AGP Executive Report

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.

Climate Accountability: The UN has backed an ICJ ruling saying countries have a legal duty to limit global warming, a move that won’t be enforceable but is expected to be used in future lawsuits and appeals. Vanuatu in the Spotlight: The Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship ANT was hit by a Russian drone in the Black Sea while sailing from Odesa to Turkey, injuring two crew members and sparking a fire that crews and rescue teams contained. Regional Security: Turkey urged all sides to avoid “uncontrolled escalation” after the attack, stressing the safety of civilian shipping. Pacific Development: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) says it will jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, with Suva and Lautoka named first, raising questions about how Pacific ports could shape wider US-China tensions. Local Governance: Vanuatu’s constitutional fight over whether there will be an early election remains unresolved, with the Supreme Court verdict expected next week. Health Sector: Vanuatu’s health leadership discussed plans to expand cancer screening and care, but warned nursing and trained staff shortages are the main hurdle. Business Support: A new EU-backed Pacific fund launched in Suva aims to help Vanuatu and other Pacific SMEs access finance for blue/green economy and climate resilience.

Vanuatu Politics: The Supreme Court has delayed a decision on whether an early election can be triggered, with Chief Justice Vincent Lunabek saying the constitutional case over a no-confidence motion against PM Bob Loughman won’t be decided for another week, after the Opposition argued the Council of Ministers’ advice to dissolve Parliament was unlawful and the State said the challengers failed to prove it. Regional Health: A Vanuatu health delegation’s push on non-communicable diseases and cancer care is spotlighted in a local interview, with Acting Health DG Dr Santus Wari pointing to urgent staffing gaps and the need for training and screening services, including breast and cervical cancer. Pacific Finance: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund has launched in Suva to help Vanuatu and other Pacific SMEs access finance and grow in the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience sectors. Maritime Security (Vanuatu-linked): Russia’s drone attacks in the Black Sea have again hit civilian shipping, including vessels flying the Vanuatu flag—most recently the Turkish-owned cargo ship ANT—injuring crew and sparking fires, raising fresh concerns for navigation safety. Community Loss: South Island leader Richie George has died after a quad bike crash, with tributes noting his long-running support for Ni-Vanuatu workers and language and culture events.

Black Sea Shipping: A Russian drone strike hit the Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship ANT as it sailed from Ukraine’s Odesa region to Türkiye, damaging the superstructure, starting a fire that was later contained, and injuring two crew members who were evacuated for medical treatment. Regional Security: The attack follows other drone strikes in the Black Sea, including reports that three foreign merchant vessels flying Vanuatu, Comoros and Panama flags were targeted while using Ukraine’s maritime export corridor. Diplomatic Pushback: Türkiye warned against “uncontrolled escalation” after the incidents, saying its consulate in Odesa is monitoring injured crew and urging all parties to protect civilian navigation and pursue negotiations. Pacific Watch: In a separate Pacific angle, the Quad says it will build port infrastructure in Fiji, a move framed as delivering high-quality projects for Pacific priorities and raising fresh US-China flashpoint questions. PNG Sovereignty: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape says PNG will not allow foreign military bases, even as Australia expands its presence at the Lombrum naval port.

Black Sea Shipping Safety: Russian drones struck three foreign merchant vessels overnight, including a Vanuatu-flagged Turkish-owned cargo ship ANT near Ukraine’s Odesa corridor, causing fires and injuring two crew members; Ukrainian officials say crews extinguished blazes and evacuations were carried out, but the attacks are raising fresh fears for international shipping. West Papua Push: Vanuatu is asking Pacific Islands Forum members to back a UN General Assembly resolution supporting West Papuans’ self-determination, keeping the issue on the regional agenda despite claims it can’t be raised at the MSG. Climate Accountability at UN: The UN General Assembly backed a resolution affirming states’ legal duty to tackle climate change, introduced by Vanuatu, while the US voted against it over “political demands” tied to fossil fuels. Pacific Business: The Asian Development Bank says it can provide major fuel-crisis support to Pacific countries, with Fiji already receiving budget support and grants, as governments seek relief amid rising costs. Kava Price Shock: New Caledonia kava sellers say the price of imported Vanuatu root has jumped about 40% since early 2026, driven by freight and production changes, with fears of job cuts if costs stay high.

West Papua Push: Vanuatu is asking Pacific Islands Forum members to back a UN General Assembly push for West Papuans’ self-determination, keeping the issue alive despite claims it can’t be raised at the MSG grouping. Pacific Diplomacy: Vanuatu is also set to sign new strategic pacts with Australia and China as PM Napat defends sovereignty concerns. Climate Justice: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing the ICJ climate advisory opinion, a major win for climate-vulnerable SIDS including the Pacific, with states urged to act on legal obligations and cut fossil fuel use. Regional Security Tech: A report says China is testing a state surveillance model in the Pacific, raising alarms about privacy and control. Culture & Music: The Aelan Riddim Festival returns in Honiara with artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu promising a big night of Melanesian talent. Business & Trade: New Caledonia kava sellers warn prices are up sharply, with higher freight costs from Vanuatu and lower production volumes squeezing the industry.

Vanuatu–Australia–China Deals: Prime Minister Jotham Napat says Vanuatu will soon sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China after renegotiations over wording seen as intrusive to sovereignty, especially around security and critical infrastructure, with Napat stressing the deals are not security pacts and that Vanuatu can withdraw or renegotiate terms. Pacific Climate Justice: The UN General Assembly backed a resolution turning the ICJ climate advisory opinion into a political mandate, with 141 countries voting in favour—an important win for climate-vulnerable SIDS and their push to hold high-emitting states to legal obligations. Regional Security Tech Backlash: A report says China’s surveillance-style policing approach in the Solomon Islands sparked community backlash, raising questions about how far Beijing’s security model will go in the Pacific. Culture & Music: The Aelan Riddim Festival returns in Honiara with artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu, promising a big Melanesian lineup and regional collaboration. Sports (Vanuatu link): Fiji has named a provisional squad for friendlies including a match against Vanuatu in Port Vila as coach Stephane Auvray continues building toward 2029.

Vanuatu-Australia-China Deals: Prime Minister Jotham Napat says Vanuatu will sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China after months of renegotiation over sovereignty concerns, with the government rejecting early clauses it said could undermine control over security and critical infrastructure. Climate Justice Push: Pacific leaders are celebrating the UN General Assembly’s 141-8 vote backing the International Court of Justice climate advisory opinion, framing it as a legal and diplomatic breakthrough for climate-vulnerable states and a push for accountability, not sympathy. Football—Vanuatu vs Fiji: Fiji coach Stephane Auvray names a provisional 21-player squad for two friendlies, including a match against Vanuatu in Port Vila as part of a longer-term rebuild toward 2029. Regional Music: Air Niugini backs the Aelan Riddim Music Festival in Honiara, bringing Vanuatu’s Shazza and other Melanesian artists together for a showcase of Pacific culture. OFC Pro League Awards: Vanuatu United striker Alex Saniel wins the Golden Boot at the inaugural OFC Pro League after scoring 11 goals, even as Auckland FC take the title. Justice—Ni-Vanuatu Case: A ni-Vanuatu seasonal worker, John Yalu, convicted in Australia over a circular-saw amputation, is reported as possibly eligible for release in August after an acquittal on murder charges.

Pacific Climate Justice: The UN General Assembly has backed the International Court of Justice’s climate ruling, with 141 countries voting yes, turning climate action into a legal duty rather than a political choice—Vanuatu led the push, and Pacific leaders say it’s a major win for statehood and maritime rights as seas rise. Vanuatu–Australia/China Deals: Port Vila says it will sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China after months of renegotiation over sovereignty-sensitive wording, especially around security and critical infrastructure. Regional Sport: Fiji named a provisional 21-player squad for friendlies including a match against Vanuatu in Port Vila, as coach Stephane Auvray continues building toward 2029. Court Update (Australia): Ni-Vanuatu seasonal worker John Yalu, convicted over a sawed-off foot killing for cash, may be eligible for release in August after an acquittal on murder. Geopolitics Watch: A new focus on undersea cable sabotage off Taiwan highlights grey-zone interference risks across the wider Pacific.

Volcano Watch: A cruise ship sailed past Japan’s Sakurajima, letting travellers see ash-and-steam eruptions up close from Kagoshima waters. Pacific Diplomacy: Australia’s Pacific ties are under fresh scrutiny after calls for a “fundamental reset” that starts at the person-to-person level, not just policy. Climate Accountability: Pacific leaders are pushing the message that the UN’s 141–8 vote backing the ICJ climate ruling is about legal duties, not sympathy—Vanuatu-led, with Fiji and others urging action as sea-level rise bites already. Vanuatu–Australia/China Deals: PM Jotham Napat says Vanuatu will sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China, after sovereignty concerns over security and critical infrastructure were addressed. Regional Courts & Trade: US conservation groups have challenged NOAA’s approval of seafood imports over marine-mammal protections. Sport Spotlight: Samoa men’s cricket won bronze at the Pacific Games, while Auckland FC and Vanuatu United’s Alex Saniel took OFC Pro League honours.