BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Solomon Islands’ laws could be taught in schools as early as 2028.

This is once the Compulsory Legal Education Project is implemented.

This historic project is being driven by the Attorney General’s Chambers and is part of the GNUT government’s Policy Reform Agenda, particularly under the pillars of good governance, social stability, youth empowerment, and access to justice, a statement by the Government Communications Unit (GCU) yesterday said.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA), the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) attended a meeting held by Attorney-General John Muria Jnr yesterday to discuss the introduction of formal basic understanding of law, rights and the role of institutions in schools.

There is an urgent need identified by the Government, that is to educate young Solomon Islanders about their rights and responsibilities, civic duties, and the role of public institutions since more than 70 per cent of the population are young people, the statement said.

The meeting held was to coordinate policy, curriculum development, and institutional responsibilities required for successful implementation.

It is said to be a critical strategy to promote civic behaviour, civic responsibility, social cohesion and national stability.

Students will be provided with foundational knowledge of the Constitution of Solomon Islands, the functions of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, and the importance of law in everyday life, the statement said.

“This is about empowering our young people with knowledge, building respect for institutions, and strengthening national unity.

“An informed citizen is essential to sustaining democracy, preventing conflict, and supporting development,” said Attorney-General Muria.

The project recognises the importance of legal education as an access to justice, and early exposure civic and constitutional ethics promotes a responsible citizenship.

The Project is an initiative of the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), that is expected to rollout by 2028.

The Attorney-General reaffirms the Government will ensure that by 2028, students in the country will have the opportunity to learn and understand the basic legal systems, laying the foundation for a future defined by the rule of law, accountability, and informed participation in national life.

This initiative is one of its kind for the country, since introducing structured legal studies into national school curriculum is a reform which has not been taken by any government.

Photo credit: GCU

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Solomon Islands Office has said it looks forward to the full utilisation of resources provided under Japan’s Project for Economic and Social Development Programme.

Resident Representative of JICA Solomon Islands Office, Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi emphasised this at the signing of the Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for the Project for Economic and Social Development Programme on Wednesday this week.

Under the project, the Japanese Government has invested 330 million Japanese Yen (approximately 17 million Solomon Islands Dollars) for the Ministry of Forestry and Research, and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology.

This support will enable Japan to provide essential heavy machinery, including bulldozers, backhoe loaders, and dump trucks valued at 147 million Japanese Yen to address waste management under MECDM and an additional 50 sawmills, valued at 183 million Yen, to the Ministry of Forestry and Research.

Delivering his remarks, Mr Kawasaki said this achievement reflects the strong and enduring partnership between JICA and the Government of Solomon Islands.

He said this project is not only about developing economic resources and sustainable forest and solid waste management, but is also about deepening bilateral relations between Solomon Islands and Japan.

“We believe that the resources provided will be fully utilised and achieve the mandate expected from the Solomon Islands government. The Grant aid will assist in terms of sustainable harvesting of forestry, and to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECCDM), the grant aid will support the issue of waste management both in Honiara and Auki,” Kawasaki said.

He said the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016–2035 emphasises the need to promote resilient and environmentally sustainable development, which falls under “NDS Objective 4”.

He said this grant will undoubtedly contribute to achieving that goal by ensuring sustainable harvest of forestry and management of solid waste. 

“I reaffirm our commitment to working closely with the Government of Solomon Islands and our partners to achieve SDG Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss and SDG Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable,” Kawasaki said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Government of Japan is honoured to sign the Exchange of Notes for two new projects under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme.

Mr Katsumasa Maruo, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan, said the above during a ceremony for the Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for the Economic and Social Development Programme for the Ministry of Forestry and Research and for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology yesterday.

“Together, these initiatives represent an investment of 330 million Japanese Yen (approximately 17 million Solomon Islands Dollars). This is a significant milestone in our enduring partnership.

“First, we address Waste Management. As Honiara and Auki grow, so does the challenge of waste,” he said.

He said that rapid modernisation has created more waste than current systems can handle.

“To face this, Japan will provide essential heavy machinery—including bulldozers, backhoe loaders, and dump trucks—valued at 147 million Yen. These tools will help local councils improve waste collection and disposal, protecting both the health of your citizens and your precious marine ecosystems.

“Second, we focus on the Forestry Sector. For years, Japan has worked with the Ministry of Forestry and local communities to shift away from exporting raw logs toward sustainable management and local processing,” Katsumasa Maruo said.

He said that following the successful delivery of 67 sawmills last year and JICA’s long-standing technical support, demand for this program has grown.

He said that Japan will provide an additional 50 sawmills, valued at 183 million Yen, in response to the Solomon Islands Government’s request to empower 50 more communities to process their own timber.

He said that this protects your forests and brings direct economic benefits to the village level.

“These projects are designed to work hand-in-hand with JICA’s ongoing technical projects, such as the ‘Project for Promotion of Regional Initiatives on Solid Waste Management in Pacific Island Countries (J-PRISM) Phase 3’ and the ‘Sustainable Forest Resource Management Advisor,” he said.

He said that Japan believes that equipment is only one part of the solution and their ultimate goal is the transfer of knowledge for Solomon Islanders to gain the skills to manage their own resources independently.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE drafting of Solomon Islands’ National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is progressing well, with the country on track to develop a comprehensive plan by 2028.

Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Polycarp Paea, made the statement during his presentation on the country’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

He said the government has already identified key sectors that are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including water and sanitation, health, agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure and education.

“We have already identified key sectors vulnerable to climate impacts and initiated adaptation planning and action across all nine provinces,” Paea said.

However, he said the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events continue to cause loss and damage, further compounding the country’s development challenges.

Paea said climate change remains a major concern for Solomon Islands, posing an ever-growing threat to people’s wellbeing, economic livelihoods, the environment and biodiversity.

He said that despite contributing very little to global greenhouse gas emissions, Solomon Islands continues to face severe impacts of climate change.

“As a Small Island Developing State and Least Developed Country, we bear the brunt of a crisis we did not cause, noting that our contribution is less than 0.0015 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions,” Paea said.

He said the country’s commitment to global climate action remains at the top.

“Regardless of our minimal contribution, we remain committed to showing leadership and commitment in addressing climate change at the global level,” Paea said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

The Solomon Islands has reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement by submitting its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Aligned with Article 4 of the Paris Agreement and relevant Conference of the Parties (COP) decisions, the updated NDC reflects the country’s ongoing dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resilience, and promoting climate justice.

It also anticipates the Agreement’s enhanced transparency requirements, while accounting for the nation’s unique capacities and circumstances.

“Our NDC 3.0 outlines realistic and ambitious mitigation targets under both ‘with measures’ and ‘with additional measures’ scenarios—projecting an emissions reduction of up to 34 percent below Business-as-Usual levels by 2035 when additional removals from afforestation and reforestation are considered,” said Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Meteorology and Disaster Management, Polycarp Paea.

He said the country’s stewardship of its extensive forests, which continue to serve as vital carbon sinks.

“Our existing forests sequester significantly more carbon annually than the greenhouse gas emissions from other sectors,” Paea said.

He said that achieving the NDC 3.0 goals will require sustained and scaled-up international support in climate finance, capacity building, and technology transfer.

“Without this, transformative progress across all sectors will remain limited,” Paea said.

He said Pacific Island neighbours and other vulnerable nations are calling on the global community to match ambition with action and deliver climate justice for those most affected but least responsible.

“As Minister responsible for climate change, I proudly endorse and present this Third Nationally Determined Contribution on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government,” Paea said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A one-day Introduction to “Leadership workshop” was held at Baresama community, North Vella La Vella, on Thursday, 8th last week, with request from Chief Bently Pano and Pastor Jule Tora after the new year celebration.

The topics covered were 20 leadership quotes, six common styles of leadership, and the application of leadership styles in different situations.

The workshop was hosted at the community hall centre, where chiefs, women leaders, church leaders, youth leaders and children attended the event.

The workshop was led by Sirubai Voko Tribe Association (SVTA) members, Pastor Jonathan (Community Facilitator) and Henry Kaniki.

It was a two-way learning workshop where facilitators and participants shared their experiences and traditional wisdom on the topic of “leadership” and its application at the community level.

One of the participants, Elder Sakepitu, said that this training is crucial for leaders in various community organisations as it will equip them with their roles.

He said in most cases, most community leaders just get the role with no proper training, hence this workshop is helpful.

During the workshop, the youths demonstrated two scenarios of what a good leader and a bad leader means to them in a short role-play session.

They also integrated traditional leadership values in the role play, which demonstrated a clear example of common situations that they face in the community.

Mrs Patricia Maeke (Former Church Pastor) highlighted the significance of having such training for church leaders and mothers alike.

“It will help us mothers to be good leaders in the family,” she said.

Participants were able to share their knowledge on the topic through Q&A, group presentations and short demonstrations.

There will be a follow-up workshop for Baresama later this year to complete the session.

Photo credit: SVTA

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu, commends the Premier’s Secretariat office for its pivotal role in supporting the effective implementation of provincial government policies.

The Secretariat, established by his administration, has proven to be a crucial asset in strengthening the province’s governance.

Speaking at the 2025/2026 Revised Budget Meeting in Kirakira last month, Premier Siapu highlighted the office’s significant contribution to provincial policy affairs.

Siapu emphasized the Secretariat’s efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out the provincial government’s directives and instructions, particularly in areas where the provincial administration has limited capacity or has faced challenges in delivering services.

“The provincial administration is comprised of a small team, including the Provincial Secretary, Deputy Provincial Secretary, Personnel Officer, and Registry Officers.

“In such a setup, the Secretariat has effectively become the operational arm of the province—transforming decisions into tangible actions,” Siapu said.

He went on to describe how the Secretariat responds quickly to emerging needs, removes bottlenecks, and ensures that the provincial government’s priorities are translated into real outcomes for the people.

“The Premier’s Secretariat is crucial in filling gaps where the administration might fall short, and it plays a vital role in ensuring that the government’s decisions are implemented efficiently,” Siapu said.

Recognizing the importance of maintaining its effectiveness, the Premier revealed that the Secretariat is currently undergoing a Mid-Term Review by a three-member taskforce. This review will assess the office’s efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall performance while identifying areas for improvement.

“This review is not a political exercise—it is a test of accountability and the responsible use of public resources. The Secretariat must remain a tool for development, not a drain on public finances,” Siapu said.

He reaffirms his commitment to ensure the Secretariat continues to deliver value to the people of Makira Ulawa Province.

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