AGP Executive Report

Stablecoin Regulation: Vanuatu has appointed Jackson Miake as its Stablecoin Commissioner, a key step under the 2025 Stablecoins Bill that sets up a Stablecoin Supervisory Commission, licensing rules, reserve and disclosure requirements, and ongoing regulatory supervision. Trade & Accountability: Vanuatu’s Trade Minister Samson Samsen has stepped down after public concern over how Value Addition Funds were administered; Prime Minister Jotham Napat named Iavro Robson as replacement and ordered full accounting, refunds for misused funds, and possible legal action. Climate Justice Follow-Through: A year after the ICJ’s landmark climate advisory opinion—where Vanuatu led the push—commentary notes the ruling is binding in law but still doesn’t deliver the practical financing and engineering needed for Pacific communities facing storms, landslides, and damaged water systems. Regional Security Signals: Australia’s security push in the Pacific continues to ripple, with New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signing a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement, while a separate report flags China’s missile test in the South Pacific as a destabilising reminder for island states. Biosecurity & Tourism: Reports highlight how Vanuatu’s biosecurity rules can affect cruise operations, including a case where a Carnival sailing was cancelled over the risk of transporting beetles.

Vanuatu Trade Shake-up: Vanuatu’s Trade and Industry Minister Samson Samsen has stepped down over public concerns about how the Value Addition Funds were administered, with PM Jotham Napat appointing Iavro Robson and directing a full accounting plus refunds or legal action for any misused money. Climate Finance & Accountability: A year after Vanuatu helped win the ICJ climate ruling, coverage highlights the gap between legal commitments and the real funding, engineering and logistics Pacific communities still need. Digital Connectivity Bottleneck: Across the Pacific, satellite internet is spreading, but power supply remains the missing link—Lightspeed is pairing Starlink with solar generators to keep schools and basic services running. Regional Security Deals: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation plan, adding to a wider push by Australia, NZ and the US to deepen Pacific security ties amid strategic competition. Pacific Fisheries Policy: Forum officials urged Pacific states to avoid subsidies that enable fishing of overfished stocks, linking the push to WTO fisheries rules and the Blue Pacific agenda. Tourism & Travel Pressure: A “hotel crisis” is flagged around Australia’s new Western Sydney Airport, warning early economic gains could stall without more beds—an issue for regional visitor spending. Biosecurity on the Move: Cruise operations in Vanuatu face biosecurity limits, including rules affecting travel timing to reduce pest risks.

Trade & Accountability: Vanuatu’s Trade and Industry Minister Samson Samsen has stepped down after public concern over the Value Addition Funds, with PM Jotham Napat appointing Santo Rural VP Iavro Robson to take over immediately and ordering full accounting, refunds for unused funds, and possible legal action. Climate Finance & Legal Push: A year after Vanuatu helped secure the ICJ’s landmark climate advisory opinion, the focus is shifting from courtroom wins to turning commitments into real funding and on-the-ground resilience for communities facing storms, landslides and saltwater damage. Digital Connectivity Reality Check: Across the Pacific, satellite internet is spreading, but power is still the bottleneck—Lightspeed says it’s pairing Starlink with portable solar generators to keep schools and health services running. Air Transport Upgrade: Air Vanuatu expects a fifth DHC-6-300 by late July 2026, supporting its domestic network and the recently opened Lopeni airport. Security Cooperation Watch: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement, adding training and exercises as regional strategic competition intensifies. Commonwealth Games (Business Angle): Vanuatu is among 11 Pacific nations sending teams to Glasgow, where the event’s smaller scale still matters for travel and local spending. Biosecurity & Tourism Risk: Cruise operations face Vanuatu biosecurity rules, including restrictions tied to the risk of transporting coconut-damaging beetles.

Trade & Industry Shake-up: Vanuatu’s Trade and Industry Minister Samson Samsen has stepped down over public concern about the administration of the Value Addition Funds, with PM Jotham Napat appointing Santo Rural VP Iavro Robson as replacement and directing a full accounting of funds plus refunds or legal action where money wasn’t used as intended. Climate Finance Push: A year on from the ICJ’s landmark climate advisory opinion—backed by Vanuatu’s youth-led campaign—attention is turning to the gap between legal commitments and real funding, engineering and resilience work needed for Pacific communities. Connectivity Reality Check: Satellite internet is expanding across the Pacific, but the biggest bottleneck is reliable electricity; Lightspeed says it pairs Starlink with portable solar to keep schools and health services online. Energy Regulation: Dr. Ram Prasad Dhital has been reappointed chair of Nepal’s Electricity Regulatory Commission, expected to focus on electricity trade, cross-border regulation and governance. Regional Security Moves: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement, adding training, exercises and personnel exchanges as strategic competition in the Pacific intensifies. Air Vanuatu Fleet Update: Air Vanuatu expects delivery of a fifth DHC-6-300 by end-July 2026 (VUV540m each), supporting domestic network growth and the recently opened Lopeni airport. Biosecurity & Tourism Ops: Cruise activity highlights Vanuatu’s biosecurity rules, including restrictions on after-dark inter-island travel to reduce pest risks.

Trade & Accountability: Vanuatu’s Trade Minister Samson Samsen has stepped down after public concern over the administration of the Value Addition Funds, with Prime Minister Jotham Napat appointing Santo Rural VP Iavro Robson as the new Minister for Trade and Industry; Napat ordered a full accounting of the funds and refunds for any money not used as intended, with legal action where needed. Climate Finance & Diplomacy: A fresh look at Vanuatu’s ICJ climate win notes that while the court’s binding legal opinion and UN General Assembly follow-up strengthened climate obligations, it still doesn’t deliver the practical funding and engineering needed for damaged water systems, storms, landslides and saltwater impacts. Energy Regulation: Dr. Ram Prasad Dhital has been reappointed chair of Nepal’s Electricity Regulatory Commission, with a mandate focused on better governance and cross-border electricity trade—relevant for regional power market thinking. Connectivity Reality Check: Across the Pacific, satellite internet is spreading, but reliable electricity is the missing link; one operator says Starlink plus solar can keep schools and basic services running for days. Air Vanuatu Fleet Update: Air Vanuatu expects a delayed fifth DHC-6-300 delivery by late July 2026, supporting domestic connectivity and the newly opened Lopeni airport. Regional Security Moves: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement, expanding dialogue, exercises and personnel exchanges as strategic competition in the Pacific intensifies.

Trade & Industry Shake-up: Vanuatu’s Trade and Industry Minister Samson Samsen has stepped down after public concern over how the Value Addition Funds were administered, with Prime Minister Jotham Napat appointing Santo Rural VP Iavro Robson as replacement and directing a full accounting of funds plus refunds or legal action for any misuse. Climate Finance & Legal Pressure: Vanuatu marks a year since the ICJ climate advisory opinion, arguing the legal win must now translate into real funding and on-the-ground resilience for Pacific communities. Electricity Regulation: Dr. Ram Prasad Dhital has been reappointed chair of the Electricity Regulatory Commission, with a mandate to strengthen electricity trade and governance. Connectivity Bottleneck: Across the Pacific, satellite internet growth is being held back by unreliable power; Lightspeed says it’s pairing Starlink with portable solar to keep schools and basic services running. Air Vanuatu Fleet Update: Air Vanuatu expects a fifth DHC-6-300 by late July 2026 to support domestic routes and the Lopeni airport. Security Deals in the Region: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement, adding training, exercises and personnel exchanges as strategic competition intensifies. Commonwealth Games & Business: Vanuatu is among Pacific teams heading to Glasgow, with finance and logistics still a major hurdle for island athletes. Biosecurity & Tourism Risk: A cruise incident highlights Vanuatu’s biosecurity rules, with vessels restricted from travelling between islands after dark due to beetle risk to coconut trees. AI Scams Warning: Fake AI images and impersonation scams are spreading in the region, with calls for stronger community awareness alongside new laws.

Vanuatu Trade Oversight: Vanuatu’s Trade and Industry Minister Samson Samsen has stepped down after public concern over the Value Addition Funds, with PM Jotham Napat appointing Santo Rural VP Iavro Robson to take over immediately; the government says the new minister must ensure funds are properly accounted for, unused money is refunded, and any misuse is pursued through legal action. Climate Finance Reality Check: A year after Vanuatu helped win a landmark ICJ climate advisory opinion, the message is clear: the legal win doesn’t automatically deliver power, resilient water systems, or recovery for communities hit by storms and saltwater intrusion. Electricity First for Connectivity: Across the Pacific, satellite internet is spreading, but reliable electricity is still the missing link; Lightspeed says it’s pairing Starlink with portable solar generators to keep schools and basic services running. Air Vanuatu Fleet Update: Air Vanuatu expects delivery of a fifth DHC-6-300 by late July 2026, supporting its rebuilding network and helping serve the newly opened Lopeni airport. Health Preparedness: Vanuatu has run a national measles simulation exercise in Port Vila to test surveillance, lab coordination, vaccination response, and logistics—aimed at stopping any imported case from turning into wider transmission. Regional Security Moves: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement, expanding dialogue, training, exercises, and personnel exchanges amid intensifying strategic competition in the Pacific. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Vanuatu is among 11 Pacific nations sending teams to Glasgow 2026, with finance and venue changes previously a major hurdle for island athletes. Electricity Regulation Leadership: Dr Ram Prasad Dhital has been reappointed chair of the Electricity Regulatory Commission, tasked with strengthening governance and cross-border electricity trade. Biosecurity & Tourism Disruption: Vanuatu-linked cruise incidents highlight how biosecurity rules can affect travel operations, including restrictions tied to the risk of transporting coconut-damaging beetles.

Climate Finance & Legal Pressure: One year after the ICJ’s unanimous climate ruling—backed by Vanuatu’s youth-led campaign—Pacific leaders say the advisory opinion is a diplomatic win, but it still doesn’t deliver power, rebuild water systems, or fund resilience for storms and landslides. Digital Connectivity Bottleneck: Satellite internet is spreading across the Pacific, but reliable electricity is the missing link; Lightspeed is pairing Starlink with portable solar to keep schools and basic services online. Vanuatu Aviation Update: Air Vanuatu expects its fifth DHC-6-300 by late July 2026, supporting domestic network growth and Lopeni airport operations. Energy Regulation: Dr. Ram Prasad Dhital has been reappointed chair of Nepal’s Electricity Regulatory Commission, with a focus on cross-border electricity trade and governance. Security Deals in the Region: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation roadmap, adding training, exercises and exchanges as strategic competition intensifies. Fisheries Subsidies: Forum officials urged Pacific states to discourage subsidies that fuel fishing of overfished stocks, linking WTO rules to the Blue Pacific agenda. Commonwealth Games & Business: Vanuatu and other Pacific teams head to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, with finance and logistics still shaping participation. AI Scams Risk: Papua New Guinea is moving to criminalise AI deepfakes and digital impersonation after scammers used AI-altered images to run fake giveaways.

Aviation & Connectivity: Air Vanuatu expects to take delivery of its fifth DHC-6-300 by end of July 2026, delayed from March, supporting domestic network growth and serving the newly opened Lopeni airport. Public Health & Preparedness: Vanuatu has stepped up measles outbreak defences with a national simulation in Port Vila, testing surveillance, lab coordination, vaccination response, risk communication and logistics to keep the disease contained fast. Regional Security & Business Climate: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation deal covering dialogue, training, exercises and personnel exchanges—another sign of intensifying security planning across the Southwest Pacific that can shape regional investment risk. Trade & Fisheries: Pacific Islands Forum officials urged countries to discourage subsidies that back fishing of overfished stocks, linking WTO fisheries rules to the Blue Pacific 2050 strategy and ocean protection. Digital Safety: Papua New Guinea is moving to criminalise malicious AI use like deepfakes and digital impersonation after scams using AI-manipulated images targeted people online.

Air Vanuatu Fleet: Vanuatu expects its fifth DHC-6-300 Twin Otter by end-July 2026, delayed from March, to support domestic routes and the newly opened Lopeni airport. Health Security: Vanuatu ran a national measles simulation in Port Vila with WHO support, testing surveillance, lab coordination, vaccination response, and logistics to keep the disease contained if an imported case sparks spread. Tourism & Culture: A Murupara tourism initiative, Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours, earned national recognition in New Zealand leadership awards, highlighting Indigenous youth exchange links that include Vanuatu. Regional Security: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a defence co-operation deal for 2026–2029, part of a wider Pacific push that also references Australia’s security pacts involving Vanuatu. Visa & Mobility Watch: A new Henley Passport Index update lists 44 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations for Nigerians, including Vanuatu—useful for travel and business planning. Biosecurity Impact on Trade: Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Vanuatu port after biosecurity rules barred after-dark inter-island travel due to invasive coconut beetle risk. Digital Fraud Risk: AI-manipulated scams using fake identities and photos are spreading across the Pacific, with PNG moving to criminalise deepfakes and digital impersonation.

Air Vanuatu Fleet: Vanuatu’s Air Vanuatu expects its fifth DHC-6-300 by late July 2026, with the aircraft also set to support the newly opened Lopeni airport as the domestic network rebuilds. Biosecurity & Tourism Disruption: Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Vanuatu port call to Mystery Island after biosecurity rules barred after-dark travel due to an invasive beetle risk to coconut trees. Measles Preparedness: Vanuatu strengthened measles outbreak defences with a national simulation in Port Vila, testing surveillance, lab coordination, vaccination response, and logistics ahead of any imported case. Digital Fraud Risk: A PNG-based case shows how AI-manipulated photos are being used for Facebook scams, highlighting the need for community awareness alongside new AI laws. Pacific Security & Trade Links: Australia’s security push in the region continues, including a cooperation agreement with Vanuatu aimed at blocking any future Chinese military base attempt. Maritime Enforcement: Solomon Islands plans a US Coast Guard “ship rider” deal with local police to boost patrols against illegal fishing and trafficking—an issue that has already spilled into Vanuatu waters. Vanuatu–France Dispute: Vanuatu says it will pursue international legal action over sovereignty of Matthew and Hunter islands after talks with France stalled, with implications for surrounding waters and resources.

Aviation & Connectivity: Air Vanuatu expects its fifth DHC-6-300 by end-July 2026 (after a March delay), with the aircraft also set to support the newly opened Lopeni airport as the government continues domestic fleet expansion. Public Health Preparedness: Vanuatu has run a national measles simulation in Port Vila with WHO support, testing surveillance, lab coordination, vaccination response, risk communication and logistics to keep the country ready for any imported case. Tourism & Trade: Adventure tourism players shared growth priorities at the Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum, with ATTA pointing to a gap between Vanuatu’s real offerings and global awareness—and pushing for more UNESCO designations and international media engagement. Maritime & Biosecurity: Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Mystery Island port call after Vanuatu biosecurity rules prevented travel between islands after dark due to an invasive coconut beetle risk. Digital Economy & Safety: A regional warning on AI scams is growing, after fake Facebook giveaways using AI-manipulated images targeted a PNG celebrity—highlighting the need for public awareness alongside new laws. Regional Security: Solomon Islands plans a US Coast Guard “ship rider” patrol deal with local police, aiming to tackle drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal fishing—an issue that has already sparked protests involving Vanuatu in 2024. Legal & Sovereignty: Vanuatu says it will take its decades-long island dispute with France to an international court after talks failed, with sovereignty affecting rights to surrounding waters and resources.

Maritime Security: Solomon Islands will sign a US Coast Guard “ship rider” deal next week, with local police aboard to boost patrols and crack down on drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal fishing—an approach that follows earlier US boarding activity that angered Beijing. Air Connectivity: Air Vanuatu expects a fifth DHC-6-300 by end-July 2026, after delays, with the aircraft also set to support the newly opened Lopeni airport as the government expands the domestic fleet. Public Health: Vanuatu held a national measles simulation in Port Vila to test surveillance, lab coordination, vaccination response, risk communication and logistics—aimed at keeping the country ready despite regional elimination in 2025. Tourism & Trade: Cruise passengers on Carnival Adventure missed a Vanuatu port after Mystery Island was cancelled overnight due to biosecurity rules linked to an invasive coconut beetle. Digital Safety: AI-manipulated Facebook scams using fake celebrity images are spreading in the region, highlighting the need for stronger community awareness alongside new laws. Tourism Growth: ATTA presented findings from a Vanuatu adventure tourism index at the Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum, pointing to a gap between what Vanuatu offers and what the world knows.

Digital Trust & Scams: A PNG TV host’s AI-cloned photos are being used in Facebook “giveaway” scams, with dozens of fake accounts reportedly targeting people for money—prompting calls for stronger community awareness as PNG moves to criminalise deepfakes and digital impersonation. Vanuatu Health Security: Vanuatu staged a national measles simulation in Port Vila with WHO support, testing surveillance, lab coordination, vaccination response, risk communication and logistics to keep the country ready for imported cases. Tourism & Aviation: Virgin Australia launched a major 34-destination sale (fares from $49) and holiday bundles, while Vanuatu’s tourism push continues via the Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum, where adventure operators highlighted a gap between what Vanuatu offers and what the world knows. Cruise Biosecurity Impact: Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Vanuatu port after Mystery Island was cancelled at night due to invasive beetle biosecurity rules—showing how environmental controls can directly affect visitor itineraries. Ocean Economy & Sovereignty: Vanuatu says it will pursue international legal action against France over Matthew and Hunter islands, a dispute that could shape rights to surrounding waters and resources. Pacific Connectivity: A new report backs community-run internet networks as vital for remote islands like Vanuatu, stressing local participation and sustainable funding models.

Health Security: Vanuatu has run a national measles simulation in Port Vila to test surveillance, lab coordination, vaccination response and emergency logistics after the disease was declared eliminated in the Pacific in 2025. Tourism & Aviation Deals: Virgin Australia launched a big 34-destination sale with fares from $49 and packages to Bali, Fiji and Vanuatu, including deals from about $390 per person for Cairns bundles. Airport & Infrastructure Pressure: Critics say the road plan for a new airport corridor is “flawed and shortsighted,” warning it could destroy around 90 homes as construction is set to begin later this year. Biosecurity & Shipping Costs: Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Vanuatu port call after Mystery Island was cancelled at night due to biosecurity rules aimed at stopping an invasive coconut beetle spread. Regional Conservation: Melanesian nations including Vanuatu, PNG and Fiji are moving toward a massive ocean reserve corridor, with Solomon Islands joining the initiative. Legal & Sovereignty: Vanuatu says it will take its decades-long island dispute with France over Matthew and Hunter islands to an international court after talks failed. Tourism Value Chain: Vanuatu’s tourism and agriculture ministries met operators in Port Vila, with businesses flagging unreliable local supply—especially vegetables and eggs—as a key constraint on linking tourism to domestic agriculture.

Tourism & Aviation Deals: Virgin Australia kicked off a big 34-destination sale with fares from $49 to Vanuatu and Fiji, plus package deals via Hopper for selected travel dates through 2027—good news for Vanuatu’s visitor pipeline. Airport & Infrastructure Scrutiny: Critics say a major road upgrade plan for a new airport corridor is “flawed and shortsighted,” raising the kind of delivery and housing-impact questions that can also shape Vanuatu’s own tourism access projects. Cruise Economy Reality Check: Carnival Adventure passengers missed Mystery Island in Vanuatu after a delay and biosecurity rules around an invasive coconut beetle; the cruise line refunded shore excursions and offered onboard credit, while also donating tableware to outer-island tourism operators. Local Supply Chains: Vanuatu’s tourism and hospitality businesses met government to push for more reliable local produce—especially vegetables and eggs—so tourism spending stays in-country. Adventure Tourism Push: ATTA presented findings from a Vanuatu adventure tourism index at the Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum, pointing to a gap between what Vanuatu offers and what the world knows, and urging more international media and UNESCO-style recognition. Maritime Conservation: Melanesian nations, including Vanuatu, are moving toward a large ocean reserve corridor (MOCOR), aiming to protect biodiversity while needing strong enforcement to avoid “paper parks.” Legal & Sovereignty: Vanuatu says it will take its decades-old island dispute with France to an international court, a reminder that maritime rights can directly affect future resources and economic opportunities.