AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons has signed on as a major sponsor for “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara, bringing a stronger regional line-up that includes Vanuatu’s Shazza alongside artists from PNG and Fiji, boosting the creative economy across Melanesia. Ocean & Fisheries: Papua New Guinea has announced the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary of about 200,000 km² with a total fishing ban, aimed at protecting biodiversity while moving toward legal establishment under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Climate Justice & Law: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing last year’s International Court of Justice advisory opinion on states’ legal duties to prevent climate harm, a move tied to a civil society campaign that began with Vanuatu-linked student action. Pacific Trade Rules: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu took part in EU-funded training in Suva to meet new EU seafood requirements for freezer vessels, with the changes expected to affect most Pacific Island-flagged exporters. Energy & Shipping Costs: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add about US$20.4b to annual fuel import bills for vulnerable economies, with major pressure on LDCs and small island states. Vanuatu Link (People & Skills): Three Vanuatu women have completed traineeships and qualified as personal care assistants with Respect at St John’s home in Wangaratta, highlighting ongoing workforce pathways for Pacific communities.

Pacific security & health: A Lowy Institute expert warns “warning signs” of the illicit drug trade are spreading beyond Fiji, with meth traces in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” washing up in the Solomon Islands—raising concern for rising HIV/TB risks in Pacific communities. Climate finance integrity: Tuvalu’s PM says it’s “not a good look” after AFP revealed the Tuvalu Trust Fund—managed by Mercer—invested in oil and coal-linked funds, now under review. Tourism & culture: Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26” with Vanuatu, PNG and Fiji artists joining 14 local acts, boosting the regional creative economy. Vanuatu climate litigation link: A UN resolution endorsing last year’s ICJ climate duty—sparked by Vanuatu-linked student action—signals stronger legal footing for climate cases, even as activists face persecution. Energy shock pressure: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz tensions could add about US$20.4b to vulnerable economies’ oil import bills, hitting small island states hardest. Regional business & trade: Bunnings launches a Fiji-focused direct-to-consumer site, shipping from Australia via partners to test an international expansion blueprint. Ocean conservation: PNG plans a Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary (over 214,000 sq km) as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, aiming to protect fisheries long-term.

Climate Justice & Legal Duty: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing last year’s ICJ advisory opinion that states must prevent climate harm, a move tied to Vanuatu’s role in the original case and driven by Pacific youth and civil society. Energy Shock on the Pacific: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add about US$20.4b a year to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, with knock-on pressure on fuel, food and public services. Vanuatu Tourism Data: SPTO and Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, highlighting strong demand driven by culture, nature and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality, with 54% first-time visitors. Community Solar Skills: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu leaders completed hands-on solar training to install and maintain PV systems, aiming to cut reliance on imported fuel and improve resilience during outages. Forestry Exchange for Resilience: FAO supported a Samoa–Fiji forestry training on sustainable teak and pine production, building seed propagation and harvesting skills to close climate-vulnerability gaps. Pacific Shipping/Ports Watch: The Quad’s push for port infrastructure in Fiji is being linked to broader regional alignment and infrastructure influence. Marine Conservation (Regional): PNG plans a Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary to protect biodiversity and support long-term fisheries sustainability, with Vanuatu named in the regional corridor effort.

Energy & Trade Shock: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over US$20b a year to oil-import bills for vulnerable economies, with Pacific LDCs and SIDS hit hardest as fuel prices surge. Vanuatu Energy Resilience: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu community leaders complete hands-on solar training under the Solar Scholars Initiative, building local skills to install and maintain PV systems and cut reliance on imported diesel. Tourism Data for Vanuatu: SPTO and the Vanuatu Tourism Office publish the 2025 International Visitor Survey results, showing strong demand driven by culture, nature and adventure, with VTO contributing most of the analysis. Forestry Skills Exchange: FAO backs a Samoa–Fiji forestry exchange training officers in sustainable teak and pine production and management to close technical gaps and strengthen climate resilience. Marine Conservation (Regional): PNG moves to create the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary tied to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves involving Vanuatu and Fiji. Pacific Infrastructure & Ports (Quad): The Quad’s new agenda spotlights ports and logistics, with Fiji named for a first joint infrastructure project—another sign infrastructure is now treated as strategic security. Local Engineering Recognition: NZ Army engineer Rob Allen receives a DSD for emergency engineering responses in Vanuatu, including Port Vila earthquake rescue coordination and a crash evacuation road build.

Workforce & Care Skills: Three women from Vanuatu have completed traineeships and qualified as personal care assistants with Respect at St John’s home in Wangaratta, with the home tailoring support like accommodation, banking and a Vanuatu-themed cultural celebration. Forestry & Climate Resilience: FAO backed a Suva, Fiji training for Samoa Forestry Division officers on sustainable teak and pine production, focusing on seed propagation and harvesting to close technical and data gaps. Aquaculture Growth: NSW’s Far South Coast is seeing an oyster turnaround, with Merimbula Lake doubling output over a decade and recording $14m in sales last year, helped by modern methods and fewer flooding problems. Energy Independence: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu community leaders trained in solar PV installation and maintenance through the Solar Scholars initiative, installing systems in Sigatoka and Lautoka to cut reliance on imported fuel. Tourism Data for Planning: SPTO and Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, using PTDI data to guide investment and product decisions. Disaster Preparedness: Vanuatu declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions and reduced, uneven rainfall, with plans for water support and possible emergency funding. Port & Maritime Security: PNG is pushing a Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary (over 214,000 sq km) as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, linking conservation with long-term fisheries sustainability. Regional Engineering Recognition: A New Zealand Army engineer seconded to Vanuatu’s VMF Engineer Squadron received a Distinguished Service Decoration for lifesaving responses to a Port Vila plane crash and the 17 December earthquake.

Vanuatu Energy & Resilience: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of hotter seas, uneven rainfall and possible dry conditions, with MPs pushing for early action on water, agriculture and outer-island supplies. Solar Skills for Communities: Leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu completed hands-on solar technology training under the Solar Scholars initiative, aiming to cut reliance on imported fuel and strengthen local energy control. Tourism Data Update: Vanuatu’s tourism sector received a fresh boost from the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, with SPTO and the Vanuatu Tourism Office publishing 2025 International Visitor Survey results showing strong visitor interest and growing local capacity in tourism analytics. Disaster Response & Engineering: A New Zealand Army engineer, WO2 Rob Allen, was awarded the Distinguished Service Decoration for emergency engineering work in Vanuatu, including a Port Vila plane crash response and the 17 December earthquake rescue and recovery effort. Regional Infrastructure & Security: The Quad’s new agenda highlights ports, cables and minerals, with Fiji in focus—an Indo-Pacific signal that logistics and connectivity are now treated as economic security priorities. Global Fuel Shock Warning: UNCTAD says oil-price disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz could hit vulnerable economies hard, raising fuel import bills and inflation pressures—an issue with clear knock-on risks for Pacific island states.

Vanuatu Climate Watch: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions, uneven and reduced rainfall, and likely water shortages and agricultural impacts—especially for outer islands—while government response plans and possible emergency funding are being readied. Vanuatu Tourism Data: The Vanuatu Tourism Office and SPTO released the 2025 International Visitor Survey results, reporting 647 valid responses and highlighting strong demand driven by culture, nature, adventure and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality. Pacific Energy Skills: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu leaders completed hands-on solar training under the Solar Scholars initiative, building local capacity to install and maintain solar PV systems as fuel costs keep rising. Regional Infrastructure & Ports: The Quad (Australia, India, Japan, US) is pushing port infrastructure cooperation in Fiji, with plans for early work in Suva and Lautoka—part of a wider focus on ports, logistics and maritime security. Pacific Security Diplomacy: Australia and Solomon Islands have committed to elevate ties via a new “comprehensive treaty” and expanded police cooperation following years of shifting security alignment. Health Sector Support: A New Zealand engineer has been awarded for emergency response work in Vanuatu, including rescue coordination after a Port Vila plane crash and the December earthquake.

Energy resilience in the Pacific: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu community leaders finished hands-on solar technology training to install and maintain solar PV, aiming to cut reliance on imported fuel as prices keep climbing. Tourism performance check: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results were released, showing strong visitor interest driven by culture, nature and adventure, with the Vanuatu Tourism Office contributing most of the analysis. Climate risk planning: Vanuatu declared an El Niño watch, warning of hotter seas and uneven, reduced rainfall that could hit water supplies, agriculture and livestock, with emergency funding and partner support being prepared. Regional security & infrastructure: The Quad (Australia, India, Japan, US) announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, with port upgrades framed as resilience and economic security for Pacific trade and logistics. Shipping safety watch: A Russian drone attack hit a Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship in the Black Sea, injuring two crew and reigniting concerns for civilian shipping routes. Health workforce focus: A Vanuatu health sector update highlighted gaps in trained staff for NCDs and cancer care, including plans to expand oncology services at Vanuatu National Hospital.

Tourism Data: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey shows strong performance, with 647 valid responses analysed and visitors drawn by culture, nature, adventure and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality—useful for planning investment and product upgrades. Energy Costs & Resilience: Pacific community leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu trained in solar PV installation through the Solar Scholars programme, installing two systems in Fiji to cut fuel-price pressure and support emergency power. Climate Risk Planning: Vanuatu has issued an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions, uneven rainfall and possible water and agriculture impacts, with ministers preparing response measures and emergency funding triggers. Disaster Response Skills: New Zealand engineer Rob Allen received a Distinguished Service Decoration for lifesaving emergency engineering work in Vanuatu, including Port Vila airport crash rescue support and earthquake search-and-recovery coordination. Regional Infrastructure & Trade: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US) says it will jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, signalling a bigger push into ports, logistics and maritime connectivity across the Pacific. Maritime Security Watch: Black Sea shipping remains under strain after drone attacks hit vessels including one flying the Vanuatu flag, raising fresh concerns for civilian routes and regional trade.

Quad Infrastructure Push: Australia, India, Japan and the US agreed to jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, with early work flagged for Suva and Lautoka—part of a wider shift toward resilience in ports, logistics and undersea connectivity. Energy Independence Training: Pacific leaders and community reps from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu trained on solar installation and maintenance as fuel costs bite and communities look to cut imported diesel dependence. Vanuatu Climate Watch: Vanuatu declared an El Niño watch, warning of hotter seas, uneven rainfall and possible water and agriculture impacts, with emergency funding and water support plans ready. Disaster Response Recognition (Vanuatu): New Zealand Army engineer WO2 Rob Allen received a Distinguished Service Decoration for lifesaving work during a Port Vila plane crash response and the December 2024 earthquake rescue and recovery. Maritime Security Shock: Black Sea drone attacks again hit civilian shipping, including vessels operating under Vanuatu flags, renewing concerns for trade routes and port-linked supply chains. Health Sector Focus: Vanuatu’s health leadership highlighted non-communicable disease and cancer care priorities, but stressed staffing gaps as a key constraint.

Vanuatu Climate Watch: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of drier conditions, warmer seas and uneven rainfall that could hit water supplies, agriculture and livestock—government says response plans and emergency funding triggers are ready. Energy Skills for Resilience: Pacific leaders including Vanuatu trained in solar installation and maintenance through a community-focused Solar Scholars programme, aiming to cut reliance on imported diesel and build local energy control. Health Sector Capacity: Vanuatu’s health ministry is pushing non-communicable disease and cancer screening, including plans to expand oncology services at Vanuatu National Hospital, but says the biggest bottleneck is trained staff. Disaster Response Recognition: New Zealand’s Rob Allen, seconded to Vanuatu’s engineer squadron, received a Distinguished Service Decoration for lifesaving emergency engineering work after a Port Vila plane crash and the December earthquake. Regional Trade & Ports: The Quad (Australia, India, Japan, US) announced port infrastructure development in Fiji, signalling a bigger push into Pacific logistics and maritime connectivity that could shape regional shipping routes. Maritime Security Spillover: Black Sea drone attacks again targeted Vanuatu-flagged commercial vessels, underscoring ongoing risks for shipping corridors that carry global trade.

Disaster Response & Engineering: New Zealand warrant officer Rob Allen received a Distinguished Service Decoration for leading Vanuatu emergency engineering work after a Port Vila airport plane crash and the 17 Dec 7.3 earthquake, coordinating road access for evacuations and multi-day search and rescue. Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed an International Court of Justice advisory opinion on countries’ legal duty to limit global warming, with Vanuatu pushing the resolution and the US voting against—setting up more climate litigation pressure. Health Sector Skills: Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health says cancer care and NCD screening are priorities, but nursing shortages are the bottleneck; officials are looking to regional training links after a Solomon Islands and PNG trip. Shipping & Trade Security: Black Sea drone attacks hit foreign-flagged vessels including Vanuatu-flagged ships, injuring crew and raising fresh concerns for maritime routes that carry agricultural and other exports. Fisheries Rules: A WTO Fisheries Subsidies deal (in force since Sept 2025) aims to curb harmful support tied to IUU and overfishing, but “Fish 2” progress could be stalled by India, Indonesia and the US. Agrifood Innovation: FAO’s Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for agrifood innovators targeting Small Island Developing States, with Vanuatu teams eligible for finalist spots and an August trip to China.

Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed a landmark International Court of Justice view that states have a legal duty to limit global warming, with Vanuatu’s resolution passing 141-8 despite a US “no” vote—setting up more climate litigation arguments even though the ruling isn’t enforceable. Maritime Security: Russia-linked drone attacks in the Black Sea hit multiple civilian ships, including Vanuatu-flagged vessels tied to Turkish owners, injuring crew and sparking fresh calls to protect civilian shipping routes. Health Workforce & Cancer Care: Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health says its push on non-communicable diseases includes expanding cancer screening and treatment at Vanuatu National Hospital, but stresses the main bottleneck is trained staff, prompting regional learning trips to Solomon Islands and PNG. Pacific Ports & Trade: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, starting with Suva and Lautoka—raising questions about how infrastructure investment could reshape Pacific shipping and regional influence. Kava Supply Pressure: New Caledonia kava businesses report a sharp rise in imported Vanuatu kava chip prices, blaming higher fuel and freight costs plus lower Vanuatu production volumes. Agri Innovation: FAO-backed Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for agrifood innovators targeting small island developing states, with reserved finalist spots for Vanuatu.

Black Sea Shipping Risk: Russian drones hit three foreign-flagged merchant vessels in the Ukraine export corridor, including a Vanuatu-flagged ship with Turkish ownership (ANT), injuring crew and sparking fires—another reminder that maritime routes carrying agricultural and other goods remain volatile. Vanuatu-Linked Trade Exposure: Ukraine’s ports authority says the affected ships flew Vanuatu, Comoros and Panama flags, with the ANT incident prompting evacuations and repairs, raising fresh concerns for international operators and insurers. Regional Health Capacity: Vanuatu’s health sector focus on non-communicable diseases and cancer care is driving scholarship and training discussions after a Ministry of Health trip to Solomon Islands and PNG, with nursing shortages flagged as the key constraint. Pacific Business & Energy: The Pacific Business Brief reports ADB fuel relief planning for Pacific countries amid ongoing price pressures, alongside wider regional economic moves tied to minerals diplomacy and governance fallout. Kava Supply Pressure: New Caledonia kava stakeholders warn of rising prices linked to higher fuel and maritime freight costs from Vanuatu, plus reduced Vanuatu production volumes, threatening jobs in the sector. Climate Accountability: Vanuatu-backed UN action on climate responsibility passed overwhelmingly, despite a US vote against it—fueling the wider legal and policy push that could affect fossil-fuel economics. Agrifood Innovation Call: FAO and partners are accepting applications for the Global AgriInno Challenge 2026, reserving finalist spots for SIDS teams including Vanuatu. Culture & Tourism Link: Aelan Riddim Festival returns with Vanuatu artists performing in Honiara, reinforcing regional creative industry ties. Security Diplomacy in the Pacific: Vanuatu’s regional context also intersects with broader Pacific infrastructure and security moves, including Quad plans to build port infrastructure in Fiji.

Maritime Security & Trade: Russia’s drone campaign in the Black Sea is hitting civilian shipping hard, with Ukraine reporting attacks on Vanuatu-flagged vessels including the Turkish-owned dry cargo ship ANT (two crew injured, fire contained) and strikes on multiple foreign merchant ships that raised fresh fears for the Odesa–Turkey corridor. Diplomacy & Shipping Safety: Türkiye says it’s monitoring injured Turkish crew via its Odesa consulate and warns against “uncontrolled escalation,” calling for measures to protect civilian navigation while pushing for peace talks. Regional Infrastructure (Pacific): The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) is planning port infrastructure development in Fiji, a move framed as delivering high-quality logistics for Pacific priorities amid ongoing US–China competition. Climate Accountability (Vanuatu-led): The UN General Assembly backed a resolution—led by Vanuatu—affirming countries’ legal duty to address climate change, passing 141–8 with the US voting against. Pacific Business: The Pacific Business Brief flags fuel relief efforts, including ADB support for Pacific countries facing the fuel crisis, alongside minerals diplomacy and fallout at a publicly funded trust. Agri Innovation (Vanuatu included): The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for agrifood innovators in Small Island Developing States, with reserved finalist spots for teams from Vanuatu and other SIDS.

Maritime Security for Trade: Ukraine says Russia hit a Vanuatu-flagged Turkish cargo ship (ANT) with drones in the Black Sea, injuring two crew and sparking a fire that was contained after an emergency evacuation—another warning for shipping tied to regional food and export routes. Pacific Business & Energy Resilience: The ADB says it’s ready to fund fuel relief across Pacific countries, with support levels ranging from US$10m to US$100m depending on need, as governments manage the crisis and seek timing clarity on when pressure eases. Climate Accountability Push: The UN General Assembly backed a Vanuatu-led resolution affirming states’ legal duty to address climate change after the ICJ opinion, while the US voted against—fueling fresh momentum for climate litigation and policy follow-through. Vanuatu in Regional Diplomacy: Coverage notes Vanuatu’s leadership role in convening the climate accountability push and the wider Pacific push on sea-level rise action. Agrifood Innovation Call: FAO-backed Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for innovators targeting agrifood solutions in Small Island Developing States, with Vanuatu among the eligible SIDS teams.