Vanuatu will host its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats next month in Port Vila.
It will bring together border security agencies, law enforcement authorities, health officials, chiefs, church leaders, youth representatives, civil society groups and regional experts to address rising concerns over drug trafficking, transnational crime and public health threats including HIV.
The summit, organised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, will be held on 7 and 8 July under the theme “Protecting Vanuatu’s Borders, Communities and Future: A National Response to Emerging Drugs, Transnational Crime and HIV Threats”
Director General of Internal Affairs Leith Veremaito said the summit comes at a critical time as Pacific countries continue to face increasing pressure from drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
“Given what we are seeing in the region, especially in relation to drugs, the Pacific has become a transit area. Because of our proximity with countries like Fiji, it is important that Vanuatu increases its focus on how we deal with these issues,” Veremaito said.
He said the summit will be the first of its kind in Vanuatu and will provide a platform for agencies to reassess current systems and strengthen cooperation.
Day one of the summit will focus on border security, information sharing and national coordination to prevent crime and drug trafficking.
Day two will focus on community awareness, prevention strategies and public health preparedness.
Veremaito said a collective approach is needed, including reviewing legislation and strengthening national systems to respond to emerging threats.
“We need to look at whether our legislation is strong enough and whether we are properly prepared to deal with these issues. It is important that agencies come together to strengthen what is already in place,” he said.
The Government says the summit will help improve coordination between agencies and communities, and support future policy development to better protect Vanuatu’s borders and people.
