As illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime continue to spread across the Pacific, the Government of Vanuatu is stepping up efforts to protect its borders by convening its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats next week.
The summit forms part of efforts to strengthen national security and address the growing risks posed by illicit drugs, transnational crime and HIV in the Pacific region.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Solomon Napuat said the event would be a milestone for the country, bringing together key stakeholders to develop a coordinated national response to emerging security and public health challenges.
Minister Napuat announced that the Government, through the Council of Ministers, has approved and given its full support for the Ministry of Internal Affairs to organise the inaugural national summit.
The two-day event will be held on 07-0 8 July 2026 in Port Vila.
‘This will be the first-ever national summit focusing on border security and preparedness for emerging drug and HIV threats that we are seeing across the Pacific region,” Minister Napuat said.
He said the summit aims to examine the growing challenges facing the region and identify practical measures that Vanuatu can implement before the situation worsens.
“This is a historic event because it is the first time Vanuatu will bring together all border security agencies, government ministries, the Ministry of Health, provincial governments, community leaders and other key stakeholders to discuss the threats posed by illicit drugs, HIV and other border security issues,” he said.
Minister Napuat said the summit will provide an opportunity for participants to work together in developing solutions and recommendations to strengthen border management systems and national preparedness.
“As a government and as communities, we want to come together and make decisions on how we can effectively address these issues before they become more serious,” he said.
The Minister warned that Pacific Island countries are increasingly facing challenges linked to illicit drugs and transnational criminal networks.
“The Pacific is experiencing serious issues relating to illicit drug movements and transnational criminal networks. This has become a major concern for Pacific Island countries,” he said.
Minister Napuat said recent developments have shown that no country in the region is immune from these emerging threats.
“We have realised that no country is immune from these kinds of criminal activities,’ he said.
He noted that regional law enforcement agencies have reported increasing organised criminal activity across maritime borders, highlighting the need for stronger cooperation among Pacific nations.
Minister Napuat pointed to neighbouring Fiji as an example, saying authorities there have recorded an increase in drug seizures involving vessels engaged in illegal activities entering the country, while also facing a rise in HIV cases.
“Our neighbours, particularly Fiji, are experiencing increasing drug seizures from boats entering their waters for illegal activities, as well as rising HIV cases. These developments demonstrate why Vanuatu must take action,” he said.
He stressed that the Government is determined to respond while there is still time to prevent the situation from escalating. “The Government of Vanuatu is determined to act while we still have the opportunity,” Minister Napuat said. The summit is expected to bring together representatives from border security agencies, law enforcement authorities, health officials, provincial governments, churches, community organisations and regional partners to strengthen coordination and develop strategies to combat emerging drug, crime and HIV threats
