AGP Executive Report

Climate Diplomacy: PM Mathew Wale heads to Fiji for Pre-COP31 talks and a Tuvalu visit to witness rising seas firsthand, as Pacific leaders push for the world to keep 1.5°C within reach and put island voices at the centre of climate decisions. El Niño Impacts: In Solomon Islands’ Western Province, El Niño-linked rain and shifting tides are disrupting seaweed farming, hitting drying, packaging, and household income. Education Reform & Teachers: World Teachers’ Day spotlights the push for better teacher pay and conditions ahead of free universal education by 2027, with SINTA urging a 1:35 teacher-student ratio and government outlining salary, housing, and leave changes. Inclusive Learning: A youth MP calls for disability access in schools and public services, saying special needs must never block participation or decision-making. Human Rights at the UN: Solomon Islands backs 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations but notes 41 on sensitive issues, stressing cultural traditions and Christian values should guide implementation. China–SINU Support: China hands SINU a $150,000 scholarship boost for 37 students, as ties expand across education and development. Sports & Youth: Solomon Islands athletes continue dual-track training for the Pacific Games, while teams prepare for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar.

El Niño and livelihoods: In Western Province, seaweed farmers say El Niño’s strong winds and nonstop rain are delaying drying, hurting sales, and compounding damage from Cyclone Maila and extended low tides. Climate diplomacy: Pacific leaders meet ahead of COP31 to push keeping 1.5°C within reach, warning that every fraction of a degree raises sea-level and adaptation costs. Education reforms: World Teachers’ Day spotlights teacher status, with government moves to improve salaries, housing and leave ahead of free universal education by 2027, while teachers’ group SINTA calls for a 1:35 teacher-student ratio. SINU and skills: SINU urges responsible AI use in education and highlights women’s strong presence among graduates, alongside a new cohort graduation of 742. Human rights at the UN: Solomon Islands backs 140 UPR recommendations but notes 41 on sensitive issues, saying cultural traditions and Christian values should guide implementation. Inclusive access: A youth MP with disability calls for special needs to never block education and participation, including better inclusive services. Local economy: SIART invests $8.7m in community pig farming across three provinces, targeting better production and household livelihoods.

Climate & Livelihoods: El Niño is already disrupting seaweed farming in Western Province, with nonstop rain, weak drying conditions, and longer low-tide periods hitting incomes after Cyclone Maila destroyed farms earlier this year. Forests & Food: A World Forest Week/FAO forestry meeting in Rome highlights how forests support food, resilience and prosperity—linking conservation to everyday community survival. West Papua Human Rights: PM Matthew Wale defends Solomon Islands’ push for human rights in West Papua, saying geopolitical boundaries can’t excuse ignoring indigenous suffering. Education Reform & Teachers: World Teachers’ Day spotlights teacher shortages and working conditions as the government moves toward free universal education by 2027, including a proposed 1:35 teacher-student ratio and salary/classification changes. Student Journeys: In Choiseul’s Moli area, Grade Six students keep walking through rain, mud and river crossings to attend school despite water and infrastructure limits. SINU & Gender in Skills: SINU graduation figures show women make up 63% of graduates, while science and TVET remain male-dominated; the VC also urges responsible AI use in education. Human Rights at the UN: Solomon Islands supported 140 of 181 UPR recommendations but noted 41 on sensitive social and legal issues, reiterating that cultural traditions and Christian values should guide implementation. Disability Inclusion: A youth parliament participant calls for special needs to never be a barrier, including better inclusive education and accessible public spaces. Security Training: RSIPF personnel complete Coastwatchers safety-focused training with Australia, strengthening maritime and emergency response capability. China-Education Support: China hands SINU a $150,000 scholarship package for 37 students, as ties expand across infrastructure, health and education.

Education Reform & Teacher Support: World Teachers’ Day in Honiara and Guadalcanal highlighted government moves to improve teacher pay, housing and leave ahead of free universal education in 2027, while SINTA urges a teacher-student ratio of 1:35 to protect learning quality. Student Life on the Frontlines: Choiseul’s Moli Primary students keep walking through rain, mud and long distances to attend class, as water shortages and limited facilities disrupt school days. Water Is Life: In Moli mainland communities, families rely on boreholes, rain tanks and long trips for water, with health care and schooling affected when tanks run dry. Inclusive Education for All: The National Youth and Children’s Parliament heard calls that disability must never block access to education and public services, including better inclusive teaching and sign language support. SINU Graduation & Gender in STEM: SINU’s 2026 graduation saw women make up about 63% overall, but Science and TVET remain male-dominated, prompting renewed calls for more women in science and trades. Human Rights at the UN: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UPR recommendations and noted 41, stressing limited capacity and saying cultural traditions and Christian values should guide how sensitive issues are handled. Climate & Ocean Action: Pacific leaders met ahead of COP31, pushing for stronger collaboration and finance to keep 1.5°C within reach and protect low-lying islands. Skills, Safety & Community: RSIPF personnel completed Coastwatchers training focused on maritime safety and emergency response, while Australia-backed mobile phone repair training aims to open pathways for hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders.

Education & Access: Solomon Islands pledges free universal education by 2027, aiming to ease rural families’ burdens and keep children from being turned away. Human Rights & Values: At the UN Human Rights Council, Solomon Islands supported 140 UPR recommendations and noted 41, saying cultural traditions and Christian values should guide how rights are interpreted and implemented. Climate & Oceans: Pacific leaders meet ahead of COP31, urging nations to keep 1.5°C within reach as adaptation finance falls short and sea-level risks grow. Local Climate Action: Island leaders at the 8th Virtual Island Summit highlight practical responses like Guam’s circular economy and community aquaponics, stressing stronger partnerships and funding. SINU & Skills: SINU Vice Chancellor Transform Aqorau calls for responsible AI use in education and urges more women into science and trades; SINU also reports 63% of its 2026 graduates are women. Teachers & Learning Journeys: World Teachers’ Day is marked in Guadalcanal with plans on salary, housing and leave; meanwhile, students in Moli Choiseul keep walking long, muddy routes to attend school. Security Training: RSIPF personnel complete 173 skills courses in Exercise Coastwatchers, with safety a key theme. Community Voices: A youth MP at the National Youth and Children’s Parliament says special needs must never block access to education and public services. Culture & Craft: Pacific Women Makete connects artisans across the region, turning exchanges into new business opportunities.

COP31 Climate Push: Pacific leaders meet in Fiji and Tuvalu to urge the world to keep 1.5°C within reach, warning there’s no “safe future” above it as sea-level rise and adaptation costs intensify. Climate Finance Gap: New analysis says Pacific countries need about US$3.3b a year for adaptation, but current finance covers only around a third, with more pressure as grants shrink and lending rises. SINU Graduation & Gender in STEM: SINU Vice Chancellor Transform Aqorau urged responsible AI use in education and called for more women in science, tech and trades; women made up 63% of the 742 graduates in the latest cohort, though science and TVET remain male-dominated. Inclusive Education for Disability: At the National Youth and Children’s Parliament, a deaf youth MP said special needs must never block access to education and services, including demanding better accessibility even in Parliament. Security Training: RSIPF personnel completed 173 courses in Exercise Coastwatchers, with a strong focus on maritime safety and emergency response. Human Rights at the UN: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UPR recommendations but noted 41 on sensitive issues, saying cultural traditions and Christian values should guide implementation. Water & Health on Moli: Mothers in Choiseul’s Moli speak out about water shortages affecting daily life, healthcare and schooling—“water is life.” Education Promise: Solomon Islands pledged free universal education by 2027, aiming to remove school fees that keep children out. Agriculture Livelihoods: SIART invested $8.7m in community pig farming across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, supporting 532 households. China Education Support: China handed SINU $150,000 for scholarships for 37 students.

Security & Training: Exercise Coastwatchers wrapped up with 173 RSIPF personnel completing 22 courses, with safety a key theme—from small boats instruction to emergency medical training. Inclusion in Education: A deaf youth MP urged Parliament to ensure special needs never block access to education, services and participation, including making even the parliamentary chamber accessible. Youth & Sports: Solomon Islands athlete Stephen Rahuasi balances nursing studies with Pacific Games prep after winning multiple medals at the national championships. Graduates to Action: SINU Vice Chancellor Transform Aqorau told graduates to “create work” and solve real problems with courage and innovation. Safety Culture: USP updated its Occupational Health and Safety policy to make it easier for students and staff to raise concerns and move to safer workspaces. Human Rights & Faith: Solomon Islands supported 140 UN human rights recommendations but noted 41 on sensitive issues, saying cultural traditions and Christian values should guide implementation. Water & Daily Life: Mothers in Moli (Choiseul) speak out as water shortages disrupt health care and schooling—“water is life.” Education Promise: Solomon Islands pledged free universal education by 2027, aiming to remove school fees that keep rural children out. Culture & Craft Markets: Pacific Women Makete connects artisans across the region, turning skills and traditional craft into new business opportunities.

Human Rights & Education: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations at its Universal Periodic Review, while noting 41 on sensitive issues, and said cultural traditions and Christian values should guide how obligations are implemented. It also pledged free universal education by 2027, aiming to remove school fees that keep rural children out. Water & Community Health: Mothers in Moli (Choiseul) spoke out on “water is life,” describing tank shortages, long walks for water, and how limited water can even force Moli Primary School to close early. Women & Livelihoods: Pacific Women Makete is connecting artisans and vendors across the region, with Solomon Islands sellers sharing how exchanges sparked new products and business skills. Sports & Youth: Pacific teams are finalising preparations for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, while Solomon Islands children and youths will join the National Youth and Children’s Parliament for the first time, discussing education, health, and water. Culture & Leadership: The Bay Academy is helping young Pasifika build confidence and leadership through language, culture, dance and performance. Development & Skills: The Ministry of Communication and Aviation opened a new aviation complex, and SIART invested $8.7m in community pig farming across three provinces.

UN Human Rights & Culture: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 recommendations in its UN Universal Periodic Review, but noted 41 on sensitive issues like consensual same-sex relationships, abortion and the death penalty—while stressing that cultural traditions and Christian values should guide how human rights are interpreted and implemented. Education & Scholarships: China handed SINU $150,000 for 37 students under the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship, marking the fourth year of awards and boosting education ties. Community Livelihoods: SIART invested $8.7m in pig farming across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, supporting 20 agribusiness producer groups and 532 households with breeding facilities and weaners. Youth Voice in Schools: St Mary Tanagai CHS held a speech contest urging students to “find your voice,” building confidence and public speaking on issues from education to climate change. Women’s Protection Focus: Solomon Islands’ Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Minister pushed stronger cooperation with UN Women, including a national strategy to end violence against women and girls. Diplomacy & Climate Talk: At the UN, PM Wale called for fair sharing of AI benefits and urged real climate action, while g7+ discussions highlighted stability, resilience and dialogue. Inclusive Skills Training: Australia-backed training with Smart Technology aims to equip hearing-impaired participants in Honiara with mobile phone repair skills for work and self-employment.

Education & Scholarships: China handed SINU $150,000 for 37 students under the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship, with Acting PM Francis Sade attending the handover. Human Rights & Values: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UPR recommendations and told the UN that cultural traditions and Christian values should guide how human rights are implemented, including on sensitive social issues. Agriculture & Livelihoods: SIART invested $8.7m in 20 agribusiness producer organisations to expand community pig farming across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, supporting hundreds of households. Women’s Rights & Safety: The Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs pushed for stronger UN Women cooperation, including a national strategy to end violence against women and girls (2026–2038). Inclusive Skills: Australia-backed training with Smart Technology aims to equip 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders with mobile phone repair skills. Culture, Voice & Youth: Students at St Mary Tanagai CHS used a speech contest theme, “Our Voice is Our Future,” to build confidence and speak on issues affecting school and community. Community Support: PCYC donated SBD$65,000 to care centres and victims of Tropical Cyclone Maila. Climate Action at the UN: PM Wale urged fair AI benefits and real climate action, while Solomon Islands leaders called for stronger support for sea-level rise adaptation and climate mobility.

Education & Youth Voices: St Mary Tanagai CHS students in Honiara used a speech contest, “Our Voice is Our Future,” to build confidence and speak on issues from drugs to climate change. Diplomacy & Partnerships: Acting PM Francis Sade and China marked 77 years and seven years of ties, highlighting cooperation in infrastructure, health, trade, education and digital connectivity. Culture & Storytelling: A Malaita climate-displacement mixed-reality documentary, Solwata, premiered at Venice Immersive, bringing community stories of relocation and human rights to a global audience. Women’s Rights & Protection: Solomon Islands’ Women and Youth Minister John Maneniaru pushed for stronger UN Women cooperation, including a national strategy to end violence against women and girls. Climate Action: PM Wale and PNG leaders urged real cuts to carbon emissions at the UN, warning sea-level rise is already reshaping lives and livelihoods. Community & Care: PCYC donated SBD$65,000 to care centres and victims of Cyclone Maila. Media & Skills: Solomon Islands’ journalist shortage is growing, with calls for more training pathways and support for young reporters.

Solomon Islands–China ties: Acting PM Francis Sade marked seven years of diplomacy at a China anniversary reception, highlighting cooperation in governance, trade, infrastructure (including the National Stadium, hospital and broadband), agriculture, climate action, disaster response, health, sports, education, digital connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. Climate & sea-level pressure: At the UN, PM Matthew Wale and PNG PM James Marape urged real climate action, while Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu stressed that sea-level rise is already damaging coasts, freshwater, fisheries and livelihoods—calling for adaptation finance and support for climate mobility that protects culture and dignity. Women’s protection & leadership: Solomon Islands’ Women Minister John Maneniaru pushed stronger UN Women partnership, including a National Prevention Strategy to end violence against women and girls (2026–2038), plus sport-and-faith initiatives and market support for women. Youth & civic participation: Children join the National Youth and Children’s Parliament for the first time (Sept 28–Oct 1), alongside youths to discuss decentralised social services like education, health and WASH. Culture on screen: A Malaita-led immersive documentary, Solwata, premiered in Venice, bringing stories of climate displacement and human rights to a wider audience. Media future: Solomon Islands media industry warns of a growing journalist shortage and limited accredited training, urging internships and upskilling to keep newsrooms alive.

Chess & Youth Achievement: Team VI’s 2026 Chess Olympiad run ends in Samarkand with Shamoy Joseph and Kiara Phillip earning Candidate Master titles, plus Jhon Samuel becoming eligible for his conditional title—another sign of Pacific youth progress on the international stage. Global Chess Leadership: The Solomon Islands Chess Federation congratulates Timur Turlov on his election as the new FIDE president, hoping for stronger support for developing federations and chess education. Business & Skills in Gizo: A week-long Leadership and Business Training in Gizo brings together 48 young entrepreneurs to learn how to start, register, and grow businesses, with practical advice on planning and patience. Education & Community Pride: USP’s Solomon Islands Campus graduation celebrates 215 graduates, including Hazel Ialifu, whose degree in Social Work and Sociology is a deeply personal “first in my family” milestone. Women, Safety & Rights: Calls to step up protection for girls after major flood impacts highlight risks of trafficking, violence, and child marriage—while Solomon Islands also backs stronger UN Women partnership and new prevention planning. Climate Action at the UN: PM Matthew Wale and Minister Wayne Ghemu push for real, grant-based climate finance and dignity-focused climate mobility as sea-level rise threatens livelihoods, culture, and identity. Sports & Inclusion: ADF Sports in Honiara expands programs with new hockey and tennis, plus sitting volleyball for disability sport and inclusive participation. Democracy for Young Voices: Children join the National Youth and Children’s Parliament for the first time, with discussions on education, health, water, sanitation, and youth-led community priorities. Media & Culture Pipeline: Solomon Islands media leaders warn of a growing journalist shortage, urging more training pathways to keep local storytelling alive.

Sport & Inclusion: Australia–Solomon Islands ADF Sports Branch International Sports Program welcomed new hockey and tennis, plus sitting volleyball, with police and community coaching and first-aid training in Honiara. Girls’ Safety After Floods: Save the Children says protection for girls must be intensified in flood-affected areas as trafficking, violence and child marriage risks rise, with privacy and safety concerns in displacement sites. Chess on the World Stage: Solomon Islands Chess Federation congratulates new FIDE president Timur Turlov, hoping for stronger support for Pacific chess education and youth development. AI for Everyone: PM Matthew Wale tells the UN AI benefits must be shared by all, with risks governed globally and digital transformation focused on connecting islands. Youth Voice in Parliament: Children join the National Youth and Children’s Parliament for the first time (Sept 28–Oct 1), alongside youths to discuss education, health and water/sanitation. Women, Media & Politics: A regional “Face Forward” initiative will protect women and gender-diverse candidates from online abuse in Solomon Islands and other Pacific countries. Climate Action Demands: PNG and Solomon leaders at the UN call out “empty promises” on sea-level rise; Solomon’s Wayne Ghemu urges dignity-centred climate mobility and real adaptation finance. Local Governance & Licences: Guadalcanal premier warns against illegal business and political disruption as the provincial budget reaches $71.7m. Tourism Watch: Tourism Solomons backs the new e-Visa push but seeks clarification from Immigration to reduce uncertainty for travellers and airlines. Diplomacy & Partnerships: Solomon Islands expands ties with Kenya and boosts India-Pacific cooperation through FIPIC talks on renewable energy, climate action and capacity building. Media Skills Gap: Solomon Islands media industry warns of a growing journalist shortage, calling for more training pathways.

Chess & Youth Development: The Solomon Islands Chess Federation congratulated Timur Turlov on his election as the eighth FIDE president, saying the new leadership should boost chess education, youth pathways, and support for smaller federations. AI & Digital Inclusion: PM Matthew Wale told the UN that AI benefits and safeguards must be shared by all countries, warning against a widening digital divide and stressing Solomon Islands’ push to connect remote islands. Provincial Governance: Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu urged stability and license compliance as the provincial budget rises to $71.7m, warning unlicensed operators and tax evasion are undermining progress. Cyclone Recovery & Community Care: Point Cruz Yacht Club donated SBD$65,000 to Tenaru and Auki Care Centres and victims of Tropical Cyclone Maila, backing services for women and children. Children in Parliament: For the first time, children aged 12–15 will join the National Youth and Children’s Parliament alongside youth, focusing on education, health, water, sanitation and hygiene. Women’s Rights & Prevention: Minister John Maneniaru met UN Women and backed a national strategy to end violence against women and girls, with plans to submit it to Cabinet in October. Climate Action & Sea-Level Rise: PM Wale and Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu urged real climate finance and dignity-centred support for climate mobility, citing coastal erosion and community relocations. Diplomacy & Culture Links: Solomon Islands and Indonesia agreed to strengthen trade and ties, including education and culture cooperation, while Solomon Islands also moved to formalise relations with Kenya. Public Service Integrity: Professor Transform Aqorau warned that weak institutions and politicised appointments can open doors for transnational organised crime, calling for merit and lawful coordination. UXO Safety: UXO officials said 114,560 items have been destroyed so far, with more work needed to protect communities and enable safer development.

UN Diplomacy & Culture: Indonesia and Solomon Islands agreed to boost trade, development cooperation and capacity building at UNGA 81, including finalising education and culture agreements. Women’s Rights & Leadership: Minister John Maneniaru urged stronger UN Women partnership, spotlighting a National Prevention Strategy to End Violence Against Women and Girls (2026–2038) and programmes supporting women market vendors. Climate Action (Sea-Level Rise): PNG and Solomon Islands leaders told industrial nations to stop “empty promises” and cut carbon emissions; Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu stressed climate mobility must protect dignity, culture and customary ties. Education & Social Mobility: USP graduation stories included Hazel Ialifu, dedicating her degree in Social Work and Sociology to late parents, while 215 graduates were urged to turn Pacific knowledge into action. Media & Youth Pipeline: Solomon Islands media industry warns of a growing journalist shortage as training opportunities remain limited. Community Safety (UXO): UXO clearance efforts continue, with surveys and pilot work aimed at making schools and communities safer in Western Province. Regional Partnerships: Solomon Islands moves to deepen ties with India via FIPIC and formalised diplomatic relations with Kenya and Ghana.