AGP Executive Report

Climate Accountability: PM Matthew Wale used Pre-COP31 talks in Fiji to demand stronger political action from major greenhouse gas emitters, including research into historical emissions and a push for the polluter-pays principle. Nature-Based Adaptation: Wale also urged Pacific leaders to treat reefs, mangroves and other natural coastal defences as “infrastructure,” arguing they’re cheaper than seawalls and better protect hazard-exposed communities. Pre-COP31 Push for 1.5°C: Pacific leaders, including Solomon Islands, are calling for global warming to stay as close as possible to 1.5°C, with Tuvalu’s rising seas cited as frontline proof. Climate Finance Frustration: Wale said wealthy countries make climate funding too hard to access, forcing Solomon Islands to borrow for clean energy and disaster recovery. Disaster Recovery Funding: After Cyclone Maila, a $75m special fund is still not spent because the required CBSI account under the Public Financial Management Act is being set up. Government Capacity & Systems: Solomon Islands officials completed public affairs capacity building in China, and SINU submitted its provider registration application to SITESA. Infrastructure Delivery: Honiara’s new Communication and Aviation Complex at the airport was officially opened and handed over to the Ministry of Communication and Aviation. Maritime & Security Signals: PNG’s foreign minister warned Solomon Islands that its moratorium on foreign naval visits could have “repercussions,” as Australia seeks closer ties.

Climate Diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale is in Fiji for Pre-COP31, pushing for stronger climate finance and Pacific priorities ahead of COP31, including a push to keep 1.5°C within reach and to fund loss and damage and climate resilience. Natural Capital & Jobs: At the PACT Pre-COP31 session, Wale urged leaders to treat oceans, forests, reefs and fisheries as investment that can create jobs and long-term wealth, pointing to Solomon Islands plans like a sovereign wealth fund and climate resilience investment fund. Pacific Unity on Climate: Pacific leaders in Nadi and Tuvalu are coordinating a united front, with Solomon Islands environment minister Wayne Ghemu warning negotiators not to accept weak outcomes. Disaster Recovery Funds: After Cyclone Maila, the government says the $75m TC Maila special fund is still not in use because the required CBSI account under the National Disaster Act is being set up, with PFMA compliance checks underway. Public Service Capacity Building: A Solomon Islands government delegation has completed a public affairs capacity-building seminar in China, covering governance, policy, digital economy and public-sector reform. Aviation & Communications: The Ministry of Communication and Aviation has opened and handed over a new complex at Honiara International Airport to improve coordination among MCA, CAASI and Customs/Immigration/Q&A. Water Access: Solomon Water handed three tanks to the Ziata landowning community in Noro to support storage for Goldie Secondary School as the Noro-Ziata water supply project continues. Seaweed Support: Six boats and engines were delivered to Tekoti seaweed farmers in Choiseul to improve access for farming zones. Road Safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash at King George VI market on 3 October, with a driver pronounced dead after the vehicle struck a pedestrian.

COP31 Push: PM Matthew Wale arrived in Fiji for the Pre-COP31 High-Level Meeting, saying Solomon Islands will press for stronger climate finance and Pacific priorities ahead of COP31 in Antalya, including a planned high-level visit to Tuvalu to show sea-level rise impacts firsthand. Climate Finance Frustration: Wale told local media that wealthy countries make access to climate funds too hard, forcing island states to borrow for crises caused by big polluters, as Solomon Islands seeks an extra US$35m from the Global Climate Fund for the Tina River Hydropower Project. Regional Climate Unity: Pacific leaders and Solomon’s environment minister Wayne Ghemu backed a united front for higher ambition at COP31, warning negotiators not to accept weak outcomes. Security Diplomacy Tension: PNG’s foreign minister warned Solomon Islands that its decision to halt foreign naval visits could have “repercussions,” arguing allies may not be there in future crises. SINU Governance Step: Solomon Islands National University submitted its provider registration application to SITESA, following capacity-building in China focused on governance, accountability, risk management and digital governance. Education Reforms: World Teachers’ Day coverage highlighted education reforms, including improved teacher salary/classification structures and calls for a 1:35 teacher-student ratio as free education rolls out in 2027. Road to Recovery: A shipload of recovery materials is heading from Honiara to Simbo to support communities rebuilding after Tropical Cyclone Maila. Maritime/Health Assistance: Indonesia announced its naval vessel KRI WSH-991 will visit Honiara later this month with humanitarian and community support. Economy Watch: The government’s operating deficit widened to SBD$37m in August, with revenue down sharply.

Maritime Security: Papua New Guinea’s foreign minister warned Solomon Islands that its decision to halt foreign naval visits could bring “repercussions,” arguing allies may not be there in future crises; the move follows Honiara’s moratorium while it updates port-entry processes for military vessels. Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale is heading to Fiji and Tuvalu for Pre-COP31 meetings, with Tuvalu sea-level rise cited as “direct evidence” for Pacific leaders pushing for stronger climate action and loss-and-damage financing. Education Reforms: The Solomon Islands National Teachers Association is calling for a 1:35 teacher-student ratio as free universal education rolls out in 2027, while the Education Minister says salary/classification changes are already underway and housing/leave arrangements are planned by 2027. Human Rights: Solomon Islands says it supported 140 of 181 UN Human Rights Council UPR recommendations, but noted 41 on sensitive issues, citing limited capacity to implement more commitments. Economy & Public Finance: The government’s operating deficit widened to SBD$37m in August as revenue fell sharply; inflation rose 1.3% in August. SINPF & Assets: SINPF declared a 5.5% crediting rate, reported weaker overall performance, and announced it is selling Tavanipupu Island Resort as it has become a “liability.” Fisheries: The beche-de-mer fishery will close from 31 October 2026.

Education Reform: Solomon Islands backs free universal education by 2027, while the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association urges a teacher-student ratio of 1:35 ahead of the rollout. Teachers’ Conditions: World Teachers’ Day coverage highlights government moves to improve pay and classification, plus plans for housing and annual leave arrangements by 2027. Climate Diplomacy: Ahead of COP31, PM Matthew Wale will attend pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, pushing for loss and damage finance, 1.5°C commitments, and maritime sovereignty. Climate Integrity: Transparency International urges Pacific governments to strengthen ethics and conflict-of-interest rules for COP31, including independent oversight. Fisheries Policy: The Ministry of Fisheries says the beche-de-mer fishery will close from 31 October 2026, with enforcement and compliance steps underway. Economy Watch: CBSI reports a widening August operating deficit to SBD$37m, alongside August CPI inflation of 1.3%. Human Rights: Solomon Islands says it supported 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, noting 41 due to sensitive issues and capacity constraints. Regional Security Debate: FSM President Panuelo urges Solomon Islands to reconsider long-term risks of a China security deal. Energy Affordability: Solomon Power commits to lower non-fuel electricity tariff charges for 2026–2028 while sustaining renewable investment and reliability.

Climate & Livelihoods: El Niño is already disrupting Solomon Islands seaweed farming, with weeks of rain and altered tides delaying drying and sales after Cyclone Maila destroyed farms earlier this year. Forestry & Governance: At FAO COFO28 in Rome, forest communities and governments are pushing the “forests for food, resilience and prosperity” message, linking conservation to people’s livelihoods. Education Reform: World Teachers’ Day coverage highlights government moves to improve teacher pay and conditions ahead of free universal education by 2027, while SINTA urges a 1:35 teacher-student ratio and more training, materials and classroom space. Public Finance: The government’s operating deficit widened to SBD$37m in August as revenue fell sharply, while inflation rose 1.3% in August. Human Rights & UN Commitments: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN Human Rights Council UPR recommendations but noted 41, citing capacity and resources for implementation. Energy & Cost of Living: Solomon Power says a new non-fuel electricity tariff framework (2026–2028) aims to cut charges while protecting investment in renewables and reliability. Fisheries: The beche-de-mer fishery is set to close from 31 October 2026. Regional Security Diplomacy: FSM President Panuelo urges Solomon Islands PM Wale to consider long-term risks of any China security presence. West Papua Politics: PM Wale defends raising West Papua human rights at the UN; the Opposition calls for diplomatic restraint and strategy. Economy & Investment: SINPF declared a 5.5% crediting rate, with strong dividend cash income but weaker overall performance due to revaluation losses, and it plans to sell Tavanipupu Island Resort as a liability. Agriculture & Food Security: MALD’s rice trials enter final field stage ahead of harvest; cocoa farmers are being urged to expand plantings.

UN & Pacific Diplomacy: FSM President David Panuelo has written to Solomon Islands PM Manasseh Sogavare urging him to reconsider the long-term security consequences of any China security deal, warning the Pacific could become a future flashpoint. Climate Policy Ahead of COP31: PM Matthew Wale will travel to Fiji and Tuvalu for pre-COP31 meetings, pushing Pacific priorities on loss and damage financing, keeping 1.5°C within reach, and protecting maritime boundaries and sovereignty. Human Rights at the UN: Solomon Islands says it supported 140 of 181 recommendations in its UN Universal Periodic Review, while noting 41 on sensitive issues, including calls related to decriminalisation, abortion, and the death penalty. Education Reform: SINTA is calling for a teacher-student ratio of 1:35 as free universal education rolls out in 2027, while Education Minister Stephen Kumi says teacher salary and classification reforms are underway with housing and leave arrangements planned. Economy & Cost of Living: The government recorded a wider August operating deficit of SBD 37m, and the CPI rose 1.3% in August. Energy & Utilities: Solomon Power says the 2026–2028 non-fuel electricity tariff framework will reduce charges while maintaining investment in renewables and reliability. Fisheries Regulation: The beche-de-mer fishery is set to close from 31 October 2026.

Climate Diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale will attend pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and a day trip to Tuvalu to show firsthand sea-level rise impacts, with Pacific leaders pushing loss-and-damage financing, 1.5°C targets, and maritime sovereignty. Human Rights & Foreign Policy: Wale defended his West Papua stance as justice, while the Opposition urged diplomatic restraint after Indonesia’s UN pushback. Integrity at COP31: Transparency International urged Pacific governments to back independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest rules, and fossil-fuel tie disclosures for COP31. Economy & Cost of Living: Solomon Islands’ CPI rose 1.3% in August; meanwhile the government’s operating deficit widened to SBD$37m in August as revenue fell. SINPF Update: SINPF announced a 5.5% crediting rate and weaker 2026 performance, and said it is selling Tavanipupu Island Resort because it has become a liability. Energy & Infrastructure: Solomon Power launched a 2026–2028 non-fuel tariff framework; the UK is helping draft laws for a new independent energy regulator, and a new US$5.77m aviation complex was opened. Fisheries: The beche-de-mer fishery closes from 31 October. Education & Social Services: Government pledged free universal education by 2027; World Teachers’ Day saw renewed focus on teacher pay, housing, and leave.

Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders meet in Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, pushing to keep 1.5°C within reach as UNEP warns there’s no “safe future” above that level. Climate Finance: A new analysis says Pacific countries need about US$3.3b a year for adaptation, but current finance covers only around a third—pushing more governments toward debt as grants shrink. Integrity at COP31: Transparency International urges Pacific governments to back independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest rules, and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties for COP31. West Papua at the UN: Solomon Islands’ Opposition warns PM Wale must pair West Papua advocacy with diplomatic restraint after Indonesia’s UN response. Human Rights (UPR): Solomon Islands supports 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, but notes 41 on sensitive issues like abortion and decriminalising consensual same-sex relationships. Economy & Cost of Living: The government’s operating deficit widened to SBD$37m in August as revenue fell sharply; CPI rose 1.3% in August. SINPF: The fund’s 2026 crediting rate drops to 5.5% as dividends remain strong but revaluation losses hit overall performance; Finance Minister says a new SINPF Bill will go to Parliament. Energy Reform: The UK and MMERE agree next steps to draft laws for an independent energy regulator to expand power options and cut diesel dependence. Public Services: A new US$48m aviation complex opens, ending years of office rentals and consolidating key aviation and digital functions. Agriculture & Food Security: MALD rice trials enter final field stage ahead of harvest; SIART invests SBD$8.7m in community pig farming groups across three provinces. Inclusive Education: A youth MP with disability calls for equal access to education and services, saying special needs must never be a barrier.

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: PM Matthew Wale met Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta at UNGA margins, discussing economic cooperation and Timor-Leste’s sovereign fund model; Ramos-Horta even floated a no-cost embassy support offer in Dili, which Wale welcomed. Public Finance: The government’s operating deficit widened to SBD$37m in August as revenue fell 39% to $294m, while spending eased to $330m; CBSI also flagged debt stock at $4,499m. Cost of Living: Solomon Islands CPI rose 1.3% in August (2.5% higher than a year earlier), with alcohol/tobacco up sharply and food down. SINPF Retirement Reform: SINPF set a 5.5% crediting rate for FY ending June 2026 (down from 8%), citing unrealised revaluation losses; Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia also committed to bringing a new SINPF Bill to Parliament. Energy Regulation: UK assistance will help MMERE draft the legal framework for an independent energy regulator to cut diesel dependence and lower power costs. Human Rights: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN UPR recommendations but noted 41 on sensitive social/legal issues, stressing capacity limits; the government also said cultural traditions and Christian values should guide implementation. Inclusive Education: A youth MP with disability urged Parliament to ensure special needs are never a barrier, including making Parliament itself accessible. Agriculture & Food Security: MALD’s rice trials (MAL 1 and MAL 2) are in final field stage ahead of harvest, with yield and quality tests next.

UN Human Rights: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 recommendations in its UN Universal Periodic Review, but noted 41 on sensitive issues like decriminalising consensual same-sex relationships, abortion and death-penalty abolition—while stressing it needs resources and capacity before taking on more commitments. Education & Crime Policy: The government pledged free universal education by 2027 and linked its UN stance to tackling transnational crime and setting up a national human rights institution. West Papua Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mathew Wale urged the UN to independently verify persistent human rights reports in West Papua, renewing calls for a UN High Commissioner visit while stressing respect for Indonesia’s sovereignty. Energy Reform: The UK and MMERE agreed the next legal steps toward an independent energy regulator to cut diesel dependence and lower power costs, with secondary legislation work underway. Retirement Fund: SINPF announced a 5.5% crediting rate for FY ending June 2026 (down from 8%), and the Finance Minister committed to bringing a new SINPF Bill to Parliament. Health Services: Naha Birthing & Urban Health Centre moves to 24/7 operations from 6 October. Agriculture & Livelihoods: SIART says $8.7m has been invested in 20 community pig farming groups, supporting 532 households. Trade Capacity: Solomon Islands held a WTO trade negotiations seminar to strengthen government capacity for multilateral talks. Climate & Oceans: Pacific leaders discussed practical climate adaptation, ocean governance and financing needs at the 8th Virtual Island Summit.

Energy Reform: The UK and Solomon Islands’ MMERE have agreed the next stage of energy reforms to set up an independent energy regulator, with UK legal and technical support to draft the secondary legislation needed for licensing and electrical worker certification. Human Rights (UN): Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 recommendations in its UN Human Rights Council UPR, while noting 41 on sensitive issues; the government said cultural traditions and Christian values should guide how human rights obligations are interpreted and implemented. Finance & Pensions: SINPF members will receive a 5.5% crediting rate for the year ending 30 June 2026 (down from 8%), with the minister linking the rate to fund performance and outlining plans to modernise SINPF legislation. Governance & Rule of Law: SINU Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau told the Attorney-General’s Conference that public institutions must prioritise merit and fairness over personal connections to build public trust. Health Services: Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre will expand to 24/7 operations from 6 October, including continuous outpatient and low-risk delivery services. Natural Resources Transparency: Solomon Islands has rejoined EITI, with UNDP saying it strengthens transparency and accountability as gold and nickel projects expand. Agriculture: SIART says it has invested $8.7m in 20 community pig farming groups across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, supporting 532 households.

Human Rights at UN: Solomon Islands’ Fourth UPR outcomes were adopted in Geneva, with the government supporting 140 of 181 recommendations and noting 41, saying cultural traditions and Christian values should guide how human rights obligations are interpreted and implemented. Extractives Transparency: Solomon Islands has rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) after an eight-year exit, with UNDP calling it a step toward stronger accountability as gold and nickel projects expand. Energy Regulation: The UK and Solomon Islands’ MMERE agreed on next steps to create an independent energy regulator, aiming to cut reliance on diesel and lower electricity costs, with draft legislation targeted for early 2027. Health Services: Honiara’s Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre moves to 24/7 operations from 6 October, expanding outpatient and low-risk delivery services. Public Trust & Governance: SINU Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau told the Attorney-General’s Conference that public institutions must prioritise merit and fairness over connections to build trust. Security Incident: Police in Auki arrested a 30-year-old over a Lalana Island stabbing that left a 45-year-old in critical condition.

UN Extractives Transparency: Solomon Islands has rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), with UNDP saying the move is meant to strengthen transparency and accountability as gold and nickel projects expand, and Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia links it to better public confidence in how revenues are collected and used. Health Services: The Ministry of Health says the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre will operate 24/7 from 6 October, with continuous outpatient and birthing services for low-risk mothers and referrals for high-risk cases. World Heart Day: Health officials marked World Heart Day in Honiara, urging coordinated action to prevent, detect and treat rheumatic heart disease. West Papua at the UN: PM Matthew Wale renewed calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to be allowed to visit West Papua for independent verification, while Indonesia’s government rejected allegations of systematic rights violations and said it addresses credible claims through national legal mechanisms. Public Trust & Governance: SINU VC Dr Transform Aqorau told the Attorney-General’s Conference that public institutions must put merit, fairness and accountability ahead of personal connections. Public Safety: Police arrested a 30-year-old man over a Lalana Island stabbing in Malaita that left a 45-year-old in critical condition. Diplomacy with China: Acting PM Francis Sade and Chinese officials marked seven years of ties, highlighting expanded cooperation across infrastructure, health, trade and connectivity.

EITI Rejoin: Solomon Islands has rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, with the Finance Minister saying the move will boost transparency and public confidence as mining output grows. Public Service Integrity: SINU Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau told the Attorney-General’s Conference that appointments and public money must be merit-based, warning that wantokism should not decide access to state roles or contracts. UN Diplomacy—West Papua: PM Matthew Wale again pressed the UN for the High Commissioner for Human Rights to be allowed into West Papua for independent verification, while also calling for UN Security Council veto reform. UN Climate Finance Push: Wale told the UN that the world has the resources for climate action but lacks political will, urging stronger adaptation and loss-and-damage funding. Police Leadership Training: Two RSIPF officers have gone to the UK for a month-long leadership programme under the UK College of Policing. Provincial Compliance: Makira-Ulawa moved to enforce shipping licence rules, barring a vessel until fees were settled, while Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu urged stability and warned unlicensed operators undermine provincial revenue. Governance on the Ground: Makira-Ulawa is rolling out compliance stickers for public transport, and Central Kwara’ae’s Kunkwaikwai land group has reached the public notice stage for customary land recording.

Police Leadership: Two senior RSIPF officers, Aipo Kabwere and Wilken Miriki, have gone to the UK for a month-long International Leadership Programme under the UK College of Policing, part of the Pacific Policing Leadership Programme. Customary Land Recording: The Kunkwaikwai customary landholding group in Ward 30, Central Kwara’ae (Malaita) has reached the three-month public notice stage on the Solomon Islands Government portal, with copies posted in public places for transparency. UN Climate & Finance: PM Matthew Wale used UNGA to urge real climate adaptation and resilience funding, warning that small states are paying for impacts while global action falls short. West Papua & UN Access: Wale renewed calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua, linking the issue to decolonisation and self-determination, while also pushing for UN Security Council veto reform. Governance & Compliance: Makira-Ulawa moved to tighten shipping and transport compliance—barring a vessel over unpaid provincial licensing and rolling out stickers for public transport operators meeting requirements. Youth Parliament: For the first time, children aged 12–15 will join the National Youth and Children’s Parliament (Sept 28–Oct 1) alongside youths, focusing on inclusive social services.