AGP Executive Report

Renewables in the Pacific: Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says solar training is now about survival as fuel costs bite, with Solar Scholars teaching Pacific leaders to design, install and maintain systems. Climate accountability for small islands: Vanuatu-backed climate obligations are getting fresh political backing after the UN General Assembly endorsed the ICJ’s advisory opinion, with 140+ countries voting for the resolution supporting legal responsibility and possible reparations. Ocean protection push: World Oceans Day coverage highlights Pacific leaders calling for stronger ocean safeguards, with Vanuatu’s climate minister stressing the “triple planetary crisis” and pointing to new legal momentum for ocean protection. Fossil fuel treaty momentum: 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors urges more Pacific governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of Bonn, citing Port Vila Call signatories including Vanuatu and Tuvalu. Energy finance for crisis-hit economies: The Asian Development Bank is mobilising $4b to help countries absorb Middle East conflict fallout, including support for energy and food imports—requests already logged from 15 nations including Fiji and the Philippines. Tourism connectivity: Vanuatu Tourism Office renews its MOU with Fiji Airways to boost routes and trade-show participation, aiming to bring more travellers into Vanuatu via Nadi. Regional fisheries trade shift: Tokelau exits the PNA tuna agreement, with RNZ Pacific reporting Vanuatu has taken up the observer spot, affecting access to the Vessel Day Scheme. Seabed mining debate: Indigenous voices across the Pacific keep pressing for sovereignty and stronger protections as seabed mining plans advance, including a long-running fight over New Caledonia’s stance. Industry and jobs: OFC Pro League funding is secured for three more years, with Vanuatu United FC among the clubs in the first professional season. Agribusiness innovation: EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate work in the region spotlights agrifood entrepreneurs and MSMEs, with Samoa’s finale featuring pitch presentations and awards. Media integrity: Pacific broadcasters warn that social media and unregulated platforms can undermine trust and election accountability, urging stronger ethical standards.

Renewables & Energy: Vanuatu is getting closer to its renewable goal as a new hybrid power station moves into operation, while Pacific leaders push solar to blunt fuel-cost pressure. Climate & Oceans: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu renewed calls for stronger ocean protection, framing the region’s “triple planetary crisis” as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Legal Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed the ICJ climate advisory opinion, with more than 140 countries voting to support the idea that climate inaction is a wrongful act and can open the door to reparations—momentum that Vanuatu-linked campaigns helped drive. Fossil Fuel Treaty Push: 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors urged more Pacific governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of Bonn, pointing to Port Vila’s “Just Transition to a Fossil Free Pacific” call. Seabed Mining Debate: Indigenous leaders across the Pacific are pressing for stronger protections and sovereignty in seabed mining talks, after New Caledonia adopted a long seabed-mining ban. Tourism & Air Access: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways to boost routes and marketing reach via Nadi. Agribusiness Innovation: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate finale highlighted agrifood entrepreneurship and support for MSMEs across Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands. Regional Business & Trade: Tokelau has exited the PNA tuna arrangement, with RNZ reporting Vanuatu has taken up the spot—raising questions for fishing access and revenue flows. Finance & Markets: A Vanuatu-linked broker, Vantage, announced inclusion on Fortune’s Crypto Innovators list, while a separate report says a Vanuatu-linked firm was fined $300m in Australia over alleged investor fraud. Sports & Industry: The OFC Pro League’s finances are secured for three more years, with Vanuatu United FC among the clubs in the inaugural competition.

Vanuatu–Pacific climate accountability: The UN General Assembly has backed the International Court of Justice’s climate obligations advisory opinion, with more than 140 countries voting for the resolution—an important push for legal pressure and potential reparations for climate-vulnerable states like Vanuatu. Ocean governance & seabed mining: Indigenous leaders across the Pacific are gaining influence in seabed mining debates, with New Caledonia’s long seabed mining ban highlighted as a major Indigenous-backed win, while experts warn Pacific voices are often sidelined in closed-door ocean talks. Renewables in the Pacific: Solar training is building local skills and resilience, with Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel pointing to lower power costs and stability as the main driver for community solar uptake. Energy crisis funding: The Asian Development Bank is rolling out a $4 billion package for countries hit by Middle East conflict fallout, including support for energy and food imports—relevant to Pacific economies facing higher fuel and freight costs. Tourism connectivity: Vanuatu has renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways to boost trade shows and sales missions, using Fiji as a gateway for more international arrivals. Sports & youth pathways: Vanuatu United FC remains part of the OFC Pro League’s regional push, while Melanesian clubs are also talking up youth development pathways. Agribusiness innovation: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate finale spotlights agrifood entrepreneurship and incubator support across Pacific islands, with lessons for Vanuatu’s own food-sector growth. Maritime environment: A US lawsuit targets seafood imports from fisheries accused of high whale and dolphin bycatch, including Vanuatu—raising reputational and market pressure for fishing practices.

Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed the International Court of Justice climate advisory opinion, with 140+ countries voting to support the ruling that climate inaction is a wrongful act and can open the door to reparations—an important political signal for Pacific states including Vanuatu. Ocean & Seabed Mining: Indigenous leaders across the Pacific are pushing back on seabed mining, arguing for sovereignty and ecosystem protection; New Caledonia’s 50-year commercial seabed mining ban is cited as a major Indigenous-backed win. Renewables in the Pacific: 350.org’s Pacific Climate Warriors urged more governments to sign the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of Bonn, pointing to Port Vila Call momentum and Vanuatu’s earlier endorsement. Vanuatu Energy: A solar training push is building local skills for renewable power, with Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel linking solar to lower bills and resilience. Tourism Connectivity: Vanuatu renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways to boost routes and joint marketing via Nadi, aiming to bring more travellers into Vanuatu’s tourism economy. Fishing Governance: Tokelau has exited the PNA tuna arrangement, with RNZ Pacific reporting Vanuatu has taken up the spot—raising questions for regional fishing access and vessel allocation rules. Global Finance Pressure: ADB announced $4b in crisis funding for Middle East fallout, including support requests from Pacific countries like Fiji, as fuel and food costs bite. Bycatch & Trade: A US lawsuit challenges seafood imports from fisheries including Vanuatu over alleged marine mammal bycatch, putting pressure on compliance with international protections.

Renewable Energy & Skills: Pacific leaders are pushing solar harder as fuel costs bite, with Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel highlighting that training like the Solar Scholars programme builds local install-and-maintain skills for resilience. Climate Diplomacy: 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors is urging more Pacific governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of Bonn, pointing to Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Tonga’s early endorsements and the Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Free Pacific. Ocean Protection: World Oceans Day coverage spotlights Vanuatu’s push for stronger ocean stewardship, while French Polynesia plans to expand fully protected “no-take” reserves. Regional Finance & Trade: The ADB is mobilising $4b to help Middle East crisis-hit Asia-Pacific economies, including trade finance for energy and food imports. Vanuatu in the Spotlight (Sports & Tourism): Vanuatu United FC is part of the newly secured OFC Pro League for the next three years, and the Vanuatu Tourism Office renews its MOU with Fiji Airways to boost visitor access via Nadi. Food & Agribusiness: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate finale spotlights agrifood entrepreneurs and MSME innovation across the Pacific. Governance & Integrity: A Victoria anti-corruption report release faces a legal fight by firefighters union figures, underscoring ongoing pressure on transparency. Maritime & Shipping Costs: UN warnings tie Strait of Hormuz disruptions to rising energy and food costs, with small island states among the most exposed. Vanuatu-linked Legal/Trade Risk: A US lawsuit challenges seafood imports from Vanuatu over alleged marine mammal bycatch, raising reputational and compliance questions for fisheries.

Renewables & Energy: Vanuatu is getting closer to its renewable goal as Pacific leaders push solar to cut fuel costs and improve reliability, with Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel highlighting practical training that builds local design and installation skills. Tourism & Air Connectivity: The Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, using daily Nadi links to boost trade shows, roadshows and sales missions—key for visitor flows and local services. Ocean Governance: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu renewed calls for stronger ocean protection, pointing to new international legal momentum and the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Regional Fisheries & Trade: Tokelau has exited the PNA tuna arrangement, raising questions for regional tuna access and revenue—while RNZ reports Vanuatu has taken up the observer spot. Marine Conservation: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area with a total fishing ban, aiming to connect protected zones across the Melanesian Ocean Corridor including Vanuatu. Agribusiness Innovation: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate finale spotlighted agrifood entrepreneurs and MSMEs, showing how incubators and pitch competitions can turn ideas into market-ready production. Food Security Pressure: UN warnings tie Strait of Hormuz disruptions to higher energy and freight costs, with knock-on hunger risks felt far beyond the Middle East. Climate Law: The UN General Assembly endorsed the ICJ’s climate obligations advisory opinion—an important signal for Pacific advocacy and future negotiations.

Vaccine Supply for the Pacific: Australia says COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations have topped 1 million doses, with Fiji receiving over half a million and Vanuatu getting 20,000 as Delta outbreaks drive urgent inoculation. Ocean & Fisheries Pressure: A U.S. lawsuit targets seafood imports, including Vanuatu, alleging bycatch harms whales and dolphins—raising pressure on fishing practices and compliance. Energy Transition in the Islands: Pacific leaders are accelerating solar adoption as fuel costs bite; Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says training is building local installation and maintenance skills. Tourism Trade & Growth: SPTE 2026 in Fiji reported record engagement, while Fiji’s AHICE investment conference highlighted tourism’s continued pull and visitor growth. Vanuatu–France Negotiations: Vanuatu accuses France of stalling talks over Matthew and Hunter islands, with trade ties disrupted after political tensions in New Caledonia. Food Systems Innovation: EU/FAO-backed Samoa Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 spotlights agribusiness entrepreneurship and MSME innovation. Marine Protection Moves: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus marine protected area with a total fishing ban, aiming to link reserves across PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. EU Seafood Rules: EU training in Suva prepares Pacific authorities for new freezer-vessel food safety requirements that could affect most Pacific-flag exports to the EU. Climate Legal Momentum: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ climate obligations advisory opinion, with Vanuatu credited for driving the case.

Tourism Trade Boost: SPTO’s South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 report says record participation drove stronger regional deal-making, with 225+ trade-floor participants, 82 sellers from 17 countries, 60 buyers, and 2,809 B2B meetings at an 80% booking rate—plus a new Industry Day and a Women in Business Showcase. Air Connectivity for Vanuatu: The Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, highlighting daily flights via Nadi and expanded trade-show and sales-mission support to bring more international visitors to Vanuatu. Ocean Protection Push: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu used World Oceans Day to call for urgent ocean stewardship amid a “triple planetary crisis,” while PNG announced a Western Manus marine protected area with a total fishing ban as part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor. Energy Cost Pressure: Pacific leaders are turning to solar as fuel prices bite; Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says training is building practical skills for community resilience. Climate Law Momentum: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations—an outcome Vanuatu helped drive—strengthening the legal basis for holding states to climate duties. Food Safety for Exports: EU-backed training in Suva prepares Pacific authorities for new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules, aiming to protect access to the EU seafood market. Media Integrity: Vanuatu broadcasters warned that unregulated social platforms can undermine trust and accountability ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

Ocean Governance & Pacific Voice: A legal scholar warns global ocean and climate talks often diverge behind closed doors, sidelining Pacific and Global South input on issues like BBNJ and deep-sea mining. Renewables & Energy Costs: Pacific communities, including Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel, are pushing solar training as fuel prices and power unreliability bite. World Oceans Day & Vanuatu Leadership: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu calls for urgent ocean stewardship amid a “triple planetary crisis,” pointing to new legal momentum for protection. Climate Law at UN Level: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, with Vanuatu credited for leading the diplomatic push. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Vanuatu Tourism Office renews its MOU with Fiji Airways to boost routes and joint promotion into international markets. Marine Protection in the Region: French Polynesia expands no-take marine reserves, while Papua New Guinea moves to protect 200,000 km² via a strict fishing ban in the Western Manus area. Food Safety for Seafood Exports: EU training in Suva targets compliance with new freezer-vessel requirements, aiming to protect access for Pacific Island-flagged vessels to EU seafood markets. Energy Shock & Food Security: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add US$20.4b to vulnerable countries’ fuel bills, worsening hunger risks. Media Trust in Elections: Vanuatu broadcasters stress the need for ethical standards to counter misinformation and protect accountability during elections.

Ocean Governance & Mining: A senior law expert warns Pacific and Global South voices are sidelined in ocean and climate talks, with public promises often clashing with closed-door positions across BBNJ and deep-sea mining. Renewables & Energy Costs: Pacific communities, including Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel, are pushing solar skills after fuel-price pressure makes power reliability a survival issue. World Oceans Day / Vanuatu Leadership: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu calls for urgent ocean stewardship amid a “triple planetary crisis,” pointing to new legal momentum for ocean protection. Climate Law in Practice: The UN General Assembly endorsed the ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, strengthening the legal basis for states to prevent climate harm. Food & Shipping Shock: Strait of Hormuz disruptions are driving up fuel and transport costs, with UN agencies warning of worsening hunger and strained aid budgets. EU Seafood Rules: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel food safety requirements that could affect most Pacific vessels exporting to the EU. Vanuatu–Fiji Air Link: Vanuatu Tourism Office renews its MOU with Fiji Airways to boost routes and trade-show access for international visitors. Marine Protection in Melanesia: Papua New Guinea plans a Western Manus marine protected area with a total fishing ban, aiming to connect reserves across PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Health Star Labels Debate: Doctors urge mandatory health star ratings to curb obesity, while industry argues voluntary schemes are working. Agribusiness Innovation (Samoa): EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 spotlights agribusiness entrepreneurs and MSMEs in Samoa.

Renewable Energy: Pacific leaders are accelerating solar adoption as fuel costs bite, with Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel highlighting solar as a survival tool for lower bills and steadier power. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Vanuatu Tourism Office renews its MOU with Fiji Airways, using Nadi links to boost access for travellers from Australia, NZ, Asia, Europe and North America. Ocean Stewardship: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu calls for urgent ocean action on World Oceans Day, pointing to new international legal momentum. Climate Law: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, a move that strengthens the legal basis for climate accountability—originating from a Vanuatu-led push. Food & Fisheries Trade: EU-backed training in Suva prepares Pacific authorities for new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules, aimed at protecting access to the EU seafood market. Agribusiness Innovation: Samoa’s EU-funded Agri-Innovate finale spotlights agrifood entrepreneurs under FAO’s STODAS project. Marine Conservation: Papua New Guinea plans a major no-take Western Manus marine sanctuary, linking into the Melanesian Ocean Corridor that includes Vanuatu. Energy Shock Risk: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add US$20.4b a year to fuel import bills for vulnerable economies, with major knock-on effects for Pacific states.

Renewable Energy Skills: Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel says Pacific solar training is now about survival as fuel costs bite, with Solar Scholars finishing hands-on design, installation and maintenance work in Fiji. Tourism & Air Access: Vanuatu Tourism Office renews its MOU with Fiji Airways, using Nadi connections to push Vanuatu to global travellers and trade events. Ocean Stewardship: World Oceans Day remarks from Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu stress a “triple planetary crisis” and points to new international legal momentum for ocean protection. Climate Accountability: A UN General Assembly resolution endorses an ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations, tracing the case back to Vanuatu-led diplomacy. Food & Health Policy: Doctors and health bodies back mandatory health star ratings for packaged foods to tackle obesity, while industry warns of added costs. Media Trust in Elections: Pacific broadcasters warn that unregulated social platforms can erode trust and accountability during election periods. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu train on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules to protect access to the EU seafood market. Regional Marine Conservation: PNG moves to create the Western Manus no-take marine protected area, aiming to link into a Melanesian Ocean Corridor with Vanuatu and Fiji.

Vanuatu–Fiji Air Connectivity: The Vanuatu Tourism Office has renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, using Fiji’s Nadi network to boost access for travellers from Australia, NZ, Asia, North America and beyond, and to support Vanuatu in trade shows, roadshows and sales missions. Ocean Protection Push: As World Oceans Day is marked, Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu called for urgent, coordinated action on the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, pointing to new international legal momentum. EU Seafood Compliance: Pacific Island authorities in Suva trained on new EU food safety rules for freezer vessels, aimed at keeping access to the EU seafood market as the regulation is expected to affect most Pacific Island-flagged exporters. Regional Marine Conservation: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area with a total fishing ban, designed to feed into the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves that also links with Fiji and Vanuatu. Agribusiness Innovation (Samoa): EU/FAO-backed STODAS project partners ran the Samoa Agri-Innovate Competition finale, spotlighting agrifood entrepreneurs and MSMEs through an agribusiness incubator. Tourism & Culture (Solomons): Tourism Solomons signed on as a major sponsor for “Aelan Riddim 26,” bringing Vanuatu and other Melanesian artists into the Solomon Islands’ music festival spotlight.

Food Security Shock: UN agencies say the Strait of Hormuz disruption is feeding into hunger, with WFP warning higher oil costs are already pushing millions in Somalia and Afghanistan deeper into acute food insecurity. Climate Finance Scrutiny: 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. Pacific Agribusiness Push: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 crowned agrifood entrepreneurs, supporting MSMEs through the STODAS project. Ocean & Fisheries Rules: EU food-safety training in Suva targets new freezer-vessel requirements that could affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Regional Marine Protection: Papua New Guinea announced a major Western Manus no-take marine protected area, aiming to protect biodiversity while setting up a legal pathway for enforcement. Vanuatu Industry Angle: Vanuatu’s climate litigation win is highlighted as the UN adopts a resolution backing states’ legal duties to prevent climate harm—an issue with direct stakes for Pacific economies and livelihoods. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons backed “Aelan Riddim 26,” bringing Vanuatu and other Melanesian artists into the regional spotlight.

Pacific Trade & Food Safety: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for EU training on new freezer-vessel food safety rules, aimed at keeping access to the EU seafood market after auditors found cold-brine temperature failures. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons signed on as a major sponsor of ‘Aelan Riddim 26’, bringing Vanuatu and other Melanesian artists to Honiara’s flagship contemporary music festival. Marine Conservation: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area of about 200,000 km² with a total fishing ban, linking into the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves and moving toward national legal status. Energy, Shipping & Costs: UNCTAD warned Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add about US$20.4b to vulnerable economies’ annual oil import bills, with Pacific islands among those exposed. Vanuatu Climate Litigation Link: A UN General Assembly resolution endorsed the ICJ climate duty ruling—originating from a Vanuatu case—while calling for protection of climate and environmental activists. Regional Tourism Data: Niue and the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, updating visitor sources and trends for planning across Vanuatu and the region. Local Skills & Care: Three women from Vanuatu completed traineeships to become qualified personal care assistants with Respect at St John’s home in Wangaratta, supporting aged-care staffing and cultural continuity.

Pacific Trade & Food Safety: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for EU training on new freezer-vessel food safety rules, aimed at keeping access to the EU seafood market after concerns about brine temperatures. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons backed ‘Aelan Riddim 26’ in Honiara, bringing Vanuatu, PNG and Fiji artists alongside local talent and boosting the regional creative economy. Marine Conservation: Papua New Guinea announced the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary of about 200,000 km², with a total fishing ban and next steps to formalise it nationally. Energy & Shipping Costs: UNCTAD warned Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add US$20.4b to vulnerable economies’ oil import bills, with Pacific states among those exposed. Vanuatu Climate Litigation Link: A UN resolution endorsed the ICJ climate duty case brought by Vanuatu, reinforcing legal pressure on states to prevent climate harm. Local Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor sources and helping shape Pacific tourism planning. Vanuatu Skills Pathway: Three Vanuatu women completed traineeships and became qualified personal care assistants with St John’s in Wangaratta, showing growing Pacific workforce links into aged care.