AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale lodged a strong protest over China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific, saying “this is not something a friend does,” and calling for a regional pact so the Pacific can speak “as one.” Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese also condemned the “provocative” act and warned it could fuel dangerous nuclear proliferation. Climate & Resilience Finance: Solomon Islands and Japan signed an Exchange of Notes for a development policy loan worth 3 billion yen (about SBD150 million) to strengthen fiscal and economic resilience. Disaster Recovery & Food Security: MALD received New Zealand farming tools to support recovery after Tropical Cyclone Maila, aiming to rebuild livelihoods and strengthen food security in Western and Choiseul. Environment & Oceans (regional): A World Reef Awareness Day explainer highlights how warming oceans and El Niño raise coral bleaching risks across Asia and the Pacific, including the Coral Triangle. Governance & Natural Resources: Wale vowed mining reforms to avoid past logging failures, including a Sovereign Wealth Fund and stronger environmental assessments.

Pacific Security: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale condemned China’s submarine-launched, nuclear-capable missile test after it landed near Tuvalu and Nauru, calling it “provocative” and “not something a friend does,” with both leaders pushing for a stronger Pacific-wide regional pact and deeper treaty talks in Honiara. Regional Defence & Climate Links: The missile test came as Australia and Fiji signed the “Ocean of Peace” mutual defence alliance and the Vuvale Union, which includes climate and economic initiatives—raising fresh pressure on Solomon Islands to align security planning with climate resilience. Cyclone Recovery Support: New Zealand delivered farming tools to Solomon Islands’ MALD to help communities recover from Tropical Cyclone Maila, targeting Western and Choiseul livelihoods and food security. Ocean & Climate Memory: A new underwater sculpture, “The Solomon Siren,” was installed off Kale Island to memorialize rising-sea loss and climate advocate Gladys Habu Bartlett. Health Capacity: An Australian ENT surgical mission supported National Referral Hospital services, including operations to reduce hearing-related barriers to schooling.

Pacific Security: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese arrived in Honiara for Independence Day as Solomon Islands leaders push for a stronger regional security platform after China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific drew sharp condemnation. Regional Diplomacy: Albanese and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale discussed a new security treaty, while Wale said China is “a friend, but don’t threaten us,” urging Pacific nations to speak as one. Defence Alliances: Australia and Fiji signed the “Ocean of Peace” mutual defence pact and the Vuvale Union, with Australia pledging $1bn over a decade covering climate and economic resilience—moves that could open the alliance to other Pacific countries. Climate & Nature: A new underwater sculpture, “The Solomon Siren,” was installed off Kale Island to memorialize rising seas that swallowed the island, using art to spotlight climate loss and sea-level change. Disaster Recovery: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development received New Zealand farming tools to help cyclone Maila recovery in Western and Choiseul, supporting farmers and food security. Community Safety: RSIPF, China Police Liaison Team and New Zealand police ran youth outreach in Tina Community on drug prevention and domestic violence. Ocean Stewardship: Palau ramps up preparations to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, with Troika talks focused on climate resilience, sustainable development and ocean stewardship.

Pacific Security & Climate Link: Australia and Fiji signed the “Ocean of Peace” mutual defence alliance in Suva, alongside the Vuvale Union deal that includes climate and economic initiatives—coming as China faced criticism over a nuclear-capable long-range missile test in the Pacific; Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale also said he will review the 2022 Solomon Islands–China security agreement. Solomon Islands Governance & Resources: UNDP and the UK-backed EITI support project brought together ministries and oversight bodies to tackle corruption, illicit financial flows and revenue leakage as mining activity ramps up. Cyclone Maila Recovery: New Zealand donated 200 agricultural tools to MALD to help farmers restart food gardens and rebuild resilience after Tropical Cyclone Maila. Blue Pacific & Regionalism: Wale urged Pacific leaders to protect the “Blue Pacific Continent” through stronger regionalism, tying ocean governance and climate action to shared Pacific unity. Climate Resilience Finance: Tonga received a $114,168 parametric insurance payout to support drought preparedness in the Niuas, highlighting faster funding for climate shocks. Health & Capacity: RACS completed a week-long ENT mission at Honiara’s National Referral Hospital, cutting waiting lists and restoring hearing for patients.

Pacific Security & Climate Link: Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace mutual defence alliance in Suva, alongside the Vuvale Union covering climate and economic cooperation, as Canberra moves to counter China’s growing Pacific footprint; the pact includes “mutual defence” and consultation if sovereignty or stability is threatened. Solomon Islands Security Review: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says his government will review the 2022 Solomon Islands–China security agreement, though it won’t be published due to a non-disclosure clause. Health & Resilience in the Spotlight: A week-long Australian RACS ENT mission at Honiara’s National Referral Hospital delivered 11 ear, nose and throat operations and outpatient clinics, helping cut waiting lists and restore hearing for patients. Cyclone Recovery Support: MALD received 200 agricultural tools from New Zealand to help communities recover from Tropical Cyclone Maila by restarting food gardens and rebuilding resilience. Mining Governance: UNDP and the UK-backed EITI support project brought together ministries and oversight bodies to strengthen coordination against corruption and revenue leakage as mining activity increases. Climate Finance for Drought: Tonga received a $114,168 parametric insurance payout from PCRIC to boost drought preparedness in the Niuas.

Cyclone Maila Recovery: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development received 200 agricultural tools from New Zealand to help farmers restart food gardens and rebuild resilience after Tropical Cyclone Maila. Climate Resilience Training: A new “Climate and Disaster Risk Management” Training of Trainers workshop in Tulagi is building skills for provincial officers to better plan for flooding, coastal erosion, and other climate threats. Transport Infrastructure for Climate: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, via SIRAP2 and the World Bank, is upgrading the Solomon Islands Transport Asset Management System to include climate vulnerability data for roads, bridges, culverts, and wharves. Mining Integrity: UNDP and the UK-backed EITI support workshop in Honiara focused on cutting corruption and revenue leakage as mining activity increases. Food Systems & Nutrition: WorldFish and Kastom Gaden Association trained Western Province secondary students in organic farming and nutrition to strengthen local food security. Blue Pacific Ocean Governance: Forum Chair PM Matthew Wale pushed the “Blue Pacific Continent” approach, linking ocean governance with climate action and regional resilience. Renewable Energy Support: North West Choiseul Constituency received PRC funding for solar power sets for schools, clinics, churches, and households. Pacific Climate Finance: Tonga received a $114,168 parametric insurance payout to boost drought preparedness in the Niuas.

Climate Resilience & Food Security: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture received 200 farming tools from New Zealand to help communities recover from Tropical Cyclone Maila, aiming to restart food gardens and rebuild resilience. Disaster Risk Management: Provincial officers in Tulagi are training on climate and disaster risk management, with officials warning rising seas, flooding, erosion and extreme weather are already hitting livelihoods and infrastructure. Climate-Ready Infrastructure: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development is upgrading the Solomon Islands Transport Asset Management System under SIRAP2 to better plan, maintain and protect roads, bridges, culverts and wharves using climate vulnerability data. Blue Pacific & Regional Leadership: Forum Chair PM Matthew Wale used his Suva remarks to push a stronger “Blue Pacific Continent” approach, linking regionalism to climate action and resilience. Pacific Climate Finance: Tonga received a parametric insurance payout of TOP$114,168 after below-average May rainfall, supporting drought preparedness in the Niuas. Governance & Environment Protection: UNDP and the UK-backed EITI support workshop in Honiara focused on cutting corruption and revenue leakage risks as mining activity increases. Local Energy Access: North West Choiseul communities received PRC-funded solar power sets to support clinics, schools, churches and households with cleaner electricity.

Regional Security Talks: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale is pushing for a Pacific-led regional security agreement as Australia and Fiji move toward deeper cooperation, with Wale warning the Pacific can’t “naively fumble” defence. Climate Resilience Funding: Tonga received a $114,168 parametric insurance payout to support drought preparedness in the Niuas after below-average May rainfall. Cyclone Recovery Support: Solomon Islands’ agriculture ministry received 200 tools from New Zealand to help farmers restore food gardens after Tropical Cyclone Maila. Mining & Integrity: UNDP and the UK-backed EITI work brought together agencies to tackle corruption and revenue leakage risks as Solomon Islands prepares for more mining activity. Climate-Ready Roads: The World Bank-supported SIRAP2 project is upgrading Solomon Islands transport asset management to better plan and maintain roads and wharves using climate vulnerability data. Provincial Climate Training: Provincial officers in Tulagi are building skills to integrate climate and disaster risk management into local planning. Fisheries Governance: Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial talks wrapped in Wellington, setting priorities for regional cooperation on fisheries. Food Systems & Youth Skills: WorldFish and partners trained Western Province students in organic farming and nutrition to strengthen local food security. Ocean Data & Careers: Solomon Islands students joined the “Floating University” on RV Tangaroa to build ocean and climate research skills. Energy Access: A Western Province constituency backed by PRC funding is installing solar systems for schools, clinics and community needs.

Cyclone Maila recovery: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development received 200 farming tools from New Zealand’s MFAT to help households restart food gardens and rebuild livelihoods after the storm. Climate resilience and food security: Provincial officers in Tulagi began Climate and Disaster Risk Management training to help integrate climate adaptation and disaster risk into local planning, as rising seas, flooding and coastal erosion keep threatening communities. Transport infrastructure for a warming world: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development is upgrading Solomon Islands’ transport asset management system under the World Bank’s SIRAP2, adding climate vulnerability data to better plan and maintain roads, bridges, culverts and wharves. Mining governance and natural resource protection: UNDP and the UK-backed EITI support project brought together ministries and oversight bodies to strengthen coordinated responses to corruption, illicit financial flows and revenue leakage as mining activity increases. Regional climate voice: Pacific youth at a Vanuatu climate forum urged child-centred decision-making, calling for real power and resources for young people to lead solutions. Clean energy access: North West Choiseul received $100,000 for solar system sets for schools, clinics, churches and households, supporting reliable, cleaner power for community services.

Drought Finance: Tonga received TOP$114,168 from the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company to speed drought preparedness in the Niuas after below-average May rainfall, with talks on expanding parametric insurance to critical infrastructure. WWII Hazard Cleanup: Australia’s Royal Australian Navy continued Operation Render Safe, destroying potentially live WWII munitions off Papua New Guinea and planning further disposal work in Tuvalu—an ongoing risk to coastal and marine ecosystems. Mining Governance: In Honiara, UNDP and the UK-backed EITI support brought together ministries, oversight bodies and industry to strengthen coordinated action against corruption, illicit financial flows and revenue leakage in the mining sector. Fisheries Diplomacy: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting wrapped in Wellington, setting priorities for regional cooperation on fisheries management. Climate-Resilient Roads: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Infrastructure Development, with World Bank support, is upgrading transport asset management to better plan and maintain roads, bridges and wharves using climate vulnerability data. Local Food & Nutrition: WorldFish and KGA trained Western Province secondary students in organic farming and nutrition to support sustainable food systems. Disaster Readiness Skills: SPC and WFP trained logistics and warehouse officers from Solomon Islands and other Pacific NDMOs in Brisbane to move relief supplies faster during disasters. Child-Centred Climate Action: Pacific youth at Vanuatu’s climate forum pushed for children to have real power in climate decisions, alongside community resilience funding. Health Support: Japan signed a grant for modern malaria diagnostic equipment in Solomon Islands to improve early detection and surveillance in remote areas. Renewables for Communities: North West Choiseul received PRC support for solar power systems and related equipment for schools, clinics and community needs. Ocean Data Training: The “Floating University” brought early-career Pacific ocean professionals, including a Solomon Islands student, aboard RV Tangaroa to build skills in ocean and climate research.

Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Infrastructure Development is upgrading road and wharf planning through a Climate-Resilient Road Asset Management Improvement initiative, modernising the Transport Asset Management System to fold in climate vulnerability data for safer, more reliable maintenance. Local Capacity for Adaptation: Provincial officers across all nine provinces are training in climate and disaster risk management in Tulagi, aiming to strengthen how risks are understood and built into planning at community and ward levels. Food Security Skills: WorldFish and the Kastom Gaden Association trained Western Province secondary students in organic farming and nutrition, linking local food systems to healthier diets and stronger household resilience. Ocean & Climate Learning: Three Pasifika students joined the RV Tangaroa “Floating University” trip, building skills in marine science and climate research while mapping the Pacific seabed and studying marine life. Regional Fisheries Governance: Pacific fisheries ministers wrapped up the Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting in Wellington, setting priorities for cooperation on the future of Pacific fisheries. Energy Access in Choiseul: North West Choiseul received PRC support for solar system sets for schools, clinics and communities, boosting clean power for education and health services. Governance & Unity: PIF Troika leaders met in Suva as Solomon Islands’ PM Matthew Wale pushes for Pacific-led action on climate, economic and security challenges.

Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development is upgrading Solomon Islands’ transport asset management under SIRAP2, modernising the SITAMS system to better plan, prioritise and maintain roads, bridges, culverts and wharves with climate vulnerability data. Provincial Climate Capacity: Provincial officers and planners are training in Tulagi on climate and disaster risk management, with a focus on integrating adaptation and disaster risk into local planning. Food Security & Health: WorldFish and the Kastom Gaden Association trained Western Province secondary students in organic farming and nutrition through the Island Food Systems Programme, linking local food production to healthier diets. Ocean Skills for Hazards & Resources: Solomon Islands student Florence Townshend joined the “Floating University” on RV Tangaroa, helping build Pacific ocean data skills used for marine management and natural hazard planning. Malaria Diagnostics Support: Japan signed grant agreements in Honiara, including modern malaria diagnosis equipment to speed up detection and strengthen surveillance in remote areas. Regional Governance & COP31 Prep: Pacific Islands Forum Troika talks in Suva focused on regional architecture reforms and preparations for COP31, with leaders stressing a united Pacific voice on climate action. Pacific-led Security Push: Incoming Forum Chair and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale called for stronger Pacific-led regional security and urged Pacific nations to shape their own future. Local Markets & Cleaner Cities: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets across wards, aiming to reduce illegal roadside selling and litter while supporting safer trading spaces. Aviation Connectivity: Solomon Airlines is set to launch a new scheduled Port Moresby–Honiara service, improving regional travel links. Minimum Wage Consultation: The private sector urged broad consultation and an economic impact assessment before any minimum wage adjustment, warning against poorly calibrated increases.

Climate-Resilient Transport: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Infrastructure Development is upgrading road and port planning through the Climate-Resilient Road Asset Management Improvement initiative under SIRAP2, modernising the Transport Asset Management System (SITAMS) with climate vulnerability data and better tools for prioritising maintenance of roads, bridges, culverts and wharves. Minimum Wage Pressure: Solomon Islands private sector groups say any minimum wage adjustment must be preceded by broad consultation across provinces and a careful economic impact assessment, warning a poorly matched increase could hurt business viability and jobs. Provincial Climate Training: Provincial officers and planners from all nine provinces are building climate and disaster risk management skills in Tulagi, with a focus on integrating adaptation and disaster planning into local systems. Food Security Skills: WorldFish and the Kastom Gaden Association trained 36 Western Province secondary students in organic farming and nutrition, supporting sustainable agriculture and healthier diets. Ocean Data for Resilience: Pasifika students on New Zealand’s RV Tangaroa (with SPC) are gaining hands-on experience in seabed mapping and marine life study through the “Floating University,” aimed at better ocean decisions and hazard preparedness. Regional Governance & Climate Voice: Pacific Islands Forum Troika leaders met in Suva ahead of the 55th Leaders Meeting, stressing member-led reforms and a united Pacific voice on climate action and sustainable development. Fuel Measurement for Fair Trade: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement equipment (fuel trolleys) to Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations to help regulators verify pump accuracy at service stations and depots. Malaria Diagnostics Upgrade: Japan granted Solomon Islands modern malaria diagnostic equipment and public service scholarship support, targeting faster, more accurate detection in remote and rural areas. Honiara Markets & Clean Streets: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets across city wards, inviting titled landowners to reduce illegal roadside selling and litter while improving public health and order. Sea-Level Rise Storytelling: The “Solomon Siren” underwater sculpture marks the loss of Kale Island to sea-level rise, projecting future flooding dates and underscoring climate urgency.

Climate Resilience Training: Provincial officers in Tulagi are taking part in a week-long Training of Trainers on Climate and Disaster Risk Management, aiming to help provinces and ward committees better plan for rising sea levels, flooding, coastal erosion and other climate threats. Health & Climate Risk: Japan has signed grant agreements with Solomon Islands for public service capacity and modern malaria diagnosis equipment, with officials warning malaria cases are increasing—especially in remote rural areas where climate-linked shocks can worsen health access. Honiara Urban Environment & Waste: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets across the city’s wards, inviting titled landowners to reduce illegal roadside selling, littering and improve public health and cleanliness. Aviation Connectivity: Solomon Airlines is set to launch a new scheduled Port Moresby–Honiara service next Tuesday, boosting regional travel and trade links that can support climate-affected communities through better access. Sea-Level Rise Storytelling: The Solomon Siren underwater sculpture in Isabel Province marks the loss of Kale Island to sea-level rise, using dates from 2006 to 2046 to highlight accelerating impacts. Regional Mining Governance: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea are deepening cooperation on mining sector reforms, with Solomon Islands looking to improve transparency and national benefits from extractive resources.

Climate Resilience & Disaster Readiness: SPC and WFP trained logistics and warehouse officers from six Pacific disaster management offices in Brisbane, including Solomon Islands, to speed up relief supply handling during disasters. Health & Climate Impacts: Japan and Solomon Islands signed grant agreements in Honiara for human resource scholarships and modern malaria diagnosis equipment, aiming to improve early detection in remote communities. Local Environment & Waste: Australia funded practical healthcare waste management training for staff preparing to run the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, with SPREP support on segregation, storage, transport and disposal. Indigenous-Led Conservation: Pacific leaders, traditional authorities and youth met for an Indigenous-led conservation forum in the region, focusing on customary governance, climate adaptation and sustainable financing, with Solomon Islands among participants. Community Economy & Clean Streets: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets across city wards, aiming to curb illegal roadside selling and litter while improving public health and order. Tourism, Nature & WWII Heritage: Swan Hellenic expanded its 2027 Asia-Pacific expedition cruises, including calls to Solomon Islands for Melanesian cultures and wartime sites, with a nature focus on marine biodiversity and wildlife. Aviation Connectivity: Solomon Airlines announced a new scheduled Port Moresby–Honiara service starting July 7, boosting regional travel links that can support tourism and people-to-people exchange. Sea-Level Rise Reminder: A new underwater sculpture, “Solomon Siren,” marks the loss of Kale Island to sea-level rise and projects future flooding dates, spotlighting climate risk for Solomon Islands communities.

Indigenous-led conservation: Pacific traditional leaders, conservation practitioners and youth advocates met this week for a regional learning exchange on Indigenous governance, climate resilience and sustainable financing, with Solomon Islands among participants. Disaster readiness: SPC and WFP trained logistics and warehouse officers from six Pacific disaster management offices, including Solomon Islands, to speed up relief supply handling through peer-to-peer learning. Super El Niño warning: A Green Climate Fund official says Solomon Islands must act now to prepare for a 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” stressing climate change will intensify impacts and strain services. Health and climate resilience: Japan signed grant agreements in Honiara for malaria diagnosis equipment and public service scholarships, as malaria cases rise in remote areas. Clean services and waste: Australia funded healthcare waste management training for staff preparing Honiara’s Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, aiming to reduce infection risks and improve environmental handling. Sea-level rise reminder: A new underwater sculpture, “Solomon Siren,” marks the loss of Kale Island to sea-level rise and projects future flooding milestones. Regional links: Solomon Airlines announced a new scheduled Port Moresby–Honiara route, boosting connectivity that can support tourism and trade.