AGP Executive Report

Climate Justice Push: Vanuatu’s campaign to get the ICJ to clarify governments’ legal duties on climate harm has surged, with 86 countries backing a UN resolution after COP27, setting up a mid-December vote. MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government is locked in a public fight with the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs over the appointment of Dr Anna Naupa as MSG DG, with chiefs demanding revocation by 30 July on customary grounds; the government calls it regressive and says the process was merit-based. Civil Society Backing: VANGO and member NGOs have come out in support of Naupa and the government’s defence of a transparent, merit-based appointment. Trade Minister Resigns: Samson Samsen has stepped down after public concern over Value Addition Funds administration; PM Jotham Napat appoints Iavro Robson and orders full accounting and refunds or legal action for misuse. Regional Labour Skills: Trade unions from Vanuatu and others joined a Solomon Islands labour law and dispute resolution training, aimed at strengthening industrial relations and bargaining skills.

MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government and civil society groups have rallied behind Dr Anna Naupa’s merit-based appointment as MSG DG after the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs demanded her revocation by 30 July, calling it gender-discriminatory and “regressive” while Malvatumauri later apologised for a misleading report. Trade & Public Funds: Vanuatu’s Trade Minister Samson Samsen stepped down over public concern about Value Addition Funds administration; PM Jotham Napat appointed Iavro Robson and ordered full accounting, refunds, and possible legal action. Climate Justice One-Year On: A year after the ICJ climate advisory opinion, Pacific leaders and youth campaigners say legal clarity still hasn’t translated into enough child-focused climate finance and action. Regional Security: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement, expanding exercises and training amid intensifying great-power competition. Connectivity Reality Check: Reporting from the Pacific highlights that reliable electricity—not just satellite internet—is the key barrier to connecting remote communities, including in Vanuatu.

MSG Leadership Row: Vanuatu’s government has hit back hard at the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs over calls to revoke Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as MSG Director-General, saying the stance is “regressive, divisive” and that Naupa was selected through a rigorous independent MSG process on merit. Civil Society Support: VANGO and member NGOs have backed Naupa, arguing leadership should be based on qualifications and that kastom should not block qualified women from regional roles. Climate Justice One-Year On: A year after the ICJ’s landmark climate advisory opinion, Pacific children and civil society say daily harm continues and governments must turn legal duty into real climate finance and protection. Regional Security Moves: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a defence cooperation statement for 2026–2029, expanding dialogue, training and exercises amid intensifying strategic competition in the Pacific. Commonwealth Games: Glasgow 2026 is officially underway, with Pacific teams including Vanuatu taking centre stage at the opening ceremony. Trade Portfolio Change: Vanuatu’s Trade Minister Samson Samsen has stepped down over public concern about Value Addition Funds administration, with PM Jotham Napat appointing Iavro Robson and ordering full accounting and refunds where needed.

MSG Leadership Clash in Port Vila: 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 (MSG), calling the stance discriminatory and gender-based, and saying the process was independent and merit-based. Customary Ultimatum: Malvatumauri has set a 30 July 2026 deadline, warning chiefs will initiate customary actions if the appointment isn’t rescinded, arguing customary traditions require a male leader. Regional Security Push: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement in Port Moresby, expanding dialogue, training, joint exercises and personnel exchanges amid intensifying strategic competition in the Pacific. Pacific Connectivity Reality Check: Reporting highlights that satellite internet rollouts still hinge on reliable electricity, with solar-plus-Starlink approaches being used to power schools and health services in remote communities. Climate Justice Milestone: One year on from the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion, Vanuatu-linked Pacific youth and partners are calling for more child-focused climate adaptation funding, arguing the ruling strengthens states’ legal duties under international law.

MSG Leadership Crisis: Vanuatu’s government has hit back at the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs after it demanded the revocation of Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Director-General, calling the chiefs’ stance discriminatory and gender-based, and stressing the selection was made through an independent MSG panel process. Ultimatum Escalates: Malvatumauri has set a 30 July 2026 deadline, warning it will trigger customary actions if the appointment isn’t rescinded, arguing custom requires a male to perform certain ceremonies. Regional Security Push: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation Statement of Intent in Port Moresby, expanding security dialogue, joint exercises, training and personnel exchanges amid intensifying Pacific strategic competition. Education Funding Pressure: Pacific education ministers and partners say progress on SDG4 has gone backwards, with rising living costs and debt squeezing education budgets, including higher education, at places like the University of the South Pacific. Climate Justice Anniversary: One year after the ICJ’s landmark climate advisory opinion, Pacific youth and Save the Children are calling for stronger, child-focused climate adaptation financing, pointing to Vanuatu’s role in driving the case. Fisheries Subsidies: Forum Deputy Secretary-General Esala Nayasi urged Pacific states to discourage subsidies that support fishing of overfished stocks, linking the push to WTO fisheries subsidy work and the Blue Pacific agenda. Air Vanuatu Fleet Update: Deputy PM and finance minister Johnny Koanapo says Air Vanuatu expects a fifth DHC-6-300 by late July 2026, to support domestic services including the newly opened Lopeni airport.

Pacific Security Pacts: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a defence co-operation statement for 2026–2029, expanding dialogue, training, exercises and personnel exchanges as strategic competition in the Pacific intensifies. Maritime Enforcement Shift: Solomon Islands says it will sign a US Coast Guard “ship rider” deal with local police aboard, aiming to boost maritime surveillance and crack down on illegal fishing and trafficking. Vanuatu Aviation Update: Air Vanuatu expects delivery of a fifth DHC-6-300 by late July 2026, with the aircraft also set to support the recently opened Lopeni airport as the government rebuilds the domestic network. Climate & Drought Watch: Vanuatu’s weather service has declared a first-stage meteorological drought for parts of Torba, Sanma, Penama and Malampa, urging early water conservation and monitoring as El Niño continues. Governance (Regional): Timor-Leste’s Council of Ministers met in Dili, reviewing local government reform outcomes and bilateral cooperation plans, including electoral administration and administrative modernisation.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says Honiara will sign a “ship rider” deal next week for U.S. Coast Guard patrols with local police aboard, after earlier tensions tied to China-linked security moves. Vanuatu Aviation & Finance: Air Vanuatu expects a fifth DHC-6-300 by end of July 2026, with Deputy PM/Finance Minister Johnny Koanapo saying the aircraft will also support the newly opened Lopeni airport as the domestic network rebuilds. Climate Law & Funding: One year after the ICJ climate advisory opinion, Save the Children (with Vanuatu’s UN-backed resolution) is pushing for more child-focused climate adaptation financing, arguing states’ duties are binding under international law. Digital Fraud & AI Misuse: A PNG media personality’s experience shows how AI deepfakes are being used for Facebook scams, with PNG preparing laws to criminalise deepfakes, voice cloning and digital impersonation. Vanuatu Drought Watch: Vanuatu’s weather service declares a first-stage meteorological drought for parts of Torba, Sanma, Penama and Malampa, urging early water planning as El Niño continues. Regional Power Politics: Australia’s security push in Oceania is framed as outmanoeuvring China, including a cooperation agreement with Vanuatu aimed at blocking any future Chinese military base.

Air Vanuatu Fleet Update: Deputy PM and finance minister Johnny Koanapo says Air Vanuatu expects its fifth DHC-6-300 by end of July 2026, delayed from March, with the aircraft also set to serve the newly opened Lopeni airport. Disaster Funding for Vanuatu: The UN’s CERF has approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu cyclone recovery after twin Category-4 storms, targeting food security, WASH, and emergency shelter for the most affected. First Stage Drought Declared: Vanuatu’s weather service has declared a meteorological drought for Torba and parts of Sanma, Penama and Malampa after below-average rainfall for three months, urging water conservation and early preparation. Regional Security Moves: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says Honiara will sign a ship-rider agreement with the US Coast Guard next week, allowing joint patrols with local police—an approach that follows earlier US boarding activity that Beijing protested. Government-Airline/Infrastructure Link: The aircraft delivery is part of a broader domestic network rebuild and airport rehabilitation push, with further fleet expansion planned.

Maritime Security Pivot: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale says a new “ship rider agreement” will let the US Coast Guard patrol Solomon waters with local police aboard, with the deal to be signed in Honiara next week—an approach that follows earlier US patrols that angered Beijing after boardings in Vanuatu and Kiribati. Vanuatu Aviation & Infrastructure: Deputy PM and Finance Minister Johnny Koanapo says Air Vanuatu expects its fifth DHC-6-300 by early 3Q26, after a delay from March, with the aircraft also set to support the newly opened Lopeni airport and further domestic fleet expansion. Disaster Response Funding: The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund has approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu’s recovery from twin Category-4 cyclones Judy and Kevin, targeting food security, WASH, and emergency shelter for the most affected. Climate Watch: Vanuatu’s meteorology service has declared a first-stage meteorological drought for Torba and parts of Sanma, Penama and Malampa, urging water conservation and early preparation as El Niño continues. Regional Governance & Aid: PACNEWS reports MCC is positioning Pacific and Fiji partnerships as a strategic alternative to China’s Belt and Road, while other Pacific bulletins focus on education, water-saving ahead of El Niño, and development funding gaps.

Vanuatu–France Dispute: Vanuatu Opposition Leader Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau says Prime Minister Jotham Napat must apologise over mishandled Matthew and Hunter Island talks, arguing the government misled the public about resolving sovereignty and that handing negotiations to Deputy PM Johnny Koanapo weakened Vanuatu’s position. Disaster Response: UN funding has been approved for Vanuatu’s cyclone recovery, with US$1.7m earmarked for food security, WASH and emergency shelter for the most affected. Climate & Water Security: Vanuatu’s weather service has declared a first-stage meteorological drought for Torba and parts of Sanma, Penama and Malampa, urging water conservation and early preparation as El Niño continues. Governance & Public Safety: Vanuatu’s measles outbreak defences were strengthened, while broader Pacific reporting highlights how health systems are under strain as climate change worsens risks. Regional Security Context: Coverage also points to rising Pacific security cooperation, including Australia’s expanding defence role in Oceania—an issue that will shape how Vanuatu and neighbours plan for future government priorities. Tourism Policy: ATTA presented findings from a Vanuatu adventure tourism index at the Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum, focusing on closing the gap between what Vanuatu offers and global awareness.

Vanuatu-France Islands Dispute: Vanuatu says bilateral talks over Matthew and Hunter islands have stalled and it will pursue international legal action, arguing sovereignty would also decide rights to surrounding waters and resources. Vanuatu Domestic Politics: Opposition leader Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau is demanding PM Jotham Napat and DPM Johnny Koanapo apologise, alleging the government misled the public about progress and mishandled negotiations. Cyclone Recovery Funding: The UN Central Emergency Response Fund has approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu after twin Category-4 cyclones Judy and Kevin, targeting food security, WASH and emergency shelter for the most vulnerable. Regional Security & Policing: A Kumul Vanua Police agreement between PNG and Vanuatu signals deeper cooperation on policing and security across the region. Pacific Marine Protection: PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji are pushing a Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, with Solomon Islands joining, but observers warn enforcement must be real to avoid “paper parks.” Governance & Aid: Pacific leaders and indigenous voices are calling for less tokenism and more action as aid and climate pressures mount.

Vanuatu–France Legal Fight: Vanuatu says it will pursue international legal action after talks with France failed over sovereignty of the Matthew and Hunter islands, arguing the dispute also affects rights to surrounding waters and resources. Vanuatu Politics: Opposition Leader Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau demands a government apology over alleged mishandling of the Matthew and Hunter negotiations, including whether the public was misled after 2025 Independence comments. Cyclone Recovery Funding: The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu’s recovery from twin Category-4 cyclones Judy and Kevin, targeting food security, WASH and emergency shelter. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Australia’s growing security role in Oceania is highlighted alongside China’s missile test fallout, with PNG’s move to close Taiwan’s representative office drawing US concern and linking to wider Pacific power shifts. Pacific Marine Conservation: PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji’s Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves gains momentum as Solomon Islands joins, though observers warn enforcement must avoid “paper parks.” Tourism–Agriculture Link: Vanuatu’s tourism and agriculture ministries meet operators in Port Vila on strengthening local produce supply chains, with unreliable local vegetables and eggs flagged as key constraints.

Vanuatu–France Dispute: Vanuatu says it will pursue international legal action after talks with France over Matthew and Hunter islands stalled, arguing sovereignty would also decide rights to surrounding waters and resources. Vanuatu Politics: Opposition Leader Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau demands a government apology over alleged mishandling of the Matthew and Hunter negotiations, questioning whether the public was misled ahead of Independence Day. Vanuatu–Cyclone Response: The UN’s CERF approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu recovery from twin Category-4 cyclones Judy and Kevin, targeting food security, WASH, and emergency shelter for the most affected. Regional Security–China/PNG: China-linked pressure continues to ripple as PNG moves to close Taiwan’s representative office, with the US saying it’s part of Beijing’s intimidation campaign amid broader Pacific security concerns. Pacific Environment & Health: A Lancet Countdown report warns climate change is driving a worsening health crisis across small island states, with heat, food insecurity, air quality and infectious disease risks rising. Pacific Marine Conservation: Solomon Islands joins PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji in backing the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, a large transboundary marine protected area—though management and enforcement details remain thin. Tourism & Local Supply: Tourism and hospitality operators meet government on strengthening local produce supply chains, flagging unreliable local vegetables and eggs as key constraints.

Vanuatu–France Legal Fight: Vanuatu says it will take its decades-old Matthew and Hunter islands dispute with France to an international court after talks failed, arguing sovereignty also determines rights to surrounding waters and resources. Opposition Pressure: Vanuatu’s opposition leader Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau demands a government apology, saying the public was misled over whether the dispute was resolved and questioning the role of the deputy PM in negotiations. Regional Security & China: China rejects claims it has “geopolitical intent” behind its missile test, while Pacific leaders and officials push back on the idea of the region being a “sphere of influence.” Pacific Environment & Health: A Lancet Countdown report warns climate change is driving a worsening health crisis across small island states, hitting infants, elderly people and vulnerable communities hardest. PNG–Vanuatu–Solomon Cooperation: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) initiative, adding to the PNG–Vanuatu–Fiji push for a massive transboundary marine protected area. Local Governance–Tourism Supply: In Port Vila, tourism and hospitality operators tell government that unreliable local produce supply—especially vegetables and eggs—still blocks stronger linkages between tourism and agriculture.

Vanuatu–France Legal Fight: Vanuatu says it will take its decades-old sovereignty dispute with France over Matthew and Hunter islands to an international court after talks failed, arguing island ownership would also decide rights to surrounding waters and resources. Vanuatu Opposition Pressure: Opposition Leader Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau demands a government apology over what he calls mishandling and misleading claims during Matthew and Hunter negotiations, including calls for PM Jotham Napat to apologise at Independence Day. Regional Ocean Conservation: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a massive transboundary marine protected area led by PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji, though details on enforcement and governance remain thin. Pacific Security Context: China’s missile test continues to spark pushback across the region, with Pacific leaders warning against militarising the “blue continent” and urging stronger regional responses. Vanuatu Tourism–Agriculture Link: The Department of Tourism met hospitality operators in Port Vila with Agriculture and Biosecurity to tackle the weak, unreliable supply of local produce—especially vegetables and eggs—holding back tourism value chains. Governance & Accountability: A Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion heard concerns about aggressive outsiders infiltrating campus protests, while universities discussed how to manage encampments peacefully.

Vanuatu–France Islands Dispute: Vanuatu says it will take its decades-old sovereignty fight over Matthew and Hunter islands to an international court after talks with France stalled, with the islands’ status also shaping maritime rights and resources. Opposition Pressure: Opposition Leader Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau is demanding a government apology, arguing leaders misled the public about progress and questioning why negotiations were handled by the Deputy PM. Regional Security & China Missile Fallout: Pacific leaders are reacting to China’s nuclear-capable missile test, with renewed calls that the ocean not be militarised and Beijing’s “no geopolitical intent” line dismissed as false. Ocean Conservation Push: Melanesian nations, including Vanuatu, are moving toward a large transboundary marine protected area corridor, though details on enforcement and community consultation remain thin. Tuvalu Enforcement: Tuvalu detained a Chinese fishing vessel over alleged illegal fishing and expired authorisation, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of activity in the region’s waters. Tourism–Agriculture Link: Vanuatu’s tourism and agriculture ministries met operators in Port Vila over unreliable local produce supply, especially vegetables and eggs, as government looks to strengthen value-chain connections. Campus Safety Debate (Australia): A royal commission heard universities were warned about “aggressive” outsiders at pro-Palestinian protests, adding pressure on how campuses manage security and social cohesion.