Prime Minister Hon Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau has officially launched the new company VANUEX LTD on 7^th February 2023, which will be conducting business/trade through Digital technology. He has pointed out that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic outlook is within the same level of Digital transformation.

Most country’s economy are moving towards Digital and Vanuatu is going in the same direction.

The announcement was made along side MP Jessy Luo, MP for Malekula Hon Anatole Hymak and Minister of Agriculture Hon Nako Natuman.

4 billion VT projects to be funded from Chinese funds that were never used. Prime Minister Hon Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau Maau’koro has announced a total of 4 billion projects from the aid money that was never utilised by the previous government. The 2 billion for 2021 will be injected into road projects for Efate and Santo while a further 2 million for 2022 will be go towards the construction of a new school of nursing collage in Santo and up grading health facilities.

The Prime Minister made the announcement after signing off all documentations that were later dispatched to Chinese Embassy last week. When he came into office after his election as PM, he found out that 2 billion Chinese grand for 2021 and another 2 million for 2022 was never put to use. The Prime Minister Maau’koro said it is best to target only two islands and make an impact and move to other islands next. This does not mean the government has ignored other islands completely under this grand. We have 2023 and 2024 still to be utilised and the Public Works will still continue working on our roads.

PORT VILA, 21 May 2026 – The United Nations General Assembly today adopted by overwhelming support a landmark resolution welcoming the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of States in respect of climate change, marking a historic moment for international law, climate justice, and multilateral cooperation.

The resolution, introduced by Vanuatu on behalf of the Core Group of States - Barbados, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Jamaica, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States), the Netherlands, Palau, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Singapore - leading the initiative, follows the Court’s unanimous 2025 Advisory Opinion clarifying that States have binding obligations under international law to protect the climate system and that failurePRs to take appropriate action may carry legal consequences.

The adopted resolution welcomes the Opinion, calls on States to act consistently with their obligations under international law and the Paris Agreement, and establishes follow-up through a report of the Secretary-General and continued consideration by the General Assembly.

Speaking following the adoption, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change, said:

“Today the international community affirmed that climate change is not only a political and economic challenge, but a matter of law, justice, and human rights. For vulnerable countries like Vanuatu, this resolution is deeply significant because it confirms that no State is above its obligations to protect people, future generations, and our planet. This is a victory for multilateralism, for the rule of law, and for communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.”

The ICJ Advisory Opinion was requested by the General Assembly in March 2023 through resolution 77/276, following a global campaign initiated by Pacific youth and championed by Vanuatu. The Court’s Opinion clarified that obligations relating to climate change arise not only under the UN climate treaties, but also under broader international law, including human rights law, the law of the sea, and customary international law.

H.E. Ambassador Odo Tevi, Permanent Representative of Vanuatu to the United Nations, said:

“The General Assembly has now taken the institutionally appropriate step of welcoming the Court’s guidance and committing to act upon it. This outcome matters enormously for the credibility of international law and the multilateral system. The Court spoke unanimously, and today the Assembly demonstrated that the United Nations remains capable of responding to legal clarity with seriousness, unity, and good faith.”

During the negotiations, the Core Group worked extensively with all regional groups and delegations to produce a balanced, cross-regional resolution grounded firmly in the Court’s findings and in agreed international frameworks, including the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

Lee-Anne Sackett, Vanuatu’s Special Envoy for Climate Justice, said:

“This resolution sends a powerful message to vulnerable communities everywhere that the United Nations will not look away from the legal and human consequences of the climate crisis. The ICJ has provided a legal blueprint for climate action and climate justice. Today, Member States chose to stand behind that blueprint and reaffirm that the rule of law must guide the global response to climate change.”

Vanuatu also paid tribute to the Pacific and global youth movement whose advocacy led to the request for the Advisory Opinion and helped sustain momentum throughout the process.

“The vision and determination of young people made this possible,” Minister Regenvanu added. “From classrooms in the Pacific to the Peace Palace in The Hague, this movement has shown what principled leadership and collective action can achieve.”

Vanuatu and the Core Group expressed appreciation to all 141 Member States that co-sponsored or supported the resolution and called for continued engagement in the implementation and follow-up process.

Port Vila, Vanuatu – 21^st April, 2026 — Today’s Daily Post report suggesting Vanuatu may be moving toward a security agreement with China was grossly misguided and inaccurate.  

 The agreement being discussed between Vanuatu and the People’s Republic of China is not a security agreement. It is a comprehensive development cooperation agreement between Vanuatu and one of its key long-standing partners.  

 Cooperation with China, as with all our partners, focuses on infrastructure development, capacity building, and economic support — areas critical to the development priorities of Vanuatu. As the Chinese Embassy has correctly stated, this cooperation strictly follows the principle of respect for sovereignty and independence of Vanuatu.  

 Vanuatu has maintained its long-term position as a non-aligned country and we will continue to be friends to all. That position has not changed. We value all our partnerships with Australia, China, and all our development partners who respect our sovereignty.  

 Vanuatu will decide what is good for Vanuatu. We will not be dictated to. Our foreign policy is guided by our national interests, not by external speculation or pressure.  

 Suggestions that our partnerships could affect visa arrangements or other bilateral matters are unhelpful and not a cultural reflection of Nakamal values. Vanuatu’s relationships are not exclusive. We engage with multiple partners because, as a Small Island Developing State (SID), we must pursue all avenues for development that deliver for our people.  

 As previously stated by Government, delays in finalising the Nakamal Agreement with Australia are not at all linked to China. Officials are continuing close engagement to ensure any agreement with any partner reflects Vanuatu’s interests as high priority in ensuring its longevity.