Secretariat support for Vanuatu
Elections support
In October 2017, the Commonwealth Elections Professionals Initiative worked with the Vanuatu Elections Office. Most participants agreed the training had improved their skills and career progression in elections management.
Human rights
In January 2019, the Commonwealth Small States Office at Geneva helped Vanuatu with its report on human rights in the country under the United Nation’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.
In March and April 2019, the Commonwealth helped Vanuatu take part in talks on preventing violence against women, and submitting reports to UN treaty organisations.
Climate change
The Secretariat supports Vanuatu to deliver climate action by building its capacity to access international climate finance through the Climate Finance Access Hub and supporting the development of robust climate policies.
Education
The Secretariat will work with Vanuatu to help early childhood education using the Commonwealth toolkit on this topic.
Sustainable development
In March and April 2019, the Secretariat helped Vanuatu reform its petroleum and mining sector to promote more sustainable development.
Blue Charter
Vanuatu co-champions the Action Group on tackling marine plastic pollution – the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance (CCOA), with the United Kingdom. Vanuatu and the UK have so far rallied 27 member states to join the Action Group.
Vanuatu was one of the first countries in the world to implement a ban on single-use plastic bags, straws and polystyrene food containers in July 2018.
Vanuatu is also a member of the Marine Protected Areas and Mangrove Ecosystems and Livelihoods Action Groups.
Connectivity Agenda
Vanuatu is a member of the Regulatory and Supply Side Connectivity cluster of the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda. The Connectivity Agenda is a platform for countries to exchange best practices and experiences to trade and investment and undertake domestic reform.
