AGP Executive Report

PNG–Solomon Investment Push: PM Matthew Wale opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging a “structured, bankable” growth corridor built on wantok trust and real returns, with over 50 PNG firms already investing about PGK 1b (SBD$1.8b). Economic Partnership: PNG PM James Marape echoed the call for a new era of partnership turning cultural ties into jobs and downstream processing. Public Health: The government launched a Malaria Elimination Roadmap 2026–2040, targeting elimination by 2038 after a sharp rise in cases. Education & Skills: New science labs were handed over for Western Province schools, while Japan’s Nippon Foundation backed plans for TAFE Schools of Trade to build a manufacturing-ready workforce. Community Resilience: A US$3m peacebuilding fund programme was launched to strengthen cohesion and decentralisation across all provinces. Cyclone Maila Recovery: Government began planning shelter recovery for Maila-affected communities. Sports Development: Kids’ athletics training is taking root through a World Athletics “Train the Trainer” course. Culture & Identity: Pacific filmmakers are spotlighting indigenous stories at major festivals, including shorts exploring craft, belonging, and lived experience. Border Security: Australia and Solomon Islands opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortlands to boost maritime security and coordination.

PNG–SI Investment Push: PM Matthew Wale opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging a “structured, bankable” partnership that turns Melanesian ties into real jobs, trade, and downstream processing. Inclusive Growth: Wale stressed indigenous businesses, women-led enterprises and young entrepreneurs must be at the heart of investment, backed by local supply links, training, and pathways to local ownership. Peacebuilding Funding: Government launched a US$3M Peacebuilding Fund Programme (April 2026–April 2028) to strengthen peace, social cohesion, inclusive governance and decentralisation across all nine provinces. Cyclone Maila Recovery: Planning began for shelter recovery for Maila-affected communities, with costs and housing options still being assessed, while $3M support was earmarked for tourism operators hit by the cyclone. Education & Skills: New science lab classrooms were handed over in Western Province, and Japan’s Nippon Foundation backed a TAFE School of Trade plan to build skilled workers for a manufacturing and processing economy. Health System Focus: WHO reaffirmed support to strengthen primary health care and continuity of care, including medicines and major disease priorities. Border & Maritime Security: Australia and Solomon Islands opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortlands, bringing RSIPF, customs, immigration and biosecurity together to boost maritime security. Community Spotlight: A report from Thathaje highlights resilience but also ongoing gaps in education and basic services, especially for women and children. Faith & Culture: Cardinal Tagle urged Bougainville Catholics to pass on faith to the next generation during the region’s 125-year Catholic jubilee.

Education & Skills: Japan’s Nippon Foundation backs a new TAFE School of Trade in Solomon Islands, with plans for at least four across the country to build a manufacturing-and-processing workforce. Local Tourism Recovery: After Cyclone Maila, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has identified five Choiseul operators and 24 in Western Province for a $3 million support package. Border & Maritime Security: Australia and Solomon Islands officially opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortlands, bringing RSIPF, Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity together to strengthen western border management. Health System Strengthening: WHO reaffirmed support to strengthen primary care and continuity, plus work on malaria, TB, HIV, maternal health and immunisation. Energy & Community Pride: The Tina River Hydropower TBM was named “Rotima” by students, as the project reaches 35% progress toward supplying much of Honiara’s power. Economic Planning: PM Wale urged development partners to align funding with national priorities as Solomon Islands moves toward LDC graduation, while Finance Minister Lilo’s “fiscal realism” drew opposition praise. Culture & Learning: A Honiara exhibition previewed a world-renowned wildlife photography show coming to the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery.

Fiscal Debate: Solomon Islands’ Opposition praised Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo for “fiscal realism” in the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, warning that spending growth without matching revenue or a clear financing plan strains the budget. Development Partnerships: PM Matthew Wale urged donors to align support with national priorities and deliver results as the country nears LDC graduation in 2027, with health and education highlighted as key foundations. Trade Skills & Education: Wale pushed ahead with plans for a TAFE School of Trade, aiming for at least four campuses, with Japan’s Nippon Foundation backing the first. Western Border Security: Australia and Solomon Islands opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortlands, bringing RSIPF, customs, immigration and biosecurity under one roof and creating local jobs. Health System Focus: WHO reaffirmed support to strengthen primary care and continuity, plus work on malaria, TB, HIV, maternal and child health, immunisation and digital health. Energy & Local Pride: The Tina River hydropower TBM was named “Rotima” by students in the project area, tying infrastructure progress to community culture. Education Watch: Concerns rose in Malaita over teachers arriving late, disrupting lessons and school programmes. TVET Growth: Tabaka Technical Institute opened a third dormitory for male students as it prepares new training courses. Women’s Music Legacy: Remembering pioneering women’s music figure Barbara “Boo” Price, whose work helped shape feminist music culture.

Western Border Security: Australia officially opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortland Islands, bringing RSIPF, customs, immigration and biosecurity into one facility to strengthen maritime security and border management, with a wharf for Guardian-class patrol boats. Development Partnerships: PM Matthew Wale urged development partners to align support with national priorities and deliver tangible results, highlighting reforms under the GREAT Coalition and people-centred goals like free education and affordable electricity. Health System Strengthening: WHO Solomon Islands reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen primary health care and continuity of care, including support for health legislation, digital health, medicines access and action on major diseases. Hydropower Progress & Local Pride: The Tina River Hydropower TBM was named “Rotima” by students, as the project reaches 35% progress toward supplying much of Honiara’s electricity by 2028. Economic Push: Government earmarked $345.4m for economic transformation, including rural development, tourism and fisheries investment, plus infrastructure and security-related spending. Mining Law Update: A new Mineral Resources Bill 2025 moves to modernise mining rules, strengthen landowner rights and make Community Development Agreements a statutory requirement. Freshwater Resilience: Solomon Islands launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and boost climate resilience with partners including GIZ, SPC and Live & Learn. Education & Skills: Teachers’ lateness concerns were raised in Malaita, while Tabaka Technical Institute opened a third dormitory to expand TVET training.

Women’s Music Legacy: Barbara “Boo” Kay Price, a pioneering force in women’s music and a key figure behind the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival, has died at 82, remembered for building a space where music, feminism and community activism could thrive. Border & Maritime Security: Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Solomon Islands leaders officially opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortlands, bringing RSIPF, Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity together in one sovereign facility to strengthen border management and maritime security. Energy Progress with Local Pride: The Tina River Hydropower TBM has been named “Rotima” through a student competition, as the project reaches 35% progress toward supplying much of Honiara’s electricity by 2028. Development Partnerships: PM Matthew Wale urged development partners to align support with national priorities and deliver tangible results, highlighting reforms and people-centred goals like free education and affordable electricity. Digital Connectivity Milestone: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks, opening new opportunities for trade, services and information access. Freshwater Security: Solomon Islands launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and build climate resilience, with support from regional partners. Education & Community: Western Province signed education agency agreements to strengthen local control over schools, planning and child protection.

Economic Push: The Great Coalition Government has earmarked $345.4 million (45% of the budget) for economic transformation, jobs, tourism and fisheries, with $210.3 million aimed at rural development and $102.7 million in credit and grants for infrastructure. Border Security & Jobs: Australia and Solomon Islands officially opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortlands, bringing RSIPF, Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity under one roof to strengthen maritime security, with the project backed by over $100 million AUD and hundreds of local jobs. Education Watch: Teachers’ lateness in West Are’are, Malaita is disrupting lessons and school programmes, while Western Province moves to strengthen education management through new MEHRD and provincial education agreements. Skills & Youth Support: Strongim Bisnis business accelerator winners received laptops and Starlink units, and Tabaka Technical Institute opened a third dormitory to expand TVET training. Mining & Landowners: A new Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would make Community Development Agreements a statutory requirement, aiming to put landowners and communities at the centre while tightening environmental safeguards. Freshwater Resilience: Solomon Islands launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and boost climate resilience with partners including GIZ, SPC and Live & Learn. Culture & Learning: USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge to preserve Pacific wisdom for future generations.

MSME Boost: MCILI and Strongim Bisnis handed laptops and Starlink units to five Strongim Bisnis Business Accelerator winners, backing indigenous entrepreneurs with coaching, training, and a Shark Tank-style pitch process. China-Temotu Partnership: A joint MRD and PRC delegation met Temotu Province leaders to review projects and map new cooperation in infrastructure, rural livelihoods, fisheries, renewable energy, education, and training. Mining Law Reform: Minister Derrick Manuari introduced a new Mineral Resources Bill to modernise mining rules, make Community Development Agreements statutory, strengthen landowner access and compensation, and tighten environmental safeguards. Education Accountability: Teachers’ lateness in West Are’are, Malaita is disrupting lessons and school programmes, with calls for stronger attendance monitoring. TVET Expansion: Tabaka Technical Institute in Western Province opened its third dormitory for male students, supporting SITESA-aligned training plans. Freshwater Security: Solomon Islands launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and build climate resilience with partners including GIZ, SPC, and Live & Learn. Indigenous Knowledge: USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge to preserve Pacific wisdom for future communities. Culture & Nature: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition opens in Honiara, bringing global conservation stories to local schools and youth groups. Energy Upgrade: Work began on a 22-kilometre transmission line linking Tina River hydropower to Honiara’s grid, aiming to expand renewable power and cut diesel reliance.

Defence Diplomacy: Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will travel to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (16–17 Aug) to meet leaders, discuss defence cooperation, and help open the Western Border Outpost in the Shortlands. Border Security: Australia will hand over the new Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost to Solomon Islands on 17 Aug, bringing police, customs, biosecurity and immigration into one base to strengthen the western maritime frontier. Freshwater Resilience: Solomon Islands has launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and boost climate resilience across Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Mining & Land Rights: A new Mineral Resources Bill aims to modernise mining laws, make Community Development Agreements a statutory requirement, and strengthen landowner rights and environmental safeguards. Education & Equity: MEHRD and Western Province sign education agency agreements, while concerns rise over teachers’ lateness in Malaita. Culture & Learning: USP researchers document Indigenous languages and knowledge, and Curtin University scholars digitise 7,000 rock samples to unlock Solomon Islands geological wealth. Health Focus: Health workers are being coached to prevent diabetic foot disease complications. TVET Growth: Tabaka Technical Institute opens a third dormitory for male students in Western Province. Environment & Community: Women-led mangrove restoration efforts highlight grassroots marine protection across the Coral Triangle.

Mining Reform: The Mineral Resources Bill 2025 is set for a second reading, aiming to modernise Solomon Islands’ mining laws, strengthen landowner rights, and make Community Development Agreements (CDAs) a statutory requirement so communities share in mining benefits. Education Watch: In Malaita’s West Are’are, residents say teachers are arriving late at the start of semesters, disrupting lessons and school programmes—prompting calls for stronger attendance monitoring. TVET Boost: Tabaka Technical Institute in Western Province has opened a third dormitory for male students, supporting its push to expand technical and vocational training. Freshwater Security: Solomon Islands has launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and build climate resilience, with support from partners including GIZ, SPC and Live & Learn. Local Development: Australia–Solomon Islands Community Partnerships projects are improving clean water, solar power and classroom facilities in East Kwaio, including upgrades for Imbo Community High School and Atoifi College of Nursing. Health Focus: The Ministry of Health says essential medical supplies are available at about 83%, while health workers are being coached to better prevent and treat diabetic foot disease. Culture & Heritage: The Melanesian Spearhead Group reaffirms support for Indigenous rights and living cultural practices across Melanesia.

Mining & Land Rights: The Mineral Resources Bill 2025 heads to Parliament’s second reading, aiming to modernise mining rules, tighten environmental safeguards, and make Community Development Agreements a statutory requirement so landowners and communities share benefits. Education Watch: In Malaita, community members say teachers are arriving late at the start of semesters, disrupting classes—prompting calls for stronger attendance monitoring. TVET Boost: Tabaka Technical Institute in Western Province opens a third dormitory for male students, supporting its push to expand training courses. Culture & Nature in Honiara: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, with schools and youth groups set to visit. Freshwater Security: Solomon Islands launches the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and build climate resilience with partners including GIZ, SPC and Live & Learn. Health Skills: The Ministry of Health scales up frontline wound-care coaching to tackle diabetic foot disease and reduce amputations. Regional Partnerships: Australia confirms it will hand over the Lofung border and patrol boat outpost to Solomon Islands on 17 August. Indigenous Knowledge: USP researchers document Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge to preserve Pacific wisdom for future generations. Women’s Leadership: RSIPF women police officers meet in Honiara to strengthen networks and shape a gender strategy.

Politics & Culture: A fresh look at Solomon Islands politics argues the line between leadership, theatre and cultism is “very thin,” warning how slogans like “Change is Coming” can sell hope even when substance is unclear. Indigenous Knowledge & Languages: USP PhD researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge to keep Pacific wisdom alive for future communities and climate resilience. Economy & Diversification: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says real GDP growth is revised up to 3.5%, driven by mining, agriculture, tourism and fisheries as logging declines. Education Watch: Teachers’ lateness in Malaita’s West Are’are is disrupting lessons and school programmes, with calls for stronger attendance monitoring. TVET & Dorms: Tabaka Technical Institute in Western Province opens its third dormitory to expand male student training and SITESA-aligned courses. Wildlife & Heritage: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition is set to open in Honiara, with schools and youth groups invited for nature-focused inspiration. Health: The Ministry of Health is coaching frontline workers to prevent diabetic foot disease complications, including wound assessment and care. Freshwater Security: Solomon Islands launches the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and strengthen climate resilience with partners including GIZ and SPC. Border & Energy: Australia will hand over the Lofung border and patrol boat outpost in August, while Honiara’s Tina River renewable power transmission line work begins. Women in Policing: RSIPF women police officers meet to shape leadership, wellbeing and a gender strategy for 2026–2036. Climate Activism: Protesters accuse the insurance industry of hiring “corporate spies” during Coral Triangle LNG opposition actions. Culture & Community: Malaita’s Second Appointed Day celebration is planned as a week-long mix of trade, cultural performances, religious programmes and community services.

Indigenous Knowledge Preservation: USP PhD researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional ocean knowledge to keep Pacific wisdom alive for future communities, linking it to climate resilience and cultural identity. Education Accountability: Teachers’ lateness in West Are’are, Malaita is disrupting lessons and school programmes, with calls for stronger attendance monitoring by education authorities. TVET Growth: Tabaka Technical Institute in Western Province opened its third dormitory for male students, supporting SITESA-standard training and skills development. Culture & Environment in Honiara: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition opens in Honiara, with schools and youth groups set to visit as diplomats preview the biodiversity-focused message. Freshwater Security: Solomon Islands launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and strengthen climate resilience, with support from GIZ, SPC and Live & Learn. Regional Partnerships: Australia will hand over the Lofung border and patrol boat outpost to Solomon Islands on 17 August, boosting western border coordination. Women’s Leadership: RSIPF Women’s Advisory Network AGM gathered women police officers to shape the 2026–2036 gender strategy and strengthen leadership. Labour Data Gap: MCILI told Parliament it lacks a single database for the formal labour workforce, relying on NPF data while a labour survey is prepared. Free Education Debate: MPs warn Free Education could accelerate rural-to-urban drift unless provincial schools, teachers and facilities are strengthened first.

Freshwater Security: Solomon Islands has launched the PacFresH2O programme in Honiara to protect freshwater resources and boost climate resilience, with support from GIZ, SPC and Live & Learn. Education Access: MEHRD and Western Province signed landmark education agreements, pushing more local control over early childhood, primary and provincial secondary schools. Student Opportunities: Plans are underway for a Solomon Islands National University campus in Western Province (Poitete, Kolombangara), alongside TVET support through rural training centres. Kava Economy: Faifatala’a kava farmers are preparing a plantation-to-market pilot to meet international demand, tackling transport, processing, energy and quality hurdles. Border & Safety: Australia will hand over the Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost to Solomon Islands on 17 August, strengthening western border coordination. Cleaner Power for Honiara: Work has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line from Tina River to the capital grid to deliver up to 15MW of renewable electricity. Women in Policing: RSIPF’s Women’s Advisory Network AGM gathered over 200 women officers to shape the 2026–2036 gender strategy and leadership plans. Culture & Heritage: Opposition MP Tozen Leokana and others warn free education must not drain rural provinces, while MP Douglas calls for stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ living cultural heritage. Arts & Music: Sam V and the Signature Choir scored big at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards.

Climate Activism: Protesters say the insurance industry is using “corporate spies” to tail their Coral Triangle campaign against underwriting LNG expansion. Provincial Culture: Malaita’s 43rd Second Appointed Day celebration is set for 11–18 November in Auki, promising dances, music, trade and community services. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers back a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, stressing climate finance, renewables and Pacific leadership. Energy & Daily Life: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre Tina River transmission line to bring up to 15MW of cleaner power to Honiara. Education Policy Debate: Parliament continues to wrestle with GREAT’s free education plan for 2027, with MPs demanding full costings and warning about rural school capacity and teacher supply. Indigenous Rights: MSG reaffirms protection of Indigenous languages, cultures and traditional knowledge across Melanesia. Heritage Protection: A stolen Bloody Ridge plaque at Guadalcanal’s national historical park has been replaced through donations. Labour Data Gap: MCILI admits Solomon Islands lacks a single database for the formal labour workforce, with a survey planned. Gender & Policing: RSIPF women police leaders meet to shape the Gender Strategy 2026–2036 and strengthen leadership networks.

Climate & Culture Activism: Protesters outside Walkie Talkie foyer accuse the insurance industry of hiring “corporate spies” as they dress in Coral Triangle-inspired costumes to urge insurers to stop underwriting LNG expansion in the region. Climate–Peace Policy: A new Pacific policy brief argues the region should build climate security around social cohesion, cultural continuity and ecological stewardship—not just climate-conflict links. Energy for Honiara: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line to bring up to 15MW of renewable power from Tina River to Honiara, cutting diesel reliance. Education Debate: Public Accounts Committee scrutiny continues over the $3.3m push to rehabilitate Honiara Senior High School, while MPs argue over how “Free Education” can be funded and delivered without emptying provinces. Indigenous Rights: MSG reaffirms commitment to Indigenous rights, languages, cultures and traditional knowledge across Melanesia. Women in Policing: RSIPF Women’s Advisory Network AGM backs leadership and gender inclusion in policing. Heritage: A stolen Bloody Ridge plaque has been replaced, restoring a key WWII landmark.