Port Vila, Vanuatu — The Government of Vanuatu and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Government of Japan officially presented the Gender Study of Green Energy Transition in Vanuatu with a focus on Pentecost Island on marking a significant milestone in advancing evidence-based policy and inclusive climate action. 

The study, conducted under the Vanuatu Green Transformation (VGET) Project, examines how women, youth, and persons with disabilities can equitably participate in and benefit from the country’s green energy transition.

The launch event brought together government representatives, development partners, civil society, and community representatives, and showcased first-hand testimonies from women leaders and young representatives from Pentecost Island. This group are about to experience the transition to have 24x7 electricity within their homes after the construction of the three pico-hydro power stations in Waterfall, Melsisi and Larimaat under the VGET project. Around 700 households benefiting approximately 3,000 residents directly and 6,000 indirectly will be connected to the new energy with an electrical network of 32 kilometers. 

Changes such as students being able to study at night, health facilities improving services with clinics being able to refrigerate medicines and vaccines and operate electrical equipment; and residents making a productive use of the energy to start new livelihoods, will be soon a reality.

Among those who shared their experiences at the event was Micheline Molsambak, who reflected on her community’s participation in support of the Larimaat pico-hydro power station. Also present was Jocelyn Matan, a local restaurant owner, who outlined her plans to purchase a refrigerator and upgrade her kitchen once electricity arrives, enabling her to improve services and grow her business.

A special moment came when UNA — UNDP’s AI Climate Ambassador for Asia Pacific — addressed the room in Bislama. The entire hall paused. Smiles grew. A wave of recognition filled the space. For a moment, technology did not feel distant or cold — but deeply connected. UNA responded to questions from the audience on the project, on gender inclusion, on how renewable energy will change lives in Pentecost, and on UNDP’s mandate to support sustainable development in Vanuatu, across the Pacific, and globally.

Vanuatu has committed to achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. However, the Gender Study highlights that technological change alone is not enough—deep social transformation is equally required to ensure that women, young people, and persons with disabilities actively shape and benefit from the country’s climate and energy future.

The study’s key findings include:

• Persistent rural energy poverty.
• Unpaid workloads disproportionately borne by women and girls.
• Limited representation of women in the energy sector (at less than 15 percent).
• Barriers to training, finance, and leadership opportunities. 

The research also underscores the enormous potential of renewable energy to create new livelihoods, improve health and safety, and empower women as leaders in local governance.

Speaking at the launch, Acting Director of Energy from the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology and Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management, Abraham Nasak, highlighted the government’s commitment to equitable renewable energy access:

“The Government of Vanuatu has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, but we are equally committed to ensuring that the transition is fair and inclusive. This Gender Study provides the evidence we need to strengthen national policies, expand training and leadership programmes, and ensure that women and youth are not just beneficiaries, but decision-makers in the green transition.”

Munetoshi Ishida, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan to Vanuatu, reaffirmed the strong partnership between the two countries, and with UNDP:

“Japan is proud to support Vanuatu in this important journey to green transformation. Clean energy is about improving resilience. Women and youth are essential in every aspect of development. We are honored that our partnership contributes to greater equality, opportunity, and climate resilience for the people of Vanuatu.”

UNDP Pacific Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel, emphasised the need for inclusive climate solutions:

“This study is not just a beautiful, colorful report—it is a call to action. It shows us clearly that Vanuatu’s green energy transition can only be sustainable if it is also inclusive. When women, youth, and persons with disabilities participate in the energy sector and in every sector, communities thrive, and resilience becomes real. UNDP remains committed to supporting Vanuatu’s leadership in building a future where the benefits of renewable energy are shared by all.”

Following an initial study in late 2024, the Vanuatu Green Transformation project developed a Gender Action Plan developed to systematically integrate gender equality across project activities. In 2025 alone, more than 50 women and young women from Pentecost Island participated in leadership and green skills training programmes, developing new confidence, business ideas, and readiness to participate in community energy committees and local green micro-enterprises.

These initiatives have already led to:

• Increased representation of women in community energy planning.
• Improved awareness of safe and productive use of renewable electricity.
• Stronger collaboration among women’s groups, chiefs, and youth networks.
• Emergence of new women-led business ideas linked to electrification.

The Gender Study concludes with a call to continue expanding inclusive clean energy solutions across Vanuatu and the Pacific.

For more information, please contact: 

Daniel C. Gonzalez, Communications Analyst | VGET project | UNDP Vanuatu 
Daniel.calderon.gonzalez@undp.org