AGP Executive Report

Human Rights & Democracy: Transparency Solomon Islands says democracy can’t exist without human rights, urging leaders and citizens to strengthen transparent, accountable institutions. Climate Outlook: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service reports El Niño is established and likely to persist into early 2027, with risks of hotter, drier conditions, water shortages, pressure on gardens and livestock, and impacts on marine life and coastal livelihoods. Weather Services Capacity: PMC-8 in Nuku’alofa spotlights the need for better equipment, sustainable financing, technology and regional partnerships to strengthen Pacific weather, climate and warning systems. Road Safety & Public Assets: MID warns road users after repeated damage to LMCP road signs along the Henderson–Alligator corridor, urging communities to protect infrastructure. Mineral Resources Bill Consultation: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee rejects claims that extra consultation would cost $1b, saying rushing could fracture trust and destabilise communities; it recommends withdrawing the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 for further consultation. Maritime Transport for Remote Communities: West Makira received a $1.5m China-funded project with boats and outboard engines to improve access for health, education, fisheries and agriculture. Pacific UXO Survivor Voice: At a Palau dialogue, Solomon Islands survivor Maeverlyn Pitonoe calls for survivor-led decision-making across UXO risk education, clearance and rehabilitation.

El Niño Watch: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service says El Niño is firmly established and likely to persist through late 2026 into early 2027, raising risks of hotter, drier conditions, water shortages, pressure on gardens and livestock, and impacts on marine life and coastal livelihoods. Climate Services Upgrade: Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC-8) opens in Tonga, with Solomon Islands pushing for stronger weather and climate services, including equipment, sustainable financing, technology and regional partnerships. Road Safety & Public Assets: Honiara’s Henderson–Alligator corridor is seeing repeated damage to road signs under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project, prompting MID to urge road users and communities to protect infrastructure. Mining Bill Consultation: Solomon Islands’ Bills and Legislation Committee rejects claims that more consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would cost $1 billion, warning rushed decisions could fracture trust and destabilise communities. Maritime Support for Remote Communities: West Makira received a $1.5m China-funded RSDP transport boost—17 boats and 18 outboard motors—to improve access for health, education, fisheries and agriculture. UXO Survivor Voice: At a regional dialogue in Palau, Solomon Islands survivor Maeverlyn Pitonoe urged survivor-led decision-making across UXO risk education, clearance, and long-term rehabilitation.

World Dolphin Day: IUCN says many dolphin species are critically endangered or endangered, with threats including bycatch in gillnet fisheries; the day highlights calls for stronger protections and better research. UXO Survivor Voice: At a Palau dialogue, a Solomon Islands UXO survivor urged Pacific governments to measure progress by whether survivors can rebuild—pushing for survivor-led input across risk education, clearance, and rehabilitation. Mineral Resources Bill: Solomon Islands’ Bills and Legislation Committee rejected the government’s plan to extend consultation time, calling instead for wider, meaningful consultation before amendments proceed. Climate Risk Update: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service reports El Niño is established and strengthening, warning of hotter, drier conditions, water stress, and impacts on agriculture, health, and marine life. Weather Services Funding Focus: PMC-8 in Tonga is framed as a chance for Solomon Islands to push for better equipment, sustainable financing, and partnerships for climate and weather services. Road Safety Damage: MID says vandalism and damage to road signs on the Henderson–Alligator corridor threatens long-term safety and durability. Biosecurity Strategy: Solomon Islands launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to protect agriculture, food security, trade, and the economy from pests and diseases. Community Transport Boost: West Makira received a $1.5m China-funded maritime transport package (boats and outboards) to improve access for health, education, fisheries, and agriculture.

Weather & Climate Services: Solomon Islands’ Meteorological Service used the Eighth Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC-8) in Tonga to push for better equipment, sustainable funding, technology and regional partnerships to strengthen forecasts, warnings and climate information. El Niño Watch: SIMS says El Niño is firmly established and likely to persist into early 2027, raising risks of hotter, drier conditions, water shortages, pressure on gardens and livestock, and impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods. Biosecurity for Food Security: Honiara launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to move beyond border checks and improve prevention, detection and response to pests and diseases that threaten agriculture, trade and the rural economy. Transport for Remote Communities: West Makira received a $1.5m China-funded maritime transport boost—17 boats and 18 outboard engines—to improve access for health, education, fisheries and agriculture. Road Works in Malaita: Community consultations for Malaita road upgrades under SIRAP2 are complete, with contractors finalising environmental and social plans before construction starts. Inclusive WASH: A new WASH facility was handed over to Gifu Primary School in Guadalcanal, adding toilets, showers and two 10,000-litre water tanks. Regional Security & Climate Justice: Pacific leaders endorsed a five-year peace and security roadmap, warning climate change remains the biggest threat and backing stronger disaster readiness and maritime cooperation.

Chevening Scholarships: Four Solomon Islanders have been awarded the UK’s prestigious Chevening Scholarships, with full funding for master’s study in the UK and pre-departure briefings with the British High Commissioner. Climate & Oceans: A new Pacific Environment report urges the International Maritime Organization to cut black carbon from shipping by requiring cleaner marine fuels, warning Arctic impacts are at a tipping point. Early Warning for Disasters: Pacific meteorological leaders meeting in Tonga called for stronger early-warning systems and more investment in weather, climate, water and ocean services as cyclones, flooding, drought and sea-level rise intensify. Biosecurity for Food Security: Solomon Islands launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to strengthen prevention, detection and response to pests and diseases, protecting agriculture, trade and rural livelihoods. Resilient Infrastructure & WASH: A 120-metre Malu’u seawall is completed as the Malu’u Market project moves ahead, and a new WASH facility with water storage tanks was handed over for Gifu Primary School in Guadalcanal. Community Transport for Remote Areas: West Makira received 17 fibreglass boats and 18 outboard engines to improve access for health, education, fisheries and agriculture. Trade Fair Push for Sustainability: Honiara’s National Annual Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) opens under a sustainability theme, spotlighting innovation and local enterprise. Regional Security & Climate Link: Pacific leaders endorsed a five-year security roadmap in Palau, stressing climate change as the region’s biggest threat alongside plans for disaster readiness and maritime cooperation.

Pacific Security & Climate: Pacific leaders endorsed a five-year regional security roadmap in Palau, warning that climate change remains the biggest threat, while also backing disaster-readiness coordination and maritime surveillance against trafficking. Biosecurity for Food Security: Solomon Islands launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to strengthen prevention, detection and response to pests and diseases, supporting agriculture, trade and rural livelihoods. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Australia’s Malu’u Market project in North Malaita hit a major milestone with a completed 120-metre seawall, plus mangrove planting, as construction moves to the next phase. Water, Sanitation & Health: A new WASH facility was handed over to Gifu Primary School in Guadalcanal, adding ablution upgrades and water storage to improve student health and safety. Transport for Remote Communities: West Makira received $1.5m for maritime transport—17 boats and 18 outboard engines—to better support health referrals, schooling and fisheries/agriculture access. Trade Fair Push for Innovation: Honiara’s National Annual Trade Fair opened with a sustainability-and-innovation theme, spotlighting local enterprise and value-adding as Solomon Islands prepares for LDC graduation. Marine/Disaster Research Links: SINU explored marine disaster preparedness and climate resilience cooperation with a Chinese research delegation, including plans for shared tools and data partnerships. Education & Skills: Government reaffirmed free education rollout from ECE to SINU and TVET, while Makira-Ulawa trained school and sports reps through OSEP/PE to strengthen community sport governance and child safety.

Roads & Safeguards: Malaita’s North Road upgrades move toward construction after community consultations, with contractors finalising environmental and social management plans before mobilisation. Trade & Resilience: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma says Solomon Islands must use innovation and more local processing to stay resilient as it prepares for LDC graduation in 2027. Health Workforce: SINU and the Philippines’ Silliman University explore a twinning partnership to strengthen nursing education and clinical teaching, supported by WHO. Marine Disaster Cooperation: SINU discusses marine disaster preparedness and climate resilience with a Chinese research delegation, including plans for shared tools and “blue data” partnerships. Biosecurity: Solomon Islands launches a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to protect agriculture, food security and trade by strengthening prevention, detection and response to pests and diseases. Climate-Ready Infrastructure: The Malu’u Market seawall in North Malaita is completed, with groundworks starting next, alongside community training and mangrove planting. WASH for Schools: A new WASH facility at Gifu Primary School improves water storage, sanitation and hygiene for students in Guadalcanal’s Barana Highlands. Education Access: PM Matthew Wale reiterates plans for free education from ECE through SINU and TVET, with skills development built in. Local Learning & Environment: STEM Science Showcases in Honiara bring hands-on lessons on plants, biodiversity and environmental protection to secondary students. Disaster Risk on the Coast: Russell Islands’ Yandina clinic faces worsening coastal erosion, with sea water now breaking close to the facility. Inclusive Sport: SINIS hosts an inclusive “Play for Equity” day for people with disabilities, using adapted games to boost participation. Literacy Push: International Literacy Day activities are set to be showcased at the National Trade Fair under a “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity” theme.

Biosecurity & Food Security: Solomon Islands has launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to protect agriculture, food security, trade and the rural economy by moving beyond border checks to better prevention, detection and response to pests and diseases. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: In North Malaita, the Malu’u Market project has completed a 120-metre seawall, with mangroves planted to help protect the community as seas rise. WASH for Health: A new WASH facility at Gifu Primary School in Guadalcanal—new ablution blocks, a girls’ shower and two 10,000-litre water tanks—aims to improve student health and dignity. Education Access: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says free education will roll out from ECE through SINU and TAFE/TVET, with skills development and STEM strengthened. Local Capacity Building: Makira-Ulawa’s first Oceania Sport Education Programme trained 60 school and sports representatives, while an inclusive “Play for Equity” day at SINIS supported people with disabilities to take part in sport. Regional Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders at the PIF summit in Palau urged COP31 to deliver climate finance for renewables and resilience as fossil fuel costs and climate impacts bite harder.

Biosecurity: Solomon Islands launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to better prevent, detect and respond to threats affecting agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods, with UNDP support via the SAFE project. Climate-resilient infrastructure: The Malu’u Market seawall in North Malaita is now complete (120 metres), shifting into the next construction phase and paired with mangrove planting for added coastal protection. WASH for schools: A new EU/UNDP-funded WASH facility was handed over to Gifu Primary School in Guadalcanal, adding toilets, girls’ shower access and two 10,000-litre water tanks. Food security & fisheries: Pacific leaders at a regional summit urged COP31 support for clean energy finance and ocean action, while the FAO marked 10 years of the Port State Measures Agreement to curb illegal fishing. Local capacity building: Makira-Ulawa trained 60 school and sports reps through OSEP/PE, and SIART ran financial literacy and feed formulation training for young agriculture extension officers in Malaita. Sports & youth: Honiara hosts the OFC U16 Women’s Championship with Solomon Islands facing New Zealand in the opener.

Climate Finance & COP31 Push: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau demanded COP31 deliver real money for clean energy and resilient communities, as climate impacts and costly fuel imports bite harder. Coral Reef Protection: Palau and other Pacific Forum members backed a global commitment to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs, aiming to cut local pressures like overfishing and pollution. Local Climate Resilience in North Malaita: The Australia-funded Malu’u Market project in North Malaita hit a milestone with a completed 120-metre seawall and mangrove planting to protect livelihoods from rising seas. Youth Climate Voices: Children from across Solomon Islands presented frontline climate solutions to leaders and partners, warning about rising seas, flooding, food and water insecurity, and cultural loss. Fisheries & Food Security: MFMR launched a GEDSI mainstreaming strategy for an inclusive, sustainable fisheries sector, while FFA and SPC rolled out the “Tuna Bites” campaign celebrating tuna’s role in Pacific diets and livelihoods. Honiara Trade & Skills: Honiara hosts the National Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) under a sustainability theme, and literacy events tie learning to “people, planet and prosperity.”

COP31 Push for Clean Energy: Pacific leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau urged COP31 to deliver climate finance for renewable energy and resilient communities, warning that costly fossil-fuel imports and worsening impacts are squeezing island budgets. Coral Reef Protection: Palau and other Pacific Forum members backed a push to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs, stressing reefs’ roles in biodiversity, coastal protection, and food security. Malu’u Market Climate Resilience: In North Malaita, a new Malu’u market is taking shape with a completed 120-metre seawall and mangrove planting, designed to protect livelihoods from rising seas. Russell Islands Health Under Threat: The Yandina clinic in the Russell Islands is facing growing climate pressure as the sea now breaks close to the doorstep, threatening services for more than 7,000 people. Fisheries Governance: FAO marked the 10th anniversary of the Port State Measures Agreement, aimed at stopping illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by preventing IUU-linked vessels from using ports. Inclusive Fisheries Policy: Solomon Islands’ MFMR launched a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion strategy for 2026–2030 to make fisheries more inclusive and sustainable. Youth Climate Voices: Children from across Solomon Islands presented climate solutions to leaders and partners, calling out rising seas, flooding, food and water insecurity, and cultural loss. Agriculture Skills for Farmers: SIART continued training in Malaita on financial literacy and feed formulation to help young extension officers support agribusiness producer groups. Security and Local Life: Police confirmed a real pistol was used in a Honiara shop threat incident, while business groups urged calm ahead of the Motion of No Confidence.

Pacific Islands Forum wrap in Palau: Leaders adopted the Belau Declaration calling for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep global warming within reach of 1.5°C, while also geopolitics and security dominated the sidelines after China’s July ICBM test and leaders demanded at least 24 hours’ advance warning. Solomon Islands politics and security: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale left the summit early to face a no-confidence motion, as police and correctional officers prepared for the planned operation, and RSIPF arrested an Australian national after a threatening weapon incident in east Honiara. Climate action from the ground: Children from across the country delivered climate solutions to national leaders and partners, urging action on rising seas, flooding, food and water insecurity, and cultural loss. Coral and reef protection: Palau and other Pacific Forum members backed a global push to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs, linking reef protection to biodiversity, food, and coastal safety. Food and livelihoods: MFMR launched a GEDSI-inclusive fisheries strategy, while SIART continued agriculture capacity building in Malaita and MFMR/FFA promoted tuna’s role in Pacific food security through “Tuna Bites.”

Pacific diplomacy at PIF: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau wrapped with leaders backing urgent, inclusive climate action to keep warming within reach of 1.5°C, while also “registering concern” over China’s July ICBM test after calls for at least 24 hours’ advance warning. China–Taiwan pressure on small states: Reporting from Palau says China warned of “consequences” tied to Taiwan’s presence, with several Pacific leaders reportedly skipping the summit or sending lower-level representatives. Solomon Islands energy push: At PIF, Solomon Islands’ foreign minister met the World Bank to discuss energy security, fuel prices, and lowering electricity costs, including support for the Tina River Hydropower project and possible Green Climate Fund financing. Climate voices from the ground: Solomon Islands children presented climate solutions at COP31-linked Klaemet Tok Stori, urging action on rising seas, flooding, food and water insecurity, and cultural loss. Coral reef protection: Palau and other Pacific Forum members backed a global commitment to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs, aiming to cut local threats like overfishing and pollution. Local agriculture capacity: SIART training in Malaita focused on financial literacy and feed formulation for young extension officers and farmers, alongside progress on an Auki agriculture office building meeting environmental safeguards.

Pacific Leadership on Climate Solutions: NatureFiji-MareqetiViti director Nunia Thomas-Moko urged Pacific communities to stop seeing themselves only as victims and lead biodiversity, climate and pollution responses with community-led action, backed by technical support and funding. Climate-Resilient Reefs: Palau and other Pacific Forum members backed a global commitment to protect climate-resilient coral reefs, aiming to cut local threats like overfishing and pollution while boosting finance and tracking progress. Schools Safer From Disasters: A €17m EU-UNICEF programme launched at the Pacific Islands Forum will upgrade climate-resilient water, sanitation, renewable energy and connectivity in Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and Solomon Islands, training teachers and strengthening maintenance so schools can stay open during and after cyclones and floods. Solomons Youth Climate Voice: Children from Makira, Malaita and Honiara presented climate solutions to leaders at Klaemet Tok Stori, calling out rising seas, flooding, food and water insecurity, and cultural loss. Fisheries & Food Security: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, with Solomon Islands among participating countries celebrating tuna’s role in protein, livelihoods and food security. Energy & Cost Pressures: Solomon Islands and the World Bank discussed energy security and lowering electricity costs, including support for the Tina River Hydropower project and possible Green Climate Fund financing. Security Spillover (Not Climate, But Local): RSIPF arrested an Australian national after a threatening incident involving an alleged firearm in east Honiara; police say no weapon was found.

Pacific Climate & Food Security: The FFA and SPC launched the “Tuna Bites” campaign for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with Solomon Islands among eight countries running a one-day tuna dish contest to spotlight tuna’s role in protein, livelihoods and food security. Climate Voices from the Frontline: Children from Makira, Malaita and Honiara presented climate solutions at Klaemet Tok Stori, warning that rising seas, severe flooding, food and water insecurity, and cultural loss are already disrupting education and forcing relocations. Schools Built for Disasters: UNICEF and the EU unveiled a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to upgrade schools in Solomon Islands and other Pacific states with safer water/sanitation, renewable power and stronger maintenance so classrooms can stay open during and after cyclones and floods. Fisheries & Inclusion: MFMR launched its GEDSI Mainstreaming Strategy 2026–2030 to make fisheries more inclusive, while MFMR also pushed for a future-fit Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre to better protect the Blue Pacific from illegal fishing. Local Agriculture Resilience: SIART continued training in Malaita (financial literacy and feed formulation) and reported mid-way progress on an Auki agriculture office building meeting environmental safeguards.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed an “urgent and inclusive climate action” push to keep warming within 1.5°C, while also registering concern over China’s July missile test and calling for at least 24 hours’ warning for future ICBM tests. Solomon Islands Youth Climate Voice: Children from Makira, Malaita and Honiara presented climate solutions and loss-and-damage priorities to leaders and partners at Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini. Resilient Schools Funding: A €17m EU-UNICEF programme launched at the PIF to make schools across Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and Solomon Islands more climate-resilient, including safer water/sanitation, renewable power and disaster-ready maintenance. Fisheries Inclusion: MFMR launched a GEDSI Mainstreaming Strategy 2026–2030 to make fisheries more inclusive for women, youth and marginalised groups. Food and Farm Support: SIART trained Malaita’s young agriculture extension officers in financial literacy and feed formulation to help rural producer groups run more profitable agribusinesses. Energy and Transport Costs: Solomon Islands and the World Bank discussed energy security and lowering electricity costs, including support for the Tina River Hydropower project and possible Green Climate Fund financing. Blue Pacific Biodiversity: Palau and other Pacific Forum members backed a global commitment to protect climate-resilient coral reefs, aiming to reduce local threats like overfishing and pollution. Local Infrastructure Progress: SIART reported the new Auki agriculture office building has passed the halfway mark and is meeting environmental safeguards.