Vanuatu’s new PM seeks stronger ties with the US

Newly appointed Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has expressed a desire to strengthen ties with the United States, calling for increased US presence in the Pacific region. In his first official speech this week,

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Jotham Napat elected Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister

Jotham Napat has been elected as Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister, securing the top post unopposed Tuesday. Former Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, leader of the Reunification Movement for Change, nominated Napat, the MP

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Vanuatu businesses struggle to maintain wages after earthquake impact

A recent report by the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Department of Labour (DoL) reveals that nearly half of the businesses affected by the 17 December earthquake can only afford to maintain

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Vanuatu’s only elected female MP seeks Ministerial role in new government

In a significant step for gender representation in Vanuatu’s political landscape, Marie Louise Milne, the only woman elected to Parliament, is advocating for a ministerial position in the new government. VBTC reports

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Coalition parties remain solid prior to Vanuatu Parliament’s first sitting

The alliance of five political parties that signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to form the next Vanuatu government remains solid, with more than 30 Members of Parliament (MPs)-elect on their side.  A source

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2025 Vanuatu official election results: Solitary woman elected to 52-member parliament

Against all odds one woman has secured a seat in Vanuatu’s 52-member parliament. Marie Louis Paulette Milne, one of only seven women among 216 election candidates, secured 1227 votes to pip her closest rival Tony

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How can Vanuatu’s new parliament rebuild public trust?

As communities across Vanuatu welcomed a new year and contemplated multiple aspiring political candidates ahead of the 16 January snap election, a popular reggae song was making the rounds.  Ol pipol oli taet (People

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Five political parties sign agreement to form the next government

Leaders of five major political parties in Vanuatu — the Leaders Party, Graon mo Jastis Party (GJP), Vanua’aku Party (VP), Iauko Group, and the Reunification Movement for Change (RMC) have come together to sign an

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Vanuatu: public frustrated over political situation as after-shocks continue

Frustration is growing in Vanuatu over the snap election, with claims the government has put politics before people. Radio New Zealand reports that ballot boxes are still arriving in Port Vila and official counting is

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Vanuatu faces possible return to all-male parliament after snap election

Vanuatu’s only incumbent female parliamentarian has lost her seat in a snap election leaving only one-woman candidate in contention after an unofficial vote count. The unofficial counting at polling locations

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Coalition government likely in Vanuatu

Unofficial results in the Vanuatu election show another rainbow coalition is likely, with voters again sending a potpourri of parties to parliament. AAP reports that Vanuatu went to the polls on Thursday in a snap

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Vanuatu update: World Bank fast tracks emergency response

The World Bank has fast-tracked US$12 million to the Government of Vanuatu for emergency response and recovery, following a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake on December 17. This support comes through a Rapid

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Services still out in Vanuatu as second earthquake hits

A second earthquake has hit Vanuatu, a day after a strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Port Vila. Yesterday’s quake severely damaged several buildings in the capital, crushing cars, and

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Jetstar launches Sydney-Vanuatu service, and Qantas now flying to Palau

Jetstar has launched its first direct flights from Sydney to Port Vila, Vanuatu, offering up to four weekly services and connecting travellers to the South Pacific Island nation with more than 80,000 seats annually.

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Vanuatu’s Climate Change envoy blasts major emitters Australia, US at ICJ Climate case

Vanuatu’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, has slammed Australia, the United States, and other major polluters for their stance during the International Court of Justice (ICJ) climate hearings in The

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Top UN court hears landmark Vanuatu-led climate case

Vanuatu has opened proceedings in a landmark climate case brought before the UN’s top court, arguing international law and the warming of the atmosphere demands broader action. The Pacific state is leading two

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“A death sentence”: Pacific responses to COP29

Vanuatu’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and the Environment has a scathing assessment of COP29’s outcomes. “The commitments made in Baku—the dollar amounts pledged and the emissions reductions promised—are

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Opinion: Passports for sale – Lessons for Nauru and Solomon Islands from Vanuatu’s EU rebuke

Vanuatu becomes first country to ever lose EU visa-free access after golden passport scheme poses security threat. Earlier this month Vanuatu received a stinging rebuke from the European Parliament, becoming the first

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Vanuatu to launch ICJ hearings on climate and human right

It began five years ago, as an exercise amongst law students at the Emalus campus of the University of the South Pacific in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Now, in the Netherlands, the Republic of Vanuatu will open presentations

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Opinion: How Vanuatu can return to sustainable growth after Airline bankruptcy

Vanuatu, the Pacific archipelago nation of about 350,000 people between Australia and Fiji, finds itself at a crucial crossroads. The IMF’s recent staff report on Vanuatu reveals an economy grappling with a series of

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EU Parliament votes to Permanently end Vanuatu’s Schengen Visa waiver

The European Parliament has voted 62-1, with two abstentions, to end Vanuatu’s visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Parliament Rapporteur Paulo Cunha notes this marks “the first time we have removed a third

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Vanuatu Parliament dissolution challenged in court

The Vanuatu Opposition bloc has filed a case in court challenging President Nikenike Vurobaravu’s decision to dissolve Parliament amid a no-confidence motion against him. The Vanuatu Daily Post/AAP reports that

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Snap election looms in Vanuatu

The president of Vanuatu has dissolved parliament, triggering a snap-election, for the second time in two years. RNZ reports that Nikenike Vurobaravu’s decision comes on the eve of a motion of no-confidence from

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Navigating HR Challenges in the Happiest Nation on Earth

This year, Vanuatu proudly claimed the top spot on the Happy Planet Index for the second time since its inception in 2006, surpassing 149 other countries. This ranking reflects our nation’s commitment to well-being,

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