BY LORETTA B MANELE

This week, at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Side Event “Unpacking Resilience-Strengthening Systems, Capacities and Practical Solutions”, panelists briefly spoke about different aspects relating to climate resilience.

The session was opened with a few remarks from Rex Ramofafia, Minister for the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC).

He expressed that the region must move on from financing resilience in theory to building it in concrete reality, especially in rural areas.

“Mainstream resilience is not a choice, it is a necessity. Our national and sectoral planning and budget cycle are the most critical windows for this integration,” said Ramofafia.

A panel discussion was held with three panelists namely; Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua, Adviser to Tongan PM, Agnetha Vave Karamui, Deputy Secretary Technical, MECDM and Roy Mae, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Planning.

Siamomua, who is the advisor to the Tongan Prime Minister Aisake Eke, highlighted that it is important to hold governments accountable to ensure that every penny meant for climate resilience is actually spent on climate resilience.

She their government is working on what they call “tracking the money” to ensure that money is allocated to the right tasks in terms of agencies budget.

Agnetha Vave Karamui, Deputy Secretary Technical spoke about community-based disaster tools.

She said they have been working with communities to help them develop their disaster management plans.

Karamui mentioned that this work involves technical training and improving the capacity of rolling out the plans.

The third panelist was Roy Mae, the Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Planning, who spoke about climate budgeting.

He pointed out that the progress of climate budgeting is linked to Solomon Islands national and environmental systems.

Mae also stated that there is ongoing reform on climate budget at country level to strengthen coordination between the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, the Ministry of National Planning, as well as the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.

The session allowed discussions centered on the importance of tracking funding for climate resilience, the roll out of community-based disaster tools and climate budget reform.

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54th Pacific Forum leaders summit ends in Honiara with resounding call for all nations to respond to climate change

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Action on climate change is the main highlight of the outcomes of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ summit in Honiara.

The 2025 Communique of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting includes a statement by the leaders which includes six components.

The communique was made available during a press conference on Friday evening, September 12, 2025, the last day of the 54th PIF Meeting.

Present at the press conference were PIF Secretary General, Baron Waqa and Troika group which includes former PIF Chair, Tongan PM, Aisake Eke, current PIF Chair, Solomon Islands PM, Jeremiah Manele and representing incoming chair, Palau, was their Foreign Minister, Gustav Aitaro.

The first is that they now recall the “Boe Declaration on Regional Security and Kainaki II Declaration for Urgent Climate Change Action”.

Secondly, the leaders reaffirm that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the people of the Pacific and is a critical barrier to achieving our leaders’ vision in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the UN Sustainable Development Goals globally.

In third place, is the call from the PIF leaders for all nations to urgently respond to climate change.

This is followed by their reaffirmation of Pacific Islands Forum support for Australia’s bid for COP31 as a Pacific COP and their strong commitment to host this historical international engagement in 2026.

“…to accelerate global action to set us on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and its subsequent,” said the statement.

The 54th PIF leaders also commit to championing the needs of all countries impacted by climate change, particularly the most vulnerable and to refocus on global efforts on accelerating practical action and scaling up support in line with the Paris Agreement and its first global stocktake, reiterating the vital importance of keeping 1.5C within reach.

Finally, the leaders celebrate Pacific leadership in driving regional solutions to global challenges as demonstrated through the establishment of the Pacific Resilience Facility, which will be decisive step forward in securing a resilient future for the Blue Pacific Continent.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Member of Parliament for West Kwaio Claudius Tei’ifi is reportedly working closely with the three local houses of chiefs in his constituency.

He said the reason his office aims to build the chiefs’ houses is that any development that takes place will happen on the land, and it must be settled first.

The three Houses of Chiefs in West Kwaio are Lafari House of Chiefs in Ward 28, Kwaisie House of Chiefs in Ward 27, and Longa’alata House of Chiefs in Ward 26.

He said that the building of the three houses for the chiefs will provide a comfortable space for the chiefs to discuss very important matters regarding land settlement.

“This is why our constituency office has prioritized building those three chief houses. It will provide a comfortable space for the chiefs to settle land issues in terms of land demarcation,” he said.

He said that as the Bina Harbour tuna processing project is nearing implementation, it is very important for the chiefs to settle land issues first.

“We are the hosts of this Bina Harbour project, so we must get ready and prepare for the development of the project.

“If we don’t prepare and get ready for the development of the Bina Harbour project, we are the ones who will be affected,” he said.

Tei’ifi said that once the houses are complete, he will call on land and criminal chiefs and every landowner to discuss and correct any mistakes they find.

“Once the construction of the houses is complete, we will call all the chiefs and landowners together to discuss the issues like genealogies, land recording, correct the mistakes, and put strong laws in place to protect our lands,” he said.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) proudly held its annual graduation ceremony yesterday at Maranatha Hall, honouring the academic achievements of 1,428 students.

This year’s graduating class is one of the largest in the university’s history, with 60 percent female and 40 percent male graduates spanning a wide range of disciplines across SINU’s faculties and schools.

Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau addressed the gathering, congratulating the graduates on their remarkable accomplishments under the theme “Charting New Horizons: Our Stories, Our Future”.

He highlighted the unique journeys each graduate has taken, overcoming challenges and reaching new heights, now ready to embark on fresh paths equipped with knowledge, values, and dreams to shape the nation’s future.

“This class of 2025 is truly exceptional from teaching and nursing to business, engineering, science, and agriculture, these graduates stand ready to serve our country with pride and dedication,” said Aqorau.

A special milestone was celebrated with the conferral of a Master of Science by Research, the highest degree awarded this year. Kabini Fa’ari Afia received this honour, marking a proud moment for both himself and SINU, showcasing the university’s growing academic excellence.

Aqorau acknowledged the resilience and determination of the graduates, many of whom balanced studies with work, family responsibilities, or personal hardships.

He also expressed gratitude to the families, lecturers, and support staff whose unwavering support made this day possible.

“Behind every graduate is a network of support,” he said, thanking parents, spouses, siblings, faculty, and administrative staff for their vital roles.

“Your encouragement and dedication have been the wind beneath their wings,” he added.

Despite challenges such as limited facilities and resources, Aqorau praised the graduates’ adaptability and resourcefulness, noting that their success is a testament to their courage and character.

He assured that SINU is committed to improving infrastructure and services for future students.

The Vice Chancellor reminded graduates that leadership is rooted in service, humility, and responsibility.

“To lead is to serve,” he said, urging graduates to carry this forward as they step into leadership roles in their communities and workplaces.

He encouraged them to dream big and make a difference, no matter their origins.

“Smallness is a state of mind,” he quoted Pacific scholar Leight Eppeli, urging graduates to think beyond limits and embrace their potential to impact the world.

As the ceremony concluded, Vice Chancellor Aqorau called on graduates to reflect on their achievements and the responsibility that comes with their education.

“Do not ask what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” he urged.

The class of 2025 now joins the ranks of SINU alumni, ready to chart new horizons and contribute to the nation’s bright future.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Spouses of the 54th PIF (Pacific Islands Forum) Leaders Meeting are keen to bring St Joseph’s National Secondary School water issue to PIF Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa’s attention.

This was raised by Louisa Waqa, wife of Mr Waqa after the spouses paid a visit to the school on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

Speaking to the media after the visit, she stressed that the school with over 700 students is a big school and one concern the principal raised was not having enough supply of water.

Waqa expressed that as a teacher by profession, she understands the principal’s concern about the issue of water.

“As we all know, water is needed every day. So as a teacher, I can see where the principal is coming from,” she said.

Waqa mentioned that this is something she will discuss with the other spouses and she will try her best to bring the issue forward to the PIF Secretary General.

“To see if we can get some assistance to better the water situation because it is necessary. If we are to promote healthy living, water is very, very important,” she stressed.

On another note, having visited the Art Gallery, Amazing Grace Boutique Cocoa Farm, a trade fair organised by Central Guadalcanal Youths, St Joseph’s National Secondary School and Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands, Waqa said she is very amazed at what is happening around Honiara.

She expressed that it is good to see a lot of local products and to learn a lot from these visits.

Of all the visits, the main attraction for her was the visit to St Joseph’s National Secondary School.

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BY BEN BILUA

THE Solomon Islands has signed a Security Agreement with Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele sealed the 10-year Security Agreement before heading to Munda, in Western Province for the Forum Leaders Retreat yesterday morning.

Speaking during the signing, Manele said the security agreement marks another historical milestone on the long and enduring relationship between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

He said the new security agreement is to Administer the Special Areas 1989 Agreement and a memorandum of understanding on combined surveillance for the maritime border agreed by the two countries.

Manele said an updated framework is destined to address current and future issues.

He said the agreement is fitting as both countries are connected by culture, by bloods and by geography countries.

Manele said the agreement reflects commitments to build a resilient future rooted in cooperation, common understanding and mutual respect for prosperity.

“We are here to reaffirm our shared responsibilities to preserve traditional rights for our people, their movement, trade and cultural exchange – strengthening our national obligation for law and order, peace stability and good neighbour relations.

“This is inline with the theme of 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting ‘Iumi Tugeda: Act now for Integrated Blue Pacific Continent’ – our action today embodies the spirit of the wantok spirit and close economic integration between people along the borders,” he said.

Marape acknowledges the agreement saying that Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea are good friends with close bloodlines and culture.

He said the agreement will play an important role on people’s movement on both side while respecting the maritime law and border.

“Happy to be here with my brother Prime Minister of Solomon Islands”, Marape said.

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