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Live and Learn presents community voices on climate resilience

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BY BEN BILUA

Live and Learn yesterday presented its findings during a side event of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, highlighting community-led solutions to build climate resilience across the region.

The session, titled “Building Climate Resilient Islands: Community Voices and Partnership for a Blue Pacific Future”, showcased the achievements of the Live and Learn Climate Resilient Islands Program.

It emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices of Pacific Islanders, particularly women, youth, and traditional leaders, in shaping climate resilience and decision-making.

Speaking at the event, Live and Learn representative, Elmah Panisi stressed the need to promote cross-sectoral partnerships involving governments, civil society, donors, and the private sector to support the Blue Pacific Strategy.

She added that the session also aims to facilitate interactive dialogue and knowledge exchange on scaling up resilience efforts across the Pacific.

Supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Live and Learn Climate Resilient Islands Program works closely with communities across the Pacific.

The program focuses on developing locally led, nature-based solutions to strengthen climate resilience while safeguarding traditional knowledge, food security, water systems, and local ecosystems.

The side event provided an important platform to amplify Pacific voices, highlight innovative community action, and foster partnerships to accelerate the Blue Pacific Strategy.

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SINU graduates largest cohort – class of 2025

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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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Advisory opinion interpretation is clear

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion (ICJ-AO) clearly establishes that 1.5 degrees is a legally binding global threshold.

Tina Stege, the climate envoy for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, emphasised this saying nations are required to adhere to this threshold and that every country must strive to present their most ambitious targets.

“Those who have profited from fossil fuels bear a responsibility to those of us who are currently enduring the consequences,” Stege said.

She said that the Marshall Islands will collaborate closely with Vanuatu, as well as with Pacific colleagues and others at the United Nations (UN) as the resolution progresses.

“However, I believe we must also focus on the forthcoming COP in Brazil. It presents an opportunity. We will observe how this unfolds. It is a moment for the global community to prove their commitment to the decision, which entails delivering ambitious NDCs aligned with the 1.5-degree target this month. Furthermore, we must agree to discuss what actions to take when it becomes evident, which it unfortunately will, that these do not meet the 1.5-degree threshold,” she remarked.

“As someone who dedicates a significant amount of time to negotiations and various forums, including the UNFCCC, many of you are aware of the frustrations inherent in these environments. It is disheartening to continually present arguments backed by facts, only to be told repeatedly that you lack sufficient evidence, and that the interpretation remains open to debate,” she added.

She said that the ICJ-AO indeed establishes a framework for what the region desires regarding climate action for all Pacific Island nations.

“And regardless of what occurs with our territories as sea levels rise, our maritime boundaries will remain intact, and our sovereignty will not be questioned. This is the conversation we need to engage in. With this decision, we now possess another instrument to assert that this is the dialogue that must take place and cannot be disregarded. Naturally, we hope that those responsible for pollution will recognize that they stand to benefit more from engaging in these discussions and implementing these changes.

“And especially now that there is potential litigation arising from this decision, perhaps this will facilitate progress in a manner that has not been achievable in recent years,” she remarked.

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54th PIF Leaders spouses to raise school’s water issue

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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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SI, PNG seal security deal

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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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Tuna revenue fund education & health

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Government revenues from licensing and access fees remain strong at around US$500 million annually funding vital services such as education and health.

Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director General Noan Pakop stressed this during a 54th PIF dialogue on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 in Honiara.

He shared a video showcasing the tangible economic and social impacts of tuna fisheries.

Pakop said that Member fleets now capture 61 percent of the catch value within Pacific waters, compared with 38 percent a decade ago.

He mentioned that regional tuna processing has nearly doubled since 2015, reaching 286,000 metric tonnes.

“More than 26,000 Pacific Islanders are employed in the region’s tuna industries, a 19 percent increase since 2015, while government revenues from licensing and access fees remain strong at around US$500 million annually – funding vital services such as education and health,” he said.

Pakop highlighted several key developments that reflect the strength of Pacific-driven solutions which includes:

  • The endorsement of the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi), opening new opportunities for investment and value-adding in the tuna sector.
  • Agreement on a proportional allocation framework for South Pacific albacore, a milestone reached after nearly two decades of discussions, setting the stage for a unified regional position at the upcoming Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) meeting.
  • Continued progress under the US Treaty on Fisheries. The new arrangement secures US$60 million annually for 10 years, nearly tripling the previous level of economic assistance. He confirmed that the delayed 2024 payment has now been received by the FFA Secretariat and distributed, paving the way for the 2025 contribution.
  • The adoption of the Ocean Literacy Initiative by Fisheries Ministers at the 24th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting in Niue in July, integrates Pacific traditional knowledge into national education systems, to strengthen cultural and environmental understanding for future generations.

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ICJ -AO is not just a legal document: Rikimani

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ-AO) serves not merely as a legal document but also as a resource that various communities, governments, and advocates can utilise to advocate for more robust climate action.

This statement was made by Belyndar Rikimani, a founding member and current executive of Pacific Islands Student Fighting Climate Change, during a panel discussion focused on understanding the ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change.

While addressing attendees at the Aquatic Center on Wednesday this week, Ms Rikimani emphasised that the ICJ-AO holds a crucial position at the crossroads of climate diplomacy, human rights, and sustainable development.

“For the first time in history, the highest court in the world has been requested to explain the responsibilities of states in safeguarding the climate system and the rights of individuals impacted by the climate crisis, a request initiated by the government of Vanuatu and the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change,” said Rikimani.

She said that this particular concept originated at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Port Vila in 2019, spearheaded by an exceptional group of law students.

“We can observe how the contributions from Pacific Islands have significantly influenced the development of international law. The judges made it clear through their common decision. States are legally obligated to take more decisive measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard individuals and ecosystems from climate-related damage, and assist vulnerable communities through financial support and collaboration,” she said.

She also noted that the ICJ-AO confirmed that inaction constitutes a violation of international law, including human rights law.

“In essence, failing to address climate change is not merely a policy option. It is unlawful,” Rikimani said.

She added that the ICJ-AO offers all Pacific Island states a chance to transition from theoretical principles to practical implementation.

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‘Climate budgeting reform is an ongoing commitment’

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Climate budgeting reform is an ongoing commitment of the Solomon Islands government at country level, says Roy Mae, Deputy Secretary for the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC).

He discussed this during a panel session at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting Side Event “Unpacking Resilience-Strengthening Systems, Capacities and Practical Solutions” yesterday.

Mae said climate budget, simply, is a galvanized process of identification, measurement, and monitoring of climate and environmental expenditure.

Meanwhile, he said that the reform is to strengthen coordination between the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of National Planning and Ministry of Finance in leading government agencies to make a response to climate change.

The aim of this reform as said is to improve the country’s capacity to address climate change finance as well as to strengthen planning and public spending.

He explained that in terms of the role of the Ministry of Planning, one of the main mandates are the preparation of national development plans, middle-tier plans, as well as the annual development budget.

Speaking of national development plans, Mae said at the moment there is a 20-year National Development Strategy 2016-2035 which includes components like; sustainable and inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation, access to social services like education and health, and the important ones are resilience, environment, sustainable development, and the last one is good governance and unity.

“In terms of the middle-tier plan, we have the middle-tier strategy in place as a vehicle for implementing the national development strategy, and on an annual basis, we have the development budget that will be used to fund projects and programs in sectors and line ministries,” he added.

Mae emphasised that from this process, there is an opportunity to integrate climate budget targeting to ensure that resilience priorities are mainstreamed across sectors and government ministries when preparing the development programs, as well as development projects.

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54th PIF theme, a powerful call to action

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

This year’s 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting’s theme “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent” is a powerful call to action.

Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), Rex Ramofafia made the statement when he spoke at one of PIF’s Side Events called “Unpacking Resilience- Strengthening Systems, Capacities and Practical Solutions” on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

“It’s a powerful call to action and it reminds us that our survival and prosperity depends on our unity and ability to build coherence across our region,” he said.

Ramofafia added that at the heart of this call to action, lies resilience.

On this note, he said it is not an optional item and it must be the core principle of everything that they do.

“Across our blue Pacific nation leading the way by getting the integration of mixed informed development into governance, planning and service delivery,” said Ramofafia.

He voiced that this is about a transformative shift from merely responding to disaster to proactively shaping a resilient future.

“We are sending a message, especially a proactiveness to our people in bringing behaviour and improving our readiness for vulnerability that we face,” said the Minister.

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Manele sends greetings to people of PNG

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BY BEN BILUA

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has sent his greetings to the government and people of Papua New Guinea ahead of their 50th Independence Anniversary.

Speaking during the signing of Security Agreement with his counterpart James Marape, Manele said Papua New Guinea has reached another milestone worth celebrating.

He said 50th years of independence is not just a celebration but a golden anniversary and a milestone not only for PNG but for the entire pacific family.

Manele said PNG’s Golden Anniversary is a testament of shared struggles and triumphs that shape the region.

“It inspires us to continue working together for the next fifty years.

“On behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands, I wish to thank the government of PNG for the partnership and good will that have brought us to this moment.

“May this framework serve as a foundation for deeper cooperation, stronger border communities, and enduring friendship between our two countries,” he said.

This year, Papua New Guinea will celebrate its 50 years of independence, a journey that began in 1975 when country became a sovereign nation.

It is a time to honour our past, recognise our achievements, and recommit ourselves to the ideals that our founding fathers envisioned: unity, progress, and prosperity for all.

In a statement released earlier this month, Marape calls on his people to unite as one people, one nation, with a shared vision for the future.

“Let the drumbeats of our kundu resonate across the land, and let the vibrant colors of our bilums reflect our pride and hope.

“Together, we will write the next chapter of Papua New Guinea’s history—a chapter of progress, unity, and opportunity for all,” he said.

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