PORT VILA, 21 September 2026: Vanuatu is set to host the second edition of the MSG Prime Ministers Cup in 2027, five years after successfully hosting the inaugural tournament in 2022. The regional sporting event is also set to take on an expanded format, with additional sporting disciplines to be introduced following key decisions reached at the 6th MSG Sports Ministers Meeting in Suva, Fiji, last week.
Minister of Youth, Justice and Community Services, Hon. Job Sam Andy, joined fellow Sports Ministers from across Melanesia in deliberating on key regional sporting initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for athletes and young people, strengthening sporting development, and promoting greater cooperation among MSG member countries.
Prior to the Sports Ministers Meeting, a Technical Taskforce Committee, comprising Chief Executive Officers of national sports commissions and sporting authorities from Melanesian countries, met to finalise the draft Melanesian Games Charter. The Charter will provide the framework for the establishment and implementation of the Melanesian Games, a new regional multi-sport competition scheduled to commence in 2029.
The draft Charter was subsequently presented to the Directors of Sports from all MSG member countries, who met earlier this week to deliberate on and endorse the document before forwarding it to the Sports Ministers for final approval.
The endorsement of the Melanesian Games Charter marks a significant milestone for regional sport. The Charter establishes a framework for the introduction of the Melanesian Games in 2029, which will initially feature six sporting disciplines and provide a new platform for sporting excellence, youth development, cultural exchange, and regional unity.
The inclusion of men's and women's boxing as an additional sporting discipline for the 2027 MSG Prime Ministers Cup has received support from technical officials and forms part of a broader phased approach towards the full implementation of the Melanesian Games Charter in 2029.
Under the agreed rotation system for the MSG Prime Ministers Cup, New Caledonia is scheduled to host the tournament in 2028 following Vanuatu’s hosting in 2027. However, during the Sports Ministers Meeting, Solomon Islands requested consideration to host the 2027 tournament, as the country will celebrate the 50th anniversary, or Golden Jubilee, of its independence that year. The request also takes into consideration that New Caledonia is expected to host the inaugural Melanesian Games in 2029.
Ministers and officials agreed that this gradual expansion will ensure all five Melanesian countries are adequately prepared when the inaugural Melanesian Games are fully implemented in 2029.
Another important outcome of the technical meetings was the approval of a proposal requiring each MSG member country to provide an annual seed financial contribution dedicated specifically to supporting the future administration and delivery of the Melanesian Games through the MSG Secretariat.
Currently, the MSG Secretariat does not have a dedicated budget for the Melanesian Games, and participating teams and their governments are responsible for meeting all costs.
The 6th MSG Sports Ministers Meeting have established a strong foundation for greater regional cooperation, sustainable sports development, and increased opportunities for athletes and young people throughout Melanesia.
