AGP Executive Report

ICJ Move in France Dispute: Vanuatu has filed an application at the International Court of Justice against France over sovereignty of two far-southern islands—Matthew and Hunter, known locally as Umaenupne and Umaeneg—after talks in Paris collapsed in July, with France now facing a decision on whether to submit the case to the court. Maritime Trade Facilitation: A Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) mapped practical steps to set up a Maritime Single Window to speed up and make clearer ship clearance, stressing the need for a lead agency, coordination, private-sector input, legal backing, and capacity—not just software. Prosecutors’ Cooperation: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to boost capacity and professional exchange, enabling PNG prosecutors to travel to Vanuatu to assist cases, with Australian funding covering travel under its Law and Justice Sector Program. Tourism Investment: The Deeley brothers have taken ownership of Breakas Beach Resort in Port Vila, with the property to be rebranded as The Beach, Vanuatu, while they say they’ll invest and build on what guests and locals already love.

ICJ Case Against France: Vanuatu has filed an application at the International Court of Justice seeking international recognition of its sovereignty over two far-southern islands—Umaenupne and Umaeneg (Matthew and Hunter on European charts)—after talks in Paris collapsed in July. The islands are claimed under long-standing cultural and religious ties, with Vanuatu arguing the dispute needs a legal ruling as France must decide whether to submit the questions to the court. Maritime Reform: Vanuatu is making progress on a Maritime Single Window to speed up and simplify ship clearance, with a Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) outlining next steps like naming a lead agency, coordinating across government, involving the private sector, and aligning laws and procedures. Prosecutors Cooperation: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to support capacity building and professional exchange, including allowing PNG prosecutors to travel to Vanuatu to assist on cases. Tourism Investment: The Deeley brothers have taken ownership of Breakas Beach Resort in Port Vila, with the property set to be rebranded to The Beach, Vanuatu.

Maritime Trade & Digital Reform: Vanuatu is making progress on a Maritime Single Window to speed up and clarify ship clearance, with a Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) outlining practical next steps like naming a lead agency, coordinating across government, bringing in the private sector, and aligning legal and regulatory work with other partner initiatives. International Law & Sovereignty: Vanuatu has filed a case at the International Court of Justice against France over sovereignty of two uninhabited islands—Matthew and Hunter (Umaenupne and Umaeneg)—after talks in Paris collapsed, with France now needing to decide whether to submit the dispute to the court. Tourism & Investment: The Deeley brothers have acquired Breakas Beach Resort in Port Vila, with ownership transferring to their Vision Hotels group and the resort rebranded to “The Beach, Vanuatu,” promising investment while keeping what guests and locals already love. Regional Justice Cooperation: Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to support capacity building and professional exchange, including prosecutor and legal staff travel funded under Australia’s Law and Justice Sector Program.

ICJ Sovereignty Case: Vanuatu has filed with the International Court of Justice against France over sovereignty of two uninhabited islands—known in Europe as Matthew and Hunter, and in Vanuatu as Umaenupne and Umaeneg—after talks in Paris collapsed, with France now needing to decide whether to take the dispute to the court. Maritime Trade Facilitation: A Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) mapped practical next steps for a Maritime Single Window to speed up and clarify ship clearance, stressing the need for a lead agency, strong coordination, private-sector input, clear scope, and supportive laws—not just new technology. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Pacific SIDS met in Palau to prepare for Pre-COP31 and the 2027 Just Transition conference, with the Cook Islands confirming Prime Minister Mark Brown’s participation and highlighting climate finance as a key focus. Tourism & Investment: The Deeley brothers have taken ownership of Breakas Beach Resort in Port Vila, with the resort set to be rebranded to The Beach, Vanuatu, as they say they will invest while respecting what guests and locals already love. Public Prosecution Cooperation: Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila for capacity building and professional exchange, including prosecutor and legal staff travel supported under Australia’s Law and Justice Sector Program.

Sovereignty at the ICJ: Vanuatu has filed a case against France at the International Court of Justice over sovereignty of two small islands, known in Vanuatu as “Umaenupne” and “Umaeneg” and on European charts as Matthew and Hunter Islands, after talks in Paris collapsed in July; the ICJ has confirmed it received Vanuatu’s application, and France must decide whether to submit the dispute to the court. Maritime Trade Upgrade: A Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) mapped practical next steps for a Maritime Single Window to speed up and clarify ship clearance, stressing that success depends on leadership, coordination, legal and regulatory support, and ongoing buy-in from the shipping industry. Tourism Ownership Change: The Deeley brothers have taken over Breakas Beach Resort in Port Vila, with the property immediately rebranded to The Beach, Vanuatu, as they say they’ll invest while respecting what guests and the local community already love. Regional Justice Links: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila focused on capacity building and professional exchange, including enabling prosecutors and legal teams to travel and support each other’s work. Local Governance Meeting: The Council of Ministers met in Dili, with updates including analysis of rising heavy equipment rental and fuel costs affecting infrastructure project execution and discussion of a 2027–2030 medium-term plan. Design and Tourism Buzz: ADN FÓRUM returns to Madrid’s Plaza de Colón (Sept 24–27), turning the square into a temporary “dry port” of art and design—an international spotlight that also reflects the wider Pacific brand push.

Maritime Trade Reform: A Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) mapped practical next steps for Vanuatu to set up a Maritime Single Window to speed up and clarify ship clearance, stressing the need for a lead agency, strong coordination, private-sector input, clear scope, and supportive laws—not just new technology. Regional Justice Links: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to build capacity and share professional skills, including allowing PNG prosecutors and their teams to travel to Vanuatu and vice versa, with Australian Government funding under its Law and Justice Sector Program. Pacific Security Cooperation: The MSG Secretariat and the Pacific Fusion Centre signed a Letter of Exchange in Port Vila to strengthen information sharing, strategic analysis, situational awareness, and capacity for Pacific-led peace and security priorities. Tourism & Investment: The Deeley brothers have taken ownership of Breakas Beach Resort on Efate’s Pango Peninsula, with the property immediately rebranded to The Beach, Vanuatu, promising respect for what guests and locals love while bringing new investment and plans. Business & Development Watch: Brazil’s proposed Ferrogrão grain railway is back in the spotlight as candidates push it, despite major controversy over expanding agriculture into the Amazon.

Maritime Trade & Digital Services: Vanuatu is making progress on a Maritime Single Window (MSW) to speed up and clarify ship clearance, with a Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) flagging key steps like naming a lead agency, setting up coordination, involving the private sector, defining the MSW’s scope, and aligning it with other government and development-partner work. Regional Justice Cooperation: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to build capacity and exchange skills, enabling PNG prosecutors and legal teams to travel to Vanuatu and vice versa, with Australian Government support under its Law and Justice Sector Program. Regional Security Collaboration: The MSG Secretariat and the Pacific Fusion Centre signed a Letter of Exchange in Port Vila to strengthen information sharing, strategic analysis, situational awareness, and capacity for Pacific-led peace and security priorities. Tourism & Local Economy: The Deeley brothers’ family company has acquired Breakas Beach Resort on Efate’s Pango Peninsula, with ownership transferring to Nova Pacifica/Vision Hotels and the property immediately rebranded as “The Beach, Vanuatu,” promising investment while keeping what guests and locals already love. Governance & Democracy (Regional): Fiji’s Dialogue Fiji rebranded as the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue, arguing democracy can’t rely only on elections and calling for stronger institutions and civic participation.

Tourism & Investment: The Deeley brothers have officially acquired Breakas Beach Resort in Port Vila, with ownership transferring to their Australian Vision Hotels group (and immediate rebranding to “The Beach, Vanuatu”), as the adults-only property’s 63 bungalows and 22-metre infinity pool on Pango Peninsula are set for “significant” upgrades while keeping its Pacific character. Maritime Trade Facilitation: A Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) mapped practical next steps for Vanuatu to establish a Maritime Single Window, focusing on a lead agency, coordination, private-sector involvement, clear scope, and aligning with legal and development-partner work—emphasising that success is more than just technology. Regional Security Cooperation: The MSG Secretariat and the Pacific Fusion Centre signed a Letter of Exchange in Port Vila to strengthen Pacific-led peace and security through better information sharing, strategic analysis, situational awareness, and capacity building for MSG member countries. Cross-Border Justice Links: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to support capacity building and professional exchange, including enabling PNG prosecutors to travel to Vanuatu and assisting case support, with Australian Government funding under its Law and Justice Sector Program. Governance & Democracy (Regional): Fiji’s Dialogue Fiji rebranded as the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue, arguing democracy can’t rely only on elections and calling for stronger institutions and civic participation.

Tourism & Investment: Vision Hotels’ Deeley brothers have officially taken ownership of Breakas Beach Resort in Port Vila, promising to respect what guests and locals love while bringing fresh energy and a major financial boost to the adults-only beachfront property. Maritime Trade Facilitation: A Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) mapped practical next steps for Vanuatu to set up a Maritime Single Window, stressing the need for a lead agency, strong coordination, private-sector input, clear scope, and supportive legal and regulatory arrangements—not just new technology. Regional Justice Cooperation: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to support capacity building and professional exchange, including travel for prosecutors and legal teams, with Australian Government funding under its Law and Justice Sector Program. Pacific Security Collaboration: The MSG Secretariat and the Pacific Fusion Centre signed a Letter of Exchange in Port Vila to deepen cooperation on information sharing, strategic analysis, situational awareness, and capacity development for Pacific-led peace and security. Education & Scholarships: Ni-Vanuatu students heading to university in China received pre-departure advice, including from Delinson “Delly” Tari, who urged them to embrace language, culture, and education-system challenges. Women & Community Leadership: A feature highlights how Vanuatu women Australia Awards WLI alumni turned a workshop into a movement to help young people understand, prevent, and respond to digital violence.

Maritime Trade & Digital Reform: A Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) mapped practical next steps for Vanuatu to set up a Maritime Single Window, a centralized digital system to speed up and make clearer ship clearance by linking ships and public authorities, with priorities including a lead agency, strong coordination, private-sector involvement, clear scope, and legal/regulatory alignment beyond just technology. Regional Justice Cooperation: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to boost capacity building and professional exchange, including allowing PNG prosecutors and support staff to travel to assist cases in Vanuatu and for Vanuatu teams to learn how operations run in PNG, with Australian Government support under its Law and Justice Sector Program. Pacific Security Collaboration: The MSG Secretariat and the Pacific Fusion Centre signed a Letter of Exchange in Port Vila to strengthen cooperation on Pacific-led peace and security, focusing on information sharing, strategic analysis, situational awareness, and capacity development for MSG member countries. Education & Scholarships: Fourteen Ni-Vanuatu students headed to university in China received pre-departure advice, including from Delinson “Delly” Tari, urging them to handle language, education-system, and culture changes. Women & Digital Safety: Vanuatu Australia Awards WLI alumni are turning concern into action on digital violence, building a movement to help young people understand, prevent, and respond to online abuse.

Maritime Trade & Digital Services: A Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) mapped practical next steps for Vanuatu to set up a Maritime Single Window, a single digital entry point to speed up and make ship clearance more transparent, with priorities including a lead agency, strong coordination, private-sector input, clear scope, and legal/regulatory alignment beyond just technology. Regional Justice Cooperation: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to boost capacity building and professional exchange, including allowing PNG prosecutors and support staff to travel to assist cases in Vanuatu, with Australian Government funding under its Law and Justice Sector Program. Pacific Security Partnerships: The MSG Secretariat and the Pacific Fusion Centre signed a Letter of Exchange in Port Vila to strengthen information sharing, strategic analysis, situational awareness, and capacity development for Pacific-led peace and security priorities. Education & Scholarships: Fourteen Ni-Vanuatu students headed to university in China received pre-departure advice, including from Delinson “Delly” Tari, urging them to adapt to language, a new education system, and life in a different culture. Women & Community Safety: Vanuatu Australia Awards WLI alumni are turning concern into action on digital violence, building a movement to help young people understand, prevent, and respond to online abuse.

Maritime Trade & Digital Services: A Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) mapped practical next steps for Vanuatu to set up a Maritime Single Window, a digital hub to speed up and make ship clearance more transparent, with priorities including a lead agency, strong coordination, private-sector input, clear scope, and legal/regulatory alignment beyond just technology. Regional Justice Cooperation: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to boost capacity building and professional exchange, including allowing PNG prosecutors and support staff to travel to Vanuatu and vice versa, with Australian Government funding under its Law and Justice Sector Program. Pacific Security Collaboration: The MSG Secretariat and the Pacific Fusion Centre signed a Letter of Exchange in Port Vila to strengthen cooperation on information sharing, strategic analysis, situational awareness, and capacity development for Pacific-led peace and security. Education & Scholarships: Fourteen Ni-Vanuatu students headed for university studies in China received pre-departure advice, including from Delinson “Delly” Tari, who urged them to adapt to language, a new education system, and culture. Women, Youth & Digital Safety: Vanuatu WLI alumni turned a workshop into a movement tackling digital violence, helping young people understand, prevent, and respond to online abuse.

Maritime Trade & Digital Customs: A Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) mapped practical next steps for Vanuatu to set up a Maritime Single Window, a centralized digital platform to speed up and make ship clearance more transparent, with priorities including a lead agency, strong coordination, private-sector involvement, clear scope, and legal/regulatory alignment beyond just technology. Regional Justice Cooperation: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to boost capacity building and professional exchange, including allowing PNG prosecutors and support staff to travel to assist cases in Vanuatu, with Australian Government funding under its Law and Justice Sector Program. Pacific Security Collaboration: The MSG Secretariat and the Pacific Fusion Centre signed a Letter of Exchange in Port Vila to strengthen information sharing, strategic analysis, situational awareness, and capacity development for Pacific-led peace and security priorities. Education & Scholarships: Ni-Vanuatu students heading to university in China received pre-departure advice, including from Delinson “Delly” Tari, who urged them to tackle language, education-system, and culture challenges. Women & Community Safety: Vanuatu Australia Awards WLI alumni turned a workshop into a movement to help young people prevent and respond to digital violence, focusing on awareness and knowing where to seek help.

Maritime Trade & Digital Services: A Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) mapped practical next steps for Vanuatu to set up a Maritime Single Window, a single digital entry point to speed up and make ship clearance more transparent, with priorities including a lead agency, strong coordination, private-sector involvement, clear scope, and legal and regulatory alignment beyond just technology. Regional Justice Cooperation: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to boost capacity building and professional exchange, including enabling PNG prosecutors and their teams to support cases in Vanuatu, with Australian Government funding under its Law and Justice Sector Program. Pacific Security Collaboration: The MSG Secretariat and the Pacific Fusion Centre signed a Letter of Exchange in Port Vila to strengthen cooperation on information sharing, strategic analysis, situational awareness, and capacity development for Pacific-led peace and security. Education & Scholarships: Fourteen Ni-Vanuatu students heading to university in China received pre-departure advice, including from Delinson “Delly” Tari, urging them to adapt to language, a new education system, and life in a different culture. Women & Community Safety: Vanuatu Australia Awards WLI alumni say they turned concern into action by building a movement to help young people prevent and respond to digital violence, after observing a school workshop during the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Maritime Trade & Digital Reform: A Port Vila seminar (18–20 August) mapped practical next steps for Vanuatu to set up a Maritime Single Window, aiming to speed up and make ship clearance more transparent by using one digital entry point between vessels and authorities, with priorities including a lead agency, strong coordination, private-sector input, clear scope, and supportive laws. Regional Justice Cooperation: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to boost capacity and professional exchange, including enabling PNG prosecutors and their legal teams to travel to Vanuatu and vice versa, with Australian Government support under its Law and Justice Sector Program. Pacific Security Collaboration: The MSG Secretariat and the Pacific Fusion Centre signed a Letter of Exchange in Port Vila to strengthen information sharing, strategic analysis, situational awareness, and capacity building for Pacific-led peace and security. Women, Politics & Media: MP Marie Louise Milne shared her political journey and urged fair, accurate, professional media coverage of women leaders so debate stays focused on policies, not gender or personality. Education & Scholarships: Ni-Vanuatu students heading to university in China were advised on language, adapting to a new education system, and culture, with support from Delinson “Delly” Tari, who studied in China for six years. Digital Safety for Youth: Vanuatu women Australia Awards WLI alumni are turning concern into action against digital violence, building on a workshop-led effort with police and youth-focused partners.

Regional Security Cooperation: The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat and the Pacific Fusion Centre have signed a Letter of Exchange in Port Vila to boost Pacific-led peace and security work, including information sharing, strategic analysis, and capacity building for MSG member countries. Women, Leadership & Media: Vanuatu MP Marie Louise Milne says women in public life still face challenges, but she’s called for fair, accurate, professional media coverage that focuses on policies—not gender or personality. Education & Mobility: Fourteen Ni-Vanuatu students heading to university in China received pre-departure advice, with former scholarship recipient Delinson “Delly” Tari urging them to embrace language, culture, and a new education system. Digital Safety for Young People: Vanuatu women Australia Awards WLI alumni are turning concern into action against digital violence, building a movement that helps young people understand, prevent, and respond to online abuse. Tourism & Recovery: The Grand Hotel Vanuatu in Port Vila has reopened after a major refurbishment following the December 2024 earthquake, adding refreshed rooms, upgraded facilities, and strengthened systems.