AGP Executive Report

Vaccine Supply: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations have topped 1 million doses, with Fiji receiving over half a million as it races to inoculate amid a Delta outbreak; Vanuatu is listed among recipients with 20,000 doses. Marine Protection via Law: A U.S. lawsuit targets seafood imports from eight countries, including Vanuatu, alleging fisheries kill whales and dolphins as bycatch and pushing the U.S. to enforce limits under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Pacific Earthquake Watch: After a powerful Philippines quake, New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat locally, but regional coastal monitoring is on alert across Pacific islands including Vanuatu. Food Safety for Exports: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained to meet the new -18°C brine requirements. Local Progress on Safety: Vanuatu reports a drop in physical or sexual partner violence against women, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with faster recent improvement. Climate Justice Push: Pacific students and advocates argue the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion should move from courtrooms to negotiations.

Pacific Disaster Readiness: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, New Zealand and regional agencies put coastal tsunami monitoring on alert; NZ says there’s no tsunami threat, but advisories cover places including Vanuatu. Climate Law Momentum: Pacific students and allies say the UN-backed push to implement last year’s ICJ climate ruling must move from courtrooms to negotiations, reinforcing states’ duties to prevent climate harm. Ocean Protection in Melanesia: Papua New Guinea announced the Western Manus no-take marine protected area as part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves linking PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji. Food Safety for Pacific Fisheries: EU training in Suva targets new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Local Safety & Health: WA reported a rare Murray Valley encephalitis death linked to mosquito exposure in the West Kimberley, with no vaccine and serious brain complications possible. Media Integrity: Pacific broadcasters warn that unregulated social platforms could undermine trust and editorial independence ahead of the next regional elections. Women’s Safety Data: Vanuatu’s latest survey reports intimate partner violence by husbands/partners fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with faster recent progress. Tech & Crime Warning: Australia’s forensic psychiatrist says organised crime is recruiting vulnerable teens via encrypted apps and gaming platforms to commit serious offences.

Vanuatu Violence Update: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global drop in physical/sexual partner violence by husbands or partners, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with the pace of change improving in the last 12 months before each survey. Pacific Earthquake Watch: After a powerful quake in the southern Philippines, New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to NZ, but a regional advisory includes Vanuatu and other Pacific islands, with coastal monitoring on alert. Ocean Protection in Melanesia: Papua New Guinea moves to create the Western Manus Marine Protected Area as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, aiming to protect biodiversity and support long-term fisheries. Media & Elections: Pacific broadcasters warn that unregulated media platforms and social media can undermine trust ahead of the 2027 election cycle, stressing editorial independence and ethical standards. Tech, Crime, and Safety: A report highlights how organised crime uses encrypted apps to recruit vulnerable teens for serious crimes, raising concerns about online platforms and youth protection. Food Safety for EU Seafood: EU training for Pacific fisheries authorities targets new freezer-vessel food safety rules that could affect most EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Sustainability Deadlines (Global, with Vanuatu relevance): A sustainability law bulletin flags major packaging EPR reporting deadlines in the US and upcoming EU packaging regulation milestones, plus California disclosure timing for emissions reporting.

Pacific Media & Elections: Vanuatu and other Pacific broadcasters are warning that unregulated social media platforms could undermine trust ahead of the 2027 national elections, pushing calls for stronger ethical standards and editorial independence. Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific agencies including those covering Vanuatu placed coastal monitoring systems on alert, with New Zealand saying there’s no tsunami threat there while regional advisories remain. Ocean Protection: Papua New Guinea announced plans for the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a major no-take sanctuary tied to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves involving Vanuatu and Fiji. Food Safety for Exports: EU-backed training in Suva focused on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules, expected to affect most Pacific Island vessels exporting seafood to the EU. Climate & Energy Policy: A UN-backed push is endorsing a landmark ICJ climate ruling on states’ duties to prevent climate harm, while separate reporting highlights how fossil-fuel chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz can hit small island economies hard. Local Tech & Media Capacity: In PNG, and echoed across the region, leaders say digital transformation and social media are forcing broadcasters to rethink budgets, workflows, and how they reach rural audiences.

Energy Resilience Training: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu leaders took part in hands-on solar installation and maintenance training under the Solar Scholars Initiative, aiming to cut reliance on imported diesel and build local control over power systems. Pacific Earthquake Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines quake, Pacific coastal monitoring systems were put on alert; New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat for it, but advisories covered places including Vanuatu. Ocean Protection in Melanesia: Papua New Guinea moved to create the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary tied to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves that also includes Vanuatu and Fiji. Food Safety for EU Seafood: EU-backed training in Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu prepared national authorities for new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules that could affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Media Trust & Tech: Pacific broadcasters and media leaders discussed how social media and unregulated platforms are challenging election-era trust and editorial independence, with Vanuatu’s broadcaster calling out internal shifts needed for digital reporting. Vanuatu Violence Data: Vanuatu’s second national survey reports partner violence by husbands/partners fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), a faster decline than the global average.

Media & Elections: At the Pacific Media Partners Conference in Port Moresby, Vanuatu Broadcasting Television’s head of content warned that unregulated social media platforms can erode trust during the 2027 election cycle, making it harder to hold leaders accountable and protect editorial independence. Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific agencies including Vanuatu were placed on tsunami monitoring alert, though New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat for it. Energy Skills for Resilience: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu community representatives completed hands-on solar installation and maintenance training under the Solar Scholars Initiative, aiming to cut reliance on imported diesel and build local energy control. Ocean Protection: Papua New Guinea announced the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a major no-take sanctuary tied to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, with Vanuatu included in the wider network. Food Safety for Trade: EU-backed training in Suva covered new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules expected to affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Women’s Safety Data: Vanuatu’s Second National Survey on Women’s Lives reports partner violence by husbands/partners fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), showing faster recent progress.

Tsunami Monitoring: After a powerful 7.8 quake hit the southern Philippines, Pacific emergency agencies—including New Zealand’s NEMA and GNS Science—placed coastal monitoring systems on alert; NZ says there’s no tsunami threat, but a regional advisory includes Vanuatu and other Pacific islands, with expected wave heights under 0.3m. Energy Skills for Resilience: Pacific leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu took part in hands-on solar training under the Solar Scholars initiative, learning to assemble and install basic solar PV systems to cut reliance on imported diesel and provide backup power during outages. Ocean Protection in Melanesia: Papua New Guinea announced plans for the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary of over 214,000 sq km, as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves linking PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Gender-Based Violence Data: Vanuatu’s Second National Survey reports partner violence by husbands or partners fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), a faster decline than the global average, though progress is still too slow. Media & Tech Capacity: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation highlighted the challenge of shifting from traditional reporting to digital workflows, as technology and social media reshape how audiences are reached.

Tsunami Watch for Vanuatu: After a powerful earthquake hit the southern Philippines, Pacific agencies including Vanuatu were put on alert for possible tsunami impacts, with coastal monitoring systems activated and advisories covering the wider region. Solar Skills for Energy Independence: Pacific leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu took part in hands-on solar technology training to install and maintain solar PV systems, aiming to cut reliance on imported fuel and improve resilience during outages. Ocean Protection Push: Papua New Guinea advanced major marine conservation plans, proposing the Western Manus Marine Protected Area as a large no-take sanctuary linked to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, with Vanuatu and Fiji in the regional network. EU Seafood Rules Hit Pacific Fleets: EU food safety requirements for freezer vessels are expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, prompting technical training for national authorities to help keep access to EU seafood markets. Vanuatu Violence Against Women Survey: Vanuatu’s partner-violence rate fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics reporting faster recent progress than the global average. Media Tech Transition in the Pacific: Coverage highlights how broadcasters in the region are struggling to adapt to fast-changing digital tools and audience habits, with Vanuatu’s VBTC and PNG’s NBC both facing staffing and reach challenges.

Energy Skills for Communities: Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu leaders took part in hands-on Solar Scholars training in Nadi, learning to assemble and install basic solar PV systems to cut reliance on imported fuel and provide backup power during outages. Tourism Data for Planning: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office released 2025 International Visitor Survey results, using 647 responses to map visitor satisfaction, spending and sustainability perceptions to guide investment and product decisions. Ocean Protection in Melanesia: Papua New Guinea announced plans for the Western Manus no-take marine protected area, linking into the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves spanning Fiji, Vanuatu and PNG. Climate Accountability Push: A UN General Assembly resolution endorsed the ICJ’s climate duty ruling, a win for civil society that Vanuatu helped trigger, while activists still face persecution. Media Tech Transition: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation highlighted the challenge of shifting from traditional reporting to digital platforms, echoing similar concerns raised by PNG’s NBC. Border Security & Trade: Vanuatu joined Pacific customs leaders to strengthen border security and improve trade controls.

Vanuatu Violence Drop: Vanuatu’s partner-violence rate fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with faster recent progress, according to the Vanuatu Women’s Centre survey launched 9 March 2026. Pacific Ocean Protection: Papua New Guinea moved to create the Western Manus no-take marine protected area (over 214,000 sq km), linking into the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves with Fiji and Vanuatu. EU Seafood Rules: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained regulators on new EU freezer-vessel food safety requirements that could affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Solar Skills for Energy Resilience: Community leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu trained to install and maintain solar PV systems under the Solar Scholars initiative, targeting lower fuel dependence and backup power. Tourism Data for Planning: SPTO and Vanuatu Tourism Office released 2025 International Visitor Survey results, using 647 responses to guide investment and product decisions. Media Tech Transition: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation says digital change is forcing budget and audience strategy shifts, while rural access remains a key hurdle.

Solar for energy resilience: Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu community leaders trained on installing and maintaining solar PV systems through the Solar Scholars initiative, aiming to cut reliance on imported fuel and improve backup power during outages. Tourism data for planning: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, with 647 responses and findings meant to guide investment and product decisions. Climate justice in the courts: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing a landmark ICJ climate ruling, a move tied to a Vanuatu-led case and ongoing pressure on states to protect climate activists. Ocean protection across Melanesia: Papua New Guinea announced plans for a huge no-take Western Manus marine sanctuary, part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves that also links with Vanuatu. Media tech transition: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation highlighted the challenge of shifting from traditional reporting to digital platforms, with rural access still a major hurdle. Health and safety: Vanuatu’s partner-violence survey reports a faster-than-global decline over 15 years, while regional coverage also flags rising concerns around illicit drugs and public health.

Climate & Law: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing last year’s ICJ advisory opinion that states must prevent climate harm, a move Vanuatu helped trigger through the ICJ case led by Pacific Islands students. Ocean Conservation: Papua New Guinea announced the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary of over 214,000 sq km, as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves linking PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji. Food Safety for Trade: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in new EU freezer-vessel requirements under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, expected to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Energy Skills: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu community leaders completed hands-on solar PV training to cut reliance on imported fuel and improve resilience during outages. Tourism Data: SPTO and Vanuatu Tourism Office released 2025 International Visitor Survey results, using 647 responses to guide planning and investment. Media Tech & Change: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation highlighted the challenge of shifting from traditional reporting to digital-first work for rural audiences.

Health & Security Watch: A Lowy Institute expert warns “warning signs” of meth-fuelled harm are spreading beyond Fiji, with meth traces in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” washing up in the Solomon Islands—alongside lower but rising HIV/TB signals. Gender & Data: Vanuatu’s Second National Survey reports intimate partner physical/sexual violence by husbands/partners fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), the fastest drop in the Asia-Pacific region in comparable studies. Climate Law: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing the ICJ’s climate duty ruling; Vanuatu’s government helped trigger the ICJ case via a civil society push by Pacific Islands students. Energy Skills for Resilience: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu leaders trained in solar PV installation/maintenance to cut reliance on imported fuel and keep power during outages. Ocean Protection: Papua New Guinea announced the Western Manus no-take marine protected area as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, with Vanuatu included in the regional network. Tech & Media Capacity: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation says digital change is forcing budget and audience strategy shifts, as rural access remains a major hurdle.

UN Climate Resolution: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing a landmark International Court of Justice ruling that states must prevent climate harm, a case originally brought by Vanuatu—showing climate action is now tied directly to human rights. Gender & Rights: Australia’s sex discrimination commissioner criticised a bill that would redefine “man” and “woman” by biology, warning it could shrink women’s rights and restrict LGBTQI+ access to services. Energy Skills for Resilience: Pacific leaders, including Vanuatu, trained community representatives on installing and maintaining solar PV systems through the Solar Scholars initiative, aiming to cut reliance on imported fuel during price shocks. Ocean Protection: Papua New Guinea announced a massive no-take Western Manus marine protected area as part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves spanning Fiji, Vanuatu and PNG. Tourism Data for Planning: Vanuatu’s International Visitor Survey results for 2025 were released, using Pacific Tourism Data Initiative support to guide investment and destination decisions. Local Tech & Media Capacity: Vanuatu’s broadcaster said rural audience access and staff transitions to digital reporting remain key challenges, while regional media groups push for stronger climate and weather coverage. Vanuatu in Action: A New Zealand Army engineer received a Distinguished Service Decoration for emergency engineering support in Vanuatu, including earthquake and aircraft crash response.

Climate & Law: The UN General Assembly backed a landmark International Court of Justice ruling that states must prevent climate harm, a move expected to shape future climate litigation even as some governments keep targeting climate and environmental activists. Ocean Conservation: Papua New Guinea announced the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary covering over 214,000 sq km in the Bismarck Sea, aimed at protecting biodiversity and supporting long-term fisheries sustainability, as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves with Vanuatu and Fiji. Energy Skills for Resilience: Pacific leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu completed hands-on solar training to install and maintain solar PV systems, tackling rising fuel costs and building local energy independence. Vanuatu Tourism Data: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results were released via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting strong visitor satisfaction and spending patterns to guide planning. Media Tech Transition: Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation leaders say digital change is forcing a shift in budgets, reporting practices, and how they reach rural audiences. Regional Tech & Infrastructure: The Quad’s push for ports and maritime connectivity continues, with Fiji named for a pilot port infrastructure project.

Pacific Energy Skills: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu community leaders trained on solar PV installation and maintenance through the Solar Scholars Initiative, aiming to cut reliance on imported diesel and build local energy resilience as fuel prices stay volatile. Tourism Data for Planning: Vanuatu’s International Visitor Survey (Jan–Dec 2025) was released by SPTO and the Vanuatu Tourism Office, using 647 responses to map visitor spending, satisfaction and sustainability perceptions to guide investment and product decisions. Ocean Protection Push: Papua New Guinea announced plans for the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary over 214,000 sq km, positioned as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves with Vanuatu involved. Media Tech & Training: Pacific media partners discussed how digital tools and social media are reshaping newsrooms, while SPREP-backed efforts support journalists to better report weather and climate for community resilience. Local Tech & Health Capacity: Vanuatu’s health sector focus on non-communicable diseases and cancer care highlights ongoing staffing gaps and the need for training pathways with regional partners. Energy Transition Watch: Australia’s Snowy 2.0 tunnelling progress continues, but cost blowouts and safety scrutiny keep the project’s value question front and centre.