AGP Executive Report

Vanuatu–Australia Nakamal Agreement: In Canberra, Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Anthony Albanese signed the long-delayed Nakamal Agreement, locking in deeper cooperation on policing, maritime security, intelligence, cyber support, disaster response and infrastructure—while Vanuatu commits to keeping its territory free of any foreign military base and to preventing militarisation of critical infrastructure. Fuel trade capability: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated six stainless-steel fuel measurement trolleys to Kiribati, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu via the Pacific Islands Forum, helping regulators verify pump accuracy to protect consumers and government revenue. Climate resilience funding: The Global Environment Facility approved about US$14m in climate adaptation grants (plus over US$43m co-financing) for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, targeting flooding, sea-level rise, coastal erosion and protection of critical infrastructure and ecosystems. Youth voice on climate: Save the Children’s NextGen youth ambassadors joined the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment in Vanuatu, pushing for children-centred decision-making and real power in climate planning. Regional disaster logistics training: SPC and WFP trained disaster-management warehouse officers from six countries in Brisbane for faster, better-managed humanitarian warehousing—skills aimed at keeping relief supplies moving when storms hit.

Pacific Trade & Exports: The Pacific’s biggest-ever export survey has hit its highest participation in more than a decade, with early findings pointing to exporters diversifying into new markets and adopting digital tools even as finance gets harder. Australia–Vanuatu Security & Infrastructure: Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, deepening cooperation on policing, maritime security, cyber, intelligence and disaster response, while locking in Vanuatu’s commitment to keep foreign military bases out and critical infrastructure free from militarisation. Disaster Logistics Training: SPC and WFP ran a Humanitarian Warehouse Exchange in Brisbane for disaster management logistics officers, including Vanuatu, to strengthen how relief supplies are procured, stored and dispatched. Climate Adaptation Funding: The GEF approved new Pacific climate adaptation projects worth about US$14m in grants plus over US$43m co-financing, including Vanuatu, to tackle flooding, sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Youth & Climate Voice: Save the Children’s NextGen youth ambassadors pushed for child-centred climate decision-making at a major regional forum in Port Vila. Tourism Strategy: Vanuatu unveiled its Tourism Marketing Strategy 2026–2028, aiming to shift from recovery to sustainable growth with better connectivity and a regional tourism ecosystem approach.

Vanuatu–Australia Nakamal Agreement: Australia and Vanuatu signed a new economic and security pact in Canberra that deepens cooperation on policing, maritime security, intelligence, critical infrastructure, cyber support and renewable energy, while locking in Vanuatu’s commitment to keep its territory free of any foreign military base and to prevent militarisation of critical infrastructure. Climate resilience funding: The Global Environment Facility approved about US$14m in new climate adaptation grants (with over US$43m co-financing) for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, supporting work on flooding, sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Youth voice in climate policy: Save the Children’s NextGen youth ambassadors urged child-centred power in climate decisions at the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment in Port Vila. Disaster logistics training: SPC and WFP trained warehouse and logistics officers from six Pacific disaster offices in Brisbane to speed relief supply handling, including first aid and simulation exercises, with Vanuatu among participants. Tourism strategy: Vanuatu unveiled its 2026–2028 tourism marketing strategy at the 3rd Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum, aiming to shift from recovery to sustainable growth and stronger market connectivity.

Vanuatu–Australia Nakamal Agreement: Australia and Vanuatu signed a new economic and security pact in Canberra, boosting cooperation on policing, maritime security, intelligence, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, workforce training and renewable energy—while locking in Vanuatu’s commitment to keep its territory free of any foreign military base and to prevent militarisation of critical infrastructure. Disaster logistics training: The Pacific Community (SPC) and UN World Food Programme ran a Humanitarian Warehouse Exchange in Brisbane for disaster management logistics and warehouse officers from six countries, including Vanuatu, to strengthen procurement, storage, quality checks, kitting and dispatch during emergencies. Climate funding moves forward: The Global Environment Facility approved four Pacific climate adaptation projects (about US$14m in grants plus $43m co-financing), including work with Vanuatu to help communities and infrastructure handle flooding, sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Youth push for child-centred climate action: At the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment in Vanuatu, young leaders and Save the Children’s NextGen ambassadors called for children to have real power and platforms in climate decisions. Tourism strategy unveiled: Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum 2026–2028 launched a new marketing strategy aimed at shifting the industry from recovery to sustainable growth, with a focus on resilience, regenerative development and better connectivity. Regional security context: China urged Pacific cooperation not to target third parties amid the Australia–Vanuatu deal, while broader Pacific strategic competition continues to shape infrastructure and security partnerships.

Humanitarian Logistics Training: SPC and WFP ran the first Humanitarian Warehouse Exchange in Brisbane, training disaster-management logistics and warehouse officers from Cook Islands, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga and Vanuatu on procurement, storage, quality checks, kitting and dispatch—plus first aid certification—so relief supplies move faster when disasters hit. Climate Funding for Resilience: The Global Environment Facility approved four Pacific climate adaptation projects (including Vanuatu) worth about US$14m in grants, with over US$43m expected co-financing, to tackle flooding, sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Child-Centred Climate Voice in Vanuatu: Youth ambassadors at the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment in Port Vila urged governments to give children real power and resources in climate decisions. Vanuatu-Australia Nakamal Agreement: Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement, barring foreign military bases in Vanuatu and setting new consultation steps around third-party investment in critical infrastructure, alongside expanded policing and development support. PNG Agri-Food Push: A World Bank report says Papua New Guinea can grow farm incomes and jobs by boosting productivity, strengthening value chains and improving the investment environment. El Niño Outlook: SPREP highlighted that El Niño can bring both risks and opportunities, outlining what Pacific communities may expect in coming months. Tourism Strategy in Port Vila: Vanuatu unveiled its 2026–2028 Tourism Marketing Strategy at the Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum, aiming for sustainable growth through resilience, regeneration and better connectivity.

Vanuatu–Australia Security & Economic Pact: Prime Ministers Jotham Napat and Anthony Albanese signed the long-delayed Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, barring any foreign military base or militarisation of Vanuatu’s critical infrastructure, while setting new consultation steps around third-party investment. Australia will back the deal with A$345m (from an earlier A$500m plan) and expand support for ports, aviation, energy, digital infrastructure, policing, maritime security, cyber and law-enforcement training—aimed at steering Vanuatu away from deeper external security influence. Tourism Industry Push: In Port Vila, the Vanuatu Tourism Office launched the 2026–2028 Tourism Marketing Strategy at the Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum, targeting 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 visitors by 2028, with a focus on aviation and cruise growth and stronger market connectivity. Nature-Based Climate Adaptation: Vanuatu handed over three policy tools under the PPIN project to embed nature-based solutions (forests, mangroves, reefs, seagrass) into national adaptation planning and coastal resilience, treating ecosystems as “infrastructure” for livelihoods and protection. Regional Food & Energy Pressure: Coverage also highlighted Pacific fuel-cost shocks and El Niño-driven food insecurity in the region, with PNG facing severe Highlands crop and livestock losses—issues that directly affect supply chains, transport costs and local production planning.

Australia–Vanuatu Security & Economic Pact: Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Jotham Napat signed the long-delayed Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, a “watered-down” A$345m package that keeps Australia as Vanuatu’s primary aid and policing partner while locking in Vanuatu’s rule against foreign military bases or militarising critical infrastructure. Pacific Infrastructure & Investment Guardrails: The deal also sets new consultation steps around third-party investment in Vanuatu’s critical infrastructure (ports, aviation, energy, digital), aiming to balance sovereignty with security cooperation. Vanuatu Nature-Based Climate Planning: In Port Vila, Vanuatu officially handed over new policy tools under the PPIN project to embed nature-based solutions—forests, mangroves, reefs and seagrass—into national adaptation, coastal resilience and forestry planning. Tourism Growth Strategy: Vanuatu Tourism Office unveiled its 2026–2028 marketing strategy at the 3rd Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum, targeting stronger connectivity and market diversification as it shifts from recovery to sustainable growth. Regional Context: Australia’s Defence Industry minister says strategic competition with China is “here to stay,” while PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 cooperation framework covering trade, infrastructure and security.

Tourism Strategy Rollout (Vanuatu): Vanuatu has launched its Tourism Marketing Strategy 2026–2028 in Port Vila, aiming to move from recovery to sustainable growth, with targets of 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 annual visitors by 2028, backed by a plan built around awareness, consideration and trip-planning partnerships. Aviation & Cruise Focus (Vanuatu): The 3rd Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum (theme: “Gateway to Growth—Australia, Aviation, & Cruise”) brought together operators and aviation partners to push stronger connectivity, grow the cruise and yachting market, and lift Australia’s share. Disaster-Resilience Funding (Vanuatu): The Asian Development Bank will provide US$10m to strengthen project delivery, disaster resilience, private sector growth and sustainable development, including early support for Vanuatu’s project management and procurement capacity. Nature-Based Adaptation (Vanuatu): Vanuatu is also rolling out nature-based solutions tools under the PPIN project, handing over guidelines to integrate forests, mangroves, reefs and seagrass into national adaptation, coastal resilience and forestry planning. Regional Cooperation (PNG–Solomons): Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 framework agreement covering trade, investment, infrastructure, security and economic development, with leaders also discussing a tailored free-trade concept and broader regional stability. Pacific Energy Pressure (Regional): A week of reporting highlights how the fuel crisis is still reshaping Pacific business and household costs, while ministers push for earlier preparation rather than reacting after shocks. Food Security Risk (PNG): Papua New Guinea is bracing for severe dry-season impacts as El Niño drives drought, frost and crop stress, with warnings of major hunger risk in farming communities. Security & Industry Risk (Pacific): Australia’s defence industry and Pacific affairs minister says strategic competition is permanent, pointing to infrastructure deals with local content and skills-building as a way to strengthen Pacific business capability. Maritime Safety (PNG): NZDF personnel joined a multinational operation in PNG to destroy WWII-era explosive remnants, reducing long-running risks to communities. Global Trade Shock (UNCTAD): UNCTAD warns geopolitics is increasingly driving energy-price volatility and trade disruptions, a reminder that Pacific supply chains remain exposed to global shocks.

Tourism Strategy Launch (Vanuatu): Vanuatu has unveiled its Tourism Marketing Strategy 2026–2028 in Port Vila, aiming to move from recovery to sustainable growth, with targets of 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 visitors by 2028, supported by a forum focused on aviation and cruise links. Nature-based Climate Planning (Vanuatu): The government has formally launched new policy tools under the PPIN project to embed forests, mangroves, reefs and seagrass into coastal resilience and national adaptation planning. Development Finance (Vanuatu): The Asian Development Bank will provide USD 10 million to strengthen project delivery, disaster resilience, private sector growth and sustainable economic development through a flexible financing facility. Regional Cooperation (PNG–Solomons): Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands signed a five-year Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030) covering trade, investment, infrastructure, security and regional engagement, with leaders also discussing a tailored free-trade concept that could extend to Vanuatu and Fiji. Pacific Energy Pressure: Pacific finance ministers meeting in the Marshall Islands flagged a “triple shock” of fuel insecurity, rising import costs and food vulnerability, with energy costs continuing to squeeze household budgets. Food Security Risk (PNG): Papua New Guinea is bracing for an extraordinary dry season as El Niño develops, with provinces and districts told to prepare early for drought and frost impacts on crops and livelihoods. Agriculture Supply Chain (Indo-Pacific): Indonesia delivered 47,250 tonnes of urea to Australia, reinforcing fertilizer cooperation aimed at stabilising regional food security. Security & Trade (Pacific): Australia’s defence industry and Pacific affairs minister said strategic competition in the Pacific is here to stay, while stressing development assistance, local content and skills-building as part of its engagement.

Vanuatu Tourism Push: Vanuatu unveiled its Tourism Marketing Strategy 2026–2028 at the 3rd Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum in Port Vila, aiming to shift from recovery to sustainable growth with targets of 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 annual visitors by 2028, backed by a focus on resilience, regenerative development, aviation and cruise connectivity. ADB Support for Delivery: The Asian Development Bank will provide Vanuatu with USD 10m via a Sustainable Economic Transformation Facility to strengthen project delivery, disaster resilience, private sector growth and sustainable development, including early funding for project management and finance systems. Nature-Based Climate Planning: Vanuatu launched three policy tools under the PPIN project to embed nature-based solutions—forests, mangroves, reefs and seagrass—into national adaptation planning and coastal resilience decision-making. PNG–Solomons Cooperation: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands signed a five-year Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030) covering trade, investment, infrastructure, security and regional engagement. Pacific Fuel Shock: A week-long look at the fuel crisis shows Pacific governments raising diesel ceilings and pushing renewable energy support as energy costs and economic slowdown ripple across island economies. El Niño Food Risk: PNG is bracing for a severe dry season as El Niño brings drought, frost and crop damage, with warnings that up to millions could be affected and food supplies may run short. Regional Security Talk: Australia’s defence industry and Pacific affairs minister says strategic competition in the Pacific is here to stay, while Pacific leaders push for practical support and local business capability-building.

PNG–Solomon Islands Deal: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands signed a five-year Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030) after talks in Port Moresby, setting a roadmap for closer work on trade, investment, infrastructure, security, and regional engagement. Vanuatu Tourism Push: Vanuatu unveiled its Tourism Marketing Strategy 2026–2028 at the 3rd Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum in Port Vila, aiming to shift from recovery to sustainable growth, lift connectivity, and target 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 visitors by 2028. ADB Support for Vanuatu: The Asian Development Bank will provide US$10m to strengthen Vanuatu’s project delivery, disaster resilience, and private sector growth, including early funding to boost project management and procurement capacity. Climate Adaptation (Vanuatu): Vanuatu launched new nature-based solutions policy tools under the PPIN project to better integrate forests, mangroves, reefs, and seagrass into adaptation planning and coastal resilience. El Niño Food Pressure (PNG): Oxfam warns El Niño is already damaging Highlands crops and livestock via drought and frost, with up to 3 million people potentially affected and food supplies running short. Regional Energy Shock: Pacific finance ministers meeting in Majuro flagged a “triple shock” of fuel insecurity, higher import costs, and food vulnerability as energy market disruptions and geopolitics squeeze budgets. Pacific Fuel Crisis Timeline: A recap shows how fuel and electricity costs surged across the Pacific, pushing governments to seek renewables like solar to reduce future shocks.

Fuel Crisis Fallout: A new timeline shows how the Pacific fuel crunch drove sharp diesel and electricity price hikes, with Fiji doubling urban diesel ceilings in Viti Levu and Samoa lifting theirs by more than two thirds, while leaders pushed for solar and other renewables to avoid future shocks. Melanesian Trade & Security: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement covering trade, investment, security, infrastructure and economic development, with talks also floating a tailored free-trade concept and wider regional security cooperation. Pacific Energy Shock Planning: Forum economic ministers in Majuro warned the region is facing a “triple shock” of fuel insecurity, higher import costs and food vulnerability, urging a shift from reacting to crises toward preparing for the next one. Vanuatu Tourism Push: Vanuatu launched its 2026–2028 Tourism Marketing Strategy at the Tourism Market Forum, targeting 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 annual visitors by 2028, with a focus on aviation and cruise growth. Climate Adaptation (Vanuatu): Vanuatu formally handed over nature-based solutions policy tools under the PPIN project to strengthen coastal resilience and adaptation planning. Food Security Pressure (PNG): PNG braces for an El Niño-driven dry season, with frost and drought already threatening Highlands harvests and livelihoods. Fertiliser Supply Link: Indonesia delivered 47,250 tonnes of urea to Australia, reinforcing Indo-Pacific food-security cooperation amid global market uncertainty. Ocean Protection (Fiji): Fiji joined Panama in launching a voluntary conservation challenge for the ocean’s mesopelagic “twilight” zone, calling for precaution before expanding deep-sea mining or fishing.

Pacific Defence & Industry Links: Australia’s Defence Industry and Pacific Affairs Minister Pat Conroy says strategic competition with China is “permanent” in the Pacific, but stresses Pacific countries choose their own paths, with Australia backing infrastructure, local content and Pacific business capability (including a Solomon Islands road partnership tied to local firms) and labour mobility. Regional Trade & Security: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale and PNG PM James Marape signed a development and economic cooperation framework, floating a tailored free trade concept linking both countries and extending to Vanuatu and Fiji, alongside talk of a wider security pact. Ocean & Fisheries Protection: Fiji joined Panama in launching the Mesopelagic “twilight zone” conservation push, urging precaution before fishing and deep-sea mining and expanding research to protect a key carbon-storing ocean layer. Vanuatu Tourism Growth: Vanuatu Tourism Office launched the 2026–2028 marketing strategy at the Tourism Market Forum, targeting 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 visitors by 2028, with a focus on aviation and cruise growth. Climate Adaptation for Coastal Resilience: Vanuatu rolled out nature-based solutions policy tools under the PPIN project to embed forests, mangroves, reefs and seagrass into adaptation planning and forestry/coastal decision-making. Food & Energy Pressure Across Melanesia: PNG braced for an “extraordinary” dry season as El Niño develops, while Pacific finance ministers met in Majuro on the “triple shock” of fuel insecurity, import costs and food vulnerability. ADB Support for Delivery & Resilience: Vanuatu will receive USD 10m from the Asian Development Bank to strengthen project delivery, disaster resilience, private sector growth and sustainable development.

UNCTAD Warning: UN trade body says Middle East tensions are now driving volatile energy markets, pushing crude prices sharply higher and raising the risk of cascading disruptions in trade and finance. Vanuatu Tourism Push: Vanuatu Tourism Office launched its 2026–2028 marketing strategy after the Tourism Market Forum, targeting 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 visitors by 2028, with a focus on aviation and cruise growth. Nature-Based Climate Planning: Vanuatu formally handed over three policy tools under the PPIN project to help embed forests, mangroves, reefs and seagrass into national adaptation and coastal resilience planning. ADB Support for Delivery: ADB will provide Vanuatu USD10m to strengthen project delivery, disaster resilience, private sector growth and sustainable economic development, including support for the project management unit and finance systems. Fuel Crisis Lessons for the Pacific: Pacific ministers and energy experts keep pointing to renewable power and better regional coordination as fuel and electricity costs strain households and businesses. El Niño Pressure (PNG): Papua New Guinea is bracing for a severe dry season as El Niño brings drought, water stress and frost that threaten food gardens and livelihoods. Food Security Trade Link: Indonesia delivered 47,250 tonnes of urea to Australia, underscoring Indo-Pacific fertilizer cooperation amid global supply uncertainty. Seismic Disruptions: A rare earthquake doublet in Venezuela and a major quake off Japan’s coast disrupted transport and damaged infrastructure, highlighting ongoing regional risk.

Tourism Growth: Vanuatu Tourism Office has officially launched its 2026–2028 Tourism Marketing Strategy, unveiled at the Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum, aiming for 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 annual visitors by 2028, with a focus on aviation, cruise (including yachting), and Australia as the key source market. Climate Adaptation & Coastal Resilience: Under the PPIN project, Vanuatu has received three nature-based solutions policy tools to better integrate healthy forests, mangroves, reefs and seagrass into national adaptation planning and forestry/coastal decision-making. Energy & Cost Pressure: A Pacific-wide fuel crisis timeline shows how diesel and electricity costs surged across island states, while ministers in Majuro warned the region must move from reacting to crises to preparing for the next “triple shock.” Food Security Risk: Papua New Guinea is bracing for severe El Niño impacts, with frost and drought damaging crops and livestock and threatening shortages for millions. Agribusiness Trade: Indonesia’s urea shipment to Australia highlights ongoing Indo-Pacific fertilizer cooperation aimed at strengthening food security and agricultural supply chains. Vanuatu Development Funding: The Asian Development Bank will provide US$10m to help Vanuatu improve project delivery, disaster resilience, and private sector growth through flexible financing.

Vanuatu Climate Resilience: Vanuatu has officially launched three policy tools under the PPIN project to embed nature-based solutions—healthy forests, mangroves, reefs and seagrass—into national adaptation planning, coastal resilience and forestry decisions in Port Vila. Pacific Energy Security: Pacific leaders and energy experts say the fuel crisis was predictable and must drive structural change, with calls for faster renewable energy, better regional shipping and community-led transition planning. ADB Support for Delivery: Vanuatu will receive USD 10m from the Asian Development Bank to strengthen project delivery, disaster resilience, private sector growth and sustainable economic development, including early support for project management and finance systems. El Niño Preparedness: SPREP is urging Pacific communities to prepare now after an El Niño event was declared underway, warning impacts will vary by country but risks to families and livelihoods are real. Food & Farming Trade: Indonesia delivered 47,250 tonnes of urea to Australia, boosting Indo-Pacific fertilizer cooperation aimed at protecting food security and agricultural supply chains. Agriculture Exports (Fiji): Fiji’s fresh and frozen agricultural exports (excluding sugar) hit a record $187.2m in 2025, led by kava, with the US as the top destination. Housing Pressure (Regional): A new worker accommodation project in western Victoria highlights how rental shortages can block doctors and nurses from relocating—an issue many Pacific labour markets watch closely.