The President of the Republic of Vanuatu, His Excellency Nikenike Vurobaravu, officially opened the first ordinary session of Parliament for 2025 this morning.
In his opening address, President Vurobaravu congratulated the 14th legislature, including the newly elected Speaker and Government, and acknowledged the unity demonstrated by the country’s political leaders.
He reminded Members of Parliament that social and economic growth is critical at this time in the country’s recovery and development journey.
“Enabling environment for sustainable social and economic growth is critical at this stage. This includes cultivating leadership rooted in integrity, right values and strong principles including spiritual values… tuning to God should become part of our national consciousness,” he said.
President Vurobaravu praised the current Government for introducing a 100-day plan, which he said aims to implement key development objectives under the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP). These objectives include responding to recent national crises such as cyclones, earthquakes, the collapse of Air Vanuatu, and the ongoing teachers’ strike.
The Head of State also issued a strong call to resolve the long-running teachers’ strike, warning of the serious impacts it may have on the country’s children and future.
“The teachers strike that lasted over a year now has very serious ramification… Its impact on our children will be profound,” he said.
He emphasized that youth inclusion in economic development is critical, and urged leaders to ensure education equips young people to become wealth creators and future leaders.
“This should be our ni-Vanuatu way to ensure that young people are not left behind as we’re advocating in the slogan of the NSDP ‘Leave no one behind’,” he said.
President Vurobaravu concluded by calling for collective efforts in building an inclusive and resilient Vanuatu through leadership grounded in values, unity, and action.
