AGP Executive Report

Tourism Push to Outer Islands: Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism has wrapped up a mission to Aneityum and Futuna, assessing products and meeting operators to help grow tourism beyond the usual cruise and Tanna draw, with guidance on permits, standards, and marketing. Climate & Weather Reporting Skills: Vanuatu journalists joined the Pacific Media Mana Class 2026 in Tonga, training to report more clearly and responsibly on weather, climate, and ocean risks for communities. Health Access for Women: A specialist women’s health team visited Vanuatu under the NZ Medical Treatment Scheme, delivering urogynaecology care, complex surgeries, and training across Santo and Port Vila. Regional Climate Mobility & Migration: A new look at Pacific policy after Palau highlights how Australia–Pacific bilateral mobility deals— including one with Vanuatu—are shaping climate adaptation options. Pacific Meteorology Council Opens in Tonga: NMHS leaders met in Nuku’alofa to set the next decade’s climate services agenda, with Vanuatu’s meteorology chief calling out remaining gaps in early warning and cooperation. Cyber Safety Warning: A week of security alerts points to phishing and scam tactics spreading through malicious browser extensions and weak system access. Earthquake Watch: Over a dozen quakes hit the Pacific Ring of Fire, including multiple tremors near Vanuatu’s Isangel area.

Health Access in Vanuatu: A New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme team led by Dr Richard Foon delivered specialist pelvic floor care in Vanuatu, treating about 22 patients across Santo and Port Vila and training local staff. Climate & Weather Reporting: Vanuatu journalists took part in the Pacific Media Mana Class 2026 in Tonga to improve how weather, climate and ocean risks are reported to communities. Pacific Early Warning: Vanuatu’s meteorology chief Levu Antfalo urged stronger early-warning systems at PCM-8 in Tonga, saying gaps remain as cyclones, flooding and droughts intensify. Regional Security & Crime: Fiji’s justice minister warned Pacific prisons could be exploited by organised crime without safeguards, as UNODC notes shifts in who ends up behind bars. Pacific Diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Australia’s Pat Conroy said Australia is seeking observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group, but Torres Strait Islanders were not addressed in the exchange. Tourism Push: Vanuatu Tourism unveiled a new “Vanuatu Uncovered” campaign aimed at making the destination feel more personal. Visa News: Australia released the list of countries eligible for its Pacific Engagement Visa, including Vanuatu. Kava Declaration: Pacific leaders endorsed a Kava Declaration to protect the crop’s cultural and economic value, even as “Pacific Kava” is already being claimed in the United States.

Vanuatu Health: A New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme team delivered specialist women’s pelvic floor care in Vanuatu, treating about 22 patients across Santo and Port Vila and training local staff to build long-term capability. Vanuatu Tourism: Vanuatu Tourism Office launched “Vanuatu Uncovered,” a new “most personal” campaign for Australians, spotlighting Ni-Vanuatu stories and culture across Efate, Santo and Tanna until 21 November. Vanuatu Culture & Arts: The National Cultural Commission backed Papua New Guinean reggae cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus with K20,000 for an international music journey, including work in Jamaica and travel support onward to Vanuatu. Regional Climate & Media: Vanuatu took part in the Pacific Media Mana Class 2026 in Tonga, training journalists to report more clearly on weather, climate and ocean risks. Pacific Security & Crime: Fiji warned that prisons could be exploited by transnational criminal networks unless safeguards are strengthened, with corrections officials from Vanuatu and others attending. Pacific Diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders discussed regional security and climate priorities, with Vanuatu among those absent at the leaders’ retreat. Pacific Health & Travel Alerts: The US CDC issued a dengue travel advisory that includes Vanuatu, urging bite prevention. Pacific Sports: Vanuatu is listed among teams in the OFC U19 Men’s Championship group stage, with New Caledonia advancing after a 7-0 win over PNG.

Mosquito-borne disease alert: The US CDC has updated a global travel advisory after a rise in dengue cases, flagging higher risk for travellers returning from places including Vanuatu and urging repellent, long sleeves and screened or air-conditioned rooms. Cancer care closer to home: Papua New Guinea says its new cancer centre in Port Moresby will open soon and offer Pacific patients, including Ni-Vanuatu, subsidised treatment—potentially reducing the need to travel to Australia and Asia. Health systems funding (Vanuatu included): Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are set to receive nearly US$3m for vaccine-related equipment and cold-chain support under an ADB-backed project. Tourism push: Vanuatu Tourism has launched “Vanuatu Uncovered”, a more personal campaign filmed across Efate, Santo and Tanna, aimed at Australians and running to 21 November. Literacy spotlight: International Literacy Day celebrations in Vanuatu and across the Pacific highlight ongoing reading challenges, with calls for sustained investment as many children struggle to meet basic standards. Pacific diplomacy & climate: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau reaffirmed the push to keep 1.5°C alive and demanded stronger climate finance and ocean action ahead of COP31.

Vanuatu Tourism: Vanuatu Tourism Office has launched “Vanuatu Uncovered,” its most personal campaign yet, featuring Ni-Vanuatu stories from Efate, Espiritu Santo and Tanna, running until 21 November and aimed at reaching about 7 million Australians. Health & Vaccines: Samoa’s acting health minister signed an agreement for nearly US$3m in medical equipment and supplies for the ADB-funded vaccine coverage project across Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, including cold-chain support and specialised trucks. Literacy Push: Save the Children marked International Literacy Day across Tonga, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, with events including story sessions at Vila Central Hospital, spotlighting the region’s reading shortfalls. Climate Finance & COP31: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau reaffirmed the 1.5°C goal and urged faster access to climate finance and a fossil-fuel transition ahead of COP31, with renewed focus on oceans and forests. Regional Security & Diplomacy: China and the Pacific Islands Forum continued to clash over influence and missile-related tensions, while Vanuatu’s role in Pacific engagement remains tied to wider great-power competition.

Vanuatu Tourism: Vanuatu Tourism Office has launched “Vanuatu Uncovered,” its most personal campaign yet, featuring Ni-Vanuatu stories from Efate, Espiritu Santo and Tanna, running to 21 November and aimed at Australians via social media and vanuatu.travel. Education & Literacy: International Literacy Day spotlights Vanuatu’s reading crisis after the National Education and Training Forum heard Prime Minister Jotham Napat say 70% of children struggle to read or write, with disruptions and teacher strikes worsening outcomes. Pacific Climate Push: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau reaffirmed the 1.5°C goal and demanded faster climate finance and renewables support ahead of COP31, warning that warming is already hitting food, fisheries and disaster costs. Vanuatu–France Legal Fight: Vanuatu continues pressing its case at the ICJ over France’s claim to Matthew and Hunter Islands, with the dispute tied to wider maritime boundaries. Health: A Chinese medical team has begun a yearlong mission to Vanuatu, including plans to boost imaging capacity and public health support. Regional Security: China’s influence and missile-test tensions again dominated Pacific Forum coverage, alongside calls for unity and pressure on Indonesia over a UN visit to West Papua.

Climate Finance for Food Security: The Green Climate Fund says its Pacific investments are designed to keep communities benefiting from tuna, agriculture and food production as climate impacts shift fish and farming patterns. Literacy Push in Vanuatu: International Literacy Day spotlights Vanuatu’s education crisis, with leaders and partners urging more investment as many children still struggle to read and write. Tourism Spotlight: Vanuatu Tourism launches “Vanuatu Uncovered,” a more personal campaign built around Ni-Vanuatu stories, running to 21 November and aimed at driving Australian travel interest. West Papua Pressure: Pacific leaders are pressing Indonesia to allow a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, warning that MSG status could be reviewed if progress stalls. Forum Unity Questioned: The Pacific Islands Forum’s Palau summit ends with commitments, but “empty chairs” from several member leaders leave unity under scrutiny. Health Access: Free cardiac care is expanding across the Pacific, with specialised treatment reaching children from multiple island nations including Vanuatu. Earthquake Alert: A 5.8-magnitude quake jolted Vanuatu Islands, according to GFZ. Sport (OFC U19): New Caledonia crushed PNG 7-0, while Vanuatu sits in Group B as the U19 tournament shapes up.

Pacific Climate Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive, calling for faster access to climate finance and a shift away from fossil fuels, with COP31 support front and centre. China-Taiwan Tensions at PIF: The summit was overshadowed by Beijing’s warnings of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence, with some leaders skipping and ministers sent instead—fueling fresh questions about outside influence and regional unity. Vanuatu-Linked Legal Move: Vanuatu is taking France’s disputed Matthew and Hunter Islands case to the UN’s top court, seeking to settle both the land and related maritime boundary issues. Health Across the Pacific: Fiji’s Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital is expanding free cardiac care, including recent treatment for children from Vanuatu and other Pacific nations. Vanuatu Shaken by Quake: A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Vanuatu Islands, with reports placing the epicentre about 10 km deep. Tuna on the Table: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” to celebrate Pacific tuna as a key protein and livelihood—starting culinary competitions in countries including Vanuatu.

Pacific Diplomacy at PIF: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau ended with leaders condemning a Chinese missile test after intense US, Australia and New Zealand pressure, while Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu and Kiribati had pulled out prime-minister attendance amid wider China–US tensions. Climate Fallout for Islands: Pacific leaders warned the world is moving beyond 1.5°C, with modelling pointing to major losses for tuna access and coastal fisheries, and flooding risks rising sharply for places like Tuvalu. Vanuatu Shaken by Quake: A 5.8-magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu Islands, with the epicentre reported at 10km depth. Health Links: A fifth batch of a Chinese medical team has departed for a yearlong mission in Vanuatu, including imaging and public health support. Sport (Vanuatu connection): New Zealand booked OFC U-19 semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Fiji; Vanuatu featured earlier in the group. Tourism & Culture: Air Niugini backs PNG’s Hiri Moale Festival, with winners travelling to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

Pacific Climate Shock: Pacific leaders at the 55th Forum in Palau warned the world is moving beyond 1.5°C, with the bill landing in tuna access fees, coastal fisheries and worsening flooding risks for islands like Tuvalu. Vanuatu-China Health Push: A fifth Chinese medical aid team has departed Beijing for a yearlong mission in Vanuatu, including new radiology and nuclear medicine specialists, plus public health support to boost screening and disease surveillance. Earthquake Alert: A 5.8-magnitude quake struck the Vanuatu Islands, reported by GFZ, with an epicentre about 10 km deep. China-Taiwan Tensions: Taiwan officials say China is trying to disrupt Pacific unity and even send plain-clothes operatives to watch Forum meetings, while Beijing warns of “consequences” tied to Taiwan’s presence. Forum Next Hosts: Leaders locked in future Pacific Islands Forum hosts: New Zealand (2027), Nauru (2028), Marshall Islands (2029), Vanuatu (2030) and French Polynesia (2031). Sports: New Zealand booked an OFC U-19 semi-final spot after beating Fiji 2-0 in Apia.

Climate & Food Security: Pacific leaders in Palau warned the world is moving beyond 1.5°C, with new modelling saying tuna access fees could drop by up to US$90m a year and coastal fisheries could lose as much as 65% of catch—meaning fewer meals and less government revenue. Disaster Risk: The same Forum week highlighted flooding risk rising fast for Tuvalu, with a “one-in-100-year” event projected to become “one-in-10-year” by 2050. Earthquake Watch: A 5.8-magnitude quake struck Vanuatu Islands at 17:02 GMT, about 10 km deep, according to GFZ. Pacific Diplomacy: China faced fresh pushback at the Pacific Islands Forum over missile-test concerns and Taiwan-related tensions, while leaders also backed urgent climate action and reef protection. Vanuatu-France Legal Fight: Vanuatu’s bid to take the Matthew and Hunter islands dispute to the ICJ is stuck unless France consents to the court’s jurisdiction. Health & Aid: A fifth Chinese medical team has departed for Vanuatu, bringing specialists including radiology and nuclear medicine. Sports: New Zealand booked an OFC U-19 semi-final spot after beating Fiji 2-0.

Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: China pushed back after Pacific leaders criticised its ICBM test, saying it “never engages in military expansion” and warning of “consequences” tied to Taiwan’s presence at the summit in Palau. Climate Pressure on the Pacific: Forum leaders backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C within reach, with Vanuatu’s climate minister warning overshoot would deepen harm and calling for a 1.5-aligned pathway. Ocean, Fisheries and Deep-Sea Minerals: Leaders tightened the Pacific line on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, marine pollution and deep-sea minerals, tasking the Pacific Ocean Commissioner to prepare for the next BBNJ talks. Vanuatu at the UN Court: Vanuatu’s dispute with France over Matthew and Hunter Islands heads to the ICJ, but France insists on consent and sovereignty. Health Support for Vanuatu: A fifth Chinese medical team left Beijing for Port Vila, including radiology and nuclear medicine specialists, to support the Vanuatu-China Medical Center. Food and Culture: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day, with a tuna-dish competition running across Pacific countries including Vanuatu. Sports: New Zealand booked OFC U-19 semi-final spot with a 2-0 win over Fiji, while Vanuatu’s presence in the wider Pacific football scene continues to build.

Pacific Climate Push: Leaders at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive, warning overshoot will hit ocean, tuna, reefs and island survival hardest, with Vanuatu’s Ralph Regenvanu urging rapid emissions cuts and a 1.5-aligned pathway. Vanuatu–France Legal Fight: Vanuatu has filed at the ICJ over sovereignty and maritime boundaries tied to Matthew and Hunter Islands, but France says it will not consent to the court’s jurisdiction. Ocean & Fisheries Focus: Forum leaders tightened their stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, tasking the Pacific Ocean Commissioner to prepare for the 2027 BBNJ process. Forum Geopolitics: China–Taiwan tensions spilled into the summit, with China warning of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence and accusing Beijing of sending plain-clothes operatives. Health Support for Vanuatu: A fifth Chinese medical aid team has departed Beijing for Vanuatu, including radiology and nuclear medicine specialists to support the Vanuatu-China Medical Center. Culture & Tourism Link: Air Niugini is sponsoring the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo quest, with winners and runners-up travelling to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

Vanuatu–France Legal Fight: Vanuatu has filed with the International Court of Justice over sovereignty and maritime boundaries tied to Matthew and Hunter Islands, but the case can’t move unless France consents to the court’s jurisdiction. Pacific Climate Push: Pacific leaders at the Palau forum backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C within reach, warned overshoot will worsen droughts, disasters and loss and damage, and endorsed a new “Belau Declaration” plus a reef-protection commitment. Forum Outcomes on Oceans: Leaders tightened their stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, and set work for the next big ocean biodiversity talks. Geopolitics at PIF: China–Taiwan tensions dominated, with claims of Chinese “plain-clothes” spying and warnings of “consequences,” leaving Palau caught in the middle. Vanuatu Health Support: A fifth Chinese medical team has departed for Vanuatu, including radiology and nuclear medicine specialists, to keep building the Vanuatu–China Medical Center. Tourism Link: Air Niugini is backing PNG’s Hiri Hanenamo quest with return tickets for winners and runners-up to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

Pacific Islands Forum Diplomacy: Leaders in Palau pushed a tougher line on oceans, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, warning sea-level rise and illegal fishing demand coordinated Pacific action. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments and may approve another US$1b, but stresses demand is straining resources as countries ask for faster, simpler access. 1.5°C Alarm: Pacific leaders backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C within reach, warning overshoot could lock in worse impacts and loss and damage. Vanuatu vs France at the ICJ: Vanuatu has filed at the UN’s top court over sovereignty and maritime boundaries tied to Matthew and Hunter islands, but France says it won’t consent to the court’s jurisdiction. West Papua Pressure: Indonesia is told to allow a UN human rights commissioner visit to West Papua, or face review of its MSG associate status. Local Relevance: Vanuatu’s new High Commissioner appointment from India also signals deeper cooperation in IT, healthcare and climate work.

ICJ Challenge to France: Vanuatu has filed with the International Court of Justice over France’s sovereignty claims and the disputed Matthew and Hunter Islands, and is also seeking a single maritime boundary with New Caledonia—though the case may only move if France accepts the court’s jurisdiction. Pacific Climate Pressure: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Vanuatu and other leaders warned that global warming overshoot is already locking in damage, urging major emitters to cut fossil fuels fast; Tuvalu’s minister said the crisis is “real now” and communities are preparing for worse. China Missile Test Row: Palau’s president said Beijing “never bothered” to inform Palau about a July ballistic missile test, as leaders push for a unified Pacific response and a joint statement condemning the move. Food and Water Warnings: A UN report told Pacific leaders that if warming peaks around 1.8°C, island nations could face major losses in fishing income, reduced coastal catches, and worsening drinking-water contamination. Diplomatic Move: India’s next High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Muanpuii Saiawi, has been concurrently accredited, with cooperation flagged in areas like healthcare, IT and climate. Local Health Alert: Health authorities say a fatal, very rare bacterial infection case in Victoria followed a petting zoo visit, highlighting risks from animal-to-human germs. Travel Deal: Solomon Airlines launched an earlybird sale from Brisbane to Santo, Honiara and Munda, with one-way fares starting at AUD$429.