MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Government of Vanuatu
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03 August 2026 | Port Vila| A high-level World Bank delegation has commended the Government of Vanuatu for its strong leadership and long-term vision in advancing sustainable urban development following a two-day mission from 28–29 July 2026. The mission reviewed key initiatives being implemented under the Vanuatu Affordable and Resilient Settlements (VARS) Project and the Government's broader urban development agenda.
Led by Mr Han Fraeters, World Bank Division Director for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, the delegation met with Government Ministers and senior officials to assess progress on strategic projects designed to strengthen land administration, improve settlement planning, and promote resilient urban growth. The delegation also visited several major project sites, including the Elol Etas pilot subdivision, the Settlement Upgrading Programme, and the Port Vila Central Business District (CBD) Redevelopment Programme.
During the mission, the delegation was briefed on the Government's long-term vision to address rapid urbanisation through planned land development, stronger land administration, modern urban planning and improved public infrastructure. Discussions also highlighted the importance of collaboration with customary landowners, communities and government agencies to deliver sustainable development outcomes for current and future generations.
The delegation observed the Elol Etas pilot subdivision, which has been developed as a model for providing planned, serviced and resilient residential land for Ni-Vanuatu families, including demonstration low-cost housing. Updates were also provided on the Settlement Upgrading Programme, which is improving infrastructure, accessibility and resilience within established informal settlements while creating practical models for future settlement developments across the country.
The mission concluded with a briefing on the Port Vila CBD Redevelopment Programme, where the delegation received an overview of the Government's long-term strategy to rebuild the capital's commercial centre following the December 2024 earthquake. The redevelopment programme is expected to strengthen economic recovery, improve public infrastructure, enhance resilience and reinforce Port Vila's role as Vanuatu's principal commercial and tourism hub.
The World Bank recognised the Government's commitment to translating its long-term vision into practical development initiatives that support sustainable communities, strengthen institutions and improve economic opportunities. The delegation reaffirmed the World Bank's continued partnership with the Government of Vanuatu in supporting resilient infrastructure, improved urban planning and affordable settlements that will benefit communities across the country.
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Nadi, Fiji — The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA), through the Department of Labour and Employment Services (DOL), is participating in the 2026 Pacific Labour Ministers & Senior Labour Officials Meeting, currently underway in Nadi, Fiji.
Held under the theme "Designing Our Destiny: A Just and Resilient Future of Work for the Blue Pacific," the regional meeting brings together Labour Ministers, senior government officials, workers' representatives, employers' organisations, regional institutions, and development partners from across the Pacific to discuss the future of labour and employment in the region.
Representing Vanuatu at the meeting is a delegation led by the Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs, accompanied by the Director General of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the First Political Advisor, the Acting Executive Officer, the Vanuatu High Commissioner to Fiji, and Senior Labour Officers from the Department of Labour and Employment Services.
The meeting provides an important platform for Pacific countries to strengthen regional cooperation and develop coordinated approaches to addressing labour market challenges and opportunities. Discussions are centred on key priorities that will shape the future of employment across the Blue Pacific, including:
- Labour mobility and expanding opportunities for Pacific workers;
- Employment creation and sustainable economic growth;
- Skills development and workforce readiness;
- Protection of workers' rights and the promotion of safe and decent workplaces;
- Strengthening social protection systems; and
- Preparing for the future of work through innovation and inclusive labour policies.
For Vanuatu, participation in this regional forum reinforces the Government's commitment to advancing labour sector reforms and ensuring that labour policies continue to meet the evolving needs of both employers and workers. It also provides an opportunity to share Vanuatu's experiences, learn from regional best practices, and strengthen partnerships that support sustainable employment outcomes.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, through the Department of Labour and Employment Services, remains committed to improving labour governance, expanding employment opportunities, enhancing skills development, and safeguarding the rights and welfare of Ni-Vanuatu workers at home and abroad.
The outcomes of the meeting will contribute to strengthening regional collaboration and informing future labour policies that promote decent work, economic resilience, and inclusive development for Vanuatu and the wider Pacific region.
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Nadi, Fiji — The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA) is pleased to announce the participation of the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) in the Pacific Regional Police Chiefs Summit, currently taking place in Fiji.
Representing Vanuatu at the regional summit is Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kalshem Bongran, who joins Police Commissioners and senior law enforcement leaders from across the Pacific to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing the growing threat of transnational serious and organised crime.
Co-hosted by the Fiji Police Force and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the summit provides a high-level platform for Pacific police leaders to discuss coordinated responses to emerging security challenges affecting the region.
Discussions at the summit focus on strengthening collective efforts to combat a range of transnational crimes, including:
- Illicit drug trafficking and other illegal commodities;
- Money laundering and financial crimes;
- Cybercrime and technology-enabled offences;
- Foreign interference and transnational criminal networks; and
- Enhancing intelligence sharing and regional law enforcement cooperation.
Transnational organised crime continues to pose significant challenges to communities across the Pacific, with impacts extending beyond public safety to affect economic stability, public health, financial systems, social cohesion, and national sovereignty. Recognising that these threats transcend national borders, Pacific law enforcement agencies are working together to strengthen regional partnerships and coordinated policing responses.
The Vanuatu Police Force continues to work closely with regional and international policing partners, including the Australian Federal Police and other Pacific law enforcement agencies, to improve intelligence sharing, build operational capability, and enhance collective efforts to prevent and disrupt organised criminal activities.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs remains committed to supporting the Vanuatu Police Force in its efforts to protect the people of Vanuatu and uphold national security. Participation in regional forums such as the Pacific Regional Police Chiefs Summit reinforces the Government's commitment to strengthening law enforcement cooperation, enhancing policing capabilities, and ensuring a safer and more secure Pacific for all.
The outcomes of the summit are expected to further strengthen regional collaboration and contribute to more effective strategies for combating organised crime, safeguarding communities, and promoting peace, security, and resilience throughout the Blue Pacific.
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Building Resilient Governance, Representation and Inclusion for a Safe, Secure and Prosperous Vanuatu
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Ministry of Internal Affairs
Independence Park
Port Vila Vanuatu
Landline: (678) 33200