AGP Executive Report

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.

Vanuatu Health Funding Push: Vanuatu’s public health director is in Geneva lobbying for new WHO support as global funding cuts hit malaria, TB and HIV programmes, with the US withdrawal from the WHO now fully in effect and China stepping up as the biggest assessed contributor. Tourism Data for Planning: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, showing strong interest driven by culture, nature and adventure, with 54% of visitors being first-timers. Energy Skills for Communities: 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 Under Pressure: At the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, Vanuatu’s broadcaster leaders warned that staff used to traditional reporting are struggling to shift to digital, while regional journalism faces shrinking resources. Pacific Security Reset Watch: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale says he will review the 2022 China security pact, after Australia and the Solomons moved toward a “comprehensive treaty” and stronger police cooperation.

WHO Funding Shock: Vanuatu’s public health director Jenny Stephens says US cuts after Washington quit the WHO have hit malaria, TB and HIV programmes hard, and now China is stepping in as the WHO’s biggest assessed contributor—raising the question of whether Beijing can also fill a leadership gap. Tourism Watch: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office released 2025 International Visitor Survey results, showing strong demand driven by culture, nature and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality, with 54% of visitors coming for the first time. Energy Independence: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu leaders completed hands-on solar training under the Solar Scholars initiative, installing solar PV systems and learning maintenance to reduce dependence on imported fuel. Regional Media: PNG is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, with Pacific broadcasters focusing on safer, stronger storytelling and resilience against misinformation. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: PNG PM James Marape says Lombrum remains a sovereign PNG defence facility despite Australia’s expanded presence, while Vanuatu is among countries backing a UN condemnation of a Russian drone breach of Romanian airspace. Health Tech Support: India updated that it has delivered a haemodialysis machine with a portable RO unit to Samoa under FIPIC commitments.

Tourism Watch: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey shows strong performance, with 647 responses analysed and visitors drawn by culture, natural beauty, adventure and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality. Energy & Resilience: Community leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu trained on solar PV installation through 350.org Pacific and ICSC, installing systems at a kindergarten in Sigatoka and a community building in Lautoka to cut fuel costs and support outages. Climate Risk: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions and reduced, uneven rainfall, with MPs pushing for earlier planning for agriculture, livestock and outer islands. Regional Security: PNG PM James Marape says Lombrum remains sovereign PNG defence territory, rejecting the idea it’s a foreign base as Australia expands its presence. Media Capacity: PNG is hosting the Pacific Media Partnership Conference on resilient journalism, tackling misinformation and digital disruption. Local Recognition: NZ Army engineer Rob Allen received a Distinguished Service Decoration for emergency response work in Vanuatu, including a 2024 plane crash and the Port Vila earthquake. Sports: SINU’s inter-faculty soccer competition is set to kick off this weekend, with an overseas students’ team largely made up of Vanuatu students.

Energy & Community Resilience: 350.org and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities trained community leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu in solar installation, installing two solar PV systems in Fiji to cut fuel costs and keep power during outages. Climate Watch: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions, reduced and uneven rainfall, and possible water and agriculture impacts, with ministers preparing response measures and possible emergency funding. Local Recognition: New Zealand’s Rob Allen received a Distinguished Service Decoration for emergency engineering work in Vanuatu, including rescue support after a Port Vila plane crash and coordination during the 17 December earthquake. Regional Security & Trade: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi to boost border security and cooperation against drug trafficking and other cross-border threats. Pacific Diplomacy: India’s EAM S Jaishankar sent Samoa independence greetings and highlighted delivery of a haemo-dialysis machine for Samoa under FIPIC commitments. Sports Note: Vanuatu-linked cricket history is echoed in the week’s T20I “six sixes in an over” list, which includes Samoa’s Darius Visser (v Vanuatu).

Climate Watch: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions, uneven rainfall and possible water and agriculture impacts, with the Council of Ministers ready to activate emergency funding and support vulnerable islands. Energy Independence: Rising fuel costs are driving Pacific communities toward solar, with Vanuatu, Fiji and Tuvalu representatives training to install and maintain solar systems through a hands-on “Solar Scholars” programme. Regional Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to push for ocean rules built on national authority, Indigenous stewardship and “implementation-ready” frameworks—plus proper sequencing and domestic sign-offs before any regional declarations. Pacific Infrastructure Diplomacy: The Quad’s new agenda is putting ports, cables and minerals on the table, including plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji—seen as a resilience and connectivity push amid growing strategic competition. Local Recognition: A New Zealand Army engineer has been awarded a Distinguished Service Decoration for emergency engineering work in Vanuatu, including crash rescue support and earthquake recovery coordination. Media Capacity: SPREP is backing a Pacific media workshop to help journalists report on weather and climate, aiming to strengthen resilience-focused coverage across the region.

Vanuatu in the spotlight: A Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship, ANT, was hit by Russian drones in the Black Sea, injuring two crew members and sparking a fire that was later contained—raising fresh shipping-safety fears across the region. Climate accountability: The UN has backed a landmark ICJ climate ruling, affirming countries’ legal duty to limit global warming; while not enforceable, it’s expected to be used in future legal fights. Pacific finance push: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva will help Vanuatu and other Pacific SMEs access finance, especially for blue/green economy and climate resilience. Health focus: Vanuatu’s health sector is looking at non-communicable diseases and cancer care, with staffing shortages a key barrier to expanding screening and treatment. Regional security talks: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi to strengthen border cooperation against drugs, organised crime and other cross-border threats. Sports and community: Fiji’s football chief warned players who declined a national call-up for a Vanuatu tour, stressing national pride and pathways.

Climate Accountability: The UN has backed a landmark ICJ ruling saying countries have a legal duty to limit global warming, a decision that won’t be enforceable but is expected to be used in future lawsuits. Pacific Business Finance: A new EU-backed “Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund” has launched in Suva to help Vanuatu and other Pacific SMEs access funding, especially for blue/green economy and climate resilience. Vanuatu Health Sector: In a Vanuatu-focused health discussion, the Ministry of Health’s acting DG says cancer screening and treatment are a priority, but nursing shortages and training gaps remain key hurdles. Regional Security & Infrastructure: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) says it will develop port infrastructure in Fiji, raising fresh questions about whether it could become a US-China flashpoint. Black Sea Shipping Risks: Multiple reports link Russian drone attacks to ships flying the Vanuatu flag, including the Turkish-owned ANT, where two crew members were injured and fires were contained. Local Governance: Vanuatu’s constitutional fight over an early election continues, with the Supreme Court set to deliver a verdict after a no-confidence motion challenge.

Constitutional Showdown: Vanuatu’s Supreme Court says the decision on whether an early election can be triggered won’t come for another week, after Chief Justice Vincent Lunabek heard arguments in the urgent no-confidence case against PM Bob Loughman. Health Sector Push: In a new KmK interview, Acting Health DG Dr Santus Wari says Vanuatu’s cancer and NCD plans hinge on solving nursing shortages, with recent visits to Solomon Islands and PNG aimed at building future training and support. Pacific Business Finance: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium businesses in Vanuatu and other Pacific states access finance, especially in the blue/green economy and climate resilience. Black Sea Shipping Risk: Ukraine reports Russian drone attacks hit merchant vessels using Vanuatu flags, including the Turkish-owned ANT, injuring crew and sparking fires—raising fresh security fears for civilian shipping routes. Community Loss: South Island leader Richie George died in a quad bike crash, with tributes highlighting his role supporting Ni-Vanuatu workers and language and culture efforts.

Black Sea Shipping Under Fire: Russia’s drone attacks have hit civilian routes again, with Ukraine’s Navy saying the Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship ANT (Turkish-owned) was struck near the Odesa–Türkiye corridor, damaging the superstructure, starting a fire and injuring two crew who were evacuated for medical care. Regional Safety Warning: Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned the escalation and warned against “uncontrolled escalation,” saying its citizens were among the injured and calling for safer navigation for civilian shipping. Wider Pattern of Attacks: Ukraine also reported drones hitting three other foreign-flagged merchant vessels in the same maritime corridor, with fires contained by crews; flags mentioned included Vanuatu, Comoros and Panama. PNG Sovereignty & Security: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape told AFP his country won’t allow foreign military bases, even as Australia expands activity at the Lombrum naval port. Quad Moves in the Pacific: The Quad plans Fiji port infrastructure development, raising fresh questions about US-China rivalry and Pacific flashpoints.

Maritime Security: Ukraine says Russian drones hit a Turkish-owned cargo ship sailing under the Vanuatu flag, sparking a fire and injuring two crew as the vessel travelled from Odesa to Turkey; Ukraine’s seaports authority also reports drone attacks on other foreign-flagged ships (Comoros and Panama) with fires contained by crews. Regional Defence: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape says PNG won’t allow foreign military bases, even as Australia expands its presence at the Lombrum naval port, arguing it remains sovereign PNG facilities. Vanuatu Advocacy: Vanuatu has asked Pacific Islands Forum members to back a UN push for West Papuans’ self-determination, keeping the issue on the international agenda. Pacific Business: The ADB says it’s ready to provide major fuel-crisis relief to Pacific countries, with Fiji already receiving budget support and more help expected based on each country’s needs. Culture & Community: Aelan Riddim Festival in Honiara brings together artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu for a big night of Pacific music.

Vanuatu–West Papua Diplomacy: Vanuatu has asked Pacific Islands Forum members to back a UN General Assembly push for West Papuans’ self-determination, keeping the indigenous rights issue on the regional agenda. Pacific Climate Justice: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing the ICJ climate advisory opinion, a major win for climate-vulnerable SIDS including the Pacific, with calls to act on legal duties and protect maritime zones. Vanuatu–Australia/China Pacts: PM Napat says Vanuatu will sign strategic agreements with Australia and China, framed around sovereignty concerns. Regional Sports: Vanuatu’s national football team will face Fiji in Port Vila as Fiji’s coach names a provisional squad for friendlies, with the match used to assess players ahead of a longer-term build. Culture & Music: The Aelan Riddim Festival returns in Honiara with artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu promising an electrifying show. Business/Trade: New Caledonia kava bar operators fear a sharp rise in imported Vanuatu kava prices could force job cuts. Air Travel/Travel: Qantas unveiled a Great Barrier Reef-themed livery on its newest A321XLR, “Coral Sea,” highlighting reef restoration links.

Vanuatu-Australia-China Deals: Prime Minister Jotham Napat says Vanuatu will sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China after renegotiations to protect national sovereignty, with concerns flagged over wording on security and “critical infrastructure” approvals. Regional Culture & Music: The Aelan Riddim Festival returns to Honiara with artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu promising a big night of Melanesian talent and collaboration. Climate Justice Push: The UN General Assembly backed an ICJ climate advisory opinion with 141-8, a win for climate-vulnerable SIDS including Vanuatu, reinforcing states’ legal duties and protecting maritime zones. Sports Spotlight: Fiji’s Tolu Young shines at the Oceania Aquatics Championships with three gold medals, while Vanuatu’s football scene gets a boost as Fiji names a provisional squad including a friendly against Vanuatu. Pacific Business & Insurance: Fiji’s PM Rabuka launches TISA Insurance (Fiji) as a unified Pacific brand, aiming to strengthen insurance for climate-risk and small island development.

Vanuatu–Australia–China Deals: PM Jotham Napat says Vanuatu will sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China after months of renegotiation over sovereignty concerns, especially around security and critical infrastructure—he stressed the deals are cooperation and development, not security pacts. Climate Justice Push: Pacific leaders are hailing last week’s UN General Assembly vote backing the International Court of Justice climate advisory opinion as a legal breakthrough, with Vanuatu praised for leading the push and Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya saying the Pacific is now demanding accountability, not sympathy. Regional Diplomacy & Security: A report highlights China’s state surveillance model being tested in the Solomon Islands, sparking backlash over fingerprinting and personal data collection. Pacific Culture: Honiara’s Aelan Riddim Music Festival returns this weekend, bringing Melanesian artists including Vanuatu’s Shazza and PNG and Fiji performers, with Air Niugini backing travel for artists. Sport Spotlight: Vanuatu United FC striker Alex Saniel won the OFC Pro League Golden Boot with 11 goals, while Auckland FC’s Daniel Normann took the Golden Ball. Justice Update (Vanuatu-linked): Ni-Vanuatu seasonal worker John Yalu, convicted over a cash-for-amputation case in Australia, is eligible for release after being acquitted of murder.

Pacific Cable Tensions: A week of reporting spotlights grey-zone interference in the Pacific, with multiple undersea cable cuts linked to Chinese-linked ships raising fresh questions about who’s targeting Taiwan’s digital lifelines. Vanuatu–Australia/China Pacts: Port Vila says it will sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China after months of renegotiation over sovereignty-sensitive wording, especially around security and critical infrastructure. Climate Justice Push: The UN General Assembly backed a landmark ICJ climate resolution 141–8, and Pacific leaders—Vanuatu included—are framing it as a legal accountability moment, not a political promise. Rangatahi in Budget 2026: Young people across Aotearoa are urging Budget 2026 funding for youth spaces, mental health, transport, and affordable childcare. Football & Friendlies: Fiji named a provisional squad for friendlies including a match against Vanuatu in Port Vila. Court Update (Australia): Ni-Vanuatu seasonal worker John Yalu, convicted over a cash-for-amputation case, may be eligible for release later this year.

Vanuatu-Australia-China Deals: Prime Minister Jotham Napat says Vanuatu will sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China after months of sovereignty concerns, with ministers focused on security and critical infrastructure. Climate Accountability Push: Pacific leaders are using last week’s UN vote to demand legal climate action, not sympathy—Vanuatu is again at the centre of the push following the UN General Assembly backing the ICJ climate ruling. Tourism Access: Fiji Airways is adding more direct Vancouver–Nadi flights, making it easier for North American travellers to reach Vanuatu via a single protected itinerary. Regional Sport Spotlight: Auckland FC capped a big weekend by winning the inaugural OFC Pro League, while Vanuatu United FC’s Alex Saniel took top scorer honours. Pacific Crime Probe: Police in Victoria have arrested two men as part of the hunt around Dezi Freeman, after his death following a police shooting.