AGP Executive Report

Australia–Solomon Islands Treaty Talks: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela met Australia’s Penny Wong in New York as both sides push to finalise a new treaty ahead of PM Wale’s next bilateral meeting with Anthony Albanese. Diplomacy in Africa: Solomon Islands formally established diplomatic relations with Kenya and Ghana, with joint communiqués signed on the margins of the UN General Assembly. Good Governance & Rule of Law: The Attorney-General’s Conference of Partners (AG-COP) opened in Honiara, urging agencies to build a “culture of lawfulness” and seek legal advice early. Climate Finance: PM Wale pressed UN Secretary-General António Guterres for stronger climate finance, loss and damage support, and protection for Solomon Islands as it transitions out of LDC status. UXO Safety Drive: UXO Director Benzily Kasutaba said 114,560 explosive items have been destroyed, while a HALO Trust technical survey pilot began at Nazarene Terere Primary School in Munda to make schools and communities safer. Infrastructure for Resilience: The Fiu River bridge tender closed, with award expected by December, as MID prepares a climate-resilient replacement under SIRAP2. Road Safety Works: Speed hump installations on Henderson–Mberande Road continue, but MID warns about vandalised signs. Opposition Raises UN Vote Concern: The Opposition criticised government for not exercising Solomon Islands’ UN vote on a Palestine resolution. Tourism & Visas: Tourism Solomons backs the new e-Visa system but wants clarifications from Immigration to reduce uncertainty for travellers and airlines.

Pacific Labour Mobility (PALM): Australia has released the full PALM eligibility list, naming 10 countries whose citizens can qualify to work in Australia, including Solomon Islands (alongside Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa, PNG, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga and Timor-Leste). Tourism & Border Policy: Tourism Solomons backs the government’s move to a digital e-Visa system but says it needs clarification from Immigration on practical details affecting travellers and airlines. UN Vote Row: The Opposition says Solomon Islands failed to exercise its UN General Assembly vote on a Palestine resolution, arguing the country should have made its position known. Diplomacy (Africa links): Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela has signed communiqués to formally establish diplomatic relations with Kenya and Ghana, opening cooperation on agriculture, climate adaptation, ICT and education. Australia Treaty Talks: Solomon Islands and Australia continue treaty discussions ahead of further leader-level engagement in New York. Infrastructure (Malaita): The tender for the climate-resilient Fiu River Bridge closes 18 Sept, with award expected by December. UXO Safety Drive: UXO officials say 114,560 items have been destroyed so far, while Western Province launches HALO Trust UXO survey work at a Munda school. Road Safety Works: Night closures on the Tandai Highway run 9pm–5am for street lighting installation. Governance & Law: The Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties opens in Honiara on “Law at the Centre of Good Governance.” Enforcement: Police in Malaita raid kwaso (homebrew) production sites at Fiu village, warning producers to surrender. Climate Finance Push: PM Wale meets UN Secretary-General Guterres urging stronger climate finance, loss and damage funding, and protection of access as Solomon Islands approaches LDC graduation. Sports: Bula Boys remain winless after a 1-0 loss to Vanuatu in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.

Road Safety & Infrastructure: MID says speed hump works on the Henderson–Mberande Road are progressing under the LMCP, but warns vandals have damaged or removed new road signs, risking safety for motorists and pedestrians. Transport Disruption: The Tandai Highway landside carriageway (Rifle Range Roundabout to Solomon Motors) will close overnight 9pm–5am for three nights for street lighting installation, with daytime access unchanged and detours enforced. Diplomacy & Foreign Policy: Solomon Islands has formally established diplomatic relations with Ghana and Kenya at the UN General Assembly, with talks focused on agriculture, climate resilience, local government, democracy, and people-to-people links. Politics & Governance: A leaked message about an Australian funding package has triggered a no-confidence motion row; Deputy PM Francis Sade says it was a routine treaty update, not political manoeuvring. Public Order: Police in Auki raided kwaso homebrew production sites at Fiu village, pulling down structures and seizing cooking equipment, with arrests expected. Climate & UN Engagement: PM Matthew Wale met UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, pressing for more climate finance, loss and damage funding, and protection for Solomon Islands’ access as it nears LDC graduation. Development & Services: UK support has helped Solomon Islands re-enter the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), with new transparency obligations for the mining sector. Education: SINU Council approved a new Centre for Teaching and Learning to improve teaching quality, staff development, student support, and quality assurance. Security/Justice: HALO Trust launched a UXO technical survey pilot in Munda to identify and support unexploded ordnance clearance.

Climate & Diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale met UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, pushing for more climate finance, stronger adaptation support, loss-and-damage funding, and better recognition of vulnerability via the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index—also raising Solomon Islands’ impending LDC graduation and the need to protect access to resilience financing. Mining Governance: Solomon Islands formally re-entered the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) with UK support, launching the next phase of assistance to help the country meet mining disclosure obligations as gold and nickel projects ramp up. Disaster Finance: PCRIC paid Solomon Islands USD 2m under its Excess Rainfall parametric insurance after August rainfall triggered policy thresholds, with Global Shield and WFP backing premium financing. Education: SINU Council approved a new Centre for Teaching and Learning to improve teaching quality, staff development, student support, digital learning and quality assurance. Security & Safety: HALO Trust launched a UXO technical survey pilot in Munda to identify and support clearance of unexploded ordnance, feeding into broader government UXO efforts. Local Development: CAUSE will hand over 19 completed community infrastructure projects across Gizo and Noro. Marine Planning: MFMR and MECDM, with New Zealand support, mapped marine resource protection priorities in Temotu and Makira-Ulawa, shaping livelihood and climate adaptation plans. Elections Support: Japan announced up to 430 million yen in grants to help Solomon Islands hold fair elections in 2028, including technical support for the election management board. Infrastructure Works: Tandai Highway night closures run 9pm–5am (21–23 Sept) for street lighting installation under the LMCP. Sports & Community News: Police reported a sunken border patrol speed craft recovered in South Bougainville; and SINU mourned the passing of founding leader Sir Nathaniel Waena.

UN Climate Push: PM Matthew Wale met UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, urging bigger climate finance for adaptation and loss-and-damage, better recognition of vulnerability via the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, and support to manage Solomon Islands’ LDC graduation without losing resilience funding. Election Support: Japan says it will provide up to 430 million yen in grants to help Solomon Islands hold fair unified elections in 2028, including technical support for the election management board with UNDP. National Governance & Institutions: The Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) held its Honiara congress on “Beyond Qualifications,” calling for a workforce that thinks, leads and helps strengthen national financial management. Public Safety: Police in Temotu are treating the 12 September beach death of Mathew Mayio (Vanikoro Islands) as suspected murder while investigations continue. Local Delivery & Development: Shortland Islands completed its 2025 Constituency Development Fund delivery of $5m, including boats and outboard engines, plus water tanks, solar cold storage and other materials. Finance Data for Policy: CBSI, with Tebbutt Research and SINSO, will run a national financial services demand-side survey in Sept–Oct 2026, including Makira-Ulawa, to guide financial inclusion policy. Energy & Jobs: Tulagi’s 250kW solar hybrid plant was commissioned, with leaders saying more reliable power can cut costs and support tourism and services. National Mourning: Solomon Islands mourns former Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena, with government condolences highlighting his long public service.

Election Support: Japan will provide up to 430 million yen (about US$2.8m) in grants to help Solomon Islands hold fair elections, including technical support for the election management board ahead of unified elections planned for 2028, with UNDP involvement. Infrastructure & Jobs: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development is preparing to redevelop the old Public Works Department (PWD) compound in Kirakira, Makira-Ulawa, including staff houses and plans to base the Eastern Region Machine Fleet there to support road rehabilitation and tar sealing. Financial Inclusion: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands, with Tebbutt Research and the National Statistics Office, will run the second National Financial Services Demand Side Survey from September to October 2026, covering about 992 adults nationwide, including Makira-Ulawa, to guide policy and track progress on financial inclusion. Renewable Energy: Tulagi’s 250-kilowatt solar power plant has been commissioned, with leaders saying more reliable electricity will cut costs and support tourism, schools and clinics. Public Service & Governance: SINU mourned the passing of founding leader Sir Nathaniel Waena, while the Government and PM Matthew Wale issued formal condolences for the former Governor-General and MP. Civic Education: Parliament’s civic education team visited Vura School to help Form 3 students revise the role of Parliament and democratic governance.

Election Support: Japan will provide up to 430 million yen (about US$3.5m) in grants, with UNDP help, to support Solomon Islands’ election management for unified elections planned in 2028—part of Tokyo’s push to strengthen ties as Solomon Islands shifts away from its 2022 China security pact. National Mourning: Prime Minister Matthew Wale and the GREAT Coalition have offered condolences after the death of former Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena, a long-serving MP and senior public servant. Governance & Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands renews pressure over Cyclone Maila recovery, asking where pledged funds are, what has been spent, and when assistance will reach affected communities. Energy & Development: Tulagi’s solar power plant has been commissioned, with ADB support, as Central Islands Province targets more reliable, affordable electricity to boost services and tourism. Community Projects: World Bank teams visited Honiara communities under the CAUSE II project, reviewing progress on stream cleaning, disability footpaths, and footbridge works. Civic Education: Parliament’s civic education team visited Vura School to brief Form 3 students on Parliament’s role, law-making, representation, and citizen participation. Financial Inclusion: CBSI will run a nationwide financial services demand-side survey from September to October 2026 to map access, usage, satisfaction, and appetite for climate-related financial products.

Constitutional Politics: Fiji’s coalition is weighing whether to delay its February 2027 election, with constitutional adviser Anthony Regan’s Solomon Islands work now in the spotlight—one report warns Fiji could use the Solomon precedent as “legal and political cover” if postponement is announced. National Leadership: Prime Minister Matthew Wale and the GREAT Coalition mourn the death of former Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena, praising his long public service as MP and vice-regal leader. Accountability & Governance: Transparency Solomon Islands demands answers on Cyclone Maila recovery money—asking what funds were received, spent, and when help will reach affected communities. Energy & Infrastructure: Tulagi’s 250kW solar hybrid plant has been commissioned, with Central Islands leaders saying reliable power is key for tourism, services, and future investment. Public Finance & Inclusion: CBSI will run a nationwide Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct 2026) to map access, usage, satisfaction, and appetite for climate-related financial products. Maritime Safety: The MV Anjeanette marine inquiry continues in Honiara, with the board reviewing operations, emergency response, and compliance. Jobs Agenda: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration says it has a plan to create 25,000 jobs (10,000 formal, 15,000 informal/self-employment).

MSG Cup Football: Fiji’s Bula Boys and Solomon Islands played out a 3-3 draw in Suva, with Roy Krishna scoring early, Solomon Islands equalising via a penalty and a late fightback after Fiji’s red card. Renewable Energy: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant in Tulagi, backed by ADB and the Strategic Climate Fund, aiming to cut diesel reliance and improve reliability for tourism, schools and clinics. World Bank & Community Works: World Bank teams visited Honiara CAUSE II sub-project sites (streams, footpaths, a footbridge and a disability centre) and flagged more visits to Western Province, with 19 completed sub-projects set for handover to Western Province and communities. Governance & Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls for public answers on Cyclone Maila recovery money—demanding clear updates on what was received, spent and what remains, and when help reaches families. Finance & Inclusion: CBSI will run a national Financial Services Demand Side Survey (about 992 adults) to track access, usage, satisfaction and readiness for climate-related financial products. Maritime Inquiry: The MV Anjeanette marine inquiry continues in Honiara as witnesses’ availability shifts the schedule; the board says it is not a guilt-finding process. Jobs Plan: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration outlined a 25,000 jobs target across formal and informal sectors.

Security & Diplomacy: Tonga PM Siaosi Sovaleni says Tonga is monitoring Solomon Islands’ China security pact and will raise it at the next Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting. Renewable Power: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW Tulagi solar hybrid plant, backed by ADB and government funding, aiming to cut diesel reliance and improve electricity reliability for communities and businesses. Public Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands and Western Province Premier Billy Veo renewed calls for answers on where millions pledged for Cyclone Maila recovery have gone, urging public updates on funds received, spent, and remaining. National Governance & Civic Education: National Parliament’s civic education team visited Vura School to help Form 3 students revise Parliament’s role, law-making, representation, scrutiny, and citizen participation. Finance & Inclusion: CBSI will run a second Financial Services National Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct 2026) to map access, usage, quality, satisfaction, and readiness for climate-related financial products. Jobs & Private Sector: Commerce/Industry/Labour/Immigration highlighted a plan targeting 25,000 jobs, while SICCI urged faster electricity reforms and lower energy costs to unlock private sector growth. Maritime Safety: The MV Anjeanette marine inquiry continues in Honiara, examining operations, emergency response, and compliance after the July fire. Sports & National Pride: PM Matthew Wale urged Solomon Islands teams to play with discipline as they head to Fiji for the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup; the men’s side opened with a 3-3 draw against Fiji.

Constituency Delivery: Shortland Islands MP Isikeli Vave Jnr says his office has finished the 2025 Constituency Development Programme, distributing a record $5m across productive, essential services, cross-sector and social projects, including boats and engines. Climate Governance: PM Matthew Wale used the 5th Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara to push climate finance as “justice, not charity,” and promised legislation, budgeting, enforcement and reporting to make village-level improvements real. Weather & Early Warning: Pacific Ministers wrapped up PMMM-4 with renewed backing for Weather Ready Pacific, aiming to strengthen weather, climate, ocean and water services and multi-hazard early warning. Public Finance & Skills: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands launched its next National Financial Services Demand Side Survey to update financial inclusion policy, while the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants opened its annual congress on building a workforce that leads and protects public trust. Energy for Health: Malaita clinics received new solar power systems via a Solomon Islands–Australia–UNICEF partnership to improve reliable care, including vaccine cold-chain and maternal services. Infrastructure & Transport: MID says Honiara’s main market and magistrate bus bays are set to return to their original locations as remaining road works near completion. Maritime Accountability: The MV Anjeanette marine inquiry continues in Honiara, examining operations, emergency response and compliance after the July fire.

Marine Safety & Accountability: The MV Anjeanette marine inquiry in Honiara continues, with some witnesses unavailable so hearings run past the original schedule; the board says it is not a guilt-finding court but will examine operations, emergency response, and possible non-compliance. Jobs & Trade Policy: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration has unveiled a plan targeting 25,000 jobs across formal and informal sectors, with agriculture and other key areas flagged as contributors. Public Finance & Skills: The Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) Annual Congress opened in Honiara, focusing on leadership, ethics, and how technology must not replace ethical judgment in public trust roles. Climate & Weather Services: Pacific ministers concluded a meteorology meeting, renewing political backing for Weather Ready Pacific and early warning systems, with Solomon Islands and others set to follow radar and observing upgrades. Infrastructure & Transport: Roadside parking and Honiara bus-bay works are nearing completion, with bus terminals set to return to original locations once utility relocation issues are cleared. Financial Inclusion Survey: The Central Bank will run a nationwide financial services demand-side survey (about 992 adults) to track access, usage, satisfaction, and readiness for climate-related financial products. Energy for Health: Seven Malaita clinics received new solar power systems to improve reliability for services like vaccine cold-chain and maternal care. Democracy in Practice: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says democracy must mean more than elections—citizens’ information, accountability, and Parliament’s constitutional role matter between polls.

Central Banking & Inclusion: CBSI will run its second National Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sep–Oct), sampling about 992 adults nationwide to track access, usage, satisfaction, and readiness for climate-related financial products. Energy & Health Services: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant in Tulagi to cut diesel reliance, while in Malaita seven rural clinics received new solar systems to keep vaccines and essential care running during outages. Urban Infrastructure: MID says Honiara’s main market and magistrate bus bays are nearing reopening after utility coordination delays, with streetlights set to start installation. Private Sector & Jobs: SICCI urged faster reform to lift growth from 3–4% to 7–8%, calling for Electricity Act amendments to open competition and expand affordable solar. Democracy & Governance: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare marked International Day of Democracy, arguing democracy must mean accountability and meaningful participation between elections, not just ballots. Climate Policy: PM Matthew Wale opened the Pacific climate conference in Honiara, pushing climate finance as “justice, not charity” and pledging legislation, enforcement, and stronger weather and ocean services. Regional Diplomacy: The U.S. welcomed Wale’s foreign policy shift, including steps to restore Peace Corps and expand economic and security cooperation. Courts & Accountability: Konofilia is set for sentencing over his role in the 2021 Honiara riots, with renewed scrutiny of the wider political context.

Climate Policy & Security: PM Matthew Wale opened the Fifth Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara, declaring climate change a national security and economic priority and calling for climate finance as “justice, not charity,” with stronger laws, budgeting, enforcement, early-warning systems, and climate-resilient planning to 2050. U.S.-Solomons Pivot: Washington welcomed Wale’s foreign policy shift, saying it wants deeper economic and security ties based on transparency and equal partnership, including investment incentives, a shiprider agreement, and restoring Peace Corps presence. Pacific Diplomacy: The U.S. also backed Taiwan’s continued role in the Pacific Islands Forum while warning of China’s “malign activities,” including IUU fishing and coercion. Health & Services: MHMS reported 303 new COVID-19 cases and three more deaths (all in Honiara), while MHMS and partners delivered solar power to seven Malaita clinics to improve reliable care. Infrastructure & Transport: MID says Honiara’s main-market and magistrate bus terminals will return to original locations after remaining works, with the westbound terminal targeted for Sept 28. Maritime Safety: Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu called for stronger marine weather and ocean services after 2026 sea deaths already doubled 2020–2025 averages. Sports & Youth: Wale urged national football teams heading to Fiji for the MSG Prime Ministers Cup to play with discipline and pride.

Climate & Disaster Policy: PM Matthew Wale opened the Fifth Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara, urging climate finance as climate justice—adequate, predictable, accessible and grant-based—so funds reach provinces and communities, not just Honiara. Regional Diplomacy: The U.S. backed Taiwan’s continued PIF role and warned of China’s “malign activities” in the Pacific, including coercion, illegal fishing and corruption. Marine Safety: Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu called for stronger marine weather and ocean services after 2026 sea deaths already doubled the 2020–2025 average, pushing for higher-resolution forecasts, ocean observations and better community warning systems. Health: Solomon Islands reported 303 new COVID-19 cases (all in Honiara) and three more deaths, with 71 patients hospitalized. Governance & Courts: Honiara’s 2021 riot figure Moffat Konofilia is set for sentencing after conviction for unlawful assembly, with renewed claims about wider political links. Economy & Jobs: GREAT Coalition set a 25,000 jobs target over four years, with reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and cutting business roadblocks. Sports: Solomon Islands’ Bula Boys campaign for the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup kicks off in Fiji, with SI set as a key opening opponent.

Democracy & Governance: Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare marked International Day of Democracy by arguing Solomon Islands democracy must mean more than elections—citizens must be informed, able to question leaders, and demand accountability while accepting responsibility. PM’s Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale is set to travel to the UN General Assembly in New York, with bilateral meetings planned on the margins, after recent political turbulence at the Pacific Islands Forum. Court & Political Scrutiny: Moffat Konofilia faces sentencing on 16 September over his role in the 2021 Honiara riots, with renewed claims circulating about possible wider political connections. Private Sector & Energy Reform: SICCI CEO James Dolarii urged faster electricity market reforms, including amendments to the Electricity Act, to cut business costs and unlock renewable power. Climate Action & Disaster Readiness: Wale opened the 5th Pacific climate conference in Honiara, pushing “Pacific knowledge into Pacific action,” while government received an Excess Rainfall insurance payout after early-August heavy rains. Security Cooperation: RSIPF and ADF completed a drone pilot course under Exercise Coastwatchers, boosting policing capacity for remote surveillance and disaster response. Police-China Link: Solomon Islands reaffirmed police capacity cooperation with China following a ministerial dialogue in Beijing. Local Development: Shortlands Constituency handed over 57 boats and 57 outboard motors to applicants, supporting community transport and livelihoods.