Chapter 1. Vanuatu’s National Security Objectives of the National Strategy This National Security Strategy – “Secure and Resilient” – provides an overarching framework for our national security efforts. It describes the strategic context for Vanuatu and for those in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and wider Government agencies who are involved in developing long-term plans, policies and capabilities. It sets priorities for the coming years, articulates Vanuatu’s national security agenda, and sets in motion reforms to strengthen the national security community. The Strategy creates an integrated, overarching framework for, but does not duplicate, other security policies and strategies in key government areas. As well as providing a strategic context, the Strategy identifies long-term threats and opportunities likely to be of particular relevance for Vanuatu over several decades. An enduring truth, however, is that Vanuatu will continue to face unexpected threats and challenges, for which the government and our security forces and institutions must be prepared to act. Uncertainty and complexity will remain the enduring characteristics of our future operating environment. What is important however is that, whatever the future may hold, the nation is resourced with high-quality institutions, personnel and assessment capability to anticipate and respond effectively to emerging risks. Our National Security Strategy is in two parts. The first part explains the national security framework and sets out our vision for national security and our objectives to make that vision a reality. It also outlines the strategic environment, in particular the current trends that are shaping the global and regional security context. The second part of the Strategy maps out the main Pillars, ten in all, for securing Vanuatu’s future. It notes current capabilities, and outlines what is needed in the future. Under each Pillar, the Strategy identifies specific initiatives for the near term (the “Action Plan”), where appropriate, and in addition outlines more generally a number of the main directions the government will take to safeguard national security under that Pillar (“Government Directions”). 11