AGP Executive Report

David vs Goliath at sea: Vanuatu is pushing a sovereignty fight over the contested Matthew and Hunter islands, known in kastom as Umaenupne and Umaeneg, with France since 1965—an issue that could ripple far beyond the Pacific. Women’s rights progress: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global drop in physical or sexual partner violence against women, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and partners credited for prevention and response work. Ocean protection, Melanesian links: Papua New Guinea moves to ban fishing over about 200,000 km² in western Manus, feeding into a wider Melanesian Ocean Corridor that connects protected areas across PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Culture and tourism data: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey points to strong tourism performance, driven by authentic cultural connections and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality. Regional music spotlight: Vanuatu artists are set to feature in Solomon Islands’ Aelan Riddim 26, showing how Melanesian festivals keep creative communities connected.

Football & Youth: Fiji’s Extra Bula FC is set to blood six teenagers and young adults in their senior debut against Vanuatu, led by 16-year-old Maikah Dau, as coach Stéphane Auvray points to a growing “professional football culture” pipeline. Women’s Rights: Vanuatu reports a faster drop in physical or sexual partner violence by husbands and partners, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and partners credited for prevention and response work. Ocean Conservation: Papua New Guinea announces a Western Manus Marine Protected Area to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean, including a total fishing ban, as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves linking PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Tourism Data: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey shows strong tourism performance, highlighting visitor satisfaction and the role of authentic cultural connections and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality. Regional Culture: Solomon Islands’ “Aelan Riddim 26” adds Vanuatu artists Shazza and other regional acts, with Tourism Solomons backing the festival as a Melanesian identity platform. Climate Justice (Global, Vanuatu-linked): A UN climate resolution endorses an ICJ advisory opinion tied to a civil society push that included Pacific Islands students and Vanuatu’s role in the ICJ case.

Vanuatu Women’s Rights: Vanuatu reports a faster drop in intimate partner violence, with physical/sexual partner violence by husbands or partners falling from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), according to the Vanuatu Women’s Centre’s Second National Survey on Women’s Lives and Family Relationships. Climate Justice & Activism: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing a landmark International Court of Justice ruling on states’ legal duties to prevent climate harm, a win for civil society that also spotlights ongoing persecution of climate and environmental activists. Local Leadership in Aid: A new push argues humanitarian funding and decision-making should shift toward local leaders—especially women and marginalized communities—so responses are locally led, not charity-driven. Tourism & Culture in the Pacific: Tourism Solomons is backing “Aelan Riddim 26,” bringing regional artists including Vanuatu’s Shazza into Solomon Islands’ contemporary music spotlight. Vanuatu in Regional Business: A Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva will support micro, small and medium enterprises across Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, including blue/green economy and climate resilience projects. Culture & Community Loss: South Island Vanuatu community leader Richie George died in a quad bike crash, with tributes highlighting his role supporting Ni-Vans abroad and helping preserve Bislama and cultural events.

Climate Justice & Activism: The UN General Assembly backed a resolution on states’ climate duties, building on an ICJ advisory opinion that climate harm is a human rights issue—while the piece notes many governments still target climate and environmental activists. Local-Led Aid: A call to shift humanitarian power to local leaders, especially women and marginalized communities, argues aid works better when communities lead and systems change instead of charity. Women’s Rights in Focus (Vanuatu): Vanuatu reports a faster drop in intimate partner violence than the Asia-Pacific average, with partner violence falling from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), credited to prevention and response work by the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and partners. Culture & Community: Three Vanuatu women complete care assistant traineeships in Australia and host a Vanuatu-themed cultural celebration through traditional dance and song. Tourism & Music: Tourism Solomons sponsors ‘Aelan Riddim 26’, bringing Vanuatu artists into a wider Melanesian music lineup. Tourism Data (Vanuatu): SPTO and Vanuatu Tourism Office release 2025 International Visitor Survey results, highlighting strong visitor satisfaction and cultural pull. Regional Business Finance: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launches in Suva to help Pacific SMEs—including Vanuatu—access finance for blue/green economy and climate resilience.

Pacific Culture & Community: Vanuatu community leader Richie George has died in a quad bike crash in New Zealand, remembered for welcoming Ni-Vanuatu across the South Island and supporting Bislama Language Week and cultural identity. Tourism & Lifestyle: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey shows strong performance, with 647 responses highlighting visitors drawn by authentic cultural connections, natural beauty, adventure, and the warmth of Ni-Vanuatu people. Regional Funding for Local Businesses: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium enterprises in Vanuatu and other Pacific states access finance—especially for blue economy, green economy, and climate resilience. Culture, Arts & Festivals: Fiji’s 8th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival has been deferred to next year due to competing national programs and fiscal pressures. Climate, Rights & Activism: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing a landmark ICJ climate ruling, while noting many states still target climate and environmental activists—an issue Pacific students helped drive. Vanuatu in the Wider Pacific: Vanuatu has urged Pacific Islands Forum members to support a UN push for West Papuans’ self-determination.

Vanuatu in Australia: Three Ni-Vanuatu women, Rachel Mangau, Sabrina Felix and Racheline Tal, have completed traineeships and qualified as personal care assistants at St John’s home in Wangaratta—marking a new chapter for them and the residents they support, with a Vanuatu-themed cultural celebration helping them settle in. Cultural respect & public ceremony: In Australia, several men linked to neo-Nazi groups were found guilty and fined after heckling at Anzac Day services, including during a Welcome to Country—while another man was fined for booing during a Welcome to Country and refused to apologise in court. Sport & community: Solomon Islands National University’s SINU Soccer League 2026 is set to kick off this weekend, with organisers aiming for about 16 teams including male and female faculty squads and an overseas students’ team largely made up of students from Vanuatu. Tourism data for culture: Vanuatu’s International Visitor Survey results for 2025 show strong performance, with visitors drawn by authentic cultural connections and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality, supported by Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office collaboration. Pacific business support: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva will back micro, small and medium enterprises across Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, including blue economy, green economy and climate resilience projects.

Tourism & Culture: Vanuatu’s International Visitor Survey for 2025 shows strong performance, with 647 responses highlighting travellers drawn by authentic cultural connections, natural beauty, adventure, and the warmth of Ni-Vanuatu people. Regional Arts: Fiji has deferred the 8th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival to next year, citing competing national programs and fiscal pressures. Community & Language: South Island Vanuatu community leader Richie George has died after a quad bike crash, remembered for supporting Ni-Vans in Aotearoa and helping drive Bislama Language Week celebrations. Pacific Business Finance: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva will back micro, small and medium enterprises across Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu—especially in the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. West Papua Advocacy: Vanuatu is urging Pacific Islands Forum members to support a UN General Assembly push for West Papuans’ self-determination. Sports & Youth: Solomon Islands National University’s SINU Soccer Competition 2026 is set to kick off this weekend with inter-faculty teams, including a girls’ component and an overseas students’ team largely made up of Vanuatu students. Environment & Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to argue ocean governance should be grounded in Indigenous stewardship, customary law, and implementation-ready national authority.

Tourism & Culture: Vanuatu’s International Visitor Survey results for 2025 show strong performance, with 647 valid responses highlighting travellers drawn by authentic cultural connections, natural beauty, adventure, and the warmth of Ni-Vanuatu people. Pacific Arts & Festivals: Fiji’s Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival has been deferred to next year, with the government citing competing national programs and fiscal pressures. Community & Language: South Island Vanuatu community leader Richie George has died in a quad bike crash, remembered for welcoming Ni-Vans in Aotearoa and supporting Bislama Language Week and cultural identity. Regional Business Support: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund has launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium enterprises across Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu—especially in the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience—access finance and grow. Music & Youth Culture: The Aelan Riddim Music Festival returns in Honiara, bringing together Pacific artists including performers from Vanuatu, and aiming to strengthen Melanesian music connections. Indigenous Rights: Vanuatu is urging Pacific Islands Forum members to back a UN General Assembly push for West Papuans’ self-determination.

Tourism & Culture: Vanuatu’s International Visitor Survey for 2025 shows strong performance, with 647 valid responses and visitors drawn by authentic cultural connections, natural beauty, adventure, and Ni-Vanuatu warmth. Community & Language: South Island community leader Richie George has died after a quad bike crash, remembered for supporting Ni-Vanuatu people in Aotearoa and backing Bislama Language Week and cultural identity. Arts & Music: Aelan Riddim Music Festival returns in Honiara, spotlighting Melanesian music with performers from PNG, Fiji, and Vanuatu, aiming to strengthen regional creative ties. Regional Support for Businesses: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva will back micro, small and medium enterprises across Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, especially in the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. Sports & Youth: SINU SOCCER COMP 2026 kicks off this weekend in Honiara, with inter-faculty teams including male and female squads and an overseas students’ team largely made up of Vanuatu students. Justice & Mobility: A ni-Vanuatu seasonal worker in Australia, John Yalu, was acquitted of murder after a fatal amputation case, with release from jail possible later this year.

Tourism & Culture: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office released the 2025 International Visitor Survey, with 647 responses showing Vanuatu still wins hearts through authentic cultural connections, natural beauty, adventure, and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality—54% of visitors were first-timers. Sports & Youth: SINU’s Sports League 2026 soccer competition is set to kick off in Solomon Islands with an opening ceremony Friday and matches from June 6, aiming for about 16 teams including male and female faculty sides plus an overseas students’ team (with many Vanuatu students). Regional Travel & Lifestyle: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its South Pacific season, citing strong Australian demand for multi-island cruising—guests highlight local culture (82%) and relaxation (69%) as top reasons. Arts & Music: Aelan Riddim Music Festival returns in Honiara, bringing together Pacific and Melanesian performers, including Vanuatu’s Shazza, to celebrate regional music and unity. Community & Belonging: Vanuatu community leader Richie George died in a quad bike crash in New Zealand; tributes highlight his support for Ni-Vanuatu across the South Island and his role in Bislama Language Week. Finance for Small Businesses: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva will support Vanuatu and other Pacific SMEs, especially in the blue economy, green economy, and climate resilience. Justice & Migration: A ni-Vanuatu seasonal worker, John Yalu, may be eligible for release after a manslaughter conviction in Australia following the fatal amputation of a pensioner’s foot for NZ$6000.

Vanuatu in Global Climate Diplomacy: Vanuatu helped spearhead a UN General Assembly push for climate accountability, backing a resolution tied to the ICJ’s landmark ruling that protecting the climate system is a legal obligation—not optional—after years of youth, Indigenous and frontline organising. Pacific Business & Livelihoods: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium enterprises across Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu access finance and grow in the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. West Papua Self-Determination Push: Vanuatu asked Pacific Islands Forum members to support a UNGA resolution calling for West Papuans’ self-determination, keeping the issue on the regional agenda despite pushback from within Melanesian groupings. Community Loss in the Diaspora: South Island community leader Richie George died in a quad bike crash, remembered for supporting Ni-Vanuatu across Aotearoa and helping preserve Bislama language and identity. Regional Culture on the Move: Air Niugini backed artists travelling to Solomon Islands for the Aelan Riddim Music Festival, with Vanuatu performers among the lineup. Ocean Governance Approach: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to stress ocean governance led by national authority and Indigenous stewardship, with consultation and domestic processes before any new regional framework.

Pacific Diplomacy & Climate Mobility: Vanuatu is pushing UN support for West Papuans’ self-determination, keeping the indigenous struggle in the spotlight despite regional pushback. Ocean Governance & Indigenous Stewardship: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to argue ocean rules must be grounded in customary law, Indigenous authority, and domestic approval steps before any new regional framework. Aid, Budgets & Regional Pressure: Analysis of Australia’s 2026 budget flags rising nominal aid but falling real spending, with Pacific multilateral funding reduced as priorities shift. Culture & Music: Aelan Riddim returns in Honiara with artists from across Melanesia, including Vanuatu performers, aiming to strengthen regional creative ties. Business & Livelihoods: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launches in Suva to help Vanuatu and other Pacific SMEs access finance for blue/green growth and climate resilience. Community News: South Island Vanuatu leader Richie George dies in a quad bike crash; tributes highlight his role in supporting Bislama Language Week and Ni-Vans abroad. Arts Event Delays: Fiji’s Melanesian Arts festival plans are deferred to next year due to fiscal pressures. Youth & Rights: Outrage grows after women on a history walk were harassed by boys on e-bikes, raising concerns about safety and gendered targeting.

Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival: Fiji’s hosting of the 8th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival has been deferred to next year, with officials citing competing national programs and fiscal pressures. Community & language loss: South Island Vanuatu community leader Richie George has died after a quad bike crash, remembered for supporting Ni-Vanuatu families and helping drive Bislama Language Week and cultural identity in Aotearoa. Pacific business support: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva will back micro, small and medium enterprises across Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, with a focus on the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. Regional culture through music: Air Niugini is backing artists travelling to Solomon Islands for the Aelan Riddim Music Festival, including Vanuatu’s Shazza, as the event aims to strengthen Melanesian creative ties. Vanuatu diplomacy on climate: Vanuatu spearheaded a UN General Assembly climate accountability resolution, pushing the message that climate action is a legal obligation, not optional. Women’s safety on history walks: Outrage follows reports of women harassed by boys on e-bikes during a She Shapes History walking tour in Wollongong.

South Island Community Loss: Vanuatu community leader Richie George has died after a quad bike crash in New Zealand, with tributes highlighting his role as a “pillar of strength” for Ni-Vanuatu in Aotearoa and his support for Bislama Language Week and cultural identity. Pacific Business Finance: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva will help micro, small and medium enterprises across Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu—especially in the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience—by tackling the big barrier of access to finance. West Papua Self-Determination Push: Vanuatu is urging Pacific Islands Forum members to back a UN General Assembly resolution calling for West Papuans’ self-determination, keeping the issue on the regional agenda despite pushback. Regional Culture on Stage: Air Niugini is supporting artists travelling to Honiara for the Aelan Riddim Music Festival, with Vanuatu’s Shazza among performers linking Melanesian music and unity. Youth & Safety Backlash: Outrage is growing after women on a “She Shapes History” walk in Wollongong were harassed by boys on e-bikes, with police called as the incident left the group feeling targeted.

Community Loss: South Island Vanuatu community leader Richie George has died after a quad bike crash, with tributes highlighting his role in welcoming Ni-Vans in Aotearoa, supporting RSE workers and students, and backing Bislama Language Week and cultural identity. Regional Finance & Livelihoods: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund has launched in Suva to help Vanuatu and other Pacific SMEs access finance and grow in the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. Women’s Safety & Public Life: Outrage is growing after women on a “She Shapes History” walking tour were harassed and circled by boys on e-bikes in Wollongong, prompting police involvement. Vanuatu in Pacific Diplomacy: Vanuatu is urging Pacific Islands Forum members to back a UN push for West Papuans’ self-determination, keeping the issue on the international agenda. Culture & Music: Air Niugini is supporting artists travelling to the Aelan Riddim Music Festival in Honiara, including Vanuatu’s Shazza, as Melanesian music and unity take centre stage. Youth & Belonging: Young people are calling for Budget 2026 to fund youth spaces, mental health support, affordable childcare and safer transport options for rangatahi. Sports Spotlight: Fiji has named a provisional squad for friendlies including a match against Vanuatu in Port Vila, as the national team builds toward 2029.

Community Loss: South Island Vanuatu community leader Richie George has died after a quad bike crash, with tributes highlighting his role as a “pillar of strength” for Ni-Vanuatu in Aotearoa, supporting RSE workers, students, football players, and Bislama Language Week. Regional Finance for Culture & Livelihoods: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund has launched in Suva to help Vanuatu and other Pacific countries’ micro, small and medium businesses access finance, especially in the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. Pacific Music Spotlight: Air Niugini is backing Melanesian music by helping artists travel to the Aelan Riddim Music Festival in Honiara, including Vanuatu’s Shazza, as the event aims to strengthen regional creative connections. Women’s Safety & Public Life: Outrage follows reports of women being harassed by boys on e-bikes during a female-focused She Shapes History walking tour in Wollongong, prompting police involvement. Youth Voices: Young people across Aotearoa are calling for Budget 2026 to fund youth spaces, mental health, affordable childcare and safer transport for rangatahi. Vanuatu in Global Climate Law: Vanuatu helped spearhead a UN General Assembly resolution strengthening legal accountability on climate action after the ICJ climate ruling, with Pacific states stressing protection of sovereignty and statehood. West Papua Support: Vanuatu is seeking Pacific Islands Forum support for a UN push for West Papuans’ self-determination, keeping the indigenous issue on the regional agenda.