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Climate change single greatest threat in the region

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Secretary General of Pacific Island Forum, His Excellency Baron Divavesi Waqa has emphasised efforts to address climate change, as it becomes the single greatest threat to life and livelihood of the people of the Pacific region.

Speaking at the opening of the Pacific ACP leaders meeting held at the Forum Fisheries Agency complex yesterday, he said the urgency for the Blue Pacific region could not be any clearer.

He said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the World Bank estimate that climate disasters already cost our economies between six and nine percent of GDP each year.

“Think about that, nearly a tenth of our economic output is lost annually due to cyclones, floods, and rising seas.

“This is not just a number, it represents homes and livelihoods destroyed, schools closed, damaged infrastructures and futures disrupted,” Waqa said.

The Secretary General however stated despite shifting global political currents and economic turbulence, Pacific leaders remained unwavering in their efforts to address the impacts of climate change their countries and people.

“Climate change remains the single greatest threat to the lives and livelihoods of our people. That is why climate action must stay at the centre of our collective work.

“The Pacific has demonstrated how political advocacy can amplify our priorities on the global stage through the Political Climate Champions,” he said.

Waqa called on Pacific leaders to behind a united call for climate justice and voice it in the international stage.

“As we approach COP30, let us carry forward our call for Climate justice, amplified by the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice.

“These realities demand stronger institutions, sharper diplomatic advocacy, and deeper partnerships,” he said.

Waqa emphasized that the Samoa Agreement signed in Apia in 2023, gives PIF new platform to embed Pacific priorities within the EU-OACPS partnership.

He added the “Our Pacific islands Forum 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent” also gives PIF the vision to safeguard our sovereignty and resilience for generations to come.

“But vision alone is not enough. We need clear institutional arrangements, a costed plan of implementation, and adequate resources to carry it forward.

“Without that, the Samoa Agreement risks becoming a framework of words rather than a driver of change,” Waqa said.

On the same note, the Secretary General has sounded alarm on the profound global change the region is facing.

He said the World Bank projects global growth this year at only 2.3 percent — the slowest pace in decades outside times of crisis.

Waqa added the International Monetary Fund also warns that more than 60 developing countries are already in or at high risk of debt distress.

“Many are small island economies like ours, facing the same structural vulnerabilities,” he said.

PIF calls for increase of EU-NDICI for Pacific

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Secretary General of Pacific Island Forum (PIF), His Excellency Baron Divavesi Waqa has called for an increase to the EU’s Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), if it remains fit for the purpose of the Pacific region.
The Pacific Leader made the call, stressing the insufficient share Pacific has received from the funding programme.
According to NDICI, the EU-NDICI 2021-2027 refers to the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe, the EU’s primary financing tool for its external actions from 2021 to 2027, with a budget of €79.5 billion.
It supports projects in developing countries and regions to achieve global goals like sustainable development and poverty eradication.
The instrument focuses on promoting good governance, inclusive growth, human development, climate action, and peace, while also strengthening regional cooperation and integration with the EU’s internal market.
The Secretary General said on development financing, it has to be equally candid. The EU’s is valued at seventy-nine and a half billion euros globally for the period 2021 to 2027.
“Yet, of this vast envelope, the Pacific’s share is less than two hundred million euros.
“We appreciate the support already committed: 10 million euros for the Pacific Trade and Sustainable Development programme, and 20 million euros for the second phase of the PEUMP programme,” he said.
The Pacific-European Union (EU) Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme promotes sustainable management and sound ocean governance through a holistic and multi-sectoral approach contributing to social, economic and environmental development in the Pacific, as well as biodiversity protection and promoting the sustainable use of fisheries and other marine resources.
The PEUMP programme focuses on equitable benefits for all Pacific countries, whilst recognising the diversity of resources, needs and opportunities amongst its 15 Pacific countries of work – the Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste and Vanuatu.
Speaking on the EU-NDICI funding program, Waqa said it is not proportionate to the scale of challenges or commitments made.
“More of our members are joining the IEPA, and the obligations of implementation grow heavier. And if the NDICI is to remain fit-for-purpose for our region, the Pacific envelope will need to expand, he said.
On that note, Waqa urged PIF leaders that as they will be endorsing outcomes before them, they must do so with clarity and resolve.
“Our institutions must be made fit-for-purpose. Our advocacy must remain sharp. Our partnerships must deliver real impact. And our unity must remain unshakable.

“If we succeed, we will reaffirm the Pacific not as a bystander to global change, but as a confident, resilient, and future-ready force shaping the world around us,” he said.
Moreover, the Secretary General emphasized that the earmarked of the post of Assistant Secretary General in the OACPS Secretariat is not just symbolic.
“It is strategic. It places a Pacific voice in Brussels — at the very centre of finance and administration decisions that affect our region.
“Unity behind this nomination will be critical to strengthening our influence,” Waqa said.

Solomon Islands is now Pacific ACP Chair

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BY LORETTA B MANELE
Solomon Islands now takes on the leadership of the Pacific ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) Chair from former chair, the Kingdom of Tonga.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele welcomed regionals leaders to the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025, at FFA headquarter, Honiara.
Speaking at PIF’s second meeting of the day “Pacific ACP Leaders Meeting”, he said it is an honour and privilege to host the Pacific ACP Leaders here in Honiara.
Manele also took the opportunity to acknowledge the former Pacific ACP Chair for their leadership.
“I also wish to acknowledge the Kingdom of Tonga, our outgoing Pacific ACP Chair, for their leadership and support in our work and engagement as Pacific ACP States. Under Tonga’s stewardship, further significant progress in realising our collective priorities was made,” he said.
Manele went on to state that the signing of the Samoa Agreement in 2023 set a renewed framework with our European partners and they have advanced Pacific climate diplomacy at COP28 and COP29, ensuring our survival agenda remained at the heart of global discussions.
“These are the legacies of our Forum Leaders’ collective wisdom, all of which will serve our Blue Pacific region for generations to come,” he said.
Manele expressed that as Solomon Islands assumes the leadership of our Pacific ACP work, it will be done conscious of the responsibility that lies ahead.
“Our task is to build on this foundation and guide our collective efforts at a time when our Blue Pacific region faces heightened challenges, but also new opportunities,” he said.
Manele also highlighted that the upcoming appointment of the Pacific’s Assistant Secretary-General at the OACPS (Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States) Secretariat is a moment for PIF to stand united.
“This post will give the Pacific not only visibility, but a firmer hand in shaping decisions in Brussels that affect our region’s financing, governance, and implementation of the Samoa Agreement,” he said.
In further remarks, Manele stressed that their meeting is about more than procedures.
“It is about charting a way forward together,” he said.
The Prime Minister told fellow regional leaders that they should ensure that in their work with the OACPS and the EU, the Blue Pacific continues to speak with one voice to ensure the successful implementation of the Samoa Agreement, as well as the 2050 Strategy.
“I welcome and look forward to your continued support and assistance in our work and discussions today, and in the coming months.
“The success of our leadership and representation of our collective will is premised on the spirit of Pacific solidarity, with clarity, urgency, and unity, to assure sustainable benefits, development, and security of our Pacific people,” he said.

PM Manele calls for collective effort to protect Pacific Ocean

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and chair of the 54th Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting currently in Honiara has called for greater collective effort to protect the Pacific Ocean.
Speaking at a ceremony to welcome the Tepuke traditional canoe from Solomon Islands and Uto Ni Yelo canoe from Fiji, held at the Marine School yesterday, Jeremiah Manele said the voyages taken by the two canoes from Fiji and Temotu province to Honiara shows the resilience of the people.
“It is upon us to bring the political wind required to move our original canoe to our next destination.
“I’m confident that this week will generate the political strength to embrace deep originalism with open borders.
“Indeed, our collective vision for a blue pacific continent demands us to rethink how we deliver as a collective for our people and our once world.
“It is only in our unity that we can propel our voyage forward in the face of the mounting challenges and opportunities,” he said.
Manele added that the identity of the Pacific with the ocean is currently challenged by the three planetary crises of climate change, pollution and the loss of biodiversity.
He added as custodians of 30 percent of the planet’s surface, people in the Pacific have a moral obligation to protect the lifeblood of the planetary system.
“As stewards of the ocean let us respond decisively that Pacific must lead, drive and own its own agenda on climate, ocean stewardship and regional solidarity.
“The message of our voyages to sustainably manage the ocean is here and will remain on our original agenda as we amplify our voices on international platforms.
“We have done it in the past with the successful inclusion of the SDG14 in the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development as well as our pivotal role in the global recognition of the 200 nautical miles economic exclusive zone under the UN convention on the law of the sea.
“We must not be complacent. We must continue to strive for more actions to keep our region stable, nuclear free and peaceful,” Manele said.
The PM stressed that the future generation depends on it and the ocean connects all Pacific countries not just regionally but globally.
“We must therefore ensure that we forge strategic partnerships to be able to effectively and efficiently implement our national, regional and international ocean policies to safeguard the health of our oceans,” he said.

PM welcomes the Tepuke and Uto ni Yalo

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has warmly welcomed the Tepuke and Uto ni Yalo upon their arrival at the Marine School, Ranadi Solomon Islands National University (SINU) campus.
The arrival ceremony yesterday [Monday, September 8] was witnessed by the Pacific Islands Forum leaders together with their delegates who are in the country for the 54th PIF meeting, Government officials and members of the public.
“I’m honoured to be joined here by the Pacific leaders in paying tribute to our sons and daughters who brave the vast Pacific Ocean and sail the Tepuke and the N’Koniyaro. Congratulations and welcome once all of our voyagers. We thank God for your safe arrival,” said PM Manele.
He said that the presence of the TePuke and the Uto ni Yalo represents the richness of the diverse Pacific culture and demonstrates its intricate connection to the ocean.

PM Jeremiah Manele at the flag raising and national anthem in welcoming the Tepuke and Uto Ni Yalo. Photo credit – SIG


“We honour the intergenerational crew who sail these times, elders, experienced navigators, young men and women standing together as living proof that our ancestral knowledge is being handed down and renewed for the future of our Pacific,” he said.
He said that the skills of constructing ocean-going canoes, the wisdom of reading the stars and currents, understanding weather patterns and marine ecosystems are lived experiences that define pacific Islands relationship with the ocean.
“It is evident that the ocean remains our past, present and future. We also acknowledge the transfer of indigenous knowledge of our forefathers passed down from generation to generation in chants, songs and dances as we have witnessed earlier today. The ceremonies we shared this afternoon speak powerfully of this truth,” he said.

The Uto Ni Yalo crew being officially welcomed


“Their sails carry the stories of our stories of the ocean. Their hounds hold the hopes of our children and their journey strengthens our collective resolve to safeguard the blue pacific. We remain committed to taking this message to our international communities through including through the United Nations General Assembly and the conference of the parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,” said PM Manele.

PIF spouses programme starts with traditional arts & craft

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BY LORETTA B MANELE
As the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Meeting commences on Monday, September 8, 2025 so does the Spouses Programme which will end on Wednesday this week.
Leading the programme is Madame Jocelyn Manele, wife of Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
Island Sun understands that the programme includes spouses of leaders from countries namely; Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Tuvalu, Cook Islands and Nauru.
The first day started off with a visit to Art Gallery where they had the opportunity to look at different traditionally made accessories, arts and culture exhibitions.
They were also presented with traditional gifts from Madame Manele.

Madame Manele (2nd from right) with spouses of PIF Leaders


According to their schedule, later on in the day (Monday, September 8), they will be accompanying their spouses at the opening ceremony of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) at the national stadium.
Highlights of the programme for today, Tuesday (September 9) includes a visit to Tenaru and another visit to the Amazing Grace Boutique Cocoa Farm.
Meanwhile, for the final day of the programme, tomorrow, Wednesday, September 10, they are set to visit St Joseph’s National Secondary School and later, Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands.

Trade union backs nurses’ strike notice, urging govt to act responsibly

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BY MORRIS NAFU
The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) has announced its full support for the Solomon Islands Nurses Association (SINA) and its members following the issuance of a 28-day industrial strike notice.
SICTU wishes for government and SINA to arrive at an amicable resolution to the matter.
However, SICTU urges government saying that the ball is now in its court and that it must act decisively and responsibly
This decisive action comes after an overwhelming endorsement from all provincial SINA branches and the Honiara City Council (HCC) nurses, reflecting the unified and resolute voice of the nursing fraternity across the nation, a statement by SICTU yesterday said.
SICTU views this notice not as a first resort, but as a necessary and final measure taken by our dedicated nurses after years of patience and unmet commitments, the statement said.
“The items detailed in the strike notice are not new demands; they are long-overdue issues that have consistently been overlooked, creating immense frustration and demoralization among the very professionals who form the backbone of our national healthcare system,” SICTU said.
“We call upon the executive of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, permanent secretary and the Public Service Commission to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency it demands.
“The collective frustration of the nurses is a direct indicator of a breakdown in meaningful dialogue and leadership. In this light, we strongly appeal for the urgent intervention of the Public Service Commission to seriously consider the call for a rotation of the Permanent Secretary.
“A fresh perspective and renewed leadership are critical to breaking the current impasse and fostering a constructive path forward.
“Furthermore, we urgently call on PMO, ministry of public service and ministry of health and medical services to immediately invite SINA to the negotiating table. The objective of this meeting must be to genuinely address each and every item outlined in the 28-day notice with the aim of reaching a fair and sustainable resolution.
“The government must demonstrate its commitment to its workforce and, by extension, to the health and well-being of all Solomon Islanders by engaging in good-faith discussions.
“Our nurses have stood on the front lines, serving our people with dedication and sacrifice, especially through recent health crises. It is now time for the government to honour its obligations and address their legitimate concerns regarding working conditions, welfare, and professional recognition.
“SICTU wishes both SINA and the Government negotiation teams all the best in their forthcoming dialogue. We remain hopeful that wisdom, respect, and a shared commitment to the nation’s health will prevail, leading to a swift and positive outcome that averts the need for industrial action.
“The ball is now in the government’s court. We urge them to act decisively and responsibly,” SICTU said.

Finance minister Manemahaga defends decision on sufferance wharves issue

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BY MORRIS NAFU
The Minister of Finance and Treasury, Trevor Manemahaga, has clarified his decision to revoke the earlier suspension on the use of sufferance wharves.
Mr Manemahaga said the decision follows a Cabinet directive made on June 3, 2025, which called for the establishment of a special committee to review the status of sufferance wharves, including Leroy Wharf, a statement by the Finance Ministry yesterday said.
Cabinet had agreed that proper consultations with stakeholders and a full analysis must take place before a final decision is made, the statement said.
“Until the committee completes its work and presents its report to Cabinet, the status quo must remain,” Manemahaga said.
“This ensures that national projects and businesses can continue their operations without unnecessary disruption.”
The Minister noted that sufferance wharves play an important role in facilitating break-bulk cargo such as cement, reinforcement rods, steel and other specialised equipment that are vital for infrastructure projects and essential for households, the Ministry of finance said.
Their continued use has also helped drive down prices, creating economic efficiency which benefits ordinary Solomon Islanders through affordable prices of cement and steel, the ministry said.
“All wharf operations remain subject to Customs and Biosecurity processes, including advance cargo manifests, inspections, and payment of duties and taxes. This means revenue is collected while trade and private sector development are supported,” Manemahaga said.
Manemahaga said that the final decision on sufferance wharves will be made once the special committee has completed its review and submitted recommendations to Cabinet.
“My responsibility is to ensure that decisions are taken in the best interest of the nation, based on evidence, consultation, and proper process, not in the interest of individuals. The committee’s report, expected before the end of October, will guide the Cabinet’s final decision,” he said.
Sufferance wharves are seen as hotspots for government’s revenue loss due to non-compliance and inability of Customs to adequately monitor these wharves’ activities.
On August 21, 2025 former finance minister Harry Kuma ordered the suspension of use of all sufferance wharves for unloading of imported goods.
Nine days later Mr Kuma was kicked out of the finance portfolio and reshuffled to the ministry of Commerce, Labour and Immigration (MCILI).
Manemahaga, MP for Gao-Bugotu, became the new finance minister. And, on September 4 Manemahaga revoked the suspension of usage of the sufferance wharves for unloading imported goods.
Government even apologised in the letter to the owners of these illegal wharves for any inconvenience caused by the suspension issued by former finance minister Kuma.
The reasons for suspending the sufferance wharves as stated in the August-21 letter include:
“Serious concerns by the Ministry’s management and relevant authorities, including the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority regarding the Custom Division’s limited capacity to adequately monitor imports at these facilities (sufferance wharves).
Additionally, some sufferance wharves have been found to be non-compliant with international ship and port facility security (ISPS) standards, posing risks to national trade and revenue collection.”
The letter directed that all imported goods must only be unloaded at the following declared international seaports:
-SIPA International Seaport, Honiara
-Noro International Seaport
-Leeroy Wharf International Seaport, Ranadi (East Honiara)
The letter added that ‘all existing permits authorising the unloading of imported goods at any sufferance wharf in the country’ were hereby cancelled.
The suspension did not apply to loading of round logs and mineral-related products for export at the sufferance wharves.

Final delegations arrive ahead of Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting

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BY NED GAGAHE

Leaders and senior officials of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) member countries touched down in Honiara yesterday as preparations wrapped up for the official opening of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM54) this evening.

Among those who arrived yesterday morning were Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, French Polynesia’s President Moetai Brotherson, Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau, and Samoa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade CEO Ms Peseta Noumea Simi, who is representing Samoa.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said the Government and people of Solomon Islands are ready to host a successful Forum, reaffirming the importance of unity among Pacific nations.

“We are only as strong as our smallest member. Iumi Tugeda is a reaffirmation of unity, emphasising the urgency to move from strategy development to implementation,” Mr Manele said.

He added that Solomon Islands, as host and incoming Forum Chair, is committed to achieving tangible outcomes from this year’s meeting.

“The future we want depends on the changes we make today – in our economy, ocean management, commitment to peace, and building a stronger, more united region,” the Prime Minister stressed.

Delegates and representatives from 17 member countries are now in Honiara, with Solomon Islands bringing the total number of attendees to 18.

To mark the start of the week’s program, a church service was held yesterday at St Barnabas Cathedral, attended by Prime Minister Manele, PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa, Pacific leaders, and senior government officials.

54th PIF commences today

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting begins today in Honiara and will run from Monday to Friday, September 8-12.
The theme for the one-week leaders meeting is “Iumi Together, Act now for an Integrated Blue Pacific”.
The purpose of the PIF is for the leaders of Pacific countries to meet, develop collective responses to regional issues, address challenges, promote a vision of a resilient Pacific, and foster regional unity and cooperation for peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity.
Day-one of the PIF, Monday, September 8, is as follows;
• 09:00 Smaller Island States Leaders Meeting
• 11:30 Pacific ACP Leaders Meeting
• 16:00-17:00 TEPUKE and UTO NI YALO Event
• 18:00-20:00 Opening Ceremony Stadium, Sports City
• 20:00-21:00 Opening Dinner Friendship Hall
Delegates and Representatives from seventeen member countries of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) are now in Honiara for the meeting. Solomon Islands, as the chair of the 54th PIFLM, brings the total number of attendees to 18.
To begin this week’s high-level meeting, a church service was held yesterday at St. Barnabas Cathedral, attended by Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Baron Waqa, Pacific leaders, and other government officials.
Before this week’s meeting, members of the local and regional media personnel have convened two training workshops: the Interview Skills and Professional Etiquette workshop and the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA/PIFS) Forum Regional Media Workshop.
Around 40 local and regional journalists attended the workshop over the past three days in preparation for the PIF meeting.
The Pacific Islands Forum comprises 18 members: Australia, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

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