AGP Executive Report

Pacific diplomacy & honours: Australia named diplomat Ewen McDonald and Monash sonographer Peter Coombs to the Order of Australia, spotlighting renewed Pacific engagement and health/education links. Vanuatu–France sovereignty dispute: A “David vs Goliath” stoush over Matthew and Hunter (Umaenupne/Umaeneg) islands is back in focus, with France facing pressure over control of the territories and the wider precedent for maritime sovereignty. Regional security & policing: PNG, Fiji and Tonga senior leaders visited a Pacific-led police training program in Brisbane, underscoring skills for public order, search and rescue and regional stability. Ocean protection push: PNG announced a major Western Manus no-take marine protected area, framed as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves linking PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Media accountability: Vanuatu’s VBTC content head urged Pacific media to stay transparent and accountable as social media misinformation increasingly shapes election choices. Women’s safety in Vanuatu: A new national survey reports intimate partner violence by husbands/partners fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with faster recent progress but still too slow.

Vanuatu–France Islands Dispute: A “David vs Goliath” sovereignty fight is brewing over Matthew and Hunter islands (Umaenupne and Umaeneg), with France controlling the uninhabited territories since 1965 and fears in Paris that any return could spark wider claims. Climate Justice Push: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing the ICJ’s climate obligations ruling, a case Vanuatu helped trigger through civil society action—while activists still face crackdowns in multiple countries. Women’s Safety in Vanuatu: Vanuatu reports partner violence against women fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), showing faster progress than the global average, though change is still too slow. Regional Ocean Protection: Papua New Guinea announced a major no-take Western Manus marine protected area (over 200,000 km²) as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, linking conservation with long-term fisheries sustainability. Pacific Media Accountability: Vanuatu’s VBTC urged Pacific media to protect trust amid election misinformation, warning that weak trust lets leaders avoid accountability. EU Seafood Rules: EU food-safety changes could affect most Pacific freezer vessels exporting to the EU, with regional training in Suva to help authorities comply.

Vanuatu–France Islands Dispute: Vanuatu is framing its long-running sovereignty fight over the uninhabited Matthew and Hunter (Umaenupne and Umaeneg) islands as “David versus Goliath,” with France’s control since 1965 raising fears of wider overseas-territory sovereignty claims. Climate Justice & UN Action: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing the ICJ’s climate obligations ruling, a win that traces back to a Vanuatu-linked civil society push by Pacific students—while activists in multiple countries still face crackdowns. Women’s Safety in Vanuatu: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global decline in intimate partner violence, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and government response efforts credited. Media Accountability in Vanuatu: VBTC’s content head says Pacific media must stay accountable and transparent as misinformation—especially around elections—erodes trust. Regional Ocean Governance: PNG announced a major no-take Western Manus marine protected area, designed to connect with a Melanesian Ocean Corridor that includes Vanuatu. Pacific Security Watch: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China, after concerns about Chinese access in the region.

Vanuatu & Gender Justice: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global drop in intimate partner violence, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and government response credited for the pace of change. Pacific Ocean Governance: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area of about 200,000 km² with a total fishing ban, framed as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves linking PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Regional Security: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China and begin treaty negotiations with Australia, aiming to “reset” ties. Pacific Trade & Compliance: EU food-safety rules are set to affect most Pacific freezer vessels; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained to meet the new standards and protect access to EU seafood markets. Media Accountability: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation urged Pacific media to stay accountable and transparent as misinformation—especially around elections—erodes trust.

Vanuatu & Climate Justice: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing last year’s ICJ advisory opinion that states have a legal duty to prevent climate harm, a case originally brought by Vanuatu—showing how Pacific civil society is shaping global climate law. Vanuatu & Women’s Safety: Vanuatu’s latest national survey reports partner violence by husbands/partners fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with a faster decline in recent-year prevalence—an important signal for Vanuatu Women’s Centre and government prevention work. Regional Security (Solomon Islands): New PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China and start treaty negotiations with Australia, after criticism over potential Chinese force access. Pacific Health & Drugs: Experts warn illicit drug activity is spreading beyond Fiji, with “warning signs” showing up in wastewater and drug busts across Tonga and the Solomon Islands. Media Accountability (Vanuatu-linked): Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation urged Pacific media to stay accountable and transparent, warning misinformation around elections can undermine trust and accountability. Ocean Protection (PNG/Vanuatu link): PNG announced a major no-take Western Manus marine protected area as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, explicitly involving Vanuatu in the regional conservation push.

UN Climate Resolution: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing last year’s ICJ advisory opinion that states must prevent climate harm, a move born from a Vanuatu-led legal push by Pacific Islands students—while activists still face persecution in some countries. Women’s Safety in Vanuatu: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global drop in intimate partner violence, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and government/provincial partners credited for prevention and response work. Regional Media Accountability: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation content chief Stevenson Liu urged Pacific media to stay transparent and accountable as social media misinformation increasingly shapes election choices. Pacific Security Pivot (Solomon Islands): New PM Matthew Wale says he will review the 2022 secretive security pact with China and start negotiations on a comprehensive treaty with Australia, while Australia signals deeper police cooperation and a $35m support package. Ocean Governance: PNG plans a huge no-take Western Manus marine protected area as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, linking conservation with long-term fisheries sustainability across Fiji, Vanuatu and PNG. Border & Trade Security (Vanuatu): Vanuatu joins Pacific customs leaders to strengthen border security and trade.

Media accountability: Vanuatu’s public broadcaster says Pacific media must stay transparent and hold politicians to account, warning that social media misinformation is already shaping election choices. Climate justice push: The UN General Assembly backed an ICJ advisory opinion saying states have legal duties to prevent climate harm, even as some governments keep targeting climate and environmental activists. Oil shock risk: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over US$20b a year to the oil import bills of vulnerable economies, hitting least developed countries and Pacific SIDS hardest. Solomon Islands pivot: New PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secret 2022 security pact with China and start talks on a new comprehensive treaty with Australia, including stronger police cooperation. Ocean protection: PNG plans a Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary—over 214,000 sq km—linked to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves with Vanuatu and Fiji. Regional tourism data: SPTO and Niue Tourism released 2024 International Visitor Survey findings to guide Pacific tourism planning.

Pacific Security Reset: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says his government will review the secretive 2022 security pact with China, after admitting he only saw the agreement days before his Australia trip and promising a broader review of security deals. Australia–Solomons Treaty Push: Australia and Solomon Islands have agreed to “elevate” ties via a new comprehensive treaty and boost police cooperation, alongside a reported $35m package tied to cyclone response and energy shocks. PNG Ocean Protection: Papua New Guinea announced plans for the Western Manus largest no-take marine sanctuary in Melanesia, aiming to protect biodiversity while supporting long-term fisheries sustainability. Vanuatu Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, highlighting strong visitor interest and local capacity building through the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative. Energy Resilience in the Pacific: 350.org and the Institute of Climate and Sustainable Cities trained community leaders in solar PV installation in Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu, installing systems to cut fuel costs and support emergency power. Governance & Accountability: Vanuatu’s regional political context also intersects with broader Pacific governance themes as leaders push for resilience planning and better systems for disaster-prone communities.

Solomon Islands–China Security: New PM Matthew Wale says his government will review the 2022 “secretive” security pact with Beijing, admitting he only saw the agreement days before his Australia trip and calling for broader reassessment of security deals. Australia–Solomon Islands Treaty Push: Australia and Solomon Islands have agreed to “elevate” ties through a new comprehensive treaty and boost police cooperation, with Australia also earmarking $35m for Cyclone Maila response and energy-shock impacts. Vanuatu Tourism Data: The Vanuatu Tourism Office and SPTO released 2025 International Visitor Survey results, highlighting visitor satisfaction and spending patterns to guide policy and investment. Pacific Energy Resilience: 350.org and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities trained community leaders in solar PV installation across Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu, installing systems to ease fuel-cost pressure and support outages. Regional Governance Watch: PNG PM James Marape reiterated no foreign military bases, even as Australia expands work at the Lombrum naval port—framing it as sovereign PNG facilities under cooperation agreements. GEF Financing Ahead of Assembly: GEF leadership signalled a shift toward “impact, speed and scale” as GEF-9 replenishment is presented for the next cycle.

Solomon Islands–China/ Australia Reset: New PM Matthew Wale says he will review the 2022 secretive security pact with Beijing, admitting he only saw a copy days before his Australia trip, while Australia and Wale also move to “elevate” ties via a new comprehensive treaty and expanded police co-operation. Regional Security Diplomacy: The Albanese government is set to revive a stalled policing deal and launch treaty talks as Canberra seeks a closer partner in Honiara after the China pivot. Vanuatu Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office released 2025 International Visitor Survey results, highlighting strong visitor interest driven by culture, nature and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality, with 54% first-time visitors. Energy Skills for Resilience: 350.org and partners ran a Solar Scholars workshop in Fiji with community leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu, installing solar PV systems to cut fuel pressure and support outages. Climate Watch: Coverage flags Vanuatu’s El Niño watch as Pacific governments brace for climate-linked shocks.

Vanuatu Climate Watch: The government has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer seas, reduced and uneven rainfall, and likely pressure on water, agriculture and livestock—PM Jotham Napat says the Council of Ministers will activate response measures and could move to a State of Emergency. Pacific Energy Resilience: Community leaders in Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu trained under 350.org’s Solar Scholars programme, installing solar PV systems to cut fuel costs and provide backup power during outages. Tourism Data for Policy: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey shows strong performance, with the Vanuatu Tourism Office contributing most of the analysis—aimed at guiding investment and planning. Regional Security Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Albanese is set to launch talks with new Solomon Islands leader Matthew Wale on a broader treaty and to revive a policing deal tied to limiting China’s influence. Governance & Accountability: PNG PM Marape says Australia’s expanded defence presence at Lombrum is not a “foreign base,” stressing PNG sovereignty while defence cooperation grows. Local Government & Services: A NSW coroner backed calls for public awareness after child deaths in hot cars, citing memory failure—an issue that often hits families and local services.

Vanuatu Climate Watch: Minister of Climate Change Ralph Regenvanu told Parliament the country is now on El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions and uneven, reduced rainfall that could hit water supplies, agriculture and outer islands; the Council of Ministers will meet on response measures and, if needed, a State of Emergency, with water support and emergency funding mechanisms already being readied. Health Sector Focus: In a Vanuatu health ministry discussion, Acting DG Dr Santus Wari said the push on non-communicable diseases includes expanding cancer screening and treatment, with Prime Minister Jotham Napat urging oncology services at Vanuatu National Hospital by year-end—though the main bottleneck is trained staff. Regional Security & Diplomacy: PNG PM James Marape reiterated Lombrum is a sovereign PNG defence facility and rejected the idea of foreign bases as Australia expands presence at the naval port; the stance matters for Pacific security cooperation with both China and Western partners. Pacific Infrastructure Politics: The Quad’s new agenda highlights port and maritime infrastructure in the region, including Fiji, as a development-and-security play that could shape future influence contests across the Pacific. Climate Accountability Signal: A UN vote backed the ICJ advisory opinion on climate change, strengthening the legal and political pressure on governments to act—an issue Pacific states are watching closely.

Vanuatu Climate Watch: Minister Ralph Regenvanu told Parliament the country has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer seas, uneven rainfall and likely dry conditions that could hit water supplies, agriculture and outer islands; the Council of Ministers will meet on response measures and a State of Emergency remains possible, with early public preparations urged. Regional Security & Infrastructure: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US) pushed a new ports-and-connectivity push, including port infrastructure in Fiji, as part of a wider agenda on maritime surveillance and critical minerals—framing infrastructure as strategic power, not just commerce. Ocean Governance (Melanesia): Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to argue ocean governance must be nationally led and Indigenous-stewarded, with “implementation-ready” frameworks and domestic processes before any regional commitments. Pacific Finance for SMEs: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium businesses—including in Vanuatu—access finance and build climate and blue/green economy resilience. Vanuatu Health Sector: A Vanuatu Ministry of Health update via KmK highlights efforts to expand NCD and cancer screening and training, but flags staffing shortages as the main bottleneck.

Vanuatu Climate Watch: Minister Ralph Regenvanu told Parliament Vanuatu is on an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions, uneven rainfall and likely water and farm impacts, with the Council of Ministers ready to activate response measures and emergency funding if needed. Quad Infrastructure Push: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US) announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, including Suva and Lautoka, as part of a broader push on maritime surveillance and critical minerals—raising the stakes for Pacific connectivity and geopolitics. Pacific Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to argue ocean governance must be nationally led, Indigenous-led and “implementation-ready,” calling for consultation and domestic sign-offs before any new regional framework. Vanuatu Health Sector: In a KmK interview, Vanuatu’s health leadership linked cancer care progress to staffing gaps, saying a push for oncology services at Vanuatu National Hospital depends on trained workers. Regional Finance for SMEs: A new EU-backed 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 finance—especially in blue/green economy and climate resilience. Australia–Solomons Treaty Talks: Australia’s PM Albanese plans to launch talks with newly elected Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale on a more comprehensive treaty and a revived policing deal aimed at curbing China’s influence. Climate Legal Signal: A UN General Assembly vote backed the ICJ advisory opinion on climate change, with Climate Action Network calling it a political signal that legal duties must translate into real action.

Vanuatu Politics & Governance: Vanuatu’s constitutional fight over whether an early election can be forced is still tied up in court, with the Supreme Court set to deliver its verdict on the Opposition’s no-confidence challenge to PM Bob Loughman on 09 September 2022. Regional Security & Borders: Pacific customs chiefs meet in Nadi (June 2–4) to scale up border protection against drugs, organised crime, trafficking and illicit finance, as maritime and aviation routes keep getting exploited. Pacific Diplomacy & Infrastructure: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) is moving to jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, a move that will be watched closely for its China implications. Vanuatu Health: Vanuatu’s health leadership is pushing cancer screening and treatment plans, but says the biggest bottleneck is shortages of trained staff, prompting regional study trips to PNG and Solomon Islands. Climate & Law: The UN backs an ICJ climate duty resolution, likely to be used in future legal fights over greenhouse-gas responsibility. Pacific Finance: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launches in Suva to help SMEs in Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu access finance for blue/green and climate-resilience work.

Climate Accountability at UN: More than two-thirds of UN members backed a resolution affirming the ICJ view that countries have a legal duty to limit global warming to 1.5°C, a ruling likely to be cited in future climate litigation. Maritime Security in the Black Sea: Russia’s drone attacks hit multiple foreign merchant ships, including a Vanuatu-flagged Turkish-owned cargo vessel (ANT), injuring crew and raising fresh shipping safety fears. Vanuatu in Regional 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 finance, especially for blue/green economy and climate resilience. Pacific Health Workforce: Vanuatu’s health leadership discussed NCD and cancer care priorities, with staffing shortages driving plans for training and support links across the region. Vanuatu’s West Papua Push: Vanuatu is seeking Pacific Islands Forum support for a UN General Assembly resolution backing West Papuans’ self-determination. Regional Sovereignty & Security: PNG PM James Marape reiterated no foreign military bases, even as Australia expands presence at Lombrum—an issue that resonates across Pacific sovereignty debates.