The Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat has commended Vanuatu for the launch of the government’s national security strategy.
Director General Ambassador Amena Yauvoli at the outset congratulated the Government of Vanuatu describing the National Security Strategy as an important strategic document aimed at effectively addressing security threats towards Vanuatu’s sustainable development aspirations and goals.
In linking with regional security initiatives, Ambassador Amena Yauvoli highlighted that Vanuatu has taken the lead in the Melanesian States in finalizing their National Security Strategy and it will greatly compliment the finalisation of the MSG Regional Security Strategy (RSS), which is currently in its final editing stages.
It is understood that other Melanesian States are currently in the process of finalising their National Security Strategies.
Ambassador Amena Yauvoli and MSG Secretariat Senior staff joined members of the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs and other Government Ministries, at the launch of Vanuatu’s first ever National Security Strategy (NSS) on 4 October 2019.
Formally launched by Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister of Vanuatu and Andrew Solomon Napuat , Minister of Internal Affairs, in the presence of Jotham Napat, Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu, diplomats, and Invited Guests, the Strategy underlines Vanuatu’s aspirations as set out in the National Sustainable Development Plan 2016 to 2030 for a stable, sustainable and prosperous Vanuatu.
“The development of Vanuatu’s very first National Security Strategy is imperative for the security of the people of Vanuatu and with the strengthening of the nation’s security institutions, will give the essential resources and needs to respond to problems on the local and global level that interfere with the safety of the citizens of Vanuatu” stressed PM Tabismasmas.
Minister Napuat further highlighted that with financial assistance from Australia, the Vanuatu National Security Strategy was developed following consultations with many stakeholders, including the MSG Secretariat, and he is pleased to note that 10 Pillars have been identified as core action points in Vanuatu’s National Security Strategy. The 10 Pillars are; National Security Forces, Border Security, Justice and Human Rights, Disasters and Climate Change Resilience, Cyber Security, Human Security, Political Stability and Good Governance, Foreign Relations – External Engagement, Economy and Government Machinery.
Emphasis has been placed on the importance of the RSS as a strategic Stability Pillar addressing the common security threats, both traditional and non-traditional and its subsequent challenges in the MSG region, recognising its future sustainable development and prosperity, as stipulated in the 2038 Prosperity for ALL Plan, and more recently under the UN 2030 SDGs “No One Left Behind”.