BY MORRIS NAFU

In a stirring address at last week’s Solomon Islands National University (SINU) graduation ceremony held at Maranatha Hall, Vice Chancellor Transform Aqorau called on the Class of 2025 to step forward as role models and leaders in their chosen professions.

“Graduates, you are now empowered to lead,” Aqorau declared.

“The education and experiences you have gained here have prepared you to take on leadership roles in your communities and workplaces. Remember, leadership is not about titles—it’s about mindset and actions.”

Highlighting the unique meaning of leadership in the Solomon Islands, Aqorau reminded graduates of the national motto: “To lead is to serve.”

True leadership, he said, is grounded in humility and service, lifting others up rather than elevating oneself.

“Leadership is about responsibility, integrity, empathy, and vision. It’s not about privilege or power, but about acting honestly, guiding by example, and showing courage and kindness,” he emphasized

Addressing any doubts about their readiness, Aqorau reassured graduates.

“Yes, you are ready. Your time at SINU has equipped you to think critically, act ethically, and face challenges head-on. Never underestimate the impact you can have.”

He quoted Pacific scholar Leight Eppeli, who wisely said, “Smallness is a state of mind.” Aqorau urged graduates to think big and refuse to limit what they or the nation can achieve.

“Your leadership journey may start at home, but your efforts can ripple out globally. In today’s world, even remote voices can be heard. One determined individual can make a world of difference,” he said.

The ceremony celebrated 1,428 proud graduates—60% female and 40% male—ready to serve as teachers, nurses, business leaders, engineers, scientists, and agricultural specialists. As they step into the wider world, Aqorau’s message is clear, “service is the highest expression of leadership.”

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Solomon Islands is emerging as a strong competitor in the Pacific kava industry, with increasing exports to the United States and other international markets.

Speaking at a side event during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara last week, Technical Chair of the Pacific Working Kava Group, Mr. Feiloakitau Tevi, praised the progress of local kava producers.

Mr. Tevi is also the Chair of the Kava Committee Tonga and Advisor Palace Officer for Tonga.

Unlike other Pacific nations where kava is traditional, the crop was only introduced into Solomon Islands in the 1990s. Since then, production has steadily grown, and in recent years a boom has been observed, particularly with exports.

He said the Pacific Forum Trade Working Group, through the Pacific Kava Groups, is exploring potential markets to boost regional kava trade.

“There are about seven kava-producing countries in the region, and one of the key markets we are targeting is the US, along with the EU and other parts of the world,” Mr. Tevi said.

He revealed that Solomon Islands recently shipped two 40-foot containers of kava, about 16,000 kilograms of roots, mostly from Malaita to the United States.

“That is the most recent export. Over the year 2024, Solomon Islands exported 13 tons of kava,” he added, noting the significant growth in the sector.

Mr. Tevi also highlighted the success of the inaugural Pacific Regional Kava Festival, held in Tonga in May this year during the Pacific Week of Agriculture. The event, he said, was an outcome of the Regional Kava Strategy.

He confirmed that Solomon Islands has been selected to host the next Pacific Regional Kava Festival before the 55th Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau next year.

“I think Malaita is holding its hand up to host the Regional Kava Festival. So, we look forward to coming back to Solomon Islands to enjoy the islands — and of course, the kava,” Mr. Tevi said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Peace and security must begin with supportive communities where young people can grow and thrive, says Solomon Islands National Youth Congress General Secretary, Ms. Josie-Anne Ashley.

She made the call during a side event on regional integration and the Ocean of Peace held at the Aquatic Centre alongside the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara.

“On the topic of security, Solomon Islands, as well as other Pacific countries, we all know that young people make up a big portion of the population — 70 percent in the case of Solomon Islands. One growing concern is that we are not utilising our young people to get engaged.

“For young people, that is one major ask for this Ocean of Peace initiative. If we want to have peace, we need to work with our young people and utilise them,” Ms. Ashley said.

She said the key themes emerging from the Ocean of Peace discussion were sovereignty, regional unity, and partnerships.

“On sovereignty, it is something I hold highly, and I wish to see our leaders also stand firmly on it, making sure our needs are taken care of. On regional unity, I ask that our leaders ensure it is kept in place so we can move forward together,” she said.

Ashley added that youth expect to see concrete actions from leaders through the declaration.

“We need to see that our environment is better taken care of to help families grow food more sustainably. We also want our voices heard — to be part of discussions, to share views, and to contribute to solutions,” she said.

On partnerships, Ashley stressed that beyond regional and international ties, leaders must strengthen partnerships at the community level.

“Equally important are the partnerships our leaders have with our people. We want to see stronger connections between government, civil society, and young people, so we can all work together for this Ocean of Peace,” she said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Reverend James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, calls on Pacific Islands Leaders to take the Ocean of Peace Declaration seriously following its endorsement at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara.

Responding to how the Ocean of Peace can benefit Pacific communities, especially the most vulnerable, Rev. Bhagwan said the declaration must go beyond words.

“When we talk about the Ocean of Peace, we talk about what we have already heard. But in all of this, it only talks about the combatants. It doesn’t talk about the indigenous lives that were affected. It doesn’t talk about the communities whose livelihoods were affected,” he said.

He stressed that the declaration must be accessible and shared widely.

“Perhaps the first step is that we all need to have copies of it and share it with our communities. But the test for an inclusive Ocean of Peace is practical. It’s just a simple question.

“Will this declaration ensure that life and dignity are improved for our women, young people, persons with disabilities, and our maritime families? If not, then it’s not peace — it’s publicity,” Rev. Bhagwan said.

He urges leaders to put people before geopolitics, honour customary land and ocean rights, and ensure free, prior, and informed consent in all decisions.

He also calls for the prioritisation of locally led solutions.

Rev. Bhagwan said peace in the Pacific must be understood beyond the narrow security concept, drawing instead from indigenous traditions and ways of living.

“Inclusion must be part of the design and implementation of the Ocean of Peace. We need to collect gender and disability-segregated data, apply universal design, and embed safeguarding practices, so that women, children, survivors of violence, and persons with disabilities are protected,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The ratification of the Ocean of Peace Declaration during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara is timely, says Gustav Aitaro, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Palau.

He made the remarks during the PIF side event, “Building an ‘Ocean of Peace’ through strengthened regional integration”.

“We are blessed that we have peace. Signing this declaration now is very important and timely. It raises the profile of our concerns about our ocean and helps us achieve lasting peace,” Minister Aitaro said.

He noted that regional geopolitics will continue to pose threats, making the declaration a symbol of unity.

“PIF Leaders have discussed this convention from day one. It is our responsibility to provide peace and security for our communities, who will inherit the sovereignty of the Pacific,” he said.

Minister Aitaro stressed that the declaration also ensures that the Pacific can manage its ocean space, rather than leaving it to outside powers.

He also highlighted that this cannot be done alon.

“We cannot do this alone. We must work through partnerships within the region and with external partners. Cooperation and collaboration are key. Sometimes a presence is needed to deter a threat, but prevention is always better than reaction,” he said.

He concluded by emphasizing the need for Pacific countries to stick together to maintain peace across the region’s oceans.

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