AGP Executive Report

Pacific Climate Push: Vanuatu PM Jotham Napat is calling for a united, ambitious Pacific position at COP31, saying the Taku Pakasoa Declaration must reflect the realities facing vulnerable island nations. Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo also urged leaders to speak with one voice and turn climate promises into action, as Mauritius warned that emissions are rising while implementation lags. Energy Transition: Australia has announced a $7.29 million Pacific renewables package and signed an agreement to support Vanuatu with solar-grid planning, technical skills and workforce development. Frontline Reality: Leaders visiting Tuvalu saw the risks facing low-lying islands; scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave destroyed an estimated 99.9% of the coral that built its atolls. Island leaders are pressing for COP31 to deliver stronger action, not another round of talk.

Pacific climate pressure: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Talia warned COP31 can’t be “another talk shop” as leaders toured the atoll nation where land sits about two metres above sea level. Vanuatu climate voice: Vanuatu’s climate minister Ralph Regenvanu backed urgent emissions cuts, arguing overshooting 1.5°C will destroy reefs, freshwater and land. Pre-COP spotlight on action gaps: Australia’s pre-COP push in Fiji and Tuvalu drew criticism over sparse attendance by non-Pacific leaders, even as Australia pledged funding and renewable support. Renewables for Vanuatu: Australia announced a $7.3m program to accelerate Pacific renewables, including work with Vanuatu on grid modelling and workforce development. Sea-level reality check: UN climate chief Simon Stiell flagged extreme heat as a growing threat to pregnant women and babies, adding to the Pacific’s mounting health risks. Sovereignty tensions: Vanuatu condemned a French New Caledonian lawmaker’s neo-colonial “New Hebrides” rant, underscoring ongoing disputes tied to Matthew and Hunter Islands. Community resilience: Vanuatu women won the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in tribute to MV Matui tragedy victims.

Pre-COP31 Pressure on Action: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Talia warned world leaders that COP31 can’t be “another talk shop” as leaders visit Funafuti and see sea-level impacts firsthand, with land averaging just two metres above sea level. Pacific Fossil-Fuel Pushback: Vanuatu climate minister Ralph Regenvanu backed urgent emissions cuts, citing UN findings that the Paris 1.5°C threshold is likely soon and warning any overshoot will destroy reefs, freshwater and land. Sea-Level Rise Declaration: A UN Sea Level Rise Declaration was adopted, with UK support highlighting the need to turn commitments into practical action for frontline states like Vanuatu. Tuvalu’s Reef Collapse: Scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave wiped out about 99.9% of Tuvalu’s coral, leaving “skeleton after skeleton” and raising fears the archipelago could become unlivable this century. Vanuatu Renewable Energy Deal: Australia launched a $7.3m renewables push with Vanuatu, including grid modelling and workforce support to help integrate clean solar and build local capability. Climate Diplomacy Critique: Reuters reports sparse attendance by non-Pacific leaders at Fiji/Tuvalu pre-COP talks, drawing criticism that Pacific priorities aren’t getting enough global attention. Vanuatu Sovereignty Row: Vanuatu condemned a French MP’s neo-colonial “New Hebrides” letter, defending sovereignty and rejecting claims over Matthew and Hunter Islands.

Pre-COP31 Pressure on Action: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Talia warned COP31 can’t be “another talk shop” as leaders tour the atoll nation where land sits about two metres above sea level. Vanuatu Climate Push: Vanuatu’s climate minister Ralph Regenvanu says overshooting 1.5°C will destroy reefs, freshwater and land, and argues Australia can’t hide behind “domestic-only” cuts. Renewables Deal for Vanuatu: Australia launched a $7.3m package at the Fiji pre-COP to speed Pacific renewables, including grid modelling and early-career engineers, plus a new MOU with Vanuatu to build a renewable energy workforce. Tuvalu’s Reef Collapse: Scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave wiped out about 99.9% of Tuvalu’s coral, leaving “skeleton after skeleton” and raising fears of unlivable islands. Climate Finance & Pacific Priorities: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale (with Vanuatu’s Jothan Napat also in the leaders’ mix) is pushing stronger climate finance and “blue and green” capital so Pacific concerns land in COP31 decisions. Biodiversity Law Spotlight: A first-ever “ecocide” model law is gaining attention in Latin America, aiming to criminalise severe environmental destruction—relevant as Pacific leaders argue for stronger protection of nature. Local Resilience & Community: Vanuatu women won the MSG Cup in tribute to MV Matui tragedy victims, with the team’s win coming as families also face volcanic ash and mourning.

Tuvalu Climate Reality Check: Leaders heading to Pre-COP31 will see what climate change is doing up close in Tuvalu, where a 2024 marine heatwave killed an estimated 99.9% of the coral that built the islands, and rising seas are already swamping atolls. Pregnancy Heat Warning: The UN climate chief says extreme heat is becoming a “potentially fatal” threat to pregnant women and babies, stressing how climate impacts strain food, water, power and health systems. Australia–Vanuatu Renewables Push: Australia announced about $7.3m for Pacific renewables, including support for Vanuatu’s renewable energy transition with grid modelling and workforce development. COP Integrity Pressure: Transparency International urges Pacific governments to demand stronger integrity rules for COP31, including conflict-of-interest safeguards and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties. Pacific Energy Security Funding: A separate $7.29m package backs renewable rollout across the region, with tools and technical support aimed at boosting energy sovereignty. Vanuatu vs Neo-Colonial Claims: Vanuatu condemned a French lawmaker’s “racist, neo-colonial” rant and rejected references to “New Hebrides,” while defending its sovereignty claims over Matthew and Hunter Islands. Blue Ocean Conservation Grants: The Bezos Earth Fund is adding $25m for ocean conservation across five Pacific nations including Vanuatu, targeting protection across 625,000+ square miles of ocean.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s pre-COP31 push is drawing criticism as few big-name leaders plan to attend Fiji and Tuvalu, despite Vanuatu climate minister Ralph Regenvanu saying it shows “lack of attention” to the Pacific’s biggest threat. Tuvalu’s Climate Reality Check: Leaders visiting Tuvalu will see reefs devastated by a 2024 marine heatwave, with scientists estimating 99.9% of coral killed, while rising seas already swamp atolls. Vanuatu at the Centre: Vanuatu’s government condemned a French MP’s “neo-colonial” letter mocking Vanuatu as the “New Hebrides” and disputing sovereignty over Matthew and Hunter Islands. COP Integrity Pressure: Transparency International urged Pacific governments to push for independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest rules, and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties ahead of COP31. Renewables Funding, Fossil Fuel Backlash: Australia announced a $7.3m renewable energy program for Vanuatu at pre-COP31, even as critics point to ongoing coal expansion and fossil fuel exports. Ocean Conservation Boost: The Bezos Earth Fund pledged $25m for ocean protection across five Pacific nations including Vanuatu, targeting conservation over 625,000 square miles. Climate Finance Push: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale is using the pre-COP to press for stronger climate finance and Pacific priorities to be reflected in global action.

Climate displacement in Vanuatu-linked cyclone aftermath: ABC reports Nabavatu in Vanuatu was declared unsafe in 2021 after cyclones cracked the ground, forcing residents into a tent settlement in Savadrua where heavy rain turns shelters into “balloons” as families wait for rebuilding. Pre-COP31 push for stronger Pacific action: Prime Minister Matthew Wale arrived in Nadi for the Pre-COP31 high-level meeting, with leaders expected to press COP31 priorities like blue/green capital and climate finance, while Vanuatu’s climate officials warn the region will not accept a weak outcome. Tuvalu’s reef collapse as a COP warning: Scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave killed about 99.9% of the coral building Tuvalu’s atolls, with rising seas already swamping parts of the archipelago. Holding the line on 1.5°C: Pacific negotiators say the Limiting Overshoot report is renewing urgency to keep pressure on high emitters. Integrity at COP31: Transparency International urges Pacific governments to demand independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest rules, and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties. Ocean conservation funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M in new grants for ocean protection across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, targeting large-scale marine conservation. Maritime security for fisheries: Australia and partners supported Operation Nasse to detect and deter illegal fishing across the Pacific, including Vanuatu. Fossil fuel hypocrisy spotlight: Australia and Turkey face criticism for hosting COP31 talks while still backing coal, and Vanuatu’s leaders have criticised Australia’s coal mine expansion decision ahead of the Fiji pre-COP. Women’s voices in climate and water: New research highlights that excluding women from decision-making drives wider gendered impacts of climate change and water insecurity across the Pacific.

Climate Frontline (Tuvalu/Pre-COP31): Scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave killed about 99.9% of the coral that built Tuvalu’s atolls, leaving reefs “skeleton after skeleton” and underscoring that sea-level rise is already happening. Pacific Negotiation Pressure: Vanuatu’s environment climate chief warns Pre-COP31 will be a disappointment unless ministers shift toward stronger action, with negotiators urging no weak deal and linking just transition to real finance. Community Voices at the Table: Fiji’s social services council is sending villagers to Pre-COP31 to share relocation realities and push for “never before heard voices,” including links to Vanuatu NGOs. Integrity for COP31: Transparency International urges Pacific governments to press for independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest rules, and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties ahead of COP31. Ocean Conservation Funding (Vanuatu included): The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M for ocean protection across five Pacific nations, including Vanuatu, aiming to support large marine protection and connected high-seas conservation. Maritime Security & Illegal Fishing: Australia joined a Pacific-wide fisheries patrol (Operation Nasse) with partners including Vanuatu to detect and deter illegal fishing and improve regional coordination. Vanuatu at the UN: Vanuatu raised West Papua human rights concerns, called for Kanaky decolonisation, and urged France to accept ICJ jurisdiction over the Matthew and Hunter Islands. Gender & Water Decisions: New research highlights that women’s exclusion from water decision-making drives wider climate and water insecurity impacts across the Pacific, including Vanuatu.

Ocean Protection Push: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M in new ocean conservation grants for the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, backing work across 625,000+ square miles and aiming to help protect 30% of Pacific waters by 2030. Climate Diplomacy Integrity: Ahead of Fiji’s pre-COP, Transparency International urged Pacific governments to press for stronger COP31 integrity rules—independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest standards, and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties. 1.5°C Deadline Pressure: Pacific negotiators renewed calls to “hold the line on 1.5°C” after UNEP’s Limiting Overshoot report warned the world is likely to exceed 1.5°C soon, raising risks for islands, ecosystems and livelihoods. Vanuatu Youth Voice: Vanuatu signed an international declaration to give children and young people greater say in climate action, with UNICEF noting the need for policies that put young people’s best interests first. Regional Security for Fisheries: Australia and Pacific partners supported Operation Nasse, including Vanuatu, to detect and deter illegal fishing and improve maritime coordination across the region. Pacific Media Accountability: Leaders at the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum adopted a declaration calling for timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information and stronger support for Pacific journalists.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: Australia backed a major Pacific fisheries patrol, Operation Nasse, with navy and AFMA support plus intelligence links in Noumea, helping partners detect and deter illegal fishing across the region including Vanuatu. Climate Diplomacy (Pre-COP): Vanuatu’s climate minister said Australia’s push to spotlight Pacific leaders ahead of Fiji/Tuvalu pre-COP is falling short, with few confirmed outside-region leaders—while Pacific negotiators also renewed calls to hold the 1.5°C line as overshoot risks intensify. Integrity for COP31: Transparency International urged Pacific governments to press for stronger COP31 integrity rules—independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest standards, and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties—warning fossil interests won’t step aside. Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M in new grants for ocean protection across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to safeguard 625,000+ square miles and support high-seas protection planning under the UN High Seas Treaty. Youth Voice in Climate Action: Vanuatu signed an international declaration to strengthen children and young people’s say in climate decisions, backed by UNICEF.

Climate diplomacy at the pre-COP: Vanuatu’s climate minister Ralph Regenvanu says Australia’s push to spotlight Pacific nations ahead of the Fiji/Tuvalu pre-COP is falling short, with few non-Pacific leaders confirmed to attend. 1.5°C pressure: Pacific negotiators are renewing their push to “hold the line” as UNEP’s Limiting Overshoot report warns the world is still on track to exceed 1.5°C. Coal mine backlash: Vanuatu’s minister also criticised Australia’s NSW coal mine expansion decision, calling it the wrong signal just before the regional climate talks. Ocean protection funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new ocean conservation grants for Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu—aimed at protecting 625,000+ square miles and supporting longer-term management. Integrity for COP31: Transparency International urged Pacific governments to press for stronger ethics rules, conflict-of-interest safeguards, and fossil-fuel tie disclosures in the COP31 process. Vanuatu youth voice: Vanuatu signed an international declaration to give children and young people a greater say in climate decision-making. Fisheries and ocean governance: Pacific countries met at FAO COFI37 to share practical solutions on fisheries, youth jobs, illegal fishing, and climate impacts—emphasising regional-led approaches.

COP31 Integrity Push: Transparency International is urging Pacific governments to press for stronger integrity safeguards ahead of Fiji’s pre-COP (5–8 Oct), including an independent ethics adviser, conflict-of-interest rules, and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties. 1.5°C Overshoot Alarm: Pacific negotiators say the Limiting Overshoot Report means they must “hold the line” on 1.5°C, warning that higher warming will intensify extreme weather, ecosystem loss, and risks to low-lying islands. Coal Mine Backlash: Vanuatu’s climate minister criticised Australia’s approval of a major NSW coal mine extension as the wrong signal just before the Fiji talks. Blue Ocean Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M in ocean conservation grants across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu—aiming to protect 30% of Pacific waters by 2030, including work on high-seas protection under the UN High Seas Treaty. Vanuatu Youth Voice: Vanuatu signed a global declaration to give children and young people greater say in climate action, with the signing tied to its youth conference. Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu declaration calling for better access to loss-and-damage information and more government transparency.

COP31 Integrity Push: Ahead of Fiji’s pre-COP (5–8 Oct), Transparency International urges Pacific governments to back independent ethics oversight, clear conflict-of-interest rules, and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties to strengthen transparency and accountability in COP31. Blue Pacific Ocean Protection: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new grants for ocean conservation across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to help protect and sustainably manage at least 30% of marine areas by 2030. Fisheries Summit Focus: Pacific countries used FAO’s COFI37 to call for stronger international support for fisheries—especially youth and women’s roles, tackling illegal fishing, and aligning new ocean agreements with regional systems. Vanuatu Youth Climate Voice: Vanuatu signed an international declaration to give children and young people greater say in climate action, with the signing tied to its youth conference and a petition to the Climate Minister. Gendered Water Decisions: New research highlights that women’s exclusion from water and climate decision-making drives wider impacts—calling for women’s voices in community and subnational water choices. Media Accountability on Loss & Damage: Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu declaration demanding timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information and stronger public-interest questioning by newsrooms. Maritime Safety as El Niño Bites: A regional climatologist warns boat operators to take extra care amid rough seas linked to El Niño conditions, after recent Pacific maritime tragedies including in Vanuatu. ICJ Climate Ruling Momentum: Forum leaders welcomed the ICJ advisory opinion as a legal roadmap for climate justice, praising Vanuatu’s role in advancing the case. Protection for Girls After Floods: Save the Children says flood displacement in Nepal is heightening risks of trafficking and violence, urging stronger protection measures for girls and safer displacement sites.

Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25+ million in new grants to protect and sustainably manage Pacific waters, including projects in Vanuatu (with Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and Tonga), aiming to help reach the “30% protected by 2030” goal under its Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity pledge. Climate Justice & Governance: A UN-focused piece highlights how Pacific nations are pushing beyond being “victims,” demanding real climate action and stronger international support despite low emissions. Fisheries & Ocean Stewardship: Pacific countries at FAO’s COFI37 urged global backing that builds on regional solutions, with attention on youth and women moving into value-adding fisheries and tackling illegal fishing. Youth Voice in Climate Policy: Vanuatu signed a Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action, boosting children and young people’s say in climate decisions. Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for timely access to loss-and-damage information and stronger public-interest reporting. Gender & Water Decisions: Research and advocacy spotlight women’s exclusion from water decision-making, arguing it worsens climate impacts—especially for women and girls. Maritime Safety in El Niño: A regional climatologist warns that El Niño-linked rough conditions mean boat operators must take extra care amid recent Pacific sea tragedies. ICJ Climate Ruling Momentum: Pacific Forum leadership welcomed the ICJ advisory opinion as a legal roadmap for climate obligations, reinforcing the region’s push for climate justice. UK Returns to Regional Work: The UK re-joined the Pacific Community, citing climate and marine protection priorities. Regional Partnerships: India-Pacific cooperation meetings at UNGA81 reaffirmed plans on renewable energy, climate action and disaster resilience, with Vanuatu represented.

Pacific Climate Justice & Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information and stronger public-interest questioning by governments and regional agencies. Vanuatu Youth Voice: Vanuatu signed an international declaration backing children and young people’s greater say in climate decisions, with the signing during a youth conference and a petition delivered to the Climate Minister. Gender & Water Decisions: New research says women are repeatedly excluded from water and climate decision-making across the Pacific, driving knock-on harms; Vanuatu is named among countries where advocates want stronger gender justice in water governance. Blue Pacific Ocean Protection Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new grants to protect over 625,000 square miles of ocean across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to sustainably manage waters and protect at least 30% by 2030. Fisheries Summit Push: Pacific nations used FAO’s fisheries talks to urge stronger international support, stressing solutions led by the region and better opportunities for youth and women in fisheries value chains. ICJ Climate Ruling Momentum: Forum leaders welcomed the ICJ advisory opinion as a “legal roadmap” for climate action, reinforcing Pacific efforts for climate justice. Maritime Safety as El Niño Bites: A regional climatologist warned boat operators to take extra care amid rough seas linked to El Niño conditions, after recent Pacific maritime tragedies including in Vanuatu. UNGA Governance Reform: Vanuatu’s environment secretary urged reform of global environmental governance so developing countries get practical support, not just pledges.

Ocean & Fisheries: Pacific countries including Vanuatu urged stronger international support at FAO’s COFI37, pushing for youth and women to move into value-adding fisheries, plus tougher action on illegal fishing and better alignment between global ocean deals and Pacific-led arrangements. Climate Justice & Youth Voice: Vanuatu signed a declaration backing greater children and youth say in climate decisions, with young people presenting a petition to the Climate Minister—while Pacific media leaders also adopted a Savusavu declaration demanding timely, transparent loss and damage information and stronger accountability. Rights, Decolonisation & ICJ: Vanuatu raised West Papua human rights concerns, called for Kanaky/ New Caledonia decolonisation, and urged France to accept ICJ jurisdiction over the Matthew and Hunter Islands—amid wider Pacific celebration of the ICJ climate advisory opinion as a legal roadmap. Water, Gender & Decision-Making: Pacific advocates highlighted that women are often excluded from water decisions, even though they hold key household knowledge—linking gender justice directly to climate and water security. Maritime Safety in El Niño: A regional climatologist warned boat operators to take extra care as El Niño-linked rough conditions coincide with recent Pacific maritime tragedies. Marine Protection Funding: Bezos Earth Fund grants will support conservation in tropical Pacific nations including Vanuatu, backing marine protection proposals under the UN High Seas Treaty.