AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security & Regionalism: Australia and New Zealand have reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, backing the Pacific Islands Forum ahead of the 55th Leaders’ Meeting in Palau later this year. Ocean Governance: Former Forum secretary-general Dame Meg Taylor urged Pacific nations to strengthen collective ownership of ocean governance and protect Pacific-led decision-making as foreign funding and militarisation grow. Tsunami Watch: Pacific emergency agencies are monitoring coastal waters after a powerful 7.8 quake off Mindanao, with advisories issued for places including Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands. Climate & Courts: The UN General Assembly adopted a key climate resolution after an ICJ advisory, with Vanuatu’s government linked to the legal push behind it. Food Security Shock: UN agencies warn the Hormuz crisis is feeding into hunger elsewhere, with rising fuel and transport costs hitting vulnerable countries like Somalia and Afghanistan. Vanuatu Sport: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” face Vanuatu in Port Vila today in the first of two FIFA friendlies, with a squad including several young debutants.

Vanuatu–Fiji Football: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” take on Vanuatu in Port Vila today for the first of two FIFA friendlies, with coach Stéphane Auvray saying the matches are a key test under international conditions. Pacific Sports Development: Fiji also prepares for a new generation, with six Extra Bula FC youngsters in line for senior debuts against Vanuatu. Pacific Tennis: An ITF U12 regional training camp for West Pacific players (including Vanuatu) wrapped in Port Moresby, focusing on technical and mental development. Climate & Oceans: A major marine conservation push is underway in the region, with Papua New Guinea moving to protect a huge western Manus ocean area via a strict fishing ban, linking into a Melanesian Ocean corridor that includes Vanuatu. Climate Advocacy: A UN General Assembly resolution on climate state duties follows the ICJ advisory opinion, with Vanuatu highlighted as the original case brought to court. Regional Tourism: Vanuatu’s tourism performance in 2025 is highlighted in a new international visitor survey.

Vanuatu–France Islands Dispute: A diplomatic stoush over two contested, uninhabited islands south of Vanuatu—known locally as Umaenupne and Umaeneg, and on many maps as Matthew and Hunter—has reignited debate about sovereignty and wider knock-on claims, with France controlling the islands since 1965. Fiji vs Vanuatu Football: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” continue preparations for their next step in international football, with the men’s side set to play Vanuatu in Port Vila today in the first of two FIFA friendlies, after a 2-1 loss in yesterday’s opener. Pacific Tennis Development: The ITF U12 Regional Training Camp – West Pacific 2026 in Port Moresby brought together young players from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu for four days of technical and tactical training. Marine Conservation Link: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area with a total fishing ban over about 200,000 km², aimed at protecting biodiversity and connecting into a wider Melanesian Ocean Corridor that includes Vanuatu. Climate Justice at UN: A UN General Assembly resolution on climate obligations follows the ICJ advisory opinion, with Vanuatu’s case highlighted as a civil society win that helped frame climate action as a human rights duty.

Vanuatu–France Islands Dispute: Vanuatu is framing its long-running fight over the uninhabited Matthew and Hunter islands as “David versus Goliath,” with France controlling them since 1965 and fears in Paris that any return could spark wider sovereignty claims. Fiji vs Vanuatu Football: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” play Vanuatu today in Port Vila, with coach Stéphane Auvray using the friendlies to test players under international conditions. Pacific Marine Protection: Papua New Guinea has announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area of about 200,000 km² with a total fishing ban, aiming to link protected zones across PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Climate Justice Spotlight: A UN General Assembly resolution on climate obligations follows the ICJ advisory opinion, with Vanuatu’s case highlighted as a civil society win that helped push the legal duty message. Women’s Safety in Vanuatu: A new Vanuatu survey reports partner violence has fallen from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), showing faster progress than the global average. World Cup Buzz in Port Vila: Brazil fans in Vanuatu are in full “Brazil fever” mode ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with demand for flags reportedly outstripping supply.

Fiji–Vanuatu Football: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” play Vanuatu today in Port Vila for the first of two FIFA friendlies, with coach Stéphane Auvray using the matches to test players under international conditions despite injuries disrupting camp. Regional Sports Boost: Ba Football has signed Vanuatu international John Alick and Papua New Guinea striker John Orobulu ahead of the Fiji FACT tournament, aiming to end a 16-year title drought. Melanesian Culture on Stage: WAN FIRE 2026 is set for June 20 in Port Moresby, promising a weekend of music uniting Melanesia, with Vanuatu, Fiji and Solomon Islands artists among the lineup. Pacific Marine Conservation: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area of about 200,000 km² with a total fishing ban, designed to connect protected zones across PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Women’s Safety in Vanuatu: Vanuatu reports a drop in intimate partner violence against women, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with faster recent progress in the past year. World Cup Fever in Port Vila: With a week to go to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, “Brazil fever” has swept Port Vila, with stores running low on Brazilian flags ahead of today’s FIFA parade.

Vanuatu football: The Fiji men’s national team, the “Bula Boys,” take on Vanuatu in Port Vila today (3:30pm) in the first of two FIFA international friendlies, with coach Stephane Auvray using the matches to test players under international conditions despite some injury disruptions in camp. Vanuatu society: A new Vanuatu Women’s Centre survey reports intimate partner physical or sexual violence by husbands/partners fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), a faster decline than the global average, though advocates say progress is still too slow. Climate justice: A UN General Assembly resolution on climate obligations follows last year’s ICJ advisory opinion, with Vanuatu highlighted as the country that brought the case—an important win for civil society pushing stronger climate duties. Regional culture: “Brazil fever” is sweeping Port Vila ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with fans lining roadsides for a World Cup parade and shops running low on Brazilian flags. Pacific media: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation content head Stevenson Liu says Pacific mainstream media must stay accountable and transparent as social media misinformation—especially around elections—erodes public trust.

UN Climate Resolution: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing the ICJ’s landmark view that states have a legal duty to prevent climate harm, a win for Vanuatu’s climate case and civil society—while activists still face persecution in some countries. Local Humanitarian Leadership: Oxfam and partners say aid works best when power and resources go to local groups, including women and marginalised communities, not bypassing them. Vanuatu Violence Against Women: A new Vanuatu survey reports partner violence by husbands or partners fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with a faster recent decline than the global average. Port Vila World Cup Buzz: “Brazil fever” has swept Port Vila ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup parade, with flags selling out. Pacific Border Security: Vanuatu joined Pacific customs leaders to strengthen border security and trade. Climate & Energy Shock: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add US$20.4b a year to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, hitting Pacific SIDS hard. Ocean Protection: PNG plans a huge no-take Western Manus marine sanctuary as part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor that includes Vanuatu. Sports & Community: Team Samoa opened the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu, while Vanuatu’s football scene also keeps moving with regional player links.

Pacific Media Accountability: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation content chief Stevenson Liu told a Port Moresby panel that trust is traditional media’s biggest asset, warning misinformation on social media can sway elections and let leaders avoid accountability. Oil Shock Costs: UNCTAD says Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add about US$20.4b a year to oil import bills for the world’s most vulnerable economies, with Pacific island states among those hit. Vanuatu Tourism Performance: A Vanuatu International Visitor Survey reports strong tourism results for 2025, adding momentum for the sector. Regional Sports Spotlight: Team Samoa joined delegations at Vanuatu’s Pacific Mini Games opening in Port Vila, with 24 countries competing across 14 sports. Solomon Islands Pivot: New PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 China security pact and push for a “reset” with Australia, as Canberra and Honiara move toward a new comprehensive treaty and boosted police cooperation. Climate Legal Push: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing the ICJ’s climate duty ruling, even as some states continue targeting climate and environmental activists.

Vanuatu in the spotlight abroad: Three women from Vanuatu have completed traineeships and qualified as personal care assistants at St John’s home in Wangaratta, with the home praising their cultural celebrations and daily compassion. Pacific health funding pressure: Vanuatu’s public health director is lobbying at the WHO for new support as global funding cuts hit malaria, TB and HIV programmes, with the US withdrawal leaving a major gap. Ocean protection in Melanesia: Papua New Guinea says it will create the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary of more than 214,000 sq km, linked to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves that includes Vanuatu. Regional security reshuffle: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China and begin talks on a comprehensive treaty with Australia, aiming to “reset” ties. Tourism data for planning: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, including Vanuatu among surveyed destinations.

Solomon Islands–China Pivot: New PM Matthew Wale says he will review the secretive 2022 security pact with Beijing after admitting he only saw the deal days before his Australia trip, raising fresh questions about Chinese security access in the Pacific. Australia–Solomons Reset: Canberra and Honiara have agreed to start talks on a new “comprehensive treaty” and boost police cooperation, with Australia also pledging $35m support linked to Cyclone Maila and energy shocks. Vanuatu Health Funding Pressure: Vanuatu is lobbying at the WHO assembly as global funding cuts bite programmes like malaria, TB and HIV, with the US withdrawal leaving a leadership and money gap the WHO is now trying to fill. GEF Assembly Focus: The Global Environment Facility is heading into its Eighth Assembly with a push for faster, bigger impact through the next funding cycle. Vanuatu Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation reports strong 2025 visitor performance for Vanuatu, using regional survey data to guide future tourism strategy. Media Skills for the Digital Shift: At a regional media conference in Port Moresby, Vanuatu’s broadcaster says rural audience reach and newsroom training are key challenges as technology changes how news is made and shared.

Vanuatu Health Funding Push: Vanuatu’s public health director is in Geneva lobbying the WHO for fresh support as global funding cuts bite into malaria, TB and HIV programmes, with the US exit leaving a major gap now being tested by China’s rising role. Tourism Data Watch: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, showing strong visitor interest driven by culture and nature, with 647 responses analysed to guide planning. Energy Skills for Communities: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu leaders completed hands-on solar training to cut reliance on imported fuel and build local energy resilience as prices keep climbing. Regional Media Resilience: Papua New Guinea hosted the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on how Pacific broadcasters and newsrooms can adapt to misinformation, digital disruption and funding pressures. Pacific Security Diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale says he will review the 2022 China security pact and Australia and the Solomons have agreed to pursue a “comprehensive treaty” and boost police cooperation.

Vanuatu Tourism: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and the Vanuatu Tourism Office released the 2025 International Visitor Survey, showing 647 responses and a strong destination pull driven by culture, nature and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality. Energy & Community Resilience: Leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu completed hands-on solar training through 350.org Pacific and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, aiming to cut reliance on imported fuel and build local energy control. Regional Media Capacity: Papua New Guinea is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, with a focus on resilient Pacific storytelling and tackling safety and misinformation pressures on newsrooms. Pacific Diplomacy: Australia and Japan are pushing economic security cooperation that includes support for Pacific island states to fight money laundering, while climate change remains notably absent from the agenda. Global Shock Watch: UNCTAD warns that disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz could hit vulnerable economies hardest, raising fuel costs and straining public finances—an issue with clear knock-on effects for Pacific SIDS.

Tourism Watch: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey shows strong performance, with 647 valid responses and visitors drawn by culture, nature, adventure and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality. Climate & Water Security: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer seas and uneven, reduced rainfall, with government planning for water support and possible emergency funding. Energy Independence: Community leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu trained on solar PV installation through the Solar Scholars programme, installing systems at a kindergarten in Sigatoka and a community building in Lautoka to cut fuel costs and power outages. Regional Governance & Security: PNG says it will not allow foreign military bases as Australia expands activity at Lombrum, stressing sovereignty while working with partners under treaty arrangements. Pacific Media Resilience: PNG hosted the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference, focusing on resilient voices amid misinformation and pressure on newsroom independence. Disaster Response Recognition: New Zealand engineer Rob Allen received a Distinguished Service Decoration for rescue and recovery work in Vanuatu after a Port Vila plane crash and the 17 December earthquake.

Climate Watch for Vanuatu: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions, reduced and uneven rainfall, and possible water and agriculture impacts, with ministers preparing response measures and possible emergency funding. Disaster Response Recognition: New Zealand warrant officer Rob Allen received the Distinguished Service Decoration for leading engineering rescue and recovery work in Vanuatu after a Port Vila plane crash and the December 2024 earthquake. Pacific Energy Push: Fuel-cost pressure is driving energy independence, with Vanuatu, Fiji and Tuvalu community representatives training in solar installation and maintenance through a hands-on Solar Scholars programme. Regional Diplomacy & Aid: India’s EAM S Jaishankar marked Samoa’s Independence Day and highlighted FIPIC-III support, including delivery of a dialysis machine for Samoa. Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to stress ocean governance must be nationally led, Indigenous-led, and implementation-ready before new regional frameworks move ahead. Pacific Media Capacity: SPREP-backed training aims to boost Pacific journalists’ ability to report weather and climate stories to help communities prepare for extreme events.

Climate & Resilience: Vanuatu is on El Niño watch, with the government warning of uneven, reduced rainfall and warmer ocean conditions that could hit water supplies and agriculture, and urging early preparations. Energy Independence: Pacific leaders including Vanuatu are training community representatives in solar installation and maintenance as fuel costs rise, pushing for local control of energy systems. Weather Reporting Capacity: SPREP is backing a Pacific media workshop in Tonga to boost how regional journalists report weather and climate for community preparedness. Disaster Response Recognition: New Zealand engineer WO2 Rob Allen received a Distinguished Service Decoration for emergency work in Vanuatu, including Port Vila earthquake rescue coordination and a crash response near Port Vila Airport. Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used a Melanesian Ocean Summit to stress ocean rules must be grounded in national authority and Indigenous stewardship—an approach relevant to wider Pacific ocean management. Regional Security & Trade: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji to scale up border protection against drug trafficking and other cross-border threats. Sports Note: Fiji Football warns Bula FC players after some declined a national call-up for a Vanuatu tour.

Vanuatu in the spotlight: Ukraine says Russian drones attacked a Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship (ANT) on the Black Sea export route, injuring two crew and sparking a fire that was later contained; Turkey also warned of uncontrolled escalation and called for safer civilian navigation. Regional development finance: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium businesses across Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu access funding, with a focus on the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. Climate law momentum: The UN backed an ICJ climate duty resolution, affirming countries’ legal obligation to limit warming—an outcome Vanuatu helped push through earlier this month. Pacific security cooperation: Oceania Customs Organisation leaders meet in Nadi (June 2–4) to scale up border protection against drugs, organised crime and other cross-border threats. Local health focus: Vanuatu’s health ministry discussed NCD and cancer care priorities, including staffing gaps and plans to expand oncology services at Vanuatu National Hospital.