Employment policy
Vanuatu validates its first National Employment Policy
The policy will help foster skills development, expand employment opportunities and promote an inclusive labour market
16 May 2025
Port Vila, Vanuatu (ILO NEWS) - The Government of Vanuatu, with technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and funding from the New Zealand Government through the Pacific Climate Change Migration and Human Security (PCCMHS) project, has taken a major step forward in shaping the country’s employment landscape with the validation of the draft of its first National Employment Policy (NEP) and Action Plan.
A two-day validation workshop held on 12-13 May in Port Vila marked a significant milestone in this journey – bringing together key stakeholders to refine and finalize the NEP while fostering consensus and shared ownership of the policy.
The workshop gathered nearly 60 participants, including ILO’s tripartite constituents, representatives from government ministries, civil society, diplomatic missions, and UN agencies. The strong turnout highlighted the broad support and high expectations surrounding the NEP, which is scheduled for formal adoption later this year.
In his opening address, Christian Viegelahn, ILO Employment Specialist, reaffirmed the ILO’s dedication to advancing decent work across the Pacific: “This policy represents a critical tool in creating productive, inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities for all people in Vanuatu.”
Speaking on behalf of the New Zealand Government, Alana Messent, First Secretary at the New Zealand High Commission, stressed the importance of integrating migration and climate resilience into employment planning: “Through the PCCMHS project, we are proud to support the Government of Vanuatu in ensuring that climate-induced mobility and sustainable development are at the heart of employment strategies.”
Murielle Meltenoven, Vanuatu’s Commissioner of Labour, emphasized the urgency of collaborative action: “In recovering from global shocks, our national response must prioritize inclusive employment creation – especially for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.” Echoing the value of community-led support, Tulia Wanemut, President of the Vanuatu National Workers Union, added: “We are committed to advancing this policy through grassroots engagement, training and advocacy, in order to ensure that no one is left behind.”
This policy will be a key instrument in Vanuatu’s commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and human-centered recovery. It will focus on key priorities such as expanding employment opportunities, developing skills, improving public employment services, addressing climate change to support job creation, and enhancing the labour market information system.