AGP Executive Report

Vanuatu Climate Watch: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, with early signals pointing to warmer ocean conditions and uneven, reduced rainfall—raising risks for water supplies, agriculture, livestock, and outer islands. The government says response plans and emergency funding mechanisms are ready, and urges communities to start storing water and follow official advisories. Pacific Energy Resilience: Fuel-price pressure is pushing communities toward solar. Leaders and community representatives from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu completed hands-on solar technology training through 350.org Pacific and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, including installing solar PV systems at community buildings in Fiji. Ocean Protection in Melanesia: Papua New Guinea announced plans for the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary covering over 214,000 sq km in the Bismarck Sea, aimed at protecting globally significant marine biodiversity and supporting long-term fisheries sustainability. Tourism Data for Sustainability: Vanuatu’s tourism performance is getting a boost from new visitor survey results released via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, using survey findings to guide planning and investment.

Climate Risk Watch: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions, uneven and reduced rainfall, and likely water and agriculture impacts—especially for outer islands—while urging early preparations like water storage and readiness to activate emergency funding. Community Energy Resilience: Leaders and community representatives from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu completed hands-on solar technology training to cut reliance on imported diesel and build local energy control, with systems installed on community buildings. Tourism & Sustainability Signals: Vanuatu’s tourism performance is highlighted in the Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office International Visitor Survey results for 2025, using visitor spending and satisfaction data to guide more resilient, sustainable planning. Climate Finance & Delivery: The Global Environment Facility is gearing up for its next cycle, pushing a sharper focus on impact, speed and scale as it moves from GEF-8 into GEF-9. Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to argue for ocean rules grounded in Indigenous stewardship, national authority and implementation-ready frameworks—an approach relevant to Vanuatu’s own marine protection priorities.

El Niño Watch in Vanuatu: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, with climate minister Ralph Regenvanu warning of warmer ocean conditions, reduced and uneven rainfall, and likely water and agriculture impacts—especially for outer islands—while the government readies response plans and possible emergency funding. Community Solar Training: Leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu completed hands-on solar technology training through 350.org Pacific and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, aiming to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels and boost local energy resilience. Vanuatu Tourism Snapshot: The Vanuatu Tourism Office and Pacific Tourism Organisation released 2025 International Visitor Survey results, highlighting strong visitor interest driven by culture and natural beauty, and feeding into more sustainable tourism planning. Blue Pacific Media for Climate Resilience: A regional push to strengthen Pacific media reporting on weather and climate is underway, with training planned to help journalists cover climate risks and resilience stories more effectively. UN Climate Legal Signal: A UN vote backed the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate change, reinforcing that countries have legal duties to limit global warming—an issue likely to shape future climate action debates across the Pacific.

Energy resilience in the Pacific: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu leaders completed hands-on Solar Scholars training, installing solar PV systems and learning how to assemble and maintain them to cut reliance on imported fuel and handle outages. Climate risk for Vanuatu: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of drier conditions, warmer ocean temperatures and uneven rainfall, with government plans for water support and possible emergency measures. Tourism data for planning: Vanuatu’s International Visitor Survey for 2025 shows strong visitor satisfaction and highlights the role of natural beauty, culture and adventure—plus growing local capacity in tourism analysis. Climate accountability push: A UN vote backed the ICJ advisory opinion on climate change, reinforcing that governments have legal duties to limit global warming—an important signal for future action. Blue/green finance for businesses: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva to help Pacific SMEs access funding, especially for blue economy, green economy and climate resilience projects. Wildlife conflict over development: Residents allege a sports facility project at Fred Caterson Reserve is displacing and harming native wildlife after fencing and tree clearing. Pacific media capacity: A regional media partnership conference in PNG focuses on strengthening Pacific storytelling on weather and climate for resilience. Ocean governance at the Melanesian Ocean Summit: Solomon Islands stresses ocean rules should be grounded in Indigenous stewardship, national authority and implementation-ready frameworks. Fisheries rules with environmental stakes: The WTO fisheries subsidies agreement is hailed as a marine protection win, but concerns remain about whether key countries will stall the next phase.

Solar for energy resilience: 350.org Pacific and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities trained community leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu to install and maintain solar PV, installing two systems in Fiji to cut fuel-cost pressure and keep lights on during outages. El Niño watch for Vanuatu: Vanuatu declared an El Niño watch as early signals point to warmer ocean conditions and uneven, reduced rainfall, with MPs pushing for faster planning for water, agriculture, livestock and outer islands; officials are preparing emergency funding and support. Climate law momentum: A UN vote backed the ICJ advisory opinion on climate change, strengthening the push for governments to turn legal duties into real action—an issue Vanuatu and other Pacific states are watching closely. Blue economy finance: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva to help Vanuatu and other Pacific countries’ small businesses access funding for blue economy, green economy and climate resilience work. Pacific media for weather and climate: SPREP-backed efforts are building Pacific journalists’ capacity to report on weather and climate for resilience, with a regional workshop planned in Tonga. Tourism snapshot: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results were released, highlighting strong visitor satisfaction and the role of natural beauty, adventure and culture.

Energy Resilience: Community leaders in Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu trained through 350.org’s Solar Scholars program, installing solar PV systems to cut reliance on imported fuel and keep power running during outages. Climate Preparedness: Vanuatu declared an El Niño watch, warning of hotter seas, uneven rainfall and possible water and agriculture impacts, with emergency funding and early public water-storing advice. Climate Accountability: Pacific groups welcomed a UN General Assembly vote backing the ICJ climate advisory opinion, saying governments now face a legal clarity-to-action test. Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to push for ocean rules grounded in national authority, Indigenous stewardship and domestic “implementation-ready” processes. Blue-Green Finance: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva to help Vanuatu and other Pacific businesses access finance for the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. Marine Protection Trade: The WTO fisheries subsidies deal was highlighted as a marine win, with concern that the next phase could be stalled by a few major players. Regional Security & Environment: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi as environmental crimes and smuggling risks sit alongside drug trafficking and organised crime on the border agenda.

Climate Resilience Media: SPREP is backing a regional media workshop (17–18 Sept) to help Pacific journalists better report weather and climate risks, including coverage linked to Tonga’s Pacific Meteorological Council meeting. El Niño Watch (Vanuatu): Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of drier, warmer conditions and uneven rainfall, with government plans for water support, emergency funding triggers, and early public preparation. Energy Sovereignty (Vanuatu, Fiji, Tuvalu): As fuel costs bite, community representatives trained on solar installation and maintenance through the Solar Scholars Initiative, aiming to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Climate Accountability (UN/ICJ): A UN General Assembly vote backed the ICJ advisory opinion on climate change, with Climate Action Network calling it a political signal that legal duties must turn into real action. Ocean Governance (Solomon Islands): Solomon Islands pushed for ocean governance grounded in national authority and Indigenous stewardship, stressing consultation and domestic approvals before any regional framework. Sustainable Finance (Blue/Green Economy): A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva to help SMEs in Vanuatu and other Pacific states access finance for blue economy, green economy, and climate resilience. Pacific Borders & Environmental Crime: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji (2–4 June) to scale up cooperation against cross-border threats, including environmental crimes. Fisheries Subsidies: The WTO fisheries subsidies deal is framed as a marine win for Pacific fishers, but progress on the next phase could stall if key countries drag negotiations. Vanuatu in Global Climate Mobility Debate: A commentary highlights how climate mobility is already happening in the Pacific, raising urgent risks of statelessness and nationality loss.

Climate Accountability Vote: Vanuatu-backed UN action overwhelmingly affirmed that countries have a legal duty to limit global warming, with 141 nations voting yes and the US among the 8 no votes—setting up a new reference point for climate litigation even if the advisory opinion isn’t enforceable. Pacific Blue-Green Finance: A new EU-backed “Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund” launched in Suva aims to help micro, small and medium businesses in Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu access finance for the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. Fiji Port Push: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, starting with Suva and Lautoka—raising questions about how climate-vulnerable Pacific infrastructure ties into wider geopolitical competition. Fisheries Subsidies Deal: The WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement is already benefiting Pacific Island fishers by targeting harmful support linked to illegal and overfishing, but progress on the next phase (“Fish 2”) could stall if key countries drag negotiations. Green Lending Standards (PNG): PNG banks are moving toward new green loan standards after a Bank of Papua New Guinea workshop with regulators and partners to improve how environmental and social risks are assessed before financing.

Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed a Vanuatu-led resolution affirming the ICJ advisory opinion that countries have a legal duty to limit global warming to 1.5°C, passing 141-8 with the US among the no votes—setting up a stronger basis for climate litigation even though the ruling isn’t enforceable. Pacific Finance for Resilience: A new EU-backed “Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund” launched in Suva aims to help small businesses in Vanuatu and other Pacific states access finance for the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. Blue Economy Rules for Fisheries: The WTO fisheries subsidies deal is hailed as an environmental first, but negotiations for the next phase (“Fish 2”) could stall if key countries don’t move. Vanuatu in the Climate Legal Push: A separate report notes Vanuatu’s earlier UN vote for the ICJ ruling passed 141-8, reinforcing momentum for climate action across vulnerable island states. Energy and Climate Risk (Regional): The Pacific Business Brief highlights ADB fuel relief support for countries facing the crisis, including Fiji, with funding scaled to need.

Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed a Vanuatu-led resolution affirming states’ legal duties to address climate change, citing the ICJ advisory opinion; it passed 141-8, with the US voting against and many others abstaining—an important step for climate-vulnerable islands facing sea-level rise. Pacific Finance for Resilience: A new EU-backed “Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund” 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. Vanuatu Sovereignty Deals: Vanuatu’s PM confirmed plans to sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China, with negotiations slowed by sovereignty concerns around security and critical infrastructure. Marine Protection Rules: A WTO fisheries subsidies deal entered into force, aiming to curb harmful support linked to illegal and overfished stocks; Pacific benefits could be weakened if major talks stall. Biodiversity & Wildlife Risk: Reports from Australia highlight how poorly designed fencing can trap and kill kangaroos, underlining the need for wildlife-safe infrastructure planning. Sea Safety in Conflict Zones: Drone attacks in the Black Sea involved Vanuatu-flagged shipping, raising fresh concerns for civilian navigation and environmental spill risks.

Climate Accountability Win for Vanuatu: The UN General Assembly backed an International Court of Justice climate opinion, with Vanuatu leading the resolution—141 countries voted yes and the US voted no—reinforcing that states have a legal duty to act on global warming and curb fossil fuels. Pacific Climate Justice Push: Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa opened Climate Justice and Sea-Level Rise Week, calling climate change the region’s biggest threat and praising Vanuatu’s leadership in securing the UN outcome. Vanuatu–Australia/China Pacts: Vanuatu’s PM confirmed the government will sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China, with negotiations slowed by sovereignty concerns around security and critical infrastructure. Fisheries Rules with Real Marine Impact: A new WTO fisheries subsidies deal entered into force, aiming to curb harmful support linked to illegal and overfished stocks—though “Fish 2” talks could stall if key countries drag their feet. Shipping Safety in the Black Sea: Reports say a Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship was hit by drones, underlining how conflict risks can disrupt maritime routes that matter for global trade.

Climate Accountability Push: The UN General Assembly backed the International Court of Justice climate advisory opinion, with Vanuatu leading the resolution that affirms states’ legal duty to tackle climate change and curb fossil fuels—while the US voted against. Pacific Climate Justice & Sea-Level Rise: Pacific leaders used the Pacific Climate Justice and Sea Level Rise Week to frame the vote as a shift from sympathy to enforceable accountability, warning rising seas and erosion are already hitting livelihoods and food security. Vanuatu–Australia/China Security Deals: Vanuatu’s PM confirmed plans to sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China, with sovereignty concerns tied to security and critical infrastructure shaping the final drafts. Marine Protection via Trade Rules: A new WTO fisheries subsidies deal entered into force, aiming to curb harmful support linked to illegal and overfished stocks—though progress on the next phase could be threatened. PFAS Legal Pressure: Fire authorities in Australia are hopeful a renewed PFAS case against 3M could restart similar action for firefighters and communities exposed to contaminated firefighting foam. Energy & Resilience Funding (Regional): The Pacific Business Brief highlights fuel relief efforts and critical minerals diplomacy, as regional economies brace for ongoing energy shocks.

UN climate accountability win for Vanuatu-led push: The UN General Assembly backed an International Court of Justice climate advisory opinion, voting 141-8 (with 28 abstentions) to reaffirm that countries have legal duties to address climate change and protect people and oceans—an outcome Pacific leaders say strengthens statehood and maritime rights as sea levels rise. Pacific climate justice pushback: Fiji’s climate minister Lynda Tabuya and Pacific Islands Forum leaders framed the vote as a shift from sympathy to enforceable accountability, warning that delay tactics can’t stand when communities are already facing erosion, flooding, relocation and food insecurity. Vanuatu’s diplomacy on security and infrastructure: Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat confirmed plans to sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China, citing sovereignty concerns—especially around security and critical infrastructure—during negotiations. Regional climate resilience and biodiversity links: PNG’s France visit highlighted a new Paris embassy and cooperation tied to forest protection, with Macron calling PNG’s forests “the true lungs of the Pacific.” Pacific climate finance spotlight: PNG’s Green Finance Summit in Port Moresby stressed sustainable investment, green finance policy tools, and attracting private capital to meet climate and development needs.

UN Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed a Vanuatu-led resolution endorsing the ICJ climate advisory opinion, with 141 votes in favour and 8 against, affirming that countries have legal duties to address climate change and protect people and oceans—while also stressing continuity of statehood and maritime zones for sea-level threatened islands. Pacific Climate Justice: Pacific leaders framed the vote as a shift from sympathy to enforceable accountability, with Fiji’s Minister Lynda Tabuya saying obligations can’t be treated as optional. Vanuatu Diplomacy & Sovereignty: Vanuatu’s PM Jotham Napat confirmed the country will sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China, with negotiations slowed by concerns over security and critical infrastructure. Regional Marine Protection: Vanuatu, Fiji and PNG launched a major transboundary marine protected area, adding momentum to ocean protection across the Pacific. Green Finance in the Region: PNG’s Green Finance Summit in Port Moresby highlighted sustainable investment tools and plans to position the country as a regional green finance leader.

UN Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed a Vanuatu-led resolution endorsing the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion, with 141 countries voting yes and 8 against, affirming that states have a legal duty to address climate change, align NDCs with 1.5°C, and curb fossil fuels—while also stressing continuity of maritime zones and statehood for SIDS. Pacific Climate Justice & Sea-Level Rise: Pacific leaders and ministers framed the vote as a shift from sympathy to enforceable accountability, warning that rising seas, erosion, flooding, and food insecurity are already hitting island economies and communities. Vanuatu–Australia/China Security Pacts: Vanuatu’s PM confirmed plans to sign the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China, with negotiations slowed by sovereignty concerns around security and critical infrastructure. Regional Security & Infrastructure: Coverage highlights how Pacific undersea cable vulnerability and grey-zone interference are shaping regional risk, from Papua New Guinea to Vanuatu and beyond. Marine Life Protection: US conservation groups sued to block seafood imports from countries they say lack comparable marine mammal protections, pushing for enforcement of bycatch rules that affect whales and dolphins.

Climate Accountability Breakthrough: The UN General Assembly has backed the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion, with 141 countries voting yes, 8 against, and 28 abstaining—turning climate action from “political choice” into a stated legal duty. Vanuatu Leadership: The resolution was led by Vanuatu, with Pacific partners pushing hard for recognition of state obligations and protection of maritime zones and statehood as seas rise. US Pushback: The US voted against, alongside other fossil-fuel-aligned states, arguing the text goes too far. Pacific Climate Justice: Pacific leaders say this is no longer about sympathy—it’s about demanding accountability under international law, with sea-level rise and relocation already hitting communities. Local Life, Too: In Vanuatu’s region, Fiji’s friendlies squad is set for a Port Vila test against Vanuatu, while young people across the Pacific are calling for Budget 2026 to fund rangatahi wellbeing, transport, and youth spaces.