AGP Executive Report

Climate & Energy Transition: Vanuatu’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Ralph Regenvanu says the global fuel crisis is a clear push to fast-track renewables under the National Energy Road Map, targeting 100% renewable electrification by 2030. Disaster Risk & Early Warning: Pacific meteorological leaders meeting in Tonga backed stronger early-warning systems and regional cooperation as cyclones, flooding and droughts intensify; Vanuatu’s Meteorological and Geohazard Division director Levu Antfalo urged action on remaining gaps. Waste & Circular Economy: A Vanuatu-hosted Circular Policy Co-Design Workshop (with ADB and SPREP) will bring grassroots recyclers into regional waste policy discussions, including dignity and safety for collection workers. Health & Access: Under the NZ Medical Treatment Scheme, specialist urogynaecology care reached Vanuatu hospitals, while Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu also move ahead with ADB-funded vaccine systems strengthening and cold-chain support. Regional Finance & Payments: The Wansolwara Collaboration is being positioned as a practical Melanesian central-bank partnership to expand financial inclusion and modernise payments across Vanuatu, PNG and Solomon Islands. Tourism & Trade Links: Pacific Tourism Organisation returns to New Zealand via the Treasures of the South Pacific Roadshow, featuring Vanuatu among destinations for travel industry partners.

Pacific Waste & Recycling: A Circular Policy Co-Design Workshop and Training in Port Vila (Sept 16–18) will bring grassroots recyclers and regional partners together, with the Asian Development Bank and SPREP convening and Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, PNG, Vanuatu and Naoero represented. Medical Tourism & Health Access: Fiji is positioning itself as a fast-growing Pacific medical tourism hub, while Vanuatu is also seeing specialist care delivered through the NZ Medical Treatment Scheme for complex pelvic floor conditions at Santo and Port Vila. Climate Finance Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and more flexible on debt servicing, citing cyclone-hit Pacific economies including Vanuatu. Regional Climate Reporting Skills: Vanuatu journalists took part in the Pacific Media Mana Class 2026 in Tonga to improve weather, climate and ocean reporting for better public risk communication. Melanesian Banking Cooperation: Papua New Guinea’s, Solomon Islands’ and Vanuatu’s central banks are advancing the Wansolwara Collaboration to expand financial inclusion, modernise payments and tackle shared cybersecurity and climate risks. Digital Economy Watch: A World Bank report says 2.8 billion people worldwide still lack government-recognised digital IDs, with APAC adoption uneven.

World ARC 2026-27: The sailing rally’s second-half leg is underway after departing Darwin, with the fleet heading across the Timor Sea to Lombok and then on to Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands—an eye-catching boost for Pacific tourism and marine culture. Regional Finance & Banking: Solomon Islands’ CBSI governor says the Wansolwara Collaboration is a practical Melanesian partnership linking central banks of PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to improve financial inclusion, payments, capacity and cybersecurity. Climate & Early Warning: Pacific meteorological leaders meeting in Tonga pushed for stronger early-warning systems and more regional investment as cyclones, flooding, drought and sea-level rise keep hitting livelihoods and economies. Vanuatu Health Access: A New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme team delivered urogynaecology care in Vanuatu, treating patients across Santo and Port Vila and training local staff to build long-term capability. Pacific Trade & Mobility: A Pacific exporter survey reports record participation and rising digital ambition, while another analysis highlights how Australia–Pacific mobility deals—including one involving Vanuatu—are being used as climate adaptation and economic support. Kava Protection Push: Pacific leaders endorsed a Kava Declaration to protect the crop’s cultural and economic value, even as the “Pacific Kava” name is already being claimed in the US. Pacific Media Skills: Vanuatu took part in the Pacific Media Mana Class to strengthen reporting on weather, climate and ocean risks.

Fire & Tourism Disruption: A historic Wattle Park Chalet in Melbourne was badly damaged by a fire on the morning of a scheduled wedding, with about 30% of the main hall affected and the venue owner scrambling to relocate bookings. Regional Climate & Resilience: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau pushed for stronger COP31 outcomes, calling for climate finance and renewables support to help communities adapt and protect key sectors like fisheries and food production. Vanuatu in the Spotlight: Vanuatu took part in Pacific Media Mana Class 2026 in Tonga, training journalists to report more clearly on weather, climate and ocean risks, while a separate NZMTS visit brought specialist women’s health (urogynaecology) care to Vanuatu hospitals. Finance & Payments Cooperation: The Wansolwara Collaboration was reaffirmed by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, linking central banks of PNG and Vanuatu to expand financial inclusion and modernise payments. Health Procurement: Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are set to receive nearly US$3m for vaccine-related equipment and supplies under an ADB-funded project. Digital ID Gap: A World Bank report says 2.8 billion people globally still lack access to government-recognised digital IDs, with uneven progress across Asia-Pacific.

Pacific Climate & Early Warning: Vanuatu’s Meteorological and Geohazard Division director Levu Antfalo urged stronger early-warning systems and regional cooperation at PCM-8 in Tonga, as cyclones, flooding, drought and sea-level rise keep hitting Pacific economies and livelihoods. Climate Finance & Renewables Push: At the Palau PIF summit, leaders demanded COP31 deliver real climate finance for renewables and resilience, warning the bill will be paid in tuna access fees, food and lost revenue. Vanuatu Health Access: The NZ Medical Treatment Scheme brought specialist urogynaecology care to Vanuatu, treating about 22 patients across Santo and Port Vila and training local teams to build long-term capability. Regional Mobility Policy: A look at Australia–Pacific bilateral deals highlights growing support for migration as adaptation, including a Vanuatu-linked agreement signed in 2026. Cyber & Scams: A week of security reporting flagged phishing and malicious browser extensions targeting crypto users, plus a case where prosecutors say a defendant used generative AI for data-breach “scraper” code. Tourism Trade Links: SPTO returned to New Zealand with the “Treasures of the South Pacific” roadshow, featuring Vanuatu among destinations pitching to travel advisers.

Pacific Finance & Banking: Central Bank of Solomon Islands governor Luke Forau says the Wansolwara Collaboration is a practical Melanesian partnership linking PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to improve financial inclusion, payments, capacity and cybersecurity. Regional Climate & Food Security: Pacific leaders at Palau pushed COP31 for real climate finance, warning 1.5°C overshoot could hit tuna access fees and coastal catches, with flooding risks worsening for islands like Tuvalu. Vanuatu Health & Services: Vanuatu is among countries benefiting from a Samoa-led ADB-funded procurement deal for vaccines and cold-chain support, while a NZMTS specialist urogynaecology team recently delivered surgery and training across Santo and Port Vila. Kava Trade Protection: Pacific leaders endorsed a Kava Declaration to protect the crop’s cultural and economic value, but growers face a tougher fight as the “Pacific Kava” name is already being claimed in the US. Digital & Cyber Risk: A week of scam and hacking reports highlights how malicious browser extensions and phishing chains keep targeting users and wallets, underlining the need for stronger online safeguards. Tourism Linkages: Pacific Tourism Organisation returned to New Zealand’s travel industry via a roadshow, featuring Vanuatu among “Hidden Treasures” destinations.

Central Banking & Regional Trade: Solomon Islands’ CBSI governor Dr Luke Forau says the Wansolwara Collaboration is a practical Melanesian partnership linking the central banks of PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to boost financial inclusion, payments modernisation, climate risk response and cybersecurity. Health & Procurement: Samoa’s acting health minister signed a near US$3m ADB-funded deal for medical equipment and supplies for Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu to strengthen vaccine coverage, cold-chain logistics and outbreak preparedness. Climate Finance & Food Security: Green Climate Fund chief Mafalda Duarte says Pacific projects are designed to protect tuna fisheries, agriculture and livelihoods as climate impacts intensify, with better forecasting and stronger fisheries systems. Pacific Media & Weather Reporting: Vanuatu journalists joined SPREP/SPC’s Pacific Media Mana Class in Tonga to improve clear, accurate reporting on weather, climate and ocean risks that affect livelihoods and public safety. Kava Branding Fight: Pacific leaders endorsed a Kava Declaration to protect kava’s cultural and economic value, but growers face a tougher battle as the “Pacific Kava” name is already being claimed in the United States. Digital ID Gap: A World Bank report flags that 2.8 billion people globally still lack access to government-recognised digital IDs, with adoption uneven across Asia-Pacific. Vanuatu in the Spotlight: Vanuatu is named among countries supported through regional health and climate initiatives, while Pacific leaders’ COP31 push keeps climate finance and resilience at the centre of economic planning.

Digital Identity & Public Services: A World Bank report says 2.8 billion people worldwide still lack access to government-recognised digital IDs, with gaps widening across Asia-Pacific and women often less likely to own digital IDs. Pacific Climate Finance & Resilience: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau pushed for COP31 to deliver real money for renewables and resilience, warning that overshooting 1.5°C will hit tuna, food security and government revenue. Vanuatu Health Procurement: Samoa’s acting health minister signed a near US$3m ADB-funded procurement deal for vaccine-related equipment and supplies across Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, including cold-chain support for remote areas. Vanuatu in Regional Media Training: Vanuatu journalists joined SPREP/SPC’s Pacific Media Mana Class in Tonga to improve reporting on weather, climate and ocean risks for better community preparedness. Kava Trade Dispute: Pacific leaders backed a Kava Declaration to protect the crop’s cultural and economic value, but a US trademark claim over “Pacific Kava” signals a tougher fight ahead for growers and exporters. Cyber & AI Legal Risks: A case in Australia heard prosecutors allege a man used generative AI to help write “scraper” code and then sought ChatGPT for legal advice after a data breach.

Pacific Climate Finance & Resilience: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau pushed for faster access to climate money ahead of COP31, warning that overshooting 1.5°C will hit tuna, food and household incomes, while the Green Climate Fund says demand is rising and it’s working to simplify how Pacific countries get funding. Vanuatu-France Legal Move: Vanuatu escalated its dispute over Matthew and Hunter Islands by moving to the ICJ, with France insisting on sovereignty and consent needed before the case can proceed. Health Procurement for the Pacific: Samoa’s acting health minister signed a nearly US$3m procurement deal for medical equipment and supplies under an ADB-backed vaccine systems project covering Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, using UNOPS for purchasing. Digital Identity Divide: A World Bank report says 2.8 billion people still lack access to government-recognised digital IDs, with gaps in women’s ownership and usage across Asia-Pacific. Regional Security Economics: Australia’s reported new treaty push with the Solomon Islands highlights “checkbook diplomacy” dynamics as Pacific states hedge between security partners and China-linked trade and aid. Tuna & Food Security Campaign: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” to celebrate tuna’s role in Pacific diets, livelihoods and revenues, including a country-by-country culinary competition in Vanuatu and other states.

Pacific Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau pressed COP31 for faster access to climate money, with the Green Climate Fund saying it has doubled Pacific commitments and may approve another US$1b, while warning demand is straining resources. 1.5°C Fallout for Food and Revenue: New modelling at the Forum warned overshoot could cut tuna access fees by up to US$90m a year and slash coastal catches, hitting both government income and household meals. Ocean and Fisheries Agenda: Leaders tightened positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, backing a Pacific ocean statement and preparations for the BBNJ talks. Vanuatu–France Legal Fight: Vanuatu escalated its dispute over Matthew and Hunter islands at the ICJ, but the case hinges on French consent. Health Procurement for Vanuatu: Samoa’s acting health minister signed a nearly US$3m ADB-backed deal for medical equipment and supplies for vaccine coverage across Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, with UNOPS handling procurement. Tuna “Bites” Campaign: FFA and SPC launched a Pacific-wide culinary campaign for World Tuna Day, including a country-by-country competition in Vanuatu and other member states. Solomon Islands Security Politics: Analysis around PM Matthew Wale’s near ouster and shifting security ties highlights how domestic instability could complicate US and Australia’s Pacific strategy.

Pacific Climate Finance: Green Climate Fund chief Mafalda Duarte says the Fund has doubled Pacific commitments to about US$1bn and could approve another US$1bn, but demand is straining resources as Pacific leaders push for faster, simpler access to climate money. Food & Fisheries at Risk: New modelling at the Pacific Islands Forum warns warming could cut tuna access fees by up to US$90m a year and slash coastal catches, threatening protein, livelihoods and government revenue. Ocean & Fisheries Governance: Forum leaders backed stronger Pacific action on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, including preparations for the BBNJ process in 2027. Vanuatu–France Legal Fight: Vanuatu has appealed to the ICJ over France’s claims to Matthew and Hunter Islands, arguing colonial policy and seeking maritime boundary resolution with Kanaky/New Caledonia. Regional Power Politics: At the PIF in Palau, leaders faced intense US/allied pressure over China’s missile test, while China and Taiwan tensions spilled into the summit. Tuna in the Spotlight: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” to celebrate tuna’s role in Pacific food security, with country culinary contests including Vanuatu. Energy & Resilience: Pacific leaders urged COP31 to deliver renewables finance and climate resilience as fossil-fuel import costs bite hard.

Climate Finance for Pacific Food and Tuna: The Green Climate Fund says it’s doubling down on programmes that protect food security and livelihoods, including a major tuna initiative aimed at better fisheries systems, forecasting and community access as climate shifts tuna movements. Pacific Climate Pressure at COP31: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau urged COP31 to deliver faster, accessible climate finance and renewables support, warning that overshooting 1.5°C will hit tuna access fees, coastal catches and household food supplies. Ocean and Fisheries Sovereignty: Forum leaders tightened their stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, pushing coordinated Pacific action and preparations for the BBNJ process. Vanuatu–France ICJ Move: Vanuatu has filed at the ICJ over sovereignty and maritime boundary issues tied to Matthew and Hunter Islands, while France insists it will not consent to jurisdiction. Tuna in the Spotlight: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” to celebrate World Tuna Day with country culinary competitions across Pacific nations including Vanuatu. Digital Access and Inclusion: A regional review flags uneven digital identity systems across Asia-Pacific, noting Pacific countries still rely on birth certificates and face higher exclusion risks. Energy and Resilience in Schools: UNICEF and the EU backed a €17m Pacific climate-resilient education programme to keep schools running during disasters with safer water, sanitation, renewable power and better connectivity. Regional Geopolitics Spillover: The Pacific Islands Forum faced heightened US-China tensions after a Chinese ICBM test and disputes over Taiwan’s presence, with leaders calling for more transparency and warning against the region becoming a geopolitical arena. Vanuatu’s Climate Call: Vanuatu’s climate minister reiterated that the ICJ’s 1.5°C recognition must translate into a 100% renewable pathway and urgent action.

Pacific Climate Finance Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau demanded COP31 deliver real money for renewables and resilience as climate impacts bite and fossil-fuel import bills rise, with Australia named as COP31 co-president. 1.5°C Food and Fisheries Risk: New modelling warned overshoot will hit tuna access fees and coastal catches, threatening government revenue and protein for households. Ocean and Reef Protection: Forum leaders tightened positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, while Palau and others backed a push to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs. Vanuatu–France Legal Fight: Vanuatu escalated its dispute with France by filing at the ICJ over Matthew and Hunter Islands and maritime boundaries, but France says it will not consent to the court’s jurisdiction. Regional Geopolitics at PIF: The summit also showed mounting US–China pressure, including concern over missile-test warning and Taiwan’s presence, leaving Pacific states squeezed between security and economic ties. Tuna in the Spotlight: FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” to celebrate tuna’s role in Pacific food security and livelihoods, including a country-by-country culinary competition featuring Vanuatu. Vanuatu-China Health Support: A new Chinese medical team is set to arrive in Port Vila to support the Vanuatu-China Medical Center and expand training and traditional medicine initiatives.

Pacific Islands Forum fallout: The 55th PIF in Palau ended Sept 4 amid major leader absences and fresh China–US friction, including criticism over a July ICBM test and calls for better advance warning. Climate finance pressure: Pacific leaders pushed for faster, simpler climate funding as the Green Climate Fund doubled Pacific commitments and signalled possible further approvals, while UNEP warned the world is heading beyond 1.5°C—hurting tuna, food security and island survival. Ocean economy stakes: Forum leaders tightened positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, with work underway for the BBNJ process and stronger reef protection commitments. Vanuatu–France legal fight: Vanuatu has taken its Matthew and Hunter Islands dispute to the ICJ, seeking sovereignty recognition and a single maritime boundary; France says it will not consent to jurisdiction. Food and livelihoods: FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” across Pacific countries including Vanuatu, using a culinary competition to spotlight tuna’s role in protein, livelihoods and revenues. Diplomacy and development: India’s next High Commissioner to Vanuatu was announced, and ADB pledged a more Pacific-led strategy focused on climate resilience, renewables and connectivity.

Pacific Diplomacy: Philippines signals deeper Pacific integration ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, naming a “Philippine-Pacific Initiative” and sending a special envoy to Koror, Palau. Climate Cost to Food & Revenue: Pacific leaders warn overshooting 1.5°C will hit tuna access fees and coastal catches, with modelling pointing to major losses for government income and protein on plates. Oceans & Fisheries: Forum leaders tighten their stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, pushing coordinated Pacific action into upcoming international talks. Green Climate Fund Pressure: GCF says it has doubled Pacific commitments and may approve more projects, but demand is straining resources and countries want simpler, cheaper access to climate finance. Vanuatu-France Legal Fight: Vanuatu has filed at the ICJ over sovereignty and maritime boundaries tied to Matthew and Hunter islands; France says it will respond later, meaning the case hinges on French consent. Vanuatu-China Health Support: A new Chinese medical team is set to arrive in Vanuatu to expand the Vanuatu-China Medical Center, including radiology and nuclear medicine training. Security & Geopolitics: China rejects calls for advance warning after an ICBM test and pushes back on Taiwan-related tensions at the Forum, while leaders demand climate survival funding over diplomacy.

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific leaders in Palau warned that overshooting 1.5°C will hit dinner tables and government revenue, with new modelling pointing to up to US$90m a year lost in tuna access fees and coastal fisheries losing as much as 65% of catch, while sea-level rise is set to worsen flooding risks for places like Tuvalu. Pacific Forum Oceans: Forum leaders tightened their stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, backing a 2026 Ocean Statement and pushing coordinated Pacific action ahead of key international talks. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments to about US$1bn and may approve another US$1bn, but demand is straining resources and countries want simpler access. Vanuatu-France Legal Fight: Vanuatu has moved to the ICJ over France’s claims to Matthew and Hunter islands, seeking sovereignty recognition and a single maritime boundary; France says it will respond later and consent is required before proceedings move. Diplomacy & Development: India’s next High Commissioner to Vanuatu has been announced, with cooperation flagged in IT, healthcare and climate. Vanuatu in the Pacific Economy: The Pacific’s “Tuna Bites” campaign is set to run in Vanuatu and other countries, using a culinary competition to spotlight tuna’s role in food security and livelihoods.