BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders have reaffirmed their support and commitment for the security and stability of the Pacific region.

The endorsement of the Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration at the 54th PIF meeting which concluded on Friday in Honiara, was a testament to the collective commitment of Pacific leaders towards regional peace.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, September 12, 2025, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, who also the chair of PIF, Jeremiah Manele highlighted the signing of the Ocean of Peace Declaration, as one of the achievements during the PIF meeting.  

“In our efforts to reiterate the implementation of peace in our region, we endorsed the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration,” he said.

Manele said as highlighted by Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the Ocean of Peace Declaration is a signal that Pacific Islands are seeking a region in which strategic competition is managed.

“Also, a region where stability is the top stone of regional relationships, and where cohesion is assured,” he said.

Manele expressed that the declaration promotes peace-building as an integral element of Pacific regionalism and recognises that sustainable development is essential for addressing the root causes of conflict, fostering lasting harmony, and empowering communities with pride.

Speaking at the endorsement of Ocean of Peace Declaration, Fiji Prime Minister Rabuka, said the region is changing very fast as it faces existential security threats whether it be climate crisis, epidemics, terrorism, transnational organized crime or challenges such as labour mobility, economic fragility, retreat of democracy with competing geo-political interests superimposed over these.

“Today, security, as noted by the Boe Declaration, is a mix bundle – military, transnational organised crime, human security, economic, health, land, housing, drugs, law and order, and the climate crisis.

“With our individual relative isolation and smallness, these challenges are insurmountable. Our hope (repeat) is in the collective,” he said.

Rabuka voiced that nothing must come between the region.

“Nothing must come between us, not even economic interests or the rising seas. A combined Pacific voice rings loud and echoes afar. Our unity is our dignity and strength,” he said.

Photo: PIF

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

As part of Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders’ commitment to deepening regional integration, PIF assures to leave no-one behind with emphasis on collective effort to address priorities of Small Island States in Pacific region.

In a PIF-Troika press conference held on the conclusion of 54th Pacific Island Forum leaders meeting on Friday, September 12, 2025 in Honiara, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Chair of PIF reiterated PIF’s support for SIS.

He said the leaders of the SIS identified their key priorities, and this cannot be driven or achieved in isolation.

“Air and sea transport has been identified as one of the SIS priorities.

“These are crucial for the consideration of deepening regional integration to improve inter-regional trade, access to finance, and sustainable economic development,” Manele said.

According to the unofficial final draft of 54th PIF communique, leaders welcomed priorities identified by SIS members.

In considering the evolving strategic environment, Leaders recognised the unique vulnerabilities and challenges of the SIS Members.

Leaders welcomed and endorsed the mainstreaming of the SIS Leaders priorities across all CROP agencies as follows

• Securing reliable and affordable air and sea transport, including upper airspace management;
• Advancing fisheries development and participation in regional value chains;
• Strengthening regional procurement and health workforce mechanisms; and
• Enhancing access to climate finance, with a strong call for operationalising the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index within regional agencies.

PIF leaders also noted the call by SIS members for the provision of adequate and dedicated support on the implementation and management of SIS matters.

The current chair of the Small Island States (SIS) group, Kiribati, will work closely with PIF to pursue priorities identified during the 54th PIF meeting.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

A combined “Value Team” is currently conducting a property, household, fishing grounds and income-generating survey and assessment in the Bina community, Malaita Province. 

The Value Team consists of officers based in Auki from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development. 

Agriculture Field Officer Patrick Maesuba said they are conducting assessments and recordings as part of the recollection phase for the Bina community people into their designated areas once they move. 

He said the assessment is based on properties, income generation, fishing grounds and measurements of the households. 

Maesuba explained that they divided themselves into teams and conducted their assessment covering half of the Bina community area where the project will be implemented first.

He added that they are yet to complete this work and will continue so that they include everyone in the survey.

One challenge of the day was heavy downpour later in the day.

Maesuba said amidst, the heavy downpour, they managed to complete a good amount of work and appreciate that there was no disturbances while they were working.

He mentioned that on the first day of work, people were welcoming and helpful in providing them with the essential information they needed.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

At the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Side Event “Unpacking Resilience-Strengthening Systems, Capacities and Practical Solutions”, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, panelists spoke briefly 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 is important to hold governments accountable in regards to ensuring 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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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Cocoa farmers in Malaita Province are reportedly facing many setbacks and challenges that disrupt their normal routines.

Local cocoa farmer, Lesley Foinagwa told the paper in an interview that financial constraints and the weather are factors affecting their journey as cocoa farmers.

He said this has minimised their ability to maintain, extend and establish new cocoa farms.

“All cocoa farmers encounter the same financial challenges, which are linked to access to labor that supports us in making their work easier.

“It will also hinder us from moving forward with maintaining a good and clean environment on our farms,” he said.

He stressed that June this year presented another challenge, as they experienced and observed the effects of very low yield from their farm plants.

“This is another challenge that we are experiencing. Our cocoa plants produce low fruit.  This means that very few plants are producing fruit while the rest are not,” he said.

Foinagwa expressed that through their cocoa farms, they are able to afford tuition for their children and essential needs for their families.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Auki Police in Malaita Province have confiscated three bags of kwaso and three boxes of marijuana from a person on Thursday at the Auki Jetty. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, (PPC) Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said the kwaso and marijuana were ready to be sent on a ship to Lord Howe when police intervened and confiscated them. 

He said a total of 65 bottles of kwaso were in the three bags, along with more than nine hundred small parcels of marijuana in the three boxes. 

“The three bags of Kwaso and three boxes of marijuana were ready to be sent to Lord Howe when police arrived at the scene and collected them.

“In the bags, there are 65 1.5-litre bottles full of kwaso and many small rolls and smaller parcels of marijuana that the police collected,” he said. 

He mentioned that among the kwaso and marijuana were a few boxes of medicines.

Superintendent Ramosaea said this operation was successful after one of his police officers went to the shop to send off something.

It was during this time that the officer noticed suspicious activities.

Meanwhile, Ramosaea said there have been no arrest and investigations will continue.

“There has been no arrest of the owner of those illegal drugs, he escaped. But police will investigate, and we have to arrest the person,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Premier of Central Islands Province Kenneth Sagupari says the executive government under his leadership continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to empowering the people of the province, with a particular focus on youth and student development.

As part of this commitment, the Premier, accompanied by the Provincial Secretary, attended the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) graduation ceremony held on September 11, 2025.

In a statement to Island Sun Premier Sagupari said his presence at this significant event was not merely ceremonial, it formed part of a broader initiative to identify and engage graduates from Central Province across various faculties.

Premier Sagupari highlighted the importance of recognising the talents and potential of young graduates.

“These young people are the future of Central Province. We must invest in them now to ensure a productive and sustainable public service in the years to come,” he said.

In line with this initiative, the Premier also confirmed that his office will be present at the upcoming University of the South Pacific (USP) Honiara-based graduation to continue the effort of identifying potential recruits and supporting youth career development.

“Our plan is clear, we are gradually transitioning towards a younger, more energetic workforce by retiring aging staff over time and creating opportunities for our young people to serve the province. While we acknowledge that recruitment is subject to public service procedures, our government will do its utmost to support our citizens through proper channels,” the Premier stated.

Sagupari said this forward-looking strategy is aligned with the broader vision of the Central Province Government to strengthen the local workforce and prepare for the ongoing discussions surrounding the Federal Government system.

“As we move towards greater provincial autonomy, empowering our own citizens becomes not just important, but essential. By investing in education and career pathways, we are laying the groundwork for a resilient, capable, and self-sufficient province,” the Premier added.

The Premier concluded with a strong call to action.

“Let us work together – government, families, and communities, to build a brighter, stronger Central Province. The future belongs to our youth, and we will stand with them every step of the way,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Pacific Security College has formally launched the official report from the 2025 Pacific Regional and National Security Conference (PRNSC).

It was unveiled during 54^th PIF Leaders Meeting Sideline Event “Building an Ocean of Peace through Strengthened Regional Integration” at the Aquatic Centre in Honiara on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

The report emphasises that the unity, values and leadership of the Pacific are crucial in tackling the region’s most urgent security issues.

In an interview with Island Sun, Professor Dave Peebles, director of the Pacific Security College, said that the 2025 Pacific Regional and National Security Conference (PRNSC) was held in Suva, Fiji, in July.

He said that it included 150 members from the security community, political leaders, regional and national officials, business representatives, civil society representatives, and academics.

“Everyone gathered to discuss how we could foster peace in the Pacific. The Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, said that the conference resembled a Shangri-La Dialogue for the Pacific,” he stated.

He said that the discussions at the Conference heavily focused on the concept of the “Ocean of Peace,” which the PIF Leaders have endorsed this week in Honiara.

“All attendees were contemplating what actions we need to take between now and 2050 to ensure that the Pacific becomes an ocean of peace in the forthcoming decades. Consequently, there were numerous valuable ideas regarding what we should pursue in the coming years and decades.

“There were two primary points emphasized by the participants. First, that the Ocean of Peace truly represents peace in the Pacific, focusing on Pacific security. Climate change is identified as the foremost issue. Human development is also crucial, encompassing various aspects of geopolitics. The second point highlighted was the deep yearning among the people for the Pacific to unite, fostering a closer familial bond so that by 2050, we can all exist within the Ocean of Peace,” he said.

He further elaborated that the report addresses Pacific-led security, the urgency of climate action, the fight against transnational crime, the enhancement of maritime security, inclusive human security, cybersecurity and ICT threats, the importance of cultural and traditional knowledge, gender and social inclusion, and the strengthening of regional architecture.

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BY BEN BILUA

FORUM Island Leaders have agreed to submit a bit to host the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) of Parties.

In a statement on the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting’s communique, forum leaders recall the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and Kainaki II Declaration for Urgent Climate Change Action Now. 

It states, Forum Leaders reaffirm that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific and a critical barrier to achieving our Leaders’ Vision in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals globally. 

The statement call on all nations to urgently respond to the climate crisis. 

“We reaffirm the support of the Pacific Islands Forum for Australia’s bid for COP31 as a Pacific COP and our strong commitment to host this historic international engagement in 2026 to accelerate global action to set us on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and its subsequent decisions.

“We commit to championing the needs of all countries impacted by climate change, particularly the most vulnerable, and to refocus 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. 

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

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the main international treaty that coordinates global efforts to combat climate change, aiming to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous human interference with the climate system.

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