The Solomon Islands has officially set up diplomatic relations with Kenya and Ghana during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, expanding its connections in Africa. & According to the Prime Minister’s Office, these new agreements fit the country’s goal of being “friends to all, enemies to none”...
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In an address to Asian Evaluation Week in Manila, Australian Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh said rigorous evaluation should decide which programmes are scrapped and which are scaled up.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Secretariat in New York, raising key climate and development priorities for Solomon Islands and the Pacific.
The Prime Minister highlighted the urgent need for greater climate finance, stronger adaptation support and meaningful funding for loss and damage .
He stressed that climate change is an immediate and existential challenge for Pacific island states.
Prime Minister Wale also raised the high cost of development and access to concessional finance for Small Island Developing States, including the need to recognise vulnerability through the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI).
The Prime Minister Wale highlighted Solomon Islands’ impending graduation from Least Developed Country status and the need to ensure this does not reduce access to essential development and resilience financing.
He expressed appreciation for United Nations support through the Peacebuilding Fund, which will contribute to strengthening institutional resilience and capacity in Solomon Islands.
Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ strong commitment to Small Island Developing States, with particular concern for the Pacific.
The UN Secretary General also reaffirmed the importance of continued international support for Solomon Islands and the region.
The 81 st Session of the United Nations General Assembly begins on Monday in New York, with Prime Minister Wale expected to address the General Assembly on Friday.
The Prime Minister will also hold a series of bilateral meetings and engagements on the margins of the UN General Assembly.
[end]
OPMC statement
The post PM Wale meets UN Secretary-General Guterres first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
A $1.5 million package of 17 boats and 18 outboard motors funded by China’s Rural Sustainable Development Program was delivered to West Makira Constituency on 4 September, the Ministry of Rural Development said.
The third and final shipment of the constituency's 2025 development fund projects, including 57 boats and 57 outboard engines, has been delivered, according to a statement on the Solomon Islands Government portal.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale, on behalf of the Government and the GREAT Coalition, extends deepest condolences to the family, relatives and loved ones of the late Sir Nathaniel Waena, former Governor-General of Solomon Islands and former Member of Parliament for Ulawa-Ugi, following his passing.
Sir Nathaniel was a distinguished national leader who dedicated many years of his life to the service of Solomon Islands and its people.
His service as a Member of Parliament for Ulawa-Ugi and, subsequently, as Governor-General of Solomon Islands reflected a long commitment to public service and to the institutions of our nation.
As Governor-General, Sir Nathaniel served in one of the highest constitutional offices of the country with dignity and distinction.
His contribution to public life and his years of service to the people of Solomon Islands will remain an important part of our national history.
Prime Minister Wale said the nation has lost a respected son and servant whose life was dedicated to serving the country.
“On behalf of the GREAT Coalition and the people of Solomon Islands, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the late Sir Nathaniel Waena. We mourn the passing of a national leader who devoted many years of his life to serving our people and our country,” the Prime Minister said.
“His service as a Member of Parliament and as Governor-General will be remembered with respect and gratitude. The late Sir Nathaniel was also a distinguished permanent secretary and held various other roles in the civil service. At this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, relatives, friends and all those who mourn his passing.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged Sir Nathaniel’s contribution to Solomon Islands and expressed appreciation for his years of dedicated public service.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
ENDS//
– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT
The post PM WALE AND GREAT COALITION MOURN THE PASSING OF SIR NATHANIEL WAENA first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
The former Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena, a prominent statesman, passed away this morning, following a long illness. The Government through the Office of the Prime Minister, has issued an official statement expressing profound condolences following his passing on.& Sir Nathaniel,...
The post Former Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena passes on; Government Mourns appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
-Opposition MPs decry payout of $900k each to Government MPs only from CDF cash grant
-Rural Development Minister Waneoroa says payments according to acquittals
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Members of Parliament from the Opposition are calling out Government over what they describe as ‘dirty politics’ over a recent payout of around $30 million of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Early this week $900,000 was paid to each constituency, but only Government MPs received the payment, Opposition said.
This money is part of the cash-grant component of the CDF.
This payment arrangement is connected to the recent Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) which fulfilled an assurance by Government during the political standoff that only Government MPs would receive the cash grant payment, the Opposition MPs said.
Minister of Rural Development Daniel Waneoroa has brushed this aside as mere ‘speculations’ by the Opposition in trying to score political points.
With funds availability Mr Waneoroa said MPs who have submitted their acquittal reports get to receive payment first, and those who have not to be paid later when they have retired theirs.
Six Opposition MPs, speaking to Island Sun on condition of anonymity this week said during the standoff over the MoNC, the GREAT government had baited MPs from the opposite side with the promise only government MPs would receive the cash grant.
“Government said they would get paid first, and we would wait for an indefinite period before we get ours,” the Opposition MPs said.
“Tuesday this week we proved this GREAT promise when we were notified that GREAT MPs each received $900,000 in their constituency’s account.”
All six Opposition MPs told Island Sun they have already submitted their acquittal reports therefore do not see why they should not receive payment.
“It is clear that GREAT government is paying itself and blocking the Opposition.
“If payment was based on acquittal reports, then we should also have received the $900,000 on Tuesday too,” the Opposition MPs said.
Minister Waneoroa, speaking to Island Sun yesterday said the $2.8 million cash-grant component of the CDF belongs to all 50 MPs and constituencies.
He said the payout was the first tranche worth $900,000 of the cash-grant component of the CDF which is totalled $2.8 million, which all MPs and their constituencies should receive.
“Every MP and their constituency will be paid the $900,000. Each constituency is eligible to receive $2.8 million in total from the CDF cash grant,” Waneoroa said.
He denied the allegations connecting the $900,000 payout to the MoNC saying it was ‘just another political campaign’.
“How can someone be lured for something that he/she absolutely own? Opposition MPs have 100 percent ownership/entitlement for that $900,000 and the whole $2.8 million. Opposition is just playing a miscalculated and deliberate campaign to justify the recent political standoff. Opposition will receive, although late, but they will receive before closure of FY 2026,” Waneoroa said.
The CDF has two components – the cash grant and the preferred supplier – totalling $5 million.
In the 2026 budget the cash grant was $1.8 million and the preferred supplier $3.2 million, totalling $5 million.
In the recent supplementary appropriation 2026, parliament passed an additional $1 million for the cash grant, which brings the total cash-grant to $2.8 million for this year, and the total CDF to $6 million.
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Team Solomon opens Olympiad campaign with Kosovo defeat in Samarkand
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Team Solomon faced a difficult opening round at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, after suffering a 4–0 defeat to Kosovo.
The Solomon Islands national chess team competed across four boards against a Kosovo side featuring an International Master, two FIDE Masters and a Candidate Master.
According to the Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF), the opening-round result provided valuable international experience for the national players, who were tested against significantly higher-rated opponents.
Fred Resture, Chris Kaitu’u, Junior Lui and Melanie Chottu represented Solomon Islands in the opening round, with each player facing a formidable opponent.
Resture took on International Master Nderim Saraci, who holds a rating of 2453, while Kaitu’u faced FIDE Master Endrit Uruci, rated 2312.
Lui was matched against FIDE Master Muhamet Asllani, rated 2229, while Chottu played Candidate Master Korab Saraci, rated 2223.
Despite the straight defeat, the opening round marked an important opportunity for the Solomon Islands players to compete against experienced international opposition and gain knowledge from the encounter.
The SICF said the team would regroup with its coaching staff, review the opening games and prepare for its next challenge against Senegal.
With ten rounds still remaining, Team Solomon will look to build on the experience gained from its opening encounter as it continues its campaign on the international stage.
The Chess Olympiad is an 11-round Swiss-system team competition bringing together national teams and thousands of players and officials from around the world.
For Solomon Islands, the tournament provides an opportunity to raise the profile of chess, expose local players to high-level competition and bring valuable experience back home to support the sport’s continued development.
[Photo Caption: Team Solomon Islands players focus on their games during the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Photo credit: SICF].
BY TONY IROGA
STUDENTS at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) got an unexpected surprise yesterday afternoon when Prime Minister Mathew Wale walked into their classroom unannounced.
The Prime Minister made the surprise visit to the FIN705 Advanced Public Finance and Economics class at about 3:30pm at the Faculty of Business and Tourism Studies.
According to SINU yesterday, the class was being taught by Professor Kapila Mallah when Mr Wale arrived.
His unexpected appearance brought excitement to the classroom as he spoke with students and encouraged them to stay committed to their studies, work hard and make the most of the opportunities provided through education.
PM Wale also wished the students well in their future careers, reminding them of the important contribution they can make to Solomon Islands through their education and professional lives.
SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau thanked the Prime Minister for taking time to visit the students.
“On behalf of the University, I warmly thank the Honourable Prime Minister, Mathew Wale, for visiting one of our classes and spending time with our students.
“It was a simple but very meaningful gesture,” Aqorau said.
He said the visit reminded students that their education, aspirations and future contribution to the country matter.
“When the leader of our country walks into a classroom without ceremony and speaks directly with students, it reminds them that their education, their aspirations and their future contribution to Solomon Islands genuinely matter,” he said.
Aqorau said the encounter will be an experience the students will not forget.
“They were able to meet the Prime Minister in their own classroom, speak with him and receive his personal encouragement,” he said.
Professor Mallah also welcomed the visit, saying the Prime Minister’s unexpected presence brought happiness and enthusiasm to the students.
She described the encounter as a memorable interaction between national leadership and young Solomon Islanders preparing for future responsibilities.
SINU said the visit reflects the Prime Minister’s personal interest in students and higher education, while giving the class an opportunity to experience national leadership at close range.
The university again expressed its appreciation to the Prime Minister for visiting the class and encouraging the students.
Photo credit: SINU
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Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare says democracy in Solomon Islands must extend beyond elections and be grounded in accountability. As we commemorate International Day of Democracy today, 15 September, it is appropriate that we reflect not only on democracy as a system of government, but on what democracy actually means to us as Solomon Islanders. Our [...]
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Prime Minister Matthew Wale will depart tomorrow, Wednesday 16 September, to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Wale will join world leaders...
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by Indy Maealasia Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare has challenged Solomon Islanders to look beyond elections and take greater responsibility for protecting the country’s democracy. In a statement marking International Day...
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called for the Pacific to take a united stand on the negotiation table as the world heads towards COP31.
Mr Wale made the call during his keynote opening the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara today.
The Pacific-led conference is being hosted in the Solomon Islands for the first time, a statement by the Prime Ministers Press Secretariat this morning said.
The theme for the conference is ‘Amplifying One Pacific Voice for Action on 1.5 degrees Celsius to Stay Alive’.
As the Pacific prepares for Pre-COP31 and COP31, Wale called for sustained regional coordination and a united negotiating position.
He said Pacific countries may have different national circumstances, but must stand together on issues fundamental to the survival and wellbeing of their peoples and ocean.
“One Pacific voice must mean sustained coordination before, during and after international negotiations,” Wale said.
Wale said the conference should strengthen connections between Pacific researchers, governments, institutions and communities and help turn evidence into policy, investment and action.
“Let this gathering be remembered not only for what we discussed, but for what it helped to deliver,” he said.
Pre-COP31 will be held in Nadi, Fiji from October 5-8. The COP31 will be held in Antayla, Turkiye from November 9-20 this year.
The Pacific Community (SPC) has said Pacific countries are expected to voice out a united agenda at COP31 focusing on keeping the 1.5°C global warming limit within reach, improving direct access to climate finance, and recognising the critical role of the ocean in climate action.
The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) has defended its SBD$208,000-a-month lease for new offices at Lengakiki, west Honiara. The property was owned by the family of Prime...
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BY TONY IROGA
THE newly elected Members of Provincial Assemblies (MPAs) of Central Islands Province (CIP) have begun a two-week induction programme.
According to the Provincial Government Strengthening Programme (PGSP) statement today, the program is to help strengthen their understanding of provincial governance and leadership responsibilities.
The induction officially kicked off today and is designed to familiarise the new MPAs with their roles and responsibilities, including provincial policies, legislative frameworks, financial management procedures and community development processes.
PGSP said the induction is an important step to ensure that the newly elected provincial leaders understand the functions of government and are better equipped to serve their communities.
The programme is also focused on strengthening leadership, accountability, transparency and inclusive decision-making in the delivery of services and development programmes across Central Islands Province.
“The induction is designed to provide MPAs with the knowledge and practical skills they need to effectively carry out their responsibilities and contribute to the development priorities of Central Islands Province,” the statement said.
The two-week programme brings together officers from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) policy team.
Officers from the Office of the Ombudsman, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Parliament and the Leadership Code Commission are also expected to join the programme later.
Their participation will provide the MPAs with further knowledge on good governance, public accountability, financial oversight and the standards expected of public leaders.
The induction is expected to help equip the new provincial assembly members with a stronger understanding of their roles as they begin their term and work towards addressing the development priorities and needs of communities throughout Central Islands Province.
Photo credit: PGSP
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PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has called for stronger families grounded in gospel values, describing a discipled family as the strongest social protection system Solomon Islands can have. Speaking at a...
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HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS – The Government of Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale is moving to take forward development initiatives previously discussed between Solomon Islands and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a stronger focus on turning those plans into practical outcomes.
The plans were reviewed in a bilateral meeting last week between Foreign Minister Hon. Rick Houenipwela and Omar Shehadeh, Envoy of the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Caribbean and Pacific States, during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau.
The discussions build on initial work undertaken between the UAE and the previous GNUT Government, with the GREAT Coalition Government now identifying practical pathways to advance initiatives aligned with Solomon Islands’ development priorities.
“We have a number of areas that were already being discussed, and our task now is to see how we can take those discussions forward and translate them into practical outcomes for Solomon Islands,” Minister Houenipwela said.
Key areas include digital transformation, infrastructure, trade and investment, energy, fisheries, tourism, education and government efficiency.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Rick Houenipwela.
The UAE has outlined potential support to modernise government services, including digital population and civil registration systems, e-government platforms, e-border systems, biometric passports, customs and taxation systems, and secure national data infrastructure.
Infrastructure and development financing were also discussed, including roads, ports, airport modernisation, renewable energy and tourism facilities. The UAE has indicated its readiness to explore concessional financing and private-sector participation in priority projects identified by Solomon Islands.
Fisheries value addition remains an important economic opportunity, particularly plans to expand tuna processing capacity in the populous province of Malaita. Discussions explored how UAE investment and development finance could support processing, create employment and retain greater economic value from Solomon Islands’ fisheries resources.
Energy was another priority, with discussions focusing on reducing the high cost of electricity and expanding renewable energy and microgrid solutions for communities outside the main grid.
Mr Shehadeh said the UAE’s approach was to respond to Solomon Islands’ own priorities and development needs.
“We want to work with Solomon Islands on what Solomon Islands needs and support the country in delivering those priorities,” he said.
He also proposed a small Solomon Islands technical taskforce to work with UAE counterparts to assess priority projects, develop practical solutions and establish implementation timelines.
Education and scholarships, including opportunities for Solomon Islanders to study in the UAE, were also discussed as part of strengthening people-to-people links.
Minister Houenipwela said the focus would be on ensuring that initiatives already identified can move towards implementation and deliver tangible benefits through investment, jobs, economic diversification and improved public services.
[ENDS]
– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT
The post GREAT GOVERNMENT TAKES UAE DEVELOPMENT PLANS FORWARD first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
霍尼亚拉,所罗门群岛 – 总理马修·韦尔(Hon. Matthew Wale)领导的政府正在推进之前所罗门群岛与阿拉伯联合酋长国(UAE)之间讨论的开发倡议,着重于将这些计划转化为实际成果。
这些计划在上周于帕劳科罗尔举行的第55届太平洋岛国论坛领导人会议期间,由外交部长里克·霍恩尼普维拉(Hon. Rick Houenipwela)与阿联酋外交部长加勒比和太平洋国家特使奥马尔·谢哈德(Omar Shehadeh)进行的双边会议中进行了审查。
此次讨论建立在阿联酋与前GNUT政府之间进行的初步工作基础上,伟大的联盟政府现在正在确定实际路径,以推进与所罗门群岛发展优先事项相一致的倡议。
霍恩尼普维拉部长表示:“我们有许多领域已经在讨论中,我们现在的任务是看看如何将这些讨论向前推进,并将其转化为所罗门群岛的实际成果。”
关键领域包括数字化转型、基础设施、贸易和投资、能源、渔业、旅游、教育和政府效率。
外交部长里克·霍恩尼普维拉(Hon. Rick Houenipwela)。
阿联酋已概述了现代化政府服务的潜在支持,包括数字人口和公民登记系统、电子政务平台、电子边境系统、生物识别护照、海关和税务系统,以及安全的国家数据基础设施。
基础设施和发展融资也被讨论,包括道路、港口、机场现代化、可再生能源和旅游设施。阿联酋表示愿意探索优先项目的优惠融资和私营部门参与。
渔业增值仍然是一个重要的经济机会,特别是在马莱塔省扩大金枪鱼加工能力的计划。讨论探讨了阿联酋投资和发展融资如何支持加工、创造就业机会,并从所罗门群岛的渔业资源中保留更大的经济价值。
能源是另一个优先事项,讨论集中在降低电力高成本和扩大可再生能源及微电网解决方案,以服务于主电网以外的社区。
谢哈德表示,阿联酋的做法是响应所罗门群岛自身的优先事项和发展需求。
他说:“我们希望与所罗门群岛合作,关注所罗门群岛所需的支持,帮助该国实现这些优先事项。”
他还提议成立一个小型所罗门群岛技术工作组,与阿联酋同行合作,评估优先项目,制定实际解决方案并建立实施时间表。
教育和奖学金,包括所罗门群岛人到阿联酋学习的机会,也作为加强人际联系的一部分进行了讨论。
霍恩尼普维拉部长表示,重点将放在确保已识别的倡议能够向实施迈进,并通过投资、就业、经济多样化和改善公共服务带来切实利益。
[结束]
– OPMC新闻秘书处
该文章最初发表于所罗门群岛广播公司(SIBC)。
The Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) today formally presented a cheque to the Honourable Minister of Finance of the Solomon Islands, following the activation of the government’s Excess Rainfall (XSR) insurance policy.
This payout was triggered by recent rainfall events during early August, which mainly affected Malaita and Makira-Ulawa Provinces, and which together met the policy’s parametric thresholds, ensuring timely financial support to the nation in response to climate related impacts.
The cheque presentation demonstrates the value of innovative disaster risk financing in delivering rapid liquidity to governments and communities when it is needed most. By enabling swift access to funds, the policy helps the Solomon Islands respond to urgent needs without diverting resources from long-term development priorities.
Premium financing for this policy was made possible through the support of the Global Shield Solution Platform (GSSP) and the World Food Programme (WFP). Their contributions have helped the Solomon Islands access critical insurance coverage and strengthen technical capacity for operational planning and disaster preparedness, underscore the importance of international partnerships in climate resilience, and ensure predictable financing for nationally led multi-sectoral response, climate-related food security and emergency response interventions across the Pacific.
Speaking at the ceremony, PCRIC’s Chief Executive Officer noted:
“This payout is a direct result of the Excess Rainfall policy triggers being activated. It reflects the strength of PCRIC regional risk financing framework and the solidarity of global partners like the Global Shield and World Food Programme, who have made this coverage possible.”
The Honourable Minister of Finance expressed gratitude for the support, emphasising that the funds will provide immediate relief and strengthen the government’s capacity to respond to the impacts of extreme rainfall events.
He added that the support will help strengthen the Government’s resilience to climate-related shocks by institutionalizing risk-layering mechanisms, enabling timely and sustainable responses to emergencies and ultimately reducing humanitarian assistance needs in a context PCRIC’s of compounding shocks.
This event underscores PCRIC’s role as a regional institution dedicated to delivering innovative financial protection solutions, while highlighting the commitment of global partners to stand with Pacific nations in addressing the growing risks of climate change.
END//
– MOFT PRESS RELEASE
The post Solomon Islands Receives USD250,000 Cheque for Excess Rainfall Parametric Policy Supported by Global Shield Solutions Platform and World Food Programme first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BLC calls for more consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 before amendments proceed through Parliament. The Chairman of the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC), on behalf of the Committee, wishes to clarify the Committee’s position on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 and the substantive amendments under consideration by the Government. The BLC respectfully rejects [...]
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by Charley Piringi Former Member of Parliament and Speaker of the National Parliament, Sir Waetaben Tabusasi, has issued a strong...
The post Sir Ben Calls For PWD Revival And End to Costly Outsourcing appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY NED GAGAHE
SOLOMON Islands citizens living overseas could be given the opportunity to vote in the 2028 Joint Elections, with work now underway to develop the legal and regulatory framework for out-of-country voting.
UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, Ms Munkhtuya Altangerel, revealed this at the signing ceremony for Japan’s JPY430 million (about US$3 million) contribution to the Solomon Islands Democratic Governance and Electoral Assistance Project (SIDGEAP) at the Japanese Embassy in Honiara on Tuesday.
Ms Altangerel said preparatory work on out-of-country voting had already started, recognising that the Solomon Islands diaspora is sizeable.
She said draft amendments and associated regulatory frameworks are currently being developed to establish the basis for diaspora voting.
“This draft amendments are indeed now currently under development,” Ms Altangerel said.
She said the proposed framework will seek to ensure that Solomon Islanders living outside the country can participate in the 2028 elections.
“That will also probably provide that framework on ensuring that all the people of Solomon Islands, whether they’re here or outside of the country, can participate in the upcoming 2028 elections,” she said.
The proposed reform will represent a significant change to the way Solomon Islanders overseas participate in national elections, although the details of how overseas voting would operate are yet to be finalised.
Ms Altangerel did not outline where overseas voting would take place, how voters would register, or what voting method would be used.
The out-of-country voting work forms part of the wider electoral reforms being supported under SIDGEAP, which began in January this year at the request of the Solomon Islands Government.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), with the broader objective of strengthening electoral institutions ahead of the 2028 elections.
Ms Altangerel said the new programme builds on more than a decade of electoral assistance through the former Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in Solomon Islands Project.
She said the new phase will focus more heavily on structural reforms to electoral laws, strengthening electoral systems at provincial level and promoting more inclusive participation.
The programme will also target participation by women, young people and persons with disabilities, while strengthening electoral integrity, accountability and public confidence.
Japan’s US$3 million contribution will support the programme from 2026 to 2028, covering operational readiness, institutional strengthening and inclusive participation ahead of the elections.
The announcement comes as preparations for the 2028 elections begin well ahead of polling day, with UNDP saying the aim is to strengthen the legal, institutional and operational foundations of the electoral system.
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission has also said the Japan-UNDP support will help position it to conduct future by-elections and the 2028 General Elections with greater transparency and inclusiveness.
Photo credit: Ned Gagahe
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
UNITED States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has announced that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) will assess the rehabilitation needs of the National Parliament building.
He made the announcement during his official visit to the National Parliament in Honiara on Tuesday, September 8, as part of his three-day visit to Solomon Islands.
National Parliament of Solomon Islands Media (NPSIM) stated that the assessment will focus on the rehabilitation needs of the Parliament building, which was constructed in 1993 with United States support to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Guadalcanal Campaign.
The Parliament building has since remained a symbol of the longstanding partnership between Solomon Islands and the United States.
Clerk of the National Parliament, Jefferson Hallu, welcomed Deputy Secretary Landau and acknowledged the continued support of the United States towards parliamentary development.
The visit also highlighted the shared values of democracy, accountability and cooperation between the two countries.
Deputy Secretary Landau’s visit extended beyond Parliament, with his programme including commemorations at Red Beach and the Bloody Ridge Memorial on Guadalcanal.
At the commemorations, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of Solomon Islanders, Americans and Allied forces who fought during the Guadalcanal Campaign in the Second World War.
He also announced US support for the preservation of the Bloody Ridge battlefield through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
The support aims to help preserve the historic battlefield as an important site of remembrance and education for future generations.
The National Parliament described the visit as a reaffirmation of the strong ties between Solomon Islands and the United States.
It also expressed its commitment to continued cooperation with the United States in strengthening parliamentary capacity and democratic governance.
Deputy Secretary Landau’s visit comes as the two countries continue to reflect on their shared history from the Guadalcanal Campaign while looking towards stronger cooperation in the years ahead.
Photo credit: US Embassy, Honiara
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No confidence motion withdrawn, but experts say volatility could undermine PM Wale’s pivot to Canberra, Washington. by Charley Piringi Volatile...
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