AGP Executive Report

Energy Regulation Push: The UK and Solomon Islands’ MMERE have agreed the next stage of energy reforms, with UK legal and technical support to draft the secondary laws needed for a new independent energy regulator—aimed at enabling more power providers and cutting electricity costs, especially via solar. Retirement Fund Update: SINPF will pay members a 5.5% crediting rate for the year to 30 June 2026 (down from 8%), with the finance minister saying the rate will credit more than SBD200 million in interest to members’ accounts. Agriculture Livelihoods: SIART has invested $8.7m into 20 community pig farming groups across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, supporting 532 households and targeting major weaner and pork output growth. Health Access in Honiara: Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre moves to 24/7 operations from 6 October, expanding continuous outpatient and low-risk delivery services. Governance & Transparency: Solomon Islands has rejoined EITI, with UNDP saying the step strengthens transparency as gold and nickel projects expand. Human Rights Review: The UN Human Rights Council adopted Solomon Islands’ fourth UPR outcomes; the country supported 140 recommendations and noted 41. Trade Skills for Officials: A WTO seminar is building capacity for Solomon Islands’ trade negotiation and follow-up to its 4th Trade Policy Review. Pacific Security/Trade Context: The US says it will soon announce plans to improve maritime-domain awareness to tackle illegal fishing in the Pacific.

Resource Governance: Oro Governor Gary Juffa warns PNG and Solomon Islands risk losing control of natural resources to foreign interests unless colonial-era laws are overhauled, highlighting the land-versus-resource control gap and pushing for deeper landowner consultation as Solomon’s Mineral Resources Bill 2025 faces scrutiny. Transparency & Mining: Solomon Islands has rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), with UNDP saying it aims to boost trust as gold and nickel projects expand, while Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia links the move to better oversight of production and revenue. Health Services & Data: Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre will expand to 24/7 from 6 October, while the Health Ministry begins a national review of health indicators and reporting forms to cut workload for frontline staff. Trade Capacity: Solomon Islands strengthens trade negotiation capacity through a WTO seminar on the 4th Trade Policy Review follow-up. Finance & Retirement: Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia says SINPF can support the economy through carefully managed long-term investments while protecting members’ retirement savings. Skills & Inclusion: Australia partners with Honiara firm Smart Technology to train 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in mobile phone repair, with tools and mentoring support. Agriculture: SIART expects higher copra output after rehabilitating 771 hectares of coconut plantations across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa. Governance & Public Trust: SINU Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau urges public institutions to prioritise merit and accountability over connections. Business & Community: Young entrepreneurs in Gizo begin a leadership and business training, and SINPF’s 50th anniversary speech contest spotlights saving habits and future-focused stewardship.

Coconut & Copra Boost: SIART says copra output is expected to rise among 14 ABPOs it supports in Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa after rehabilitating 771 hectares and restoring/building 46 driers, targeting higher yields and more dried copra income. Health Services Upgrade: Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre moves to 24/7 operations from 6 October, expanding continuous outpatient and low-risk birthing care while keeping specialised clinics on set days. Health Worker Load Cut: The Ministry of Health, with WHO support, is reviewing health indicators and reporting forms to reduce clutter and make routine data easier for frontline staff. World Heart Day Focus: Health officials marked World Heart Day calling for action on rheumatic heart disease, stressing prevention, early treatment and follow-up. Resource Transparency: Solomon Islands has rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), with UNDP saying it strengthens transparency as gold and nickel projects expand. Pandemic Financing Push: At the UN, Solomon Islands called for predictable, multi-year financing for pandemic prevention and preparedness for small island states. Governance & Merit: SINU VC Dr Transform Aqorau urged public institutions to prioritise merit, fairness and accountability over connections to build trust. Business & Skills: Australia-backed training will equip 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders with mobile phone repair skills through a Honiara partnership. Transport Compliance: Makira-Ulawa is rolling out compliance stickers for public transport owners to meet licensing and vehicle safety requirements. Weather Alert: SIMS issued strong wind warning 231, urging communities and sea travellers in affected provinces to take immediate safety precautions. Crime Update: Police in Auki arrested a 30-year-old over an alleged knife attack on Lalana Island, leaving a 45-year-old in critical condition. Diplomacy & China Ties: Acting PM Francis Sade congratulated China on its 77th anniversary and both sides reiterated plans to deepen cooperation.

West Papua at UN: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale took the long-running West Papua human rights issue to the UN General Assembly, renewing calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to be allowed into the region for independent verification. Climate finance push: Wale also urged the world to scale up adaptation and resilience funding, saying the resources exist but political will is missing, while Pacific media leaders adopted a Savusavu declaration demanding better access to loss-and-damage information. Forestry crime crackdown: In Cairns, the Asia Pacific Forestry Crime Network met to target illegal logging and related financial crimes, with PNG’s Gary Juffa warning that outdated colonial resource laws risk handing local resources to foreign “criminal cartels.” Agribusiness boost: SIART says coconut production is set to rise across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa after rehabilitation of 771 hectares and support to 14 ABPOs. Skills for jobs: Australia-backed training will equip 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders with mobile phone repair skills in Honiara. Safety and compliance: SIMS issued strong wind warnings for several provinces, while Makira Ulawa began rolling out transport compliance stickers to improve licensing and vehicle safety.

Climate Finance & Debt Pressure: The World Bank’s 2026 Pacific Economic Update warns debt is rising as growth slows, fiscal space shrinks, and climate disasters hit harder, with Solomon Islands among the wider region’s vulnerable economies. Forest Crime Crackdown: A third Asia Pacific Forests Crime Network meeting in Australia shifts from talk to enforcement, spotlighting Solomon Islands and PNG as lawmakers warn tracking and colonial-era resource laws can enable illegal logging and “criminal cartels.” UNGA Climate Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale told the UN the world has the resources but lacks the will, calling for scaled-up adaptation and resilience funding and fair AI benefits. Media Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted a Savusavu Loss and Damage declaration demanding timely climate information and stronger support for journalists. Local Business & Skills: Australia backs a Honiara mobile phone repair training for 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders, while Western Province runs leadership and business training for young entrepreneurs in Gizo. Weather & Safety: SIMS issued strong wind warnings for several provinces, urging sea travellers and coastal communities to take precautions. Governance & Compliance: Guadalcanal premier calls for stability and license compliance as the provincial budget reaches $71.7m; Makira-Ulawa begins public transport compliance sticker rollout. Agriculture Support: SIART says 14,665 farmers across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are benefiting from SBD38.08m in World Bank-funded ABPO grants. Financial Crime Controls: FIU director Jimmy Sendersley urges stronger anti-money laundering and proceeds-of-crime measures, including asset recovery and better multi-agency cooperation.

Climate Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information and stronger government and regional agency accountability, plus more support for journalists. UN Tech Equity: Prime Minister Matthew Wale told the UN General Assembly that AI benefits and risks must be governed by all, not a small group of powerful countries, while warning of a widening digital divide. Provincial Governance & Revenue: Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu urged stability and license compliance, warning illegal operations and uncollected revenues are undermining progress as the provincial budget rises to $71.7m. Transport Compliance: Makira Ulawa is rolling out compliance stickers for public transport owners meeting licensing and vehicle safety requirements, with enforcement planned for the final quarter. Climate Action Push: PNG and Solomon Islands leaders used UNGA to demand real emissions cuts and stronger sea-level rise support, stressing climate finance as justice, not charity. Local Agriculture Support: SIART says 14,665 farmers across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are benefiting from SBD38.08m in World Bank-funded grants to 96 ABPOs. Financial Crime Controls: Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit Director Jimmy Sendersley called for stronger controls to disrupt criminal networks, including better asset tracing and tighter beneficial ownership rules. Education & Skills: USP Solomon Islands Campus held graduation for 215 students, with graduates urged to turn regional knowledge into practical action for communities and Pacific development. Work Opportunities: Australia confirmed PALM eligibility for 10 countries including Solomon Islands, opening legal work placements for Pacific workers.

AI Governance: PM Matthew Wale told the UN General Assembly that AI benefits and risks must be shared and governed by all countries, warning the digital divide could widen unless oversight is inclusive. Provincial Finance & Compliance: Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu urged stability and civic responsibility, pointing to a provincial budget rising to $71.7m and warning that unlicensed operators—especially around Henderson—are undermining revenue. Transport Revenue & Safety: Makira Ulawa Provincial Government is rolling out compliance stickers for public transport owners meeting licensing and vehicle safety requirements, with enforcement planned for the final quarter. Climate Action at UNGA: PNG and Solomon Islands leaders pressed industrial nations to cut emissions and stop “empty promises,” with Solomon Islands’ officials calling for adaptation finance that reaches frontline communities and support for climate mobility. Trade & Diplomacy: Indonesia and Solomon Islands agreed to boost trade and cooperation, including fisheries and agriculture, and Indonesia invited Solomon Islands business leaders to its Oct 14–18 Trade Expo. Agriculture Support: SIART says 14,665 farmers across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are benefiting from SBD38.08m in World Bank-funded ABPO grants. Financial Crime Controls: The Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit urged stronger anti-money laundering and proceeds-of-crime enforcement, including beneficial ownership focus and better international cooperation. Education & Skills: USP graduation in Honiara saw 215 students graduate, with graduates encouraged to turn regional knowledge into practical Pacific development.

Road Safety & Transport: Fourteen Solomon Islands traffic and transport officials completed an Australian-supported study tour in Fiji, focusing on integrated vehicle licensing, inspections, enforcement, road safety and road asset management—aimed at upgrading Honiara and the wider road network. Trade & Diplomacy: Indonesia and Solomon Islands agreed to boost development cooperation, trade and capacity building, including fisheries and agriculture, and Indonesia invited SI business leaders to its Oct 14–18 Trade Expo. Women’s Empowerment: Minister John Maneniaru pushed for stronger cooperation with UN Women, highlighting work on ending violence against women, women’s economic empowerment and market governance, with a national prevention strategy due for Cabinet validation in October. Climate Finance Push: At UNGA, PNG and SI leaders demanded real climate action and stronger, accessible finance for adaptation and “just transition,” warning sea-level rise is already erasing development gains. LDC Graduation: The UN granted Solomon Islands a three-year extension to prepare for least developed country graduation (2024–2027). Agriculture Support: SIART says 14,665 farmers across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are benefiting from SBD38.08m in World Bank-funded ABPO grants for cocoa, coconut, piggery, poultry and other value chains. Financial Crime Controls: The FIU urged stronger anti-money laundering and proceeds-of-crime enforcement, including beneficial ownership rules and better asset tracing and recovery. Labour Mobility: Australia confirmed PALM eligibility for 10 countries including Solomon Islands, opening legal work placement pathways for workers. Regional Media Leadership: Papua New Guinea journalist Neville Choi was elected new PINA president, with Solomon Islands journalist Lisa Osifelo as vice president.

UN Climate Push: Pacific leaders told the UN General Assembly that sea-level rise is already hitting economies and communities, with Solomon Islands and PNG urging industrial nations to cut emissions and deliver climate finance as grants, not loans. Diplomacy & Trade: Indonesia and Solomon Islands agreed to boost development cooperation and trade, including fisheries and agriculture, and Indonesia invited SI business leaders to its Oct 14–18 Trade Expo. Women’s Empowerment: Women’s Minister John Maneniaru met UN Women in New York, backing programs on ending violence, women’s economic empowerment, and market governance, with a national violence-prevention strategy set for Cabinet in October. Financial Crime Controls: Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit director Jimmy Sendersley called for stronger anti-money laundering and proceeds-of-crime enforcement, including beneficial ownership rules and better asset tracing. Agriculture Support: The SIART project says 14,665 farmers in Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are benefiting from SBD38.08m in ABPO grants for cocoa, coconut, livestock and other value chains. Labour Mobility: Australia confirmed PALM eligibility for 10 countries including Solomon Islands, opening legal work placements for workers in sectors facing shortages. Ports Sustainability: SIPA signed with Australia’s NTRO to develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework to improve port resilience and cut environmental impacts. Education & Skills: USP graduation in Honiara saw 215 students graduate, with graduates urged to turn regional knowledge into practical Pacific development.

UN Climate Push: Pacific leaders used UNGA to press for faster climate action, with Tuvalu’s PM calling sea-level rise a “present reality” and Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele warning a single disaster could wipe out years of development. Climate Finance & Mobility: Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu urged grant-based adaptation funding and stronger support for climate mobility, while PNG’s James Marape demanded industrial nations “stop your carbon emissions.” Governance & Resources: PNG Governor Garry Juffa warned colonial-era resource laws could leave landowners exposed to foreign “criminal cartels,” echoing concerns for Solomon Islands’ economic independence. LDC Graduation: The UN granted Solomon Islands a three-year extension to prepare for Least Developed Country graduation (2024–2027). Farm Support: SIART says 14,665 farmers across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are benefiting from SBD38.08m in World Bank-funded ABPO grants. Security at NRH: National Referral Hospital plans new security measures, including CCTV, after rising theft and overcrowding risks. Jobs Pathway: Australia confirmed PALM eligibility for Solomon Islands and nine other countries. Ports Sustainability: SIPA signed with Australia’s NTRO to develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework. Education Milestone: USP graduation in Honiara saw 215 students graduate, including Hazel Ialifu, whose story highlighted family sacrifice and new regional leadership.

Climate Action at UNGA81: PNG and Solomon Islands leaders told the UN that sea-level rise is an “existential threat” and demanded real emissions cuts and faster support for vulnerable states, with PM Matthew Wale pushing for grant-based, predictable climate finance and Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu calling for practical action on climate mobility. Climate Mobility & Dignity: Ghemu urged a coalition approach where communities help decide whether to stay, adapt or move with dignity as coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion intensify. Financial Crime Controls: FIU Director Jimmy Sendersley said Solomon Islands needs stronger anti-money laundering and proceeds-of-crime enforcement, including better asset tracing, beneficial ownership focus and tighter multi-agency and international cooperation. Agriculture Support (SIART): World Bank-funded SIART is backing 14,665 farmers via 96 ABPO grants worth SBD38.08m across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa for cocoa, coconut, piggery, poultry and other value chains. Ports Sustainability: SIPA signed with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework to strengthen port resilience and reduce environmental impacts. Education & Regionalism: USP marked 25 September graduations in Honiara, with 215 students urged to turn Pacific knowledge into action. Work Placement Pathway: Australia confirmed PALM eligibility for Solomon Islands citizens among 10 Pacific countries for legal work placements. Security at National Referral Hospital: NRH announced new security measures, including CCTV and RSIPF support, after theft and overcrowding concerns. Sports (MSG Prime Minister’s Cup): Solomon Islands drew 3-3 with Vanuatu in Suva, keeping the race tight.

Climate & Health: Solomon Islands’ health ministry reports a sustained rise in influenza-like illness across Honiara and five provinces, with lab tests in July-August finding influenza A in most samples while further testing continues. Security & Costs at NRH: National Referral Hospital says theft and breaches are rising and overcrowding is worsening risks, so it’s moving to strengthen security with RSIPF support, including immediate CCTV installation. Ports & Trade Resilience: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) signs with Australia’s NTRO to develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework aimed at greener, more resilient port operations. Climate Finance Push: PM Matthew Wale tells the UN that climate funding must be grant-based, predictable and accessible for vulnerable Pacific states, warning current systems force hard trade-offs with basic services. Climate Mobility: Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu urges practical action on climate mobility, stressing dignity and real community decision-making. UN Diplomacy (India-PIC): FIPIC foreign ministers in New York, including Solomon Islands’ Rick Houenipwela, reaffirm cooperation with India on renewables, climate action, disaster resilience, healthcare, education and capacity building. Money & Everyday Life: CBSI announces a new 50-cent coin with King Charles III’s effigy entering circulation in October. Business & Community: Gold Ridge Mining launches its second Community Foundation Program with SBD 1.5m in personal cash donations for vulnerable people across 36 communities. Sports (MSG Cup): Solomon Islands men draw Vanuatu 3-3 after multiple fightbacks; the women face Fiji tonight as both sides chase early tournament points.

Climate Finance Push: PM Matthew Wale told the UN that climate commitments must become grant-based, predictable and accessible support for vulnerable Pacific states, warning Solomon Islands faces sea-level rise, king tides and cyclones despite contributing less than 0.015% of global emissions. Climate Mobility: Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu urged action beyond climate mobility principles, saying communities need a real say on whether to stay, adapt or move with dignity. Ports Sustainability: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) signed an agreement with Australia’s NTRO to develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework, moving into co-development with stakeholders. Health & Security: National Referral Hospital says theft and overcrowding are rising, announcing new security measures including CCTV installation with RSIPF support. Diplomacy & Trade Links: Solomon Islands formalised diplomatic ties with Kenya, opening cooperation on trade, the blue economy, climate action and skills exchange; India also received a “strategic partner” stream in the Pacific Islands Forum. Infrastructure & Local Economy: Malaita’s climate-resilient Fiu River Bridge tender closed, with award expected by December; Tulagi’s Tourism Complex is progressing under provincial funding. Business & Money: CBSI will introduce a new 50-cent King Charles III coin in October; Tourism Solomons seeks clarification on the new e-Visa process. Community Support: Gold Ridge Mining launched its second Community Foundation Programme with SBD 1.5m in personal cash donations for 500+ vulnerable beneficiaries. Sports (Business Spotlight): Solomon Islands drew Vanuatu 3-3 in the MSG Cup, keeping the title race tight.

Climate & Policy: The Fifth Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (5POPCCC) in Honiara wrapped with a Talanoa on ten proposed takeaways, urging Pacific evidence, priorities and agency to be carried into global climate processes, anchored on keeping 1.5°C alive. Health: Solomon Islands’ health ministry says influenza-like illness is rising across Honiara and several provinces, with lab work pointing to influenza A while further testing continues. Women & Governance: A regional “Face Forward” initiative will give women and gender-diverse political candidates in Solomon Islands and other Pacific countries real-time protection from online abuse until March 2028. Infrastructure & Connectivity: The tender for a climate-resilient Fiu River Bridge in Malaita has closed, with award expected by December; MID also warns of overnight Tandai Highway closures for street lighting works. Business & Community: Gold Ridge Mining launched its second Community Foundation Program, committing SBD$1.5m for 500+ vulnerable beneficiaries across 36 communities. Diplomacy & Trade Links: Solomon Islands formalised ties with Kenya and Ghana at UNGA 81, opening cooperation on trade, the blue economy, climate action, skills and digital services.

Diplomacy & Trade: Kenya has formally established diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands after a Joint Communiqué at UNGA 81, with cooperation flagged for trade, the blue economy, climate action and skills for young entrepreneurs. Diplomacy & Africa Links: Solomon Islands also formalised ties with Ghana, with both sides pointing to cooperation in economic development, local government, agriculture and people-to-people exchanges. Mining & Community Support: Gold Ridge Mining launched its second annual Community Foundation Programme, committing SBD$1.5m in personal cash donations to support 500+ vulnerable people across 36 communities in the Gold Ridge catchment. Infrastructure & Safety: Malu’u Market redevelopment is building local contractor skills through on-site training in project planning and construction management. Health Systems: Central Islands held its first Provincial Health Summit in Tulagi, supported by Australia, to improve primary health care rollout. Roads & Disruption: Night closures are underway on the Tandai Highway for street lighting works under the LMCP, with detours enforced. Governance & Transparency: Solomon Islands re-entered the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) with UK support, as mining transparency obligations restart. Public Safety (UXO): HALO Trust launched a UXO technical survey pilot in Munda to help identify and clear explosive remnants. Tourism: Tourism Solomons is seeking clarification on the new e-Visa process after it created uncertainty for travellers and airlines. Sports (Business for Fans): The MSG Prime Minister’s Cup continues in Suva, with Solomon Islands men and women pushing for key results as regional football drives visitor interest.

Tourism & Travel: Tourism Solomons backs the government’s move to a digital e-Visa system, but says it needs urgent clarification from Immigration Department on practical details affecting visitors, airlines and partners. Climate Finance & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale pressed UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York for more climate finance, stronger adaptation support and meaningful loss-and-damage funding, including recognition of vulnerability via the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index and protection of access as Solomon Islands nears LDC graduation. Infrastructure: The tender for the climate-resilient Fiu River Bridge in Malaita closed on 18 September, with award expected by December; the new 84m bridge will include two lanes and a pedestrian walkway, with environmental and social requirements submitted for consent review. Governance & Security: Justice and Legal Affairs Minister Alfred Tuasulia and Attorney-General Gabriel Suri urged agencies to strengthen a culture of lawfulness to tackle transnational organised crime. Mining Transparency: UK support was formally launched for Solomon Islands’ re-entry to EITI, as the country moves to publish mining sector information amid renewed gold and nickel growth. UXO & Public Safety: HALO Trust launched a UXO technical survey pilot in Munda to help identify and prioritise clearance areas. International Links: Solomon Islands formalised diplomatic ties with Kenya and Ghana, opening cooperation talks on agriculture, food security, climate adaptation, ICT and digital financial services. Labour Mobility: Australia released the 10 countries eligible for PALM, including Solomon Islands.