AGP Executive Report

Maritime Safety & National Solidarity: Vanuatu marked a first-ever national day of mourning in Port Vila for 45 lives lost in recent boating tragedies, including the MV Matui sinking between Santo and Ambae (two confirmed dead, 30 missing) and a separate incident between Erromango and Tanna (six men dead), with leaders and families calling for “safer seas.” Pacific Climate Justice & Governance: A new push for climate justice and better global environmental governance is echoed across the region, with Pacific leaders at UNGA81 urging climate finance as grants at scale and warning that sea-level rise is already a present reality. Blue Economy & Ocean Protection Funding: Bezos Earth Fund grants worth over US$25m are supporting “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity,” backing sustainable ocean management and protection targets across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu. Regional Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM work placement scheme confirms Vanuatu among 10 eligible countries, opening legal pathways for workers to fill roles in Australia. Media & Skills Leadership: Vanuatu’s Charles Sumbe and Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo take regional roles in PINA, while the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu focused on reaching remote communities through digital innovation. Infrastructure & Energy Planning: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility highlights a growing pipeline of regional projects and renewed focus on renewable energy investment and closing urban-rural gaps.

Maritime Safety in Focus: Vanuatu marked a first-ever national day of mourning and remembrance in Port Vila for 45 people lost in recent boating tragedies, including the MV Matui sinking (11 Sept; 14 survived, 2 confirmed dead, 39 missing) and a separate incident between Erromango and Tanna (7 Aug; 6 men dead), with Torba and Penama holding simultaneous events and leaders calling for safer seas. Pacific Climate Justice & Governance: A new report argues Pacific islands are pushing climate justice forward despite being among the lowest emitters, while global systems still fail them; separately, Pacific leaders used UNGA to stress sea-level rise as “present reality” and demand climate finance as grants at scale. Blue Pacific Ocean Protection Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in grants to protect over 625,000 sq miles of ocean across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to sustainably manage waters and protect at least 30% by 2030. Regional Energy, Health, and Resilience Talks: India and Pacific Island countries reaffirmed cooperation under FIPIC at UNGA81, discussing renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education and healthcare, with India offering tailored capacity-building. Labour Mobility for Vanuatu Workers: Australia confirmed PALM eligibility for 10 countries including Vanuatu, enabling legal work placements in Australia to address labour shortages. Pacific Media Leadership: Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo was elected PINA Vice-President, with Vanuatu’s Charles Sumbe also named as Television Representative.

Maritime Safety & Community Response: Vanuatu marked a first-ever national day of mourning in Port Vila for 45 lives lost at sea in recent boating tragedies, including the MV Matui sinking between Santo and Ambae (11 Sept) and another fatal crossing between Erromango and Tanna (7 Aug), with simultaneous remembrance events in Torba and Penama. Regional Media Leadership: Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo was elected Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, as leaders discussed the future of Pacific journalism and digital innovation. Pacific Climate & Energy Diplomacy: At UNGA81, Pacific leaders pushed for urgent climate action and better climate finance terms, while Vanuatu hosted a high-level dialogue on renewing environmental multilateralism; separate India-Pacific meetings under FIPIC also focused on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, healthcare and capacity building. Labour Mobility for Pacific Workers: Australia confirmed the 10 PALM scheme eligible countries for work placements, including Vanuatu, aiming to address labour shortages while giving Pacific citizens legal pathways to Australian jobs. Maritime Security Investment: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian maritime security funding packages announced around the Pacific Islands Forum, targeting illegal fishing and other cross-border crime. Health Systems Pressure: Victoria’s public hospital doctors in Australia face a statewide walk-off over pay and conditions, with potential disruption to elective surgeries—an indirect reminder of how workforce stress can ripple into service delivery.

Maritime Safety in Focus: Vanuatu marked a first-ever national day of mourning in Port Vila for 45 lives lost in recent boating tragedies, including the MV Matui sinking between Santo and Ambae (14 survivors; 2 confirmed dead; 39 missing) and another fatal crossing between Erromango and Tanna, with leaders and families calling for safer seas. Pacific Climate Push: Pacific leaders used UNGA81 to press for urgent climate action and better loss-and-damage finance, with Tuvalu warning sea-level rise is already a present reality and Solomon Islands stressing how one disaster can erase years of development. Labour Mobility for Vanuatu Workers: Australia confirmed PALM work placement eligibility for 10 countries including Vanuatu, opening legal pathways for workers into Australian sectors amid ongoing labour demand. Regional Media Leadership: Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo was elected Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), highlighting growing Pacific media leadership. Energy Transition Debate: A global post-fossil-fuel roadmap is still contested, with countries divided on how to move from pledges to implementation—an issue with direct implications for Pacific energy planning. Earthquake Reminder: A 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands, with tsunami warnings cleared as no threat was detected, underscoring the region’s active seismic risk.

Maritime Safety & Community Response: Vanuatu marked a first-ever national day of mourning in Port Vila for the 45 lives lost in recent boating tragedies, including the MV Matui sinking (11 Sept, Santo–Ambae) with 14 survivors and dozens missing, as well as another fatal incident between Erromango and Tanna (7 Aug); leaders and families gathered at Feiawa Park, with Torba and Penama holding simultaneous remembrance. Pacific Health Trends: A Devpolicy Blog analysis says Pacific life expectancy has risen to 68.8 years since 1960, but progress is uneven—Naoero is singled out for falling to the lowest in the region by 2023, while Solomon Islands and Vanuatu moved from below average to above average. Regional Media Leadership: Elizabeth Osifelo was elected Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, with new executive roles also filled by representatives from Vanuatu and across the region. Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed eligible countries for work placements, including Vanuatu, with the programme designed to address labour shortages while giving Pacific workers legal pathways. Climate & UNGA Focus: Pacific leaders used UNGA 81 to push for urgent climate action and better loss-and-damage financing, with Tuvalu stressing sea-level rise as “present reality” and calling for grants at scale. Energy Transition Debate: A global push to phase out fossil fuels is entering an “implementation phase,” but countries disagree on the roadmap’s principles and how to turn pledges into practical steps.

Maritime Safety & National Unity: Vanuatu marked a first-ever national day of mourning in Port Vila for the 45 lives lost in recent boating tragedies, including the MV Matui sinking (14 survivors; 2 confirmed dead; 39 missing) and an earlier Erromango–Tanna incident (six men dead), with leaders and families calling for “safer seas.” Regional Labour Mobility: Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme confirmed eligible countries for work placements, including Vanuatu, alongside Fiji, Kiribati, Naoero, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga and Tuvalu. Pacific Media Industry: Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo was elected Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, highlighting leadership momentum for regional newsrooms. Climate & UNGA Focus: Pacific leaders used UN General Assembly platforms to press for real climate finance and resilience, with Tuvalu warning sea-level rise is already a present reality and calls for grants at scale. Infrastructure & Energy Planning: The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) reiterated its role in helping firms find upcoming projects and stressed renewable energy investment as a long-running priority for Pacific development. Maritime Security Funding: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian maritime security investment aimed at illegal fishing and cross-border crime, including shiprider-style enforcement support. Data Centres & Community Impact: Residents near Melbourne’s data centre boom are demanding remediation and compensation, while new buffer-zone rules won’t apply to already-approved projects.

Maritime tragedy & remembrance: Vanuatu marked its first-ever national day of mourning in Port Vila for 45 lives lost in recent boating disasters, including the MV Matui sinking between Santo and Ambae (14 survived; 2 confirmed dead; 30 missing) and another fatal crossing between Erromango and Tanna, with simultaneous events in Torba and Penama. Climate finance at UNGA81: Nepal’s Prime Minister used the UN General Assembly to push for real climate justice, arguing Loss and Damage funding must be new grants (not repackaged debt) and calling out failures in global governance. Pacific climate warnings: Tuvalu’s PM said sea-level rise is already a “present reality,” while Solomon Islands stressed how one disaster can erase years of development. Renewing environmental multilateralism: A DENR chief urged UN reforms to reduce fragmented agencies and ensure developing nations get resources to deliver treaty commitments. India–Pacific cooperation: Foreign ministers under the FIPIC framework met in New York, focusing on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare and capacity building, with Vanuatu’s health minister among participants. Regional media leadership: Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo was elected Vice-President of PINA at the Savusavu summit, highlighting growing Pacific newsroom leadership. Labour mobility for Vanuatu: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed Vanuatu as eligible for work placements in Australia. Maritime security investment: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian funding aimed at illegal fishing and cross-border crime enforcement. Business & finance: ePlanet Brokers announced it added a Vanuatu entity to its regulatory structure and won “Best Broker 2026” at Forex Expo Dubai.

Regional Media Leadership: Elizabeth Osifelo has been elected Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), after being chosen at the 8th PINA Media Summit in Savusavu, with PINA President Neville Choi (PNG) leading the new executive team. Climate & Governance at UNGA: Vanuatu-hosted UNGA dialogue on “Renewing Environmental Multilateralism” heard calls to cut duplication in global environmental agencies and deliver practical outcomes, while Pacific leaders pushed for urgent sea-level rise action and scaled climate finance. Pacific Partnerships for Energy & Health: India-Pacific cooperation under FIPIC reaffirmed plans for renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education and healthcare, including tailored capacity-building for Pacific professionals. Labour Mobility for Pacific Workers: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed 10 eligible countries for work placements, including Vanuatu, with legal pathways aimed at easing labour shortages. Maritime Safety & Shipping: Vanuatu’s VMSA says search has ended for missing people from the MV Matui sinking between Santo and Ambae, and PNG reports another boat tragedy with one dead and four missing. Tourism & Marine Business: SPTO launched a Pacific Tourism Yachting Strategy 2026–2030 to grow yachting while improving regulation, data collection and community benefits.

Cruise-to-resort deal: Royal Caribbean is buying a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts in a US$3bn move that lets it sell full land-and-sea holidays, scaling up its Caribbean footprint beyond ships. Pacific climate push at UNGA: DENR chief Juan Miguel Cuna urged reforms to cut fragmentation in global environmental governance and improve access to climate finance for developing states, while Pacific leaders used UNGA to stress sea-level rise as “present reality” and demand grant-scale funding. India-PIC cooperation: Foreign ministers at the FIPIC meeting in New York, chaired by India’s S Jaishankar, reaffirmed partnership on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare and capacity building, including tailored training ideas. Vanuatu in the labour pipeline: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed 10 eligible countries for work placements, including Vanuatu, aiming to address labour shortages via official labour-sending channels. Maritime safety and shipping: Vanuatu’s VMSA says search is over for missing from the MV Matui sinking, with an independent investigation and civil claims to follow. Regional media industry: The 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu wrapped with calls for stronger digital innovation, sustainability and accountability in Pacific journalism. Maritime security investment: Tonga is set to benefit from US and Australian funding for maritime security, including action against illegal fishing and cross-border crime. Tourism and yachting strategy: SPTO launched a Pacific Yachting Strategy 2026–2030 to grow yachting tourism while improving regulation, data and community benefits. Kava business momentum: The Calmer Co says US THC beverage regulation changes from Dec 11, 2026 are pushing reformulation toward kava, betting on growing demand.

Climate & UN diplomacy: Pacific leaders used UNGA81 to press urgent climate action, with Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo calling sea-level rise a “present reality” and urging climate finance as grants at scale, while Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele warned a single disaster can wipe out years of development. Regional energy and resilience cooperation: India’s FIPIC foreign ministers meeting in New York reaffirmed partnership with Pacific states on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare and capacity building, including India offering tailored capacity-building programmes. Pacific labour mobility: Australia confirmed the 10 PALM scheme eligible countries for work placements, including Vanuatu, alongside Fiji, Kiribati, Naoero, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga and Tuvalu. Media industry leadership: Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo was elected Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu. Maritime safety & shipping: Vanuatu’s MV Matui search ended, with VMSA reporting two confirmed deaths, 14 survivors and 38 missing, and an independent investigation to follow. Tourism & yachting: SPTO launched a Pacific Tourism Yachting Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to grow yachting while improving regulation, data and community benefits.

UN Climate Reform Push: DENR chief Juan Miguel Cuna told UNGA 81 that global environmental governance must be less fragmented, with developing nations getting practical support—not just pledges—so treaties are easier to implement. Pacific Climate Urgency: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo called sea-level rise a “present reality” and urged climate finance as grants at scale, while Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele warned a single disaster could wipe out years of development. India–Pacific Partnership: Foreign ministers at the FIPIC meeting in New York reaffirmed cooperation on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare and capacity building, with India offering tailored training programmes. Vanuatu in the Labour Mobility Mix: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed 10 eligible countries for work placements, including Vanuatu, alongside Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands and others. Maritime Safety & Shipping: VMSA says search has ended for missing people from Vanuatu’s MV Matui sinking, with an independent investigation expected; separate PNG boat tragedy reports one death and four missing. Regional Media Skills: PINA vice-president election in Savusavu highlights growing Pacific newsroom leadership, while journalists were urged to use AI and social media responsibly.

UNGA Climate Governance: Vanuatu-hosted UNGA 81 dialogue on “Renewing Environmental Multilateralism” urged reform to cut duplication and make existing climate treaties easier to implement, with developing nations getting real access to finance and capacity. Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme has confirmed 10 eligible Pacific countries for legal work placements, including Vanuatu, alongside Fiji, Kiribati, Naoero, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga and Tuvalu. Regional Media Leadership: Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo was elected Vice-President of PINA at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, highlighting growing Pacific newsroom leadership. Health & Demographics: Economists report Pacific life expectancy rising to 68.8 years, with Solomon Islands and Vanuatu moving from below-average to above-average. Maritime Safety (Vanuatu): Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority says search for missing from the MV Matui tragedy is over, with 2 confirmed deaths, 14 survivors and 38 still missing, and an independent investigation to follow. Pacific Development Partnerships: India-Pacific talks under FIPIC in New York reaffirmed cooperation on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare and capacity building, including tailored training proposals. Youth, Climate & Rights: Vanuatu signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, putting young people’s voices at the centre of adaptation plans and locally-led resilience.

Maritime Safety: Vanuatu’s VMSA has ended the search for people still missing after the MV Matui ferry disaster between Santo and Ambae, confirming 2 deaths, 14 survivors and 38 reported missing, with an independent investigation and civil claims expected. Media & Skills: The 8th Pacific Media Summit wrapped in Savusavu, pushing newsroom sustainability and climate accountability, while a BBC Media Action workshop urged Pacific journalists to use social media responsibly. Health & Work: A hospitality industry story highlights how delayed ambulance access can turn serious health emergencies into life-threatening events, underscoring the need for faster emergency response. Energy & Climate Diplomacy: At UNGA sidelines, India and Pacific Island countries reaffirmed FIPIC cooperation on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education and healthcare, including tailored capacity-building for regional professionals. Tourism & Services: A new Pacific Tourism yachting strategy (2026–2030) aims to grow sustainable yachting while improving regulation, data and community benefits. Regional Fisheries: Pacific delegations pressed fisheries priorities at FAO COFI37 in Rome, calling for stronger support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management.

India-Pacific diplomacy: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired the second Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) on UNGA sidelines in New York, with Vanuatu’s Health Minister Robert Bohn among participants. Leaders reviewed progress under the 12-Point Action Plan and reaffirmed cooperation on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare and capacity building, plus India’s offer to tailor capacity-building programmes for Pacific professionals. Vanuatu maritime tragedy: Vanuatu’s Maritime Safety Authority says the search has ended for missing people after the MV Matui ferry sank between Santo and Ambae, with two confirmed deaths, 14 survivors and 38 reported missing, and the government to appoint an independent investigation into the sinking and safety system. Pacific fisheries push: Pacific countries backed stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led fisheries strategies at FAO’s COFI37 in Rome, highlighting science-based management and monitoring, with Vanuatu among the delegations. Pacific media skills: A UNODC-backed integrity and accountability push for climate disaster funding was discussed with Pacific journalists in Savusavu, while a separate BBC Media Action workshop urged journalists across Vanuatu and other islands to adapt to social media storytelling. Regional tourism planning: SPTO launched a Pacific Tourism Yachting Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to grow yachting tourism while improving regulation, data collection and community benefits.

Ferry tragedy update: Vanuatu’s Maritime Safety Authority has ended the search for people missing after the MV Matui sank between Santo and Ambae, with 39 feared dead; two deaths confirmed, 14 survivors rescued, and criminal complaints filed against Tui Shipping’s owners, management and the ferry master over alleged maritime breaches, including claims of overloading and failure to heed warnings. Maritime safety & accountability: Prime Minister Jotham Napat said the loss likely involved strong winds and marine warnings not being heeded, and possibly negligence, with an independent investigation expected into the sinking and safety system. Climate youth policy: Vanuatu signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, putting young voices at the centre of national adaptation plans and locally-led resilience as the country faces major drought and flood risks. Pacific fisheries push: Pacific delegations at FAO COFI37 in Rome urged stronger support for Pacific-led fisheries strategies, science-based management and regional cooperation, with Vanuatu among participating countries. Media & AI skills for Pacific journalists: A UNODC-backed roundtable in Savusavu urged Pacific journalists to probe accountability in climate and disaster funding, while BBC Media Action ran a workshop encouraging better use of social media for accurate reporting. Regional labour links: New Zealand’s RSE Limited Visa list confirms 13 eligible countries for seasonal horticulture and viticulture work, including Pacific nations such as Vanuatu’s neighbours, shaping seasonal labour flows across the region.

Maritime Safety & Accountability: Vanuatu has ended the search for people missing after the MV Matui ferry sank between Santo and Ambae, with 39 feared dead; the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority says there are two confirmed deaths, 14 survivors, and 38 reported missing, and it will appoint an independent investigation while filing criminal complaints against Tui Shipping’s owners, management and the ferry master over alleged breaches including possible overloading and failure to heed warnings. Media & Skills for Industry: A BBC Media Action workshop in Savusavu urged Pacific journalists to adapt to social media-driven news habits, warning that misinformation is widespread and stressing verification and editorial guidelines. Pacific Tourism & Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation launched a 2026–2030 yachting strategy to grow high-value tourism, but says the region still lacks consistent data on yacht arrivals, spending and length of stay. Climate Governance for Youth: Vanuatu signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, putting young voices at the centre of adaptation plans and locally-led resilience. Labour & Education: The Vanuatu Teachers Union warned it could pursue another nationwide strike if the Teaching Service Commission fails to honour a Memorandum of Conciliation, citing payroll and salary anomalies. Regional Fisheries: Pacific countries pushed for stronger support for Pacific-led fisheries strategies at FAO COFI37 in Rome, highlighting science-based management and monitoring.