, with hunger rising in Somalia and children in Afghanistan facing clinic turn-aways. Vanuatu-Specific Sports: Fiji’s Bula Boys play Vanuatu in Port Vila today, with a new generation of players set for senior debuts. Tourism & Culture: WAN FIRE 2026 is set for June 20 in Port Moresby, promising a Melanesian music showcase featuring Vanuatu, Fiji and Solomon Islands.

World Cup Pathway: New Zealand secured Oceania’s first-ever direct 2026 FIFA World Cup spot, finishing top after a dominant qualifying run that included big wins over Vanuatu and Fiji. Pacific Football: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” opened their Vanuatu tour with a 2-1 friendly loss in Port Vila, and the sides meet again today for a second international friendly. Regional Sport Development: An ITF U12 West Pacific training camp in Port Moresby brought together young players from PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to build technical and tactical skills. Vanuatu-France Dispute: A diplomatic stoush over two contested islands—Matthew and Hunter, known in kastom as Umaenupne and Umaeneg—has Vanuatu framing it as a David vs Goliath sovereignty fight with wider implications. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons is backing “Aelan Riddim 26,” while “Brazil fever” is building in Port Vila ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Marine Conservation: Papua New Guinea announced a major Western Manus marine protected area with a total fishing ban, aiming to protect a vast ocean corridor shared with Vanuatu and Fiji.

Fiji–Vanuatu Football: The Bula Boys and Fiji’s “Bula Boys” meet again in Port Vila today after Fiji edged Vanuatu 2-1 in their first friendly, with Fiji’s Alex Saniel scoring and debutant Solayman Mohammed equalising. Pacific Sports Development: The ITF U12 Regional Training Camp – West Pacific 2026 wrapped in Port Moresby, bringing young players from PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu together for skills and development. Vanuatu–France Sovereignty Row: A “David versus Goliath” diplomatic fight is back in focus over contested islands south of Vanuatu—Umaenupne and Umaeneg (Matthew and Hunter)—with France controlling them since 1965. Regional Environment & Oceans: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus marine protected area covering about 200,000 km², including a total fishing ban, as part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor linking PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Global Climate Justice: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on climate change obligations of states, following the ICJ advisory opinion—an issue Vanuatu helped drive. Tourism & Culture: WAN FIRE 2026 is set for June 20 in Port Moresby, aiming to bring Melanesia together through music and cultural performances.

Vanuatu-France Islands Dispute: Vanuatu is framing its fight over the contested Matthew and Hunter (kastom names Umaenupne and Umaeneg) as a David-versus-Goliath sovereignty battle, with France controlling the islands since 1965 and fears in France that any move could spark wider claims. Fiji vs Vanuatu Football: Fiji’s Bula Boys play Vanuatu in Port Vila today in the first of two FIFA friendlies, with Fiji calling up six Extra Bula FC youngsters for senior debuts. Vanuatu Violence Against Women: New survey results show Vanuatu’s physical or sexual partner violence by husbands and partners fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), a faster decline than the global average. Vanuatu World Cup Buzz: “Brazil fever” has hit Port Vila ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with fans lining roadsides in Brazil colours and stores running low on flags. Regional Ocean Protection: Papua New Guinea is moving to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean with a total fishing ban in a new Western Manus marine protected area, part of a Melanesian corridor linking PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu.

Fiji–Vanuatu Football: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” play Vanuatu today in Port Vila for the first of two FIFA friendlies, with coach Stéphane Auvray using the matches to test players under international conditions. Melanesian Culture & Music: WAN FIRE 2026 is set for June 20 in Port Moresby, promising a weekend of Melanesian wantok rhythms with performers from Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu. Pacific Marine Protection: Papua New Guinea moves to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean around western Manus with a total fishing ban, as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Climate Justice: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on states’ climate obligations, following the ICJ advisory opinion—Vanuatu-backed legal action helped drive the push. Women’s Safety in Vanuatu: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global decline in intimate partner violence, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), according to the Second National Survey on Women’s Lives. Regional Trade Rules: EU food-safety changes are set to affect most Pacific freezer vessels exporting to the EU, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu training in Suva to meet the new requirements. World Cup Buzz in Port Vila: “Brazil fever” has hit Vanuatu ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with fans lining roadsides in Brazil colours and flags in short supply.

FIFA World Cup buzz in Port Vila: Vanuatu fans are lining roadsides in Brazil colours for a World Cup parade, with “Brazil fever” driving demand for flags in the CBD ahead of next week’s tournament. Football friendlies: Fiji’s men’s team, the “Bula Boys,” play Vanuatu today in Port Vila (3:30pm) as coach Stephane Auvray uses the matches to assess players under international conditions. Climate justice in the Pacific: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on climate change obligations of states, following the ICJ advisory opinion; Vanuatu is highlighted as the country that brought the ICJ case. Violence against women: Vanuatu reports a nine-point drop in physical or sexual partner violence since 2009, from 44% to 35% in 2024, according to a national survey. Regional ocean protection: Papua New Guinea has designated a Western Manus Marine Protected Area as part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor spanning Fiji, Vanuatu and PNG. Local media trust: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation says Pacific media must stay accountable and transparent as misinformation spreads, especially around elections.

Climate Justice & UN Action: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing last year’s ICJ advisory opinion on states’ legal duty to prevent climate harm, a move tied to Vanuatu’s case and now feeding climate litigation. Gender & Safety in Vanuatu: Vanuatu reports a nine-point drop in physical or sexual partner violence against women since 2009, down from 44% to 35% in 2024, with faster recent progress. Local Media Accountability: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation urged Pacific media to stay accountable and transparent as misinformation spreads, especially around elections. Sports & Community Spirit: “Brazil fever” has swept Port Vila ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup parade, with shops running low on flags. Culture & Tourism: Tourism Solomons backed “Aelan Riddim 26,” bringing Vanuatu and other Melanesian artists to Honiara. Regional Environment: PNG announced a major no-take Western Manus marine protected area as part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves spanning Fiji, Vanuatu and PNG.

Media accountability: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation content chief Stevenson Liu told Pacific media staff to stay transparent and hold leaders to account, warning misinformation on social media can sway elections and public trust. Oil shock pressure: 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, hitting many Pacific island states hard. Regional journalism strain: In Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific, broadcasters say newsroom transitions are tough as social media and citizen reporting reshape how people get news. Solomons pivot: New Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China and push for a “comprehensive treaty” with Australia, including stronger police cooperation. Ocean protection: Papua New Guinea plans a Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary of over 214,000 sq km, aiming to safeguard biodiversity and fisheries under a Melanesian conservation corridor that includes Vanuatu. Vanuatu links to work and training: Three women from Vanuatu completed traineeships to become qualified personal care assistants at St John’s in Wangaratta, highlighting Pacific workforce pathways.

Pacific Health Funding: Vanuatu’s public health director says global WHO cuts are hitting malaria, TB and HIV programmes, as the US withdrawal leaves a leadership and funding gap now being watched closely after China’s rise as the biggest assessed contributor. Ocean Protection: Papua New Guinea has announced plans for the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed 214,000 sq km no-take sanctuary meant to protect biodiversity and support fisheries under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, with Vanuatu and Fiji in the regional effort. Regional Security Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with Beijing, while Australia and the Solomons commit to start negotiations on a new “comprehensive treaty” and boost police cooperation. Tourism & Data: Vanuatu’s tourism performance is highlighted in a 2025 International Visitor Survey, while Pacific partners also share visitor survey findings to guide future tourism strategy. Local Skills & Jobs: Three women from Vanuatu have completed traineeships and become qualified personal care assistants in Wangaratta, marking a new career path in aged care.

Pacific Sports & Culture: Team Samoa joined delegations at the Pacific Mini Games opening ceremony in Vanuatu, with athletes from 24 countries and territories set to compete across 14 sports over 12 days. Solomon Islands–China/ Australia Pivot: New PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with Beijing after admitting he only saw the agreement days before his Australia trip, while Australia and the Solomons commit to start talks on a new “comprehensive treaty” and boost police co-operation, alongside a reported $35m support package tied to Cyclone Maila and energy shocks. Vanuatu Health Funding Push: Vanuatu’s public health director lobbied at the WHO assembly for new international aid as global funding cuts bite into malaria, TB and HIV programmes. Vanuatu Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released 2024 visitor survey findings, with Vanuatu included among surveyed Pacific destinations. Regional Media Capacity: NBC is hosting the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and newsroom safety as Pacific broadcasters tackle digital change. Vanuatu in the Global Spotlight: A report notes Vanuatu is among jurisdictions without annual property tax, though other fees and charges may still apply.