AGP Executive Report

MSG Leadership: The Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat in Port Vila has welcomed newly appointed Director General Dr Anna Naupa, the first female and first ni-Vanuatu to take the role, as Acting DG Ilan Kiloe hands over. Vanuatu Food Security: Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs is urging Vanuatu to feed itself first as it prepares to launch the 50,000 Taro Project, with taro distribution planned for schools, hospitals, correctional services and security forces starting 29 July in Luganville. Climate Finance Push: A Vanuatu-led push after last year’s ICJ climate ruling is now turning to the hard part—getting climate money to vulnerable Pacific communities through mechanisms like the Pacific Resilience Facility. Volcanic Disruptions: Fiji Airways has cancelled flights due to volcanic ash from Vanuatu’s Manaro Voui on Ambae, affecting routes between Nadi–Port Vila and Suva–Funafuti. Earthquake Watch: New quakes were reported across the Philippines, Tonga and Vanuatu, including a 5.0 magnitude tremor in Vanuatu.

Police Extortion Probe: Malaysia police say a man who claimed he was extorted by officers was actually wanted in China for fraud, and he is believed to be Chinese—not Vanuatu—after Interpol checks; 12 police officers were detained and a disciplinary investigation opened. Volcanic Travel Disruption: Fiji Airways cancelled regional and domestic flights due to volcanic ash from Vanuatu’s Manaro Voui on Ambae, affecting routes including Nadi–Port Vila and Suva–Funafuti. Climate Court Push: Vanuatu’s push at the UN for the ICJ to clarify governments’ climate duties gained momentum, with 86 countries backing a resolution to seek an advisory opinion. Regional Sovereignty Debate: Solomon Islands opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare warns a planned US shiprider agreement could surrender sovereign control over waters, urging release of the full text to Parliament. MSG Leadership: Fiji PM Rabuka says Dr Anna Naupa’s MSG director-general appointment followed a merit-based process despite criticism from Vanuatu chiefs. Commonwealth Games (Pacific): Pacific athletes continued strong starts in Glasgow, including Vanuatu’s presence in swimming heats and other early medal moments across the region.

Police Accountability: Malaysia’s Independent Police Conduct Commission says it has received 1,635 public complaints since 2023, with 76% resolved, as it reviews why complainants often get no feedback. Cross-Border Crime: Malaysia’s Royal Police opened a disciplinary probe into 12 officers suspected of extorting RM2 million from a Vanuatu national, running alongside a criminal investigation. Maritime Sovereignty: Solomon Islands opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says a planned US shiprider deal would surrender control of its waters, urging the full text be released to Parliament before signing. Climate Justice: A year after the ICJ climate ruling, Save the Children says Pacific children—including in Vanuatu—are still facing daily impacts, with education and wellbeing disrupted. Vanuatu Legal Push: Vanuatu’s climate court action has gained major momentum internationally, with 86 countries backing a UN resolution seeking clearer government obligations. Regional Governance: Vanuatu’s Dr Anna Naupa appointment as MSG director-general is defended as merit-based amid criticism from chiefs. Earthquake Alert: A 6.0 quake struck Vanuatu Islands, reported at 10km depth.

MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government and civil society are backing Dr Anna Naupa’s merit-based appointment as the first woman MSG Director-General after customary leaders reportedly demanded her removal, with the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs later apologising over a misleading statement. Climate Justice Push: A year after the ICJ climate ruling, Save the Children says Pacific children are still facing daily harm, while Vanuatu-led court action is gaining momentum internationally as governments move to clarify states’ obligations and climate finance duties. Regional Politics & Skills: Trade union training in the Solomon Islands brought together workers from Vanuatu and across the Pacific to strengthen labour law, dispute resolution, bargaining and arbitration skills. Earth & Volcano Watch: A 6.0 quake struck Vanuatu Islands, and a global volcano update continues to track ash advisories across the region. Women’s Leadership: 29 Pacific women parliamentarians will meet in Wellington for a wānanga on decision-making, online harm and gender-based harassment.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): Vanuatu’s John Lebot raced in the men’s sprint heats, while Pacific rivals like Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati and PNG also notched early wins in bowls and boxing—keeping medal hopes alive. Bislama & Culture: Vanuatu Bislama Language Week kicked off (26 July–1 August), with ni-Vanuatu communities in Port Vila and New Zealand using the spotlight to keep the language and identity strong. Climate Justice (ICJ): One year after the ICJ climate ruling, Vanuatu-led momentum is still building, with supporters urging governments to turn legal duties into real climate finance and protection for Pacific children. MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government and civil society backed Dr Anna Naupa’s merit-based appointment as MSG DG after customary leaders reportedly demanded her removal—sparking fresh public backlash over gender and process. Trade & Industry: Minister Samson Samsen stepped down over public concern about Value Addition Funds administration, with Iavro Robson appointed and ordered to ensure proper accounting and refunds where needed. Earthquake Alert: A 6.0 quake struck Vanuatu Islands, with the epicentre reported at 10 km depth.

Climate Justice Push: Vanuatu’s climate court bid gathered major momentum at a global summit, with 86 countries backing a resolution asking the International Court of Justice to clarify governments’ duties to protect people from climate harm. MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government hit back hard at customary leaders after reports they demanded revoking the appointment of Dr Anna Naupa as the first woman MSG Director-General, calling the stance regressive and insisting the process was merit-based. Trade Accountability: Vanuatu’s Trade and Industry Minister Samson Samsen stepped down over public concern about the Value Addition Funds, with PM Jotham Napat appointing Iavro Robson and directing a full accounting and refunds where money wasn’t used as intended. Earthquake Alert: A 6.0-magnitude quake struck the Vanuatu Islands, reported at 2137 GMT with a depth of 10 km. Regional Skills Training: Trade union representatives from Solomon Islands joined a four-day labour law and dispute resolution training that also included participants from Vanuatu and other Pacific countries. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Pacific teams, including Vanuatu, are competing at Glasgow 2026 as athletes chase early wins across sports and Para events.

Climate Justice Push: Vanuatu’s campaign at the UN to ask the International Court of Justice for clarity on governments’ climate duties is gaining serious momentum, with 86 countries backing a resolution—an advisory opinion that could shape future climate negotiations and frame climate harm as a human rights issue. Labour Rights Training: Trade union reps from across the region, including Vanuatu, took part in a four-day labour law and dispute resolution training in Solomon Islands, covering grievances, collective bargaining, mediation and mock tribunal hearings. Earthquake Alert: A 6.0-magnitude quake struck the Vanuatu Islands, reported by Germany’s GFZ, with an epicentre at shallow depth. MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government is defending the merit-based appointment of Dr Anna Naupa as MSG DG after customary leaders reportedly demanded her removal, with officials condemning the stance as gender-based and divisive. Trade Portfolio Shake-up: Vanuatu’s Trade Minister Samson Samsen stepped down over public concerns about Value Addition Funds, with Iavro Robson appointed to tighten accounting and refund any misused money. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Pacific nations are turning heads at Glasgow 2026, with early wins including Tonga in lawn bowls and Kiribati/PNG boxing breakthroughs, while Vanuatu athletes prepare for their events.

Earthquake Alert: A 6.0-magnitude quake struck the Vanuatu Islands at 2137 GMT on Friday, with the epicentre about 10 km deep, according to Germany’s GFZ. Commonwealth Games: Pacific teams made an early splash at Glasgow 2026, with Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati and Papua New Guinea recording standout wins in lawn bowls and boxing as the Games get under way. MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu civil society groups back Dr Anna Naupa’s merit-based appointment as MSG Director-General, while the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs has apologised after saying its earlier comments were misleading—after reports it demanded her removal. Trade Shake-up: Vanuatu’s Trade Minister Samson Samsen stepped down over public concern about Value Addition Funds, with PM Jotham Napat appointing Iavro Robson and ordering a full accounting and refunds for any misuse. Climate Law Anniversary: One year after the ICJ climate ruling—driven by a Vanuatu-led campaign—Pacific leaders and student advocates say the legal win still hasn’t translated into real change for children. Health & Education: Vanuatu also faces ongoing pressure from rising costs and service gaps, with regional reporting highlighting how affordability is hitting education and wellbeing.

Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026: The Games are officially under way at The Hydro, with Pacific teams including Vanuatu among the 74 nations competing across 10 sports and six Para sports, after King Charles III opened the event in a pared-back but high-energy ceremony featuring Doctor Who’s Tardis. Climate justice one year on: A year after the ICJ’s landmark climate advisory ruling, Pacific children are still waiting for real change, with Save the Children New Zealand saying the legal duty is clear but daily impacts on education and wellbeing continue. MSG leadership row: Vanuatu civil society backs Dr Anna Naupa’s merit-based appointment as MSG DG, while the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs has apologised for misleading claims and the government has condemned chiefs’ demands to revoke the appointment as discriminatory. Government reshuffle: Vanuatu’s Trade Minister Samson Samsen has stepped down over public concern about Value Addition Funds, with Iavro Robson appointed to tighten accounting and refund any misused money. Regional security: Australia has not ruled out more joint patrols in the South China Sea after a “destabilising” missile test, as Pacific allies watch the fallout.

MSG Leadership Clash: Vanuatu’s government has condemned the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs after it demanded the revocation of Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as Director-General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, calling the stance discriminatory and gender-based, while Malvatumauri says customary actions will follow if the government doesn’t act by 30 July. Regional Security Deals: Australia’s “Nakamal Agreement” with Vanuatu has been signed, but questions are being raised about the political and sovereignty costs of locking in security cooperation as Pacific geopolitics heats up. Connectivity Bottleneck: Satellite internet is spreading across the Pacific, but power shortages remain the main barrier, with operators pairing Starlink with solar generators to keep schools and health services online. Vanuatu Football: Vanuatu opened strongly in its OFC match against Samoa, racing to a 5-1 half-time lead and finishing with a 7-1 win. Explosive Safety in Port Vila: Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Mobile Force teams, with ADF support, safely identified and catalogued World War II-era munitions around Cook Barracks as part of Operation Render Safe. Commonwealth Games: Vanuatu is among 11 Pacific nations heading to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, with teams facing finance and logistics hurdles but now shifting focus to competition.

MSG Leadership Clash: Vanuatu’s government has hit back at the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs after the chiefs criticised the appointment of Dr Anna Naupa as Director-General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, calling the stance discriminatory and demanding a public apology. Customs Ultimatum: Malvatumauri has issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Jotham Napat to revoke the appointment by 30 July 2026 or face customary actions. Climate Justice Anniversary: One year after the ICJ’s landmark climate advisory opinion, Pacific youth and partners say the ruling has reshaped global climate obligations and should drive more child-focused climate action. Vanuatu Sports: Vanuatu thrashed Samoa 7-1 in a recent match, with Rohan Masauvakalo scoring three and Franso Shem adding two. Pacific Security: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a defence cooperation agreement for 2026–2029, expanding exercises, training and personnel exchanges amid rising regional strategic competition. Education Pressure: UNESCO talks in Paris warned SDG4 progress has gone backwards, with rising costs and debt hitting education budgets, including higher education in the Pacific. Explosive Safety: Vanuatu Mobile Force and Solomon Islands police EOD teams, with ADF support, safely identified World War II-era munitions around Cook Barracks in Port Vila.

Vanuatu Drought Alert: Vanuatu has declared a first-stage drought for parts of the country as dry weather cuts rainfall and water availability, with communities urged to conserve water and watch official updates while El Niño conditions strengthen. Vanuatu Health: Vanuatu is also moving to strengthen its measles outbreak defences, as health authorities push to protect communities. Climate Justice in the Pacific: One year after the ICJ’s landmark climate ruling, Save the Children is calling for more child-focused climate adaptation funding, pointing to Vanuatu’s role in a UN resolution endorsing the court’s findings. Pacific Security Talks: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a defence co-operation agreement for 2026-2029, expanding training and exchanges as Pacific powers deepen security ties amid strategic competition. Regional Maritime Enforcement: Solomon Islands is set to sign a US Coast Guard “ship rider” deal next week, bringing local police aboard for joint patrols as threats like illegal fishing and trafficking rise. Renewables Summit: UNELCO ENGIE (Vanuatu) is among speakers confirmed for the Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland in October, focused on solar, wind and battery storage across the region.

Climate & Children: One year after the ICJ’s landmark climate ruling, Save the Children is urging more child-focused climate adaptation funding, saying Vanuatu helped shape the UN resolution endorsing the court’s view that protecting the climate system is a legal duty. Drought Watch (Vanuatu): Vanuatu has declared a first-stage meteorological drought for Torba and parts of Sanma, Penama and Malampa, warning rainfall deficits could worsen and urging communities to conserve water and monitor rainwater tanks, crops and livestock. Volcano Disruptions: Ash from Ambae’s Manaro Voui eruption is affecting flights, with Vanuatu Tourism advising travellers to check transit plans directly with airlines and operators. Air Vanuatu Fleet: Air Vanuatu expects a fifth DHC-6-300 by late July 2026, to support domestic services including the newly opened Lopeni airport. Pacific Security: Solomon Islands is set to sign a US Coast Guard “ship rider” deal next week, boosting joint maritime patrols with local police amid rising concerns over trafficking and illegal fishing. Renewables (Oceania): Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan has been confirmed as a keynote at the Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland on 7–8 October, alongside Vanuatu’s UNELCO ENGIE. Commonwealth Games: Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games begin July 23, with Vanuatu among the Pacific nations heading to the event.

Renewables & Energy: Meridian Energy boss Mike Roan has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for the Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland on 7–8 October, joining Vanuatu’s UNELCO ENGIE CEO Frederic Petit and other Pacific and regional leaders on solar, wind, grid and storage. Drought Watch (Vanuatu): Vanuatu’s weather service has declared a first-stage meteorological drought for Torba, and parts of Sanma, Penama and Malampa, urging water conservation as El Niño conditions raise the risk of longer dry spells. Volcano Disruptions: Ash from Ambae’s Manaro Voui volcano is affecting flights nationwide, with travellers urged to check airline and transit plans and follow official Geohazards updates. Health Preparedness: Vanuatu has held a national measles simulation in Port Vila to test response to an imported case spreading to communities and outer islands, focusing on surveillance, vaccination, lab coordination and logistics. Air Vanuatu Fleet: Air Vanuatu expects delivery of a fifth DHC-6-300 by late July 2026, supporting domestic network growth including service to the newly opened Lopeni airport. Visa Rules (Vanuatu): Vanuatu has published the official 2026 list of 23 countries whose citizens can enter without a visitor visa.

Air Vanuatu: The airline expects its fifth DHC-6-300 by late July 2026, after a delay from an earlier March target, with the new aircraft also set to support the recently opened Lopeni airport. Volcanic disruption: Ash from Ambae’s Manaro Voui eruption is affecting flights nationwide, and travellers are being urged to check with airlines and operators before heading to airports. Drought watch: Vanuatu’s weather service has declared a first-stage meteorological drought for Torba and parts of Sanma, Penama and Malampa, warning that dry conditions could worsen if rainfall stays below average. Health preparedness: Vanuatu has held a national measles simulation in Port Vila to test response plans for an imported case spreading to outer islands, with recommendations aimed at strengthening surveillance, vaccination logistics and risk communication. Immigration update: Vanuatu has published the official 2026 list of 23 countries whose citizens can enter without a visitor visa. Regional security: Solomon Islands says it will sign a US Coast Guard “ship rider” deal next week to patrol its waters with local police, amid ongoing concerns over trafficking and illegal fishing.

Volcano Disruptions: Ash from Ambae’s Manaro Voui eruption is grounding or delaying flights, with Vanuatu Tourism urging travellers to confirm transit plans directly with airlines and operators. Drought Watch: VMHS has declared a first-stage meteorological drought for Torba and parts of Sanma, Penama and Malampa after three months of below-average rain, warning dry conditions could worsen if they continue. Health Preparedness: Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health ran a national measles simulation in Port Vila to test response systems for an imported case, including surveillance, lab coordination, vaccination planning and outer-island outbreak control. Visa Rules for 2026: Immigration has published the official list of 23 countries whose citizens can enter Vanuatu without a visitor visa in 2026, including the USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and others. Cyclone Recovery Funding: UN CERF approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu recovery after Cyclones Judy and Kevin, targeting food security, WASH and emergency shelter for the most affected. Biosecurity Cruise Impact: Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Port Vila-area stop at Mystery Island after biosecurity rules prevented travel after dark due to an invasive beetle risk. Community & Culture: A Pacific-wide push is bringing simplified “meetinghouse plus” designs with solar and satellite internet to remote island communities, helping worship and learning where power and connectivity are limited. Women’s Voices: Ni-Vanuatu women met ahead of the Pacific Innovation Forum to press ministers to include their priorities on climate and environment. Sport: New Zealand thrashed Vanuatu 7-0 in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship group stage, finishing top of Group B. Travel Deals: Virgin Australia launched a major sale on flights and packages, with discounts including routes to Vanuatu.