AGP Executive Report

Clean Shipping Pact: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro, with Fiji, FSM, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu on board (Palau and Tonga expected). The deal aims to coordinate a fair shift away from fossil-fuel shipping by backing low-carbon vessels, climate-resilient ports and skilled workers. Green Finance Boost (PNG): France pledged about K75 million (EUR15m) to expand green lending for PNG SMEs, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and a Green Guarantee Facility via AFD and the Bank of Papua New Guinea. Vanuatu in the Regional Spotlight (Maritime/Policy): The pact also frames PBSP as a response to ageing, poorly maintained domestic fleets and seeks better access to climate funding for long-term maritime connectivity. Tourism Connectivity: Solomon Airlines launched a second weekly direct Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for short breaks to Vanuatu’s northern hub. Regional Peace Call: Pacific Islands Forum leaders issued a renewed global appeal for peace, urging UN Charter principles and dialogue as tensions rise—an economic stability signal for small island states. Trade/Finance Risk (Vanuatu-linked): An Australian court case says customer funds were moved to a Vanuatu company before disappearing in a major FX/CFD fraud, with record fines imposed on the operator.

Air Connectivity Boost: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for Santo trips and strengthening Vanuatu’s tourism links. Renewables Push: Pacific communities are accelerating solar adoption as fuel costs bite; Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says training is building local skills for resilient, cheaper power. Regional Finance Shock: The Asian Development Bank is deploying $4bn to help countries hit by Middle East conflict fallout, including support for energy and food imports, remittances and tourism—while the World Bank kept Philippines growth forecasts steady. Climate Loss & Damage: New Zealand pledged $20m to COP27 loss-and-damage funding, part of a wider push to support Pacific communities already facing climate-driven costs. Pacific Governance & Trade: India and Papua New Guinea reviewed bilateral ties across development, politics and economic cooperation, agreeing to deepen sector collaboration. Sports Business: OFC Pro League funding is secured for three more years, with Vanuatu United FC among the clubs in the first professional season. Seabed Mining Debate: Indigenous voices across the Pacific are pressing for stronger protections and sovereignty in the deep-sea mining fight. Vanuatu Legal/Finance Watch: A major Australian court case says funds routed to Vanuatu were part of a $300m investor scam, highlighting ongoing financial integrity risks.

Tourism & Connectivity: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly, direct Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more choice for Santo trips and boosting capacity for Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub. Regional Business & Trade: Tokelau has exited the Nauru Agreement (PNA), removing access to PNA’s Vessel Day Scheme—while RNZ Pacific reports Vanuatu has taken up the observer spot, keeping tuna-related trade leverage in play. Climate Finance: New Zealand joins wealthy countries with a first pledge of US$20m for COP27 “loss and damage” funding, a signal for Pacific support as climate costs mount. Energy & Skills: Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says Pacific solar training is now about survival—cutting power bills and improving resilience as fuel costs bite. Renewables in the pipeline: ADB is deploying US$4b to cushion Middle East conflict fallout across Asia-Pacific, targeting energy and food import pressure—relevant for Vanuatu’s freight and supply costs. Sovereignty & Oceans: Pacific leaders renewed calls for peace and UN Charter principles, warning rising fuel and freight costs make small states more vulnerable to shocks.

Pacific Trade & Diplomacy: India and Papua New Guinea reviewed bilateral ties across development, politics, economic cooperation and culture, agreeing to deepen collaboration after their second Foreign Office Consultations. Tourism Connectivity: Solomon Airlines launched a second weekly direct Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, boosting access to Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub and capacity for Australian travellers. Regional Energy & Cost Pressure: Pacific leaders and communities are accelerating solar adoption as fuel prices bite; Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says renewables cut costs and improve resilience. Cybercrime Lawmaking: Fiji is pushing Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination as legal experts in Nadi finalise a regional handbook to strengthen laws and protect digital borders, including Vanuatu’s participation. Seabed Mining Debate: Indigenous voices across the Pacific are shaping the seabed mining agenda, with New Caledonia’s long ban on commercial deep-sea mining highlighted as a major sovereignty and environment win. Finance Shock Response: The Asian Development Bank is deploying $4bn to help countries, including Fiji, manage Middle East conflict fallout via budget support and trade finance for energy and food imports. Vanuatu in Global Policy: A U.S. lawsuit challenges seafood imports from eight countries including Vanuatu over alleged whale and dolphin bycatch harms, raising reputational and trade risks. Business & Markets: Vanuatu-linked USGFX fallout continues as an Australian court imposed a record $300m fine on a trading house accused of siphoning customer funds via Vanuatu.

Vanuatu Tourism & Air Connectivity: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for Santo getaways and strengthening Vanuatu’s tourism access via a key Australia route. Regional Finance & Cost Pressures: The Asian Development Bank is rolling out a $4 billion package to help Asia-Pacific members absorb Middle East conflict fallout, including support for energy and food imports, remittances and tourism—relevant for Pacific economies facing higher fuel and freight costs. Climate & Disaster Funding: Kenya has become the first African country to receive loss-and-damage climate disaster funding, with Vanuatu previously receiving the same support—highlighting how small island states are pushing global climate finance. Renewables in the Pacific: Pacific leaders are accelerating solar adoption as fuel costs bite; Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says solar training is building practical local skills for resilience. Cybercrime Cooperation: Fiji is hosting Pacific legal experts to finalise a regional cybercrime legislation handbook, with Vanuatu among participating countries—aimed at strengthening digital defenses and rule of law. Ocean Governance & Seabed Mining Debate: Indigenous voices are intensifying the fight over deep-sea mining, with sovereignty and environmental risk at the centre of Pacific-led positions. Local Business & Community: Vanuatu’s Groovy Banana co-founder is urging respectful dialogue after backlash over a Pride Month post, as social media tensions spill into community identity debates.

Pacific Energy & Tourism: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving more Australians easier access to Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub. Renewables in the Region: Pacific leaders are accelerating solar adoption as fuel costs bite, with Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel highlighting training that builds local installation and maintenance skills. Regional Governance & Ocean Control: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor urged Pacific unity to protect ocean governance from militarisation and outside funding pressures, stressing economic self-determination. Climate Law Momentum: The UN General Assembly endorsed the ICJ’s climate obligations advisory opinion, a move Vanuatu-backed campaigners say strengthens the legal basis for accountability. Business & Finance: The World Bank kept Philippines growth forecasts steady, while the ADB mobilised $4bn to help Middle East fallout-hit Asia-Pacific economies, including support for fuel and food imports. Markets & Compliance: Australia’s anti-slavery commissioner says modern slavery convictions remain rare, and Fiji is pushing cybercrime law coordination with a regional handbook.

ADB Crisis Finance: The Asian Development Bank is mobilising about $4 billion to help Asia-Pacific economies absorb spillovers from the Middle East conflict, including $3b in requested financing and $1b in trade finance to keep fuel and food imports moving. Vanuatu in the Digital Economy: Vanuatu-based Vantage says it has been added to Fortune’s Crypto Innovators list, highlighting its push to serve both traditional finance and digital-asset trading clients. Vanuatu Tourism Connectivity: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, boosting access for Australians to Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub via Santo. Renewables Push: A Pacific-wide push for solar skills is underway, with Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel taking part in training that links lower power costs to resilience. Ocean & Fisheries Governance: Tokelau has exited the Nauru Agreement (PNA), with RNZ reporting that Vanuatu has taken up the spot, a move that could reshape tuna access and revenue flows. Cybercrime Lawmaking: Fiji is hosting Pacific legal experts in Nadi to finalise a regional cybercrime legislation handbook, with Vanuatu among participating countries. Climate Litigation Momentum: A UN General Assembly resolution endorsed the ICJ climate advisory opinion, a case Vanuatu helped drive—keeping climate obligations firmly in the legal and policy spotlight. Renewed Regional Tourism Trade: The South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 report flags record participation and business meetings, signalling stronger regional trade momentum for Pacific tourism.

Air Connectivity & Tourism: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly direct, non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more flexible trips to Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub. Tourism Trade & Investment: SPTO’s SPTE 2026 report says the South Pacific Tourism Exchange hit record participation, with 225+ trade-floor participants, 2,809 B2B meetings, and stronger seller conversion; meanwhile Fiji’s AHICE investment-in-tourism conference drew 400+ delegates and highlighted visitor growth. Vaccine Supply for the Pacific: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations topped 1 million doses, including 20,000 to Vanuatu, as countries race to respond to outbreaks and COVAX coverage remains limited. Cybercrime & Digital Governance: Fiji is pushing Pacific-wide coordination on cybercrime, with Vanuatu among countries working on a regional legal handbook to strengthen laws and protect economies. Climate Law & Finance: The UN General Assembly endorsed the ICJ climate advisory opinion, reinforcing that climate protection is a legal obligation; Vanuatu also remains central to the push for accountability. Energy Transition: Pacific communities are training for solar rollouts as fuel costs bite, with Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel highlighting resilience and lower power bills. Ocean Governance: Former PIF SG Dame Meg Taylor urged Pacific unity to keep ocean rules Pacific-led amid rising geopolitical pressure and outside funding.

Air Connectivity Boost: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly direct, non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for short breaks or longer island getaways and strengthening trade links via Vanuatu’s main northern gateway. Tourism Partnerships: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, using Fiji’s network through Nadi to connect travellers from Australia, NZ, Asia and beyond and to expand joint roadshows and sales missions. Sustainability & Energy: Pacific communities are accelerating solar adoption as fuel costs bite; Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says training is building practical local skills to cut bills and improve resilience. Cybercrime Lawmaking: Legal experts meeting in Fiji are finalising a Pacific-owned cybercrime legislation handbook to help countries strengthen digital borders and protect economies. Climate Accountability in Courts: The UN General Assembly endorsed the ICJ’s climate obligations advisory opinion, reinforcing that climate inaction can breach international law—an issue Vanuatu helped drive. Ocean Governance Push: Former PIF SG Dame Meg Taylor urged Pacific unity to keep ocean priorities Pacific-led amid militarisation and outside funding pressures.

Air Connectivity Boost: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly, direct Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for short breaks to Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub. Tourism Partnerships: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, aiming to deepen joint promotion and widen access via Nadi for travellers across Australia, NZ, Asia and beyond. Regional Energy Push: Pacific leaders and youth programmes are accelerating solar adoption as fuel costs bite and power reliability remains a business and household pressure point, with Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel highlighting savings and resilience. Cybercrime Cooperation: Fiji is driving Pacific-wide cybercrime law strengthening, with a regional handbook nearing completion after Fiji talks that include Vanuatu and other members—focused on protecting digital borders and economies. Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, a move Vanuatu helped trigger through the ICJ process, reinforcing that climate inaction can breach international law. Sustainability Compliance Watch: US packaging EPR reporting deadlines and California SB 253 disclosure timelines are converging, while the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation enters into force—signals for regional businesses tracking sustainability rules. Maritime & Ocean Governance: Former PIF SG Dame Meg Taylor urged Pacific unity to keep ocean governance Pacific-led amid militarisation and outside funding pressures.

Air Connectivity: Solomon Airlines has added a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, boosting capacity for Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub and giving Australians more flexible short-break options. Tourism Partnerships: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, using Fiji’s Nadi gateway to link travellers from major international hubs into Vanuatu for trade shows, roadshows and sales missions. Cybercrime & Digital Law: Legal experts from across the Pacific, including Vanuatu, met in Fiji to finalise a regional cybercrime legislation handbook to strengthen laws and defenses against fast-growing digital threats. Energy & Resilience: Pacific communities are accelerating solar skills and deployment as fuel costs bite; Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel highlighted solar as a survival and stability move for households, schools and small businesses. Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, with Vanuatu playing a key role in bringing the case—reinforcing that climate inaction can breach international law. Food Safety for Exports: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel requirements, aimed at protecting access to the EU seafood market for Pacific-flagged vessels.

Tourism Trade: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, boosting direct travel links via Nadi and setting up joint roadshows and sales missions to lift Vanuatu’s visitor numbers. Cybercrime & Law: Fiji and Vanuatu are pushing Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination, with a regional handbook being finalised in Nadi to help countries strengthen laws and protect digital borders. Energy & Resilience: Pacific leaders are accelerating solar adoption as fuel costs bite; Vanuatu Climate Action Network co-ordinator Mario Liunamel says training is building local skills for cheaper, more reliable power. Climate Litigation: Vanuatu’s role in the ICJ climate obligations push is highlighted as the UN General Assembly endorses the court’s landmark advisory opinion, reinforcing that climate harm can trigger international legal responsibility. Ocean Governance: Former Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor warns geopolitical rivalry and foreign funding could weaken Pacific-led ocean decision-making, urging economic self-determination. Food & Health Policy: Doctors and health bodies are again calling for mandatory food health star ratings to tackle obesity, while industry argues voluntary labels are enough. EU Seafood Access: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules, aiming to protect Pacific exports to the EU.

Pacific Ocean Governance: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor used World Ocean Day to urge Pacific unity, warning that militarisation and heavy reliance on outside funding could dilute Pacific control of ocean priorities. Renewables & Cost Relief: A Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator says Pacific solar training is giving communities practical skills to cut high electricity costs and improve resilience to fuel-price swings. Cybercrime Lawmaking: Fiji is pushing Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination as legal officers in Nadi finalise a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and protect digital borders. Tourism Trade Links: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways to boost access via Nadi and support joint roadshows and sales missions. Climate Litigation Momentum: A UN General Assembly resolution endorsed the ICJ’s climate obligations advisory opinion—backed by Vanuatu’s diplomatic push—reinforcing that climate harm can trigger international legal responsibility. Food Safety for Exports: EU-backed training in Suva prepares Pacific authorities for new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting seafood to the EU. Modern Slavery Justice: Australia’s anti-slavery commissioner says victims are being let down, with very low conviction rates and justice gaps leaving many cases unresolved. Energy Shock Risk: UN warnings link Strait of Hormuz disruptions to higher oil import costs and rising hunger risk for vulnerable economies, including small island states. Women’s Safety Data: Vanuatu reports a faster decline in intimate partner violence than the global average, with prevalence down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024).

Tourism Trade: Vanuatu Tourism Office renews its MOU with Fiji Airways to boost visitor access via daily flights through Nadi, supporting Vanuatu’s participation in trade shows, roadshows and sales missions. Cybercrime Lawmaking: Pacific legal experts in Nadi are finalising a regional cybercrime legislation handbook to strengthen enforcement and protect digital borders, with Vanuatu among the countries involved. Climate Finance Scrutiny: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo says it’s “not a good look” after AFP revealed the Tuvalu Trust Fund invested in oil and coal-linked holdings, now under review—an issue that hits small island economies hard. Ocean Governance & Fisheries: PNG moves to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean by banning fishing in a new Western Manus marine protected area, linked to a Melanesian Ocean Corridor that includes Vanuatu. Food Safety for Exports: EU-backed training in Suva targets compliance with new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules, aimed at keeping Pacific seafood exports flowing. Energy Shock Watch: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add US$20B a year to fuel import bills for vulnerable economies, with knock-on effects for public services. Vanuatu in Climate Justice: A UN resolution on states’ climate obligations follows the ICJ advisory opinion, with Vanuatu’s government among those that took the case—pushing climate action into human rights and legal accountability.

Energy & Food Security: The Strait of Hormuz disruption is now feeding into hunger risks, with UN agencies warning higher oil prices are pushing millions toward acute food insecurity, including new pressure in Somalia and Afghanistan. Pacific Governance & Ocean Economy: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor urged Pacific nations to protect Pacific-led ocean governance and boost economic independence as foreign funding and militarisation rise. Climate Finance Scrutiny (Tuvalu): Tuvalu’s PM says it’s “not a good look” after AFP revealed the Tuvalu Trust Fund invested in oil and coal-linked holdings, now under review. Trade & Compliance (Pacific Seafood): EU food safety rules for freezer vessels are set to affect most Pacific Island-flagged exporters, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu training to keep access to the EU seafood market. Vanuatu Legal Climate Milestone: A UN General Assembly resolution on state climate duties follows an ICJ advisory opinion, with Vanuatu’s government behind the ICJ case and Pacific students credited for driving it. Green Economy & Business: Samoa’s EU/FAO Agri-Innovate Competition finale spotlighted agribusiness innovation and MSMEs under the STODAS project. Regional Security Watch: UNCTAD warns vulnerable economies could face a major fuel import bill jump if Hormuz tightens further.

Climate Justice: The UN General Assembly backed a resolution on states’ climate obligations, following the ICJ advisory opinion that climate harm is a human rights issue—Vanuatu’s government brought the ICJ case, sparked by Pacific law students pushing governments to court. Ocean & Trade Rules: EU food-safety changes are set to hit about 97% of Pacific freezer vessels exporting to the EU, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu training officials in Suva to keep access to the seafood market. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ new PM says he will review a secret 2022 security pact with China after concerns it could enable Chinese forces in the region. Vanuatu Business & Jobs: Vanuatu leads the way in reducing violence against women, with a new national survey showing partner violence down to 35% in 2024 from 44% in 2009. Regional Sports: Fiji’s “Bula Boys” face Vanuatu in Port Vila today in FIFA friendlies, with coach Stephane Auvray using the matches to shape the next phase of Fiji football.