Early Life and Political Background
Honorable Marc Ati is a prominent ni-Vanuatu politician who represents the Luganville constituency in the Parliament of Vanuatu. A member of the Iauko Group (IG) political party, he has been an influential figure in the nation's political landscape for several years. His political career is characterized by his strong advocacy for the development of Luganville, Vanuatu's second-largest city, and his commitment to enhancing the nation's infrastructure and international standing.
Ministerial Career
Before assuming his current role, Marc Ati served in several significant cabinet positions, including Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities. During his tenure in that portfolio, he focused on expanding and modernizing Vanuatu's transport networks and public works, which are vital for the archipelago's economic connectivity. He has since been appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, serving multiple terms in this capacity across different coalition governments, most recently under the leadership of Prime Minister Jotham Napat.
Diplomatic Achievements and Key Policies
As the nation's top diplomat, Ati has been instrumental in navigating Vanuatu's complex international relations. He was a key figure in the establishment of the Pacific Fusion Centre in Port Vila, a regional initiative aimed at boosting security cooperation and information sharing among Pacific Island nations. He has consistently championed Vanuatu's non-aligned foreign policy, maintaining a comprehensive strategic partnership with China while deepening security and development ties with Australia and other traditional partners. He is also a vocal proponent of the 'One-China' policy and has successfully negotiated various bilateral frameworks, including recent technical cooperation and visa waiver agreements with Timor-Leste.
Climate Diplomacy and Maritime Sovereignty
A major pillar of Ati's foreign policy is climate justice. He has supported Vanuatu's landmark efforts at the United Nations to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on state obligations regarding climate change. Additionally, he has focused on resolving long-standing maritime boundary disputes and promoting decolonization issues in the Pacific. In July 2026, he officially appointed a Special Envoy for Maritime Boundary and Decolonization to lead negotiations on sovereignty over disputed territories, reflecting his commitment to securing Vanuatu’s territorial integrity and maritime resources.
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