AGP Executive Report

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.

UN West Papua Push: PM Matthew Wale used UNGA to demand an end to UN Security Council veto powers and renewed calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua, framing it as independent verification and “nothing to hide.” Climate Finance & AI: Wale also argued the world has the resources for climate action but lacks will, calling for full funding of loss and damage and resilience mechanisms, and urged AI benefits be shared fairly. Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information and stronger support for journalists. Women & Youth Protection: A spotlight on rising trafficking and violence risks after major floods underlines the need to intensify protection measures for girls. Domestic Governance & Compliance: Makira-Ulawa moved to tighten shipping license compliance by barring a vessel until fees are settled, while transport sticker rollouts aim to enforce safety and revenue rules. Regional Politics & Capacity: Solomon Islands and Indonesia agreed to boost trade and cooperation, including fisheries and education ties. Sports & Civic Participation: PNG booked the MSG Women’s Cup final; Solomon Islands’ National Youth and Children’s Parliament brings children into national parliamentary discussions for the first time.

West Papua at UNGA: PM Matthew Wale told the UN General Assembly that reported human rights abuses in West Papua have gone on “far too long” and should be independently verified, while renewing calls for Indonesia to allow a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit by a Melanesian Spearhead Group deadline of 31 Dec 2026. AI governance: Wale also urged that AI benefits and risks be governed fairly by all nations, warning against a widening digital divide. Provincial shipping and transport compliance: Makira-Ulawa barred a landing craft from unloading in Kirakira over unpaid provincial shipping licensing, and is rolling out compliance stickers for public transport owners to enforce revenue and vehicle safety rules. Guadalcanal stability and revenue: Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu called for political stability and warned unlicensed operators—especially around Henderson—are undermining the province’s progress as the provincial budget rises to $71.7m. Public institutions and youth: National Youth and Children’s Parliament opens 28 Sep–1 Oct with children joining for the first time, alongside youths, to discuss decentralised social services. Security and UXO training: The US handed RSIPF a new EOD training classroom at Hell’s Point. Diplomacy: Indonesia and Solomon Islands agreed to boost trade and cooperation, including fisheries and agriculture, and to expand representation in Jakarta. Climate and development: Solomon Islands secured a three-year UN extension to prepare for LDC graduation (2024–2027). Women’s empowerment: Minister John Maneniaru urged stronger cooperation with UN Women as a national violence-prevention strategy heads to Cabinet in October.

UNGA Security & Drugs: Prime Minister Matthew Wale told the UN General Assembly that transnational crime networks use the Pacific as a “highway for illicit drugs,” and said Solomon Islands is amending its Dangerous Drugs Act, strengthening enforcement, and joining UNTOC to boost cooperation. Climate Pressure at the UN: Pacific leaders, including Wale and Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu, pushed for real emissions cuts and climate finance that reaches frontline communities, warning sea-level rise is already damaging livelihoods and infrastructure. Road Safety Capacity-Building: A 14-person Solomon Islands delegation is in Fiji on an Australia-supported study tour to improve vehicle licensing, traffic enforcement, road safety and road maintenance as an integrated system. Women’s Rights & UN Women: Minister John Maneniaru met UN Women in New York, backing a National Prevention Strategy to End Violence Against Women and Girls (2026–2038) for Cabinet submission in October. Police UXO Training Boost: The US handed RSIPF a new EOD training classroom at Hell’s Point to expand demining and explosive ordnance disposal training. Governance & Organised Crime: A senior police official called for a stronger whole-of-government approach to transnational organised crime, warning of gaps between laws and enforcement. Development on the Ground: Australia-backed community projects delivered new water supply and solar lighting in Kolombangara, plus a new Ruavatu Parish community hall in Guadalcanal. Regional Leadership: MASI congratulated journalist Elizabeth Osifelo on her election as Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA).

UNGA Security & Drugs: Prime Minister Matthew Wale told the UN General Assembly that transnational crime networks are using the Pacific as a “highway for illicit drugs,” and said Solomon Islands is amending the Dangerous Drugs Act, strengthening law enforcement, and joining UNTOC to boost cooperation. Climate Action Push: Pacific leaders at UNGA urged real emissions cuts and fair climate finance; Wale warned promises are over, while Solomon Islands’ PM Matthew Wale and Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu stressed sea-level rise as a present threat needing adaptation funding and support for climate mobility. Police Capacity Boost: The U.S. handed RSIPF a new UXO training classroom at Hell’s Point under MARFORPAC’s Humanitarian Mine Action programme, supporting demining and EOD training. Regional Diplomacy: Indonesia and Solomon Islands agreed to deepen trade, fisheries and agriculture cooperation, and expand education and culture agreements, while Indonesia invited SI business leaders to Trade Expo Indonesia. Women’s Rights Agenda: Minister John Maneniaru met UN Women to advance ending violence against women and girls, women’s economic empowerment, and a National Prevention Strategy (2026–2038) headed for Cabinet in October. Governance & Crime Enforcement: A senior police official called for a whole-of-government approach to transnational organised crime, warning about gaps between laws and enforcement and urging stronger coordination and resourcing. Development Delivery: Australia-backed community projects continued in Western and Guadalcanal provinces, including a new water supply for Ghatere and solar lighting for Kolombangara communities, plus a Ruavatu Parish community hall handover. Regional Media Leadership: MASI congratulated journalist Elizabeth Osifelo on her election as Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association.

UN Climate Pressure: PNG PM James Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale used UNGA to demand “real action” on sea-level rise, calling out “empty promises” from major polluters and urging faster emissions cuts and climate finance. Climate Legal Push: Pacific Forum SG Baron Waqa hailed the ICJ climate advisory opinion as a “historic milestone” and a legal roadmap for climate justice. Security & UXO Training: The US handed RSIPF a new EOD training classroom at Hell’s Point under its humanitarian mine action programme, boosting RSIPF capacity for demining and explosive ordnance disposal. LDC Status: The UN granted Solomon Islands a three-year extension to prepare for graduation from the least developed country category (2024–2027). Organised Crime Focus: A whole-of-government approach is urged to tackle transnational organised crime, with calls for stronger coordination, enforcement and institutional capacity. Agriculture Support: SIART says 14,665 farmers are supported via SBD38.08m in grant agreements with 96 producer organisations across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela urged g7+ members to strengthen cooperation and mechanisms for stability, resilience and influence in global decision-making. Education & Skills: USP held its Solomon Islands graduation for 215 students, with leaders stressing Pacific regionalism and turning knowledge into action. Sports: MSG Prime Minister’s Cup standings tightened after Solomon Islands drew Vanuatu 3-3, keeping the final race wide open.

UN diplomacy & climate pressure: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale and PNG leaders used UNGA81 to demand real emissions cuts and stronger support as sea-level rise threatens livelihoods, with Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu calling for adaptation finance, climate mobility support, and respect for international legal obligations. Legal push for climate justice: Forum SG Baron Waqa hailed the ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations as a “historic milestone,” while Pacific AGs and legal teams are in Nadi for a writeshop preparing submissions. Regional security & crime: Permanent Secretary Trevor Unusu urged a whole-of-government approach to transnational organised crime, warning of gaps between laws and enforcement and calling for better coordination and institutional capacity. UXO & public safety: The U.S. handed over a UXO training classroom at Hell’s Point to the RSIPF to expand humanitarian demining and EOD capacity. Labour mobility: Australia confirmed Solomon Islands is among 10 PALM scheme eligible countries for work placements. Community development: Australia-backed projects delivered new water supply and solar lighting on Kolombangara, and Ruavatu Parish took ownership of a new community hall. Agriculture support: SIART says 14,665 farmers are supported via SBD38.08m in grant agreements with 96 producer organisations across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa. Education & governance: USP held its Solomon Islands graduation (215 graduates), with leaders stressing Pacific regionalism and turning knowledge into action. Health advice: Health Ministry urged Honiara residents with non-emergency symptoms to use city clinics rather than NRH emergency. International ties: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela urged stronger g7+ cooperation, and India was placed on the PIF “strategic partner stream,” with FIPIC talks covering renewable energy, climate action and disaster resilience.