BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
GUADALCANAL Province (GP) plans to hold a land summit this year as part of resolving land issues on the island.
The assurance was revealed by GP Premier Anthony Veke in a dialogue with the UN Peacebuilding Project Manager this week to discuss peacebuilding activities in the province as part of UN support to peacebuilding in Solomon Islands.
“The summit is aim at assisting people of Guadalcanal on finding best model for solution on how land could be used effectively for development without creating conflict.
“It will be an opportunity to also hear from the landowner, women and youth on how land reform should be addressed.
“Addressing land issues is not easy, but it is essential for peacebuilding.”
Mr Veke said organising the conference this year will be a major milestone in land issue resolution building for the province.
UN Peacebuilding Project Manager (UN PBF) in Solomon Islands Mr Agus Wandi supports Guadalcanal’s initiative, saying this is one of the country’s most important issues which need continuous discussion both at the provincial and the national front.
Wandi said land issue is closely linked to peacebuilding in Solomon Islands in the long term.
He said UN’s peacebuilding programme is designed to support sustaining peace in Solomon Islands in the immediate post RAMSI and election period.
With that, Wandi encourages inclusive implementation of solutions addressing development and peacebuilding challenges in Solomon Islands.
On the land summit, Guadalcanal will cost share the event and will ensure inclusive participation with women and youths will also be invited.
Guadalcanal is also committed to promoting women’s stronger participation.
