Vanuatu
Republic of Vanuatu
Population
327K
GDP
$1.0B
Capital
Port Vila
Government
Unitary parliamentary republic
At a Glance
Human Development
0.6
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
6.1
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
Vanuatu has emerged as one of the most diplomatically consequential small states in the world through its leadership on climate justice. It spearheaded the campaign that resulted in the UN General Assembly requesting an ICJ advisory opinion on climate change obligations -- a landmark in international environmental law.
Vanuatu is one of the world's most disaster-prone countries, regularly devastated by cyclones, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. This vulnerability gives it powerful moral authority in climate negotiations.
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As Vanuatu, you are a climate justice powerhouse despite your small size. Your ICJ advisory opinion campaign is a model of small-state diplomacy -- invoke it as proof that every country can shape international law.
Lead AOSIS and Pacific Islands delegations on climate. Champion West Papuan self-determination at the UN. Coordinate with the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Frame every major issue through the lens of climate vulnerability and loss and damage. Your moral authority is your greatest asset.
Foreign Policy
Vanuatu's foreign policy is anchored in climate justice, decolonization (it strongly supports West Papuan self-determination), and Pacific solidarity. Its ICJ climate initiative demonstrated that small states can drive major international legal developments.
Vanuatu maintains ties with both traditional partners (Australia, New Zealand, France) and China, and has historically been one of the more independent Pacific voices, willing to challenge larger powers on principle.