Piggery farmers from Malaita’s southern region this week completed a two-day training series designed to boost their productions. Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART), a World Bank-funded initiative implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), delivered the training. Participants included local pig farmers from the Waiasi Piggery Farmers...
The post South Malaita Piggery Farmers Complete High-Impact Training appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOSES SAREN
Prime Minister Matthew Wale joined other Melanesian leaders yesterday to discuss regional cooperation and issues affecting Melanesia, including West Papua, at a Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) meeting in Nadi, Fiji.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said the meeting was held on the margins of Pre-COP31 and chaired by Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
It brought together the prime ministers of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, along with a representative of the FLNKS.
Leaders discussed matters of mutual interest and ways to strengthen cooperation and advance shared priorities within the MSG.
They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and explored opportunities to improve solidarity, cooperation and coordination among MSG members.
The statement said leaders discussed the future direction of the MSG, including ways to reinforce its role as a platform for advancing Melanesian interests and priorities.
The issue of West Papua was also discussed as part of the leaders’ broader consideration of matters affecting the Melanesian region.
The meeting demonstrated the continued commitment of MSG leaders to working together on issues of common interest and matters affecting Melanesian countries and their people.
[From left FLNKS representative; Vanuatu Prime Minister; Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who chaired the meeting; Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale; and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister. Photo PMO.]
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Construction of a new school hall at Namoia Community High School (CHS) in the Eastern Region of Malaita Province has begun.
The construction work started last week and is expected to ease some of the challenges the school has faced for many years, particularly when organizing major school events such as graduation ceremonies.
Namoia CHS teacher, Henson Illa said the new hall would provide much needed space and support the school in organizing various activities.
He said the project was funded by the Solomon Islands Government and was being constructed by a local contractor from Kwaibaita, East Kwaio.
“The construction of the new school hall started last week, and it will be done by a local contractor from Kwaibaita, East Kwaio,” he said.
Illa said the completion of the hall would greatly assist the school, especially when hosting graduation ceremonies.
“Once the new hall is completed, it will help and support the school in organizing graduation and other school activities,” he said.
He said the school had struggled for many years to accommodate students, parents and guests during graduation ceremonies.
“This has been a real issue for us. When it comes to our graduations, we have to combine two classrooms to accommodate students and parents,” he said.
He added that even after combining two classrooms, the available space was still limited and could not comfortably accommodate everyone attending the events.
Illa acknowledged the support of the national government for funding the construction of the new school hall.
He said the facility would provide the school with a suitable venue for major activities and help improve the way school events are organized.
[Photo Caption: New Namoia CHS hall construction site. Photo credit: Henson Illa.]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
TEACHERS need more than public appreciation, Speaker of the Western Provincial Assembly Ramrakha Aquila Talasasa says.
Speaking during the World Teachers’ Day celebration in Gizo, Talasasa said while public recognition of teachers is important, genuine support for the profession must go beyond ceremonies and words of appreciation.
He said teachers need sound preparation, opportunities for continuing professional development, appropriate learning resources, reasonable working conditions and the professional freedom to exercise informed judgement in the classroom.
Talasasa said the Solomon Islands Government must renew its attention to protecting and advancing the status of teaching as a profession rather than relying on recognition as a way of motivating teachers.
“This distinction matters because teaching is a profession of continuous learning,” he said.
Talasasa said teachers are working in an education environment that is constantly changing, including curriculum reforms, new classroom technologies, developments in educational research and an increasingly complex information environment faced by student.
He said professional development was therefore essential to help teachers respond to these changes while maintaining the fundamental goals of education, including comprehension, reasoning, communication and curiosity.
“We therefore call for more attention and resources to help build teaching capacity,” Talasasa said.
He also highlighted the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association’s (SINTA) recent launch of the “Go Public! Fund Education Campaign 2026”, which seeks to draw attention to the escalating problem of classroom overcrowding.
Talasasa questioned how the situation could develop by 2027 if the issue was not addressed urgently.
“How much more in 2027?” he asked, warning that the situation could become an even bigger challenge for the country.
Talasasa said the call for systematic reform of the education sector was particularly significant because it came directly from teachers working on the ground.
He said teachers themselves had raised concerns about severe shortages of classroom space and the psychological pressure created by unsustainable workloads.
“These situations can weaken our education system,” Talasasa said.
He cautioned that any major changes to education policy must be matched by serious investment in school quality, teacher support, infrastructure and the capacity to implement reforms.
Talasasa warned that a rushed approach to expanding access to education could result in increased enrolment without a corresponding improvement in learning outcomes.
“Solomon Islands must move beyond slogans and policies but rather focus on whether the education system is ready to absorb increased numbers of students without compromising the quality of teaching and learning,” he said.
His comments come as teachers across the country mark World Teachers’ Day, with growing calls for greater investment in the people, facilities and resources needed to deliver quality education.
For Talasasa, appreciating teachers should not be limited to celebrating them once a year. It must be reflected in the policies, resources and working conditions provided to enable them to perform one of the country’s most important professions.
[Mr. Ramrakha Aquila Talasasa delivering his speech during the celebration.]
BY CHARLES STENNETT
The Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) within the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology is currently conducting a workshop with law enforcement officers, provincial government officers and other stakeholders in Kirakira, Makira Ulawa Province.
The training is to enable law enforcement officers take proactive actions in carrying out the enforcement of the single plastic ban Regulation 2023.
A statement from the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government (MUPG), social media said awareness, compliance and enforcement training for all relevant enforcement agencies is to be part of the program.
The training is also to familiarize the enforcement agencies with the new established Environment (Single-Use Plastic Ban) Regulation 2023 and Standard Operating Procedures which is essential to foster an environment for cooperation among the enforcement agencies at the Provincial and National level.
It said since the regulation on Single-Use Plastics came into force, ECD in partnership with other Enforcement agencies have conducted series of Awareness and Enforcements Trainings, and field Monitoring in Provincial Centers including Honiara, Western Province, Choiseul Province and Isabel Province.
The training workshops this year will be conducted in Central Province, Makira-Ulawa Province and Malaita Province.
The Training Workshop pooled in representatives from the Royal Solomon Islands Police force in Kirakira, representatives from the Provincial government, Public/Environment Health Department of the Ministry of Health in the Makira Ulawa Province, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Fisheries, National Disaster Management Office in Kirakira and the Public Solicitors office.
BY JOSES SAREN
Eighteen people have been arrested for allegedly taking part in illegal gambling during a joint police and Honiara City Council operation in Honiara.
According to a media statement issued by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) yesterday, the arrests were made on October 2 during raids conducted by Honiara City Police (HCP) and Honiara City Council Law Enforcement.
The statement said the operation also involved the National Traffic Department and Honiara City Police’s Central Response Unit.
The RSIPF said raids were carried out at White River Market, Rove Market, the bus stop opposite the Honiara City Council, Bahai and a residence behind the bulk shop at Point Cruz.
Marijuana confiscated from one male suspect at the hapai area behind bulk shop point Cruz. Photo RSIPF.
Supervising Provincial Police Commander for Honiara City Police, Superintendent Leslie Kili, said illegal gambling in public places had contributed to public disturbances, including pickpocketing when groups gathered to gamble.
Kili said gambling in public spaces is an offence under the Gaming and Lotteries Act.
He said people found gambling unlawfully in public spaces could face charges under Section 4 of the Act.
Kili also warned that owners of premises used for illegal gambling could be charged under Section 3(4) for organising or managing unlawful gambling.
The RSIPF statement said police would continue conducting joint operations against illegal gambling every weekend.
“We will continue on with this kind of joint operation every weekend,” Kili said.
He said police could conduct raids at any time when they receive information about illegal gambling activities.
Kili urged members of the public to stay away from illegal gambling and find other ways to generate income to support their families.
[RSIPF personnel’s at work in clearing out the tables. Photo RSIPF]
BY JOSES SAREN
The E-Commerce Implementation Unit (EIU) of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration has commenced a two-week advanced digital content creation training in Honiara.
The training, which began on October 5 and runs until October 16, is being delivered in partnership with Reggae Haus and Reveal Pasifik.
According to the EIU, the programme brings together selected intermediate and experienced content creators, freelancers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), communication practitioners and digital entrepreneurs.
The two-week programme focuses on advanced photography and cinematography, visual storytelling, commercial production, professional lighting and audio, editing, colour grading and post-production.
Participants are also covering digital platforms, multi-platform social media content, client management, commercial workflows and digital business.
The training includes practical work in a simulated professional production environment, where participants are developing commercial-ready visual campaigns.
Participants are expected to produce a professional commercial film, a vertical social media campaign and a photography campaign suite by the end of the programme.
The EIU said these projects are intended to give participants practical experience and portfolio-quality work they can take into the marketplace.
The programme also aims to strengthen the local creative sector by helping content creators produce higher-quality digital material and enabling MSMEs to improve their presence and competitiveness online.
It is further intended to create new commercial opportunities for local creatives and contribute to the growth of e-commerce and the wider digital economy.
The training is part of efforts to build practical digital skills and strengthen the capacity of Solomon Islands’ emerging creative and digital business sector.
[Participants of the EIU’s advanced digital content creation training in Honiara. Photo EIU]
Prime Minister Matthew Wale joined fellow Melanesian leaders on the sidelines of Pre-COP31 in Nadi, Fiji, for a high-level meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to strengthen regional solidarity, advance economic cooperation, and address key security and border priorities. Chaired by Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the Sofitel...
The post Wale Joins MSG Leaders to Drive Melanesian Agenda at Pre-COP31 appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Newspaper celebrates two decades of journalism, honours founder and embraces digital future
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
THE Island Sun has marked its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of journalism while looking ahead to a new era driven by digital media and artificial intelligence.
The anniversary was marked yesterday, October 6, under the theme “Celebrating 20 Years of Informing Solomon Islands and Beyond.”
The occasion reflected on the newspaper’s journey since its first edition was published in 2006, while highlighting its transition towards becoming a fully digital news organisation.
A group photo of Island Sun staff, guests and Directors during the official program to mark the newspaper’s 20th anniversary yesterday. Photo: John Houanihau
Managing Director and Publisher Lloyd Loji said the anniversary was not only a time to celebrate the newspaper’s achievements but also to prepare for the changing media landscape.
“The future can no longer depend only on the printed newspaper,” Mr Loji said.
He said Island Sun began rolling out its digital strategy in August, with the newsroom leading the transition.
The strategy will strengthen the newspaper’s website and social media platforms, improve breaking news delivery and expand digital and video content for readers in Solomon Islands, the Pacific and beyond.
Staff line up for the anniversary lunch. Photo: John Houanihau
Island Sun started as a weekly newspaper before expanding to five editions a week.
Its operations later grew with the establishment of Sun Printing in 2011, as well as offices in Auki and Gizo.
Loji said the newspaper had faced major challenges over the past two decades, including the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing printing and operational costs, technological changes, social media and the emergence of artificial intelligence.
Despite these challenges, he said Island Sun had continued to adapt and build resilience.
From left: Publisher Lloyd Loji, MASI President Ofani Eremae, Fr George Dagi and Director Goodlyn Loji at the anniversary celebration. Photo: John Houanihau
He acknowledged the contribution of all staff, including journalists, editors, printers, drivers, sales staff, cleaners and street sellers.
“The success of Island Sun does not rest on the directors or management alone,” he said.
Honouring founder
Former Island Sun editor and current Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) President Ofani Eremae paid tribute to the late founder and publisher Mathias Loji, describing him as an innovative and business-minded leader.
Eremae said Island Sun’s survival for two decades was a significant achievement for the local media industry.
Island Sun staff listen to speeches during the anniversary program. Photo: John Houanihau
He said the newspaper had survived major changes and remained an important player in serving the public.
He encouraged staff to continue supporting management as the media industry faces new challenges from technology, social media and artificial intelligence.
Digital future
Chief Editor Irwin Angiki, who was in Sydney on a week-long programme, sent his anniversary remarks to the celebration.
He congratulated staff on reaching the 20-year milestone and acknowledged the challenges the newspaper had faced.
Angiki also paid tribute to late founder Mathias Loji, saying his leadership helped Island Sun survive the COVID-19 pandemic and emerge strong enough to recover.
Former Island Sun editor and MASI President Ofani Eremae pays tribute to the late founder of Island Sun Matthias Loji during his remarks. Photo: John Houanihau
He acknowledged former newsroom leaders including Priestly Habru, Richard Toke, Gina Kekea and Ofani Eremae, for their contribution to developing and mentoring Island Sun journalists.
Angiki also praised current Publisher Lloyd Loji for his leadership and vision.
He highlighted several milestones achieved by Island Sun in recent years, including its participation in a major Pacific media artificial intelligence project.
Island Sun is among Pacific newsrooms participating in Google’s first Pacific project introducing AI to the media, with the newsroom expected to develop its own in-house AI system at the end of the 18-month project.
Angiki said Island Sun’s transition into digital publishing began in August, with the company aiming to become a fully digital news organisation soon.
Island Sun staff enjoy the anniversary lunch. Photo: John Houanihau
He said the digital vision was initially initiated by the late Mathias Loji in 2021 and strengthened following a 2022 visit by PACMAS/ABC International Development’s Grant Sherlock.
“Publisher Lloyd this year has fulfilled his father’s vision in this achievement,” Angiki said.
Regional recognition
Angiki also highlighted Island Sun’s growing regional presence, including its participation as a full financial member with voting rights at the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Summit in Fiji this year.
He said the recognition Island Sun received from regional and international media representatives demonstrated the growing reach of the newspaper’s brand.
Managing Director Lloyd Loji delivers his remarks. Photo: John Houanihau
He also pointed to improvements in the newsroom’s reporting and verification standards, supported by local and overseas training.
Two Island Sun reporters are currently completing one-year diploma journalism studies at the University of Waikato in New Zealand and are expected to return in November.
Angiki also highlighted Island Sun’s successful PACMAS content project earlier this year, saying the newsroom was the first of 16 recipients to complete the project and exceeded its target by almost double.
He thanked the entire newsroom team for their commitment and contribution to the newspaper’s growth.
The anniversary celebration brought together Island Sun staff, management, former newsroom members and invited guests to reflect on the newspaper’s two-decade journey.
As Island Sun enters its third decade, the anniversary marked not only a celebration of its past but also a major shift towards its digital future.
From its first edition in 2006 to its digital transition in 2026, Island Sun continues to evolve while maintaining its commitment to informing Solomon Islands and beyond.
A NEW CHAPTER: Island Sun marks two decades of journalism with an anniversary celebration
yesterday attended by staff, supporters and invited guests. From left: Director Goodlyn Loji, All
Saints Rector Fr George Dagi, Managing Director/Publisher Lloyd Loji and MASI President Ofani
Eremae cut the anniversary cake. The milestone also highlighted Island Sun’s transition into the
digital era and its vision for the future. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
– SIPPA mobile clinic to offer free, confidential HIV and syphilis screening three nights a week
BY JOSES SAREN
A nightly mobile clinic offering free HIV and syphilis testing is expected to begin operating in Honiara this Friday as the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) moves to make sexual health services more accessible to communities.
The new outreach service will operate three nights a week, taking HIV and STI testing directly into communities across Honiara.
SIPPA is inviting community-based organisations, including youth groups, community committees and women’s groups, to contact the organisation if they are interested in hosting the mobile clinic.
Specific testing locations will not be publicly disclosed because of privacy, safety and confidentiality considerations.
SIPPA Communications Coordinator Andrea Ma’ahanua said the initiative was designed to remove some of the barriers preventing people, particularly young people, from accessing sexual and reproductive health services during normal daytime hours.
The outreach team will comprise SIPPA volunteers and two dedicated nurses.
“Through the nightly mobile clinics, the team will provide essential information and raise awareness about HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs),” Ms Ma’ahanua said.
She said the main aim was to promote prevention, encourage safer health practices and provide free HIV and STI screening in a safe and confidential environment.
The initiative comes amid concern over the changing pattern of HIV transmission in Solomon Islands, with recent cases increasingly showing generalised transmission rather than being linked to known cases or specific clusters.
As of the end of May 2026, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has recorded 25 new HIV cases in the Solomon Islands, bringing the country’s cumulative total to 104 confirmed cases.
The latest figures mark an increase from the 79 HIV cases announced by MHMS on December 1, 2025, during the country’s observance of World AIDS Day.
Ma’ahanua said stigma, discrimination and concerns about privacy could discourage people from seeking testing during normal operating hours.
“This is especially important as HIV can affect anyone, which is why it is important for all of us to know our status,” she said.
“Knowing your HIV status is an act of responsibility that helps protect both yourself and your loved ones.”
SIPPA said people who access the service will receive counselling and support throughout the testing process.
A reactive result from the initial rapid test will require a second confirmatory test through the laboratory services of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
Anyone with a confirmed positive result will be referred to the HIV/STI Unit for further assessment, treatment and support.
SIPPA will also continue providing counselling and referral services to help clients access appropriate care.
Ma’ahanua stressed that HIV treatment allows people living with the virus to live long and fulfilling lives when medication is taken consistently.
“Treatment is a lifelong commitment, because you have to take it every day,” she said.
“But when people living with HIV take treatment consistently as instructed by health officials, they can live long and fulfilling lives.”
SIPPA acknowledged the continued support of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, as well as the Australian Government through DFAT and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).
The new mobile clinic is expected to provide another avenue for people in Honiara to know their HIV status, access information and receive early referral and support where needed.
[HIV and Syphilis Rapid test kit. Photo Credit SIPPA]
PM Matthew Wale calls for urgent climate action as Pacific leaders push to keep the 1.5°C target within reach. Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale says 31 years of international climate negotiations have failed to deliver the level of action needed to keep global warming within the 1.5 degrees Celsius target. Speaking during a Pacific Pre-COP31 [...]
The post PM WALE: 31 YEARS OF CLIMATE TALKS HAVE FALLEN SHORT appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
AIM-N identifies coconut, cocoa, cassava and ginger as priority value chains during a stakeholder workshop in Choiseul. A three-day Agricultural Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Stakeholder and Value Chain Development Workshop has strengthened collaboration among government, farmers, private-sector representatives, churches and other stakeholders while identifying four priority agricultural value chains for Choiseul Province. Held [...]
The post AIM-N Workshop Strengthens Agricultural Partnerships and Identifies Priority Value Chains in Choiseul appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
SIART completes piggery training for five farmer groups in southern Malaita as part of a $6.9 million investment. The Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project this week completed a series of two-day trainings for piggery Agribusiness Produce Organizations (ABPOs) in the southern region of Malaita Province. Beneficiaries of the trainings are local pig farmers [...]
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The Dodo Creek rice trial records its first harvest as MALD, JAAS and JQY assess rice production potential in Solomon Islands. The Rice Trial Project at Dodo Creek saw its first harvest yesterday, following a ceremony to officially open the project’s harvesting stage, as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), in partnership with [...]
The post Dodo Creek Rice Trial Records First Harvest appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
GROUNDWORK for the proposed Gizo water project has been completed, with experts expected to arrive this week to begin drilling at identified sites.
Western Province Premier Billy Veo said the groundwork had paved the way for technical teams to carry out drilling to determine the availability and level of underground water.
He said the team of experts would begin drilling at identified locations once they arrive in Gizo.
“Once the result is determined, then the provincial government will look at the next step, which is looking for support to walk with the supply project,” Veo said.
He said the drilling would provide important information needed to determine whether underground water sources could support a long-term water supply system for Gizo.
Veo said his government has two years remaining in its term and is determined to make progress in addressing Gizo’s long-standing water problem.
“We have two years left and I’m happy that something has been done for the next government to carry on,” he said.
Veo said providing a reliable water supply for Gizo remained one of his government’s top priorities, although the pace of the project would depend on the availability of resources and the speed at which technical work could be completed.
“Addressing lack of water in Gizo is one of my government’s top priorities, but it depends on how fast and availability of resources to ensure the job is done,” he said.
Gizo has been without a reliable public water supply for more than 20 years, forcing residents to depend heavily on rainwater for drinking, cooking and other household needs.
The situation becomes particularly difficult during prolonged dry periods, when rainwater tanks run low and alternative water sources become limited.
Residents are currently facing increasing pressure as the dry spell continues, with demand for clean and safe water rising across the town.
Some of the wells traditionally used by residents for washing and bathing have also dried up, further worsening the situation.
For many residents, the proposed water project represents an important step towards securing a more reliable and sustainable source of water for Gizo.
The upcoming drilling is therefore expected to provide crucial information on the availability of underground water and guide the next stage of the project.
The provincial government will then need to secure financial and technical support to move from the exploration stage to developing the actual water supply system.
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced plans to shift the management of overseas medical treatment funds for Members of Parliament from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) directly to Parliament to ensure a transparent, non-political process.
Wale responds to questions ask last week during his press conference, regarding the use of public funds for MPs seeking healthcare abroad.
Prime Minister Wale clarified that these treatments are legally governed by the Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations and set by the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission.
He said that currently, members are eligible for funding strictly on a medical referral basis.
While the budget for overseas treatment has historically been held within the PMO, Wale revealed that from next year onwards, the fund will be budgeted and managed under the supervision of the Clerk to Parliament.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the health of MPs is important, but noted that keeping the fund within the PMO leaves it vulnerable to being politicised.
He said moving the administration to Parliament will ensure that funding simply follows the established legal process.
[PM wale speaking to local media during the press conference. Photo- John Houanihau.]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has addressed questions regarding why he has not yet travelled to Beijing, China despite visiting other major development partner countries including Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Speaking during a press conference last week, the Prime Minister clarified that the delay is a matter of scheduling rather than a lack of an invitation.
Prime Minister Wale explained that while Beijing has hosted a number of significant national events, his administration is currently waiting for the right window to finalize the trip.
He revealed that initial plans had been discussed to visit the Chinese capital Beijing just before his recent trip to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this year.
However, he said that arrangement fell through because key leaders were not all available at that specific time.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is actively waiting for an identified date, potentially around an upcoming national holiday, to reschedule the visit.
Wale dismissed any speculation regarding the delay, indicating that the diplomatic travel will proceed as soon as a mutually workable timeframe is established between both nations.
[PM wale speaking to local media during the press conference. Photo- John Houanihau.]
BY CHARLES STENNETT
Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Wayne Ghemu has called for the strengthening of public financial management as being critical to ensuring climate resources are directed towards national priorities and communities most vulnerable to climate change.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC), Mr Ghemu was speaking at the Pre-COP31 side event in Nadi yesterday saying that Pacific countries must strengthen their systems for resilience while developed nations meet their climate finance responsibilities.
He said Pacific countries are taking greater ownership of how climate finance is managed, while international partners must continue to meet their responsibility to provide adequate and accessible climate finance.
He said the strengthening of public financial management is critical to ensuring climate resources are directed towards national priorities and communities most vulnerable to climate change.
“Financing our own resilience does not mean financing resilience on our own,” Minister Ghemu said.
The statement quoted Mr Ghemu as saying that reforms such as climate budget tagging can help governments identify and track climate-related expenditure and strengthen the link between national climate priorities, planning and budget decisions.
“This includes connecting climate budget tagging with integrated vulnerability assessments, helping bring greater visibility to the realities faced by vulnerable communities when national investment decisions are made,” he said.
Minister Ghemu said such efforts demonstrate Pacific leadership, ownership and agency.
But said it should not be interpreted as transferring responsibility for climate change to countries that have contributed least to the problem.
“The international community must continue to meet its responsibility to provide climate financing that is adequate, predictable and accessible for vulnerable countries like ours that are at the frontline of climate change,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted work towards a regional Pacific climate finance taxonomy.
He said this could establish a shared understanding of climate-related expenditure and investment while strengthening the region’s evidence base and collective advocacy.
Minister Ghemu said the goal is to put Pacific governments more firmly in the driver’s seat of their own resilience, while ensuring international climate finance can effectively support priorities identified by Pacific countries.
[Pre-COP31 side event Pacific representatives and minister Ghemu (centre) in Nadi, Fiji. Photo Credit: OPMC]
by Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson of AAP in Funafuti, Tuvalu The world’s biggest climate event should not become “another talk shop” while Pacific nations struggle to survive rising sea levels and intensifying natural disasters. Tuvalu climate change minister Maina Talia issued the warning to a delegation of world leaders visiting the small...
The post Besieged Tuvalu Warns COP31 Can’t be Climate Talkfest appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Three economists write on the Devpolicy Blog that Papua New Guinea's removal of tax from ten basic foods has cost close to half a billion kina, with stores and wholesalers keeping 36 toea in every kina given up.
The Oceania Football Confederation has released the fixtures for the second season of the OFC Pro League, with Solomon Islands hosting the finals series from 25 May to 6 June 2027.
Pacific nations are taking full ownership of their climate future, while ensuring major global emitters remain accountable. Speaking at a Pre-COP31 side event in Nadi, Solomon Islands Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Wayne Ghemu, delivered a clear message to the international community: self-reliance does not replace...
The post Pacific Nations Drive Climate Resilience While Demanding Global Accountability appeared first on In-depth Solomons .