BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele calls on all Solomon Islanders to unite and take collective responsibility for the nation’s future.
He made the statement at the launch of the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016–2035 Medium Term Review Report and four key strategic documents in Honiara yesterday.
The event, held at the Mendana Hotel, brought together government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and civil society organisations — all urged by the Prime Minister to work together to transform the findings of the review into real, measurable change.
“This is not just a government document. It is a national call to action.
“We must all take ownership — government, private sector, churches, communities, and individuals — because the future of Solomon Islands belongs to all of us,” Prime Minister Manele said.
The Prime Minister said the Medium-Term Review paints a mixed picture of progress under the NDS, revealing that while certain goals have been achieved, others remain far behind target due to economic shocks, social instability, and global challenges.
He said the lessons from the review must guide the next phase of development.
“We must diversify our economy, strengthen our institutions, and empower our people.
“We cannot afford to work in isolation. Development must be everyone’s business,” he said.
The review identifies five strategic objectives for the next decade — inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction and equitable development, quality health and education, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
To complement the review, four new strategic documents were also launched:
- The Solomon Islands Smooth Transition Strategy to Support Graduation from Least Developed Country Status
- Unlocking Potential for Productive Sectors in Solomon Islands: Challenges, Opportunities and Policy Considerations
- The Solomon Islands National Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Strengthening Strategy 2024–2028
- The Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination Corporate Plan 2025–2027
Prime Minister Manele said these documents represent a “joined-up national roadmap” to guide development efforts in the years ahead.
“With these strategies, we now have a compass to navigate our journey. But a compass is only useful when we decide to move — and we must move forward together,” he said.
He also acknowledged the critical role of development partners such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United Nations, and the European Union in supporting Solomon Islands’ national priorities.
“Partnerships have been central to our progress,” he said. “But true progress will come when every Solomon Islander, in every village and every province, takes part in building our shared future.”
As the country looks ahead to its 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028, the Prime Minister said the coming years will be crucial for shaping the nation’s destiny.
“Fifty years of independence will mean little if our people continue to live in poverty, if our forests are gone, if our children do not have access to quality education and health care,” he said. “We must act now — with courage, unity, and purpose — to make the next 50 years brighter than the last.”
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