AGP Executive Report

Transport & Rural Services: West Makira Constituency received a China-funded $1.5m maritime boost under the RSDP—17 fibreglass boats and 18 outboard motors to help health referrals, school transport, fisheries and farming. Education & Skills: Five Solomon Islands students have departed for China as the first cohort of the 1,000 Students Per Year initiative, while MEHRD rolls out teacher support through a Professional Development Facilitators induction and continues education legislative framework awareness in Western Province. Water, Health & Dignity: A new WASH facility was handed over for Gifu Primary School, easing pressure from ageing toilets and improving safer learning. Democracy & Civic Learning: US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau announced an MCC assessment of Parliament building rehabilitation, and Grade 5 students visited Parliament to learn how democracy works. Governance & Elections: Japan provided JPY 430m (US$3m) to UNDP’s SIDGEAP to strengthen electoral institutions and inclusive elections; reforms also consider waiving nomination fees to widen participation. Culture & Sport: Solomon Islands will feature in the Oceania 7s Women’s Cup, with the tournament set to bring regional teams to Rotorua. Regional Politics: At the PIF in Palau, leaders reaffirmed priorities amid China–Taiwan tensions and wider security debates. Community Unity: Central Guadalcanal MP Peter Shanel Agovaka warned against divisive online regionalism, urging national unity.

Education & Skills Boost: Five Solomon Islanders have departed for China under the “1,000 Students Per Year” vocational initiative, aiming to build technical capacity for schools and TVET. WASH for Learning: A new EU/UNDP-funded WASH facility has been handed over to Gifu Primary School in Guadalcanal, adding safer toilets, girls’ showers and water storage. Teacher Support: MEHRD has launched a three-day induction for professional development facilitators to better coach teachers in rural and remote areas. Local Transport for Services: West Makira received 17 boats and 18 outboard engines to improve access for health referrals, school transport, fisheries and farming. Democracy & Youth: Grade 5 students from St Nicholas School visited Parliament to learn how law-making and civic participation work. Culture & Community: Popondetta’s fourth arts and music festival kept Oro’s identity alive through dance, music and local talent. Governance & Elections: Japan provided JPY 430 million to UNDP for Solomon Islands electoral and democratic governance support. Regional Politics: Opposition in Honiara is demanding answers over leaked messages linking proposed Australian aid and a treaty to domestic political outcomes.

Education & Health: A new WASH facility has been handed over for Gifu Primary School in Guadalcanal, adding safer toilets, girls’ showers and water storage to support healthier learning. Teacher Support: MEHRD has started a three-day induction for professional development facilitators to strengthen coaching, inclusion and assessment for teachers in rural and remote areas. Local Transport for Services: West Makira received $1.5m for maritime transport—17 boats and outboard engines—to help health referrals, school transport and move fisheries and farm produce. Governance & Elections: Japan provided JPY 430m (US$3m) via UNDP to back Solomon Islands’ electoral institutions and preparations for credible, inclusive elections. Politics & Foreign Influence: The Opposition is demanding answers over leaked messages linking Australian treaty talks and large funding promises to domestic political outcomes. Culture & Community: Popondetta’s Arts and Music Festival in Oro kept local culture alive through music, dance and performances from homegrown and visiting artists. Trade & Literacy: Honiara’s National Trade Fair opens Sept 9–16, while International Literacy Day activities highlight reading as a foundation for learning.

LDC Graduation & Local Value-Add: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma says Solomon Islands must speed up innovation and shift from exporting raw commodities to processing more at home as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2027. Education & Literacy Push: PM Matthew Wale reiterates free education rollout from ECE to SINU/TVET, while opposition leaders warn about funding and readiness; meanwhile International Literacy Day activities are set to spotlight reading, with a National Trade Show literacy programme on Sept 9. Parliament in the Spotlight: Grade 5 students from St Nicholas School visit Parliament for a democracy lesson, as US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau announces an MCC assessment of Parliament building rehabilitation. Health & Skills Partnerships: SINU explores a nursing education twinning with the Philippines, and a Makira-Ulawa OSEP/PE training equips 60 school and sports representatives. Governance & Elections Support: Japan funds a UNDP project to strengthen Solomon Islands electoral institutions ahead of future polls. Border & Community Services: A new electronic visa system goes live to speed up applications and improve security; in Guadalcanal, a new WASH facility brings safer water and toilets to Gifu Primary School. Culture on Stage: Popondetta Arts and Music Festival keeps Oro’s culture alive through music, dance and local talent. Politics & Foreign Influence Claims: The Opposition raises concerns over leaked messages linking Australian treaty talks and large funding promises to domestic political outcomes.

Democratic Governance: Japan has pledged JPY 430 million (US$3m) to UNDP to strengthen Solomon Islands electoral institutions ahead of inclusive, transparent elections, working with the Electoral Commission and the Registrar of Political Parties. Education & Youth: Australia’s leaked treaty talks and promises of nearly $1b in extra aid are tied to free education, visa upgrades and security requests—while the Opposition demands answers over alleged foreign political interference. Local Politics: Central Guadalcanal MP Peter Shanel Agovaka warns online campaigns are stoking regional division, urging national unity through official channels. Health & Safety: A new WASH facility has been handed over for Gifu Primary School, improving toilets and water storage for safer learning. Culture & Community: Honiara’s National Trade Fair kicks off Sept 9–16, promising local products, innovation, and cultural performances. US Partnership: The US will renew the Peace Corps in Solomon Islands after a 26-year absence, and also plans airport rescue and firefighting vehicles for Honiara International Airport. Sports Development: Makira-Ulawa’s first OSEP/PE training trained 60 school and sports representatives to build safer, child-focused community sport.

Pacific Engagement Visa: Australia has published the 12 eligible countries for its new Pacific Engagement Visa, including Solomon Islands, positioning it as a permanent residence pathway to deepen long-term ties. Foreign Interference Claims: Solomon Islands opposition leaders are demanding answers over leaked messages they say link Australian treaty talks and aid promises to domestic political outcomes, including funding tied to electorates and free education. Politics & Unity: Central Guadalcanal MP Peter Shanel Agovaka warns against online division and regionalism, urging national unity through official channels. Free Education Debate: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare questions whether the government is ready to roll out free education nationwide in 2027, citing costing and implementation gaps. Education & Youth: Makira-Ulawa’s first OSEP and PE training trained 60 school and sports representatives, while International Literacy Day activities push reading and foundational learning. Community Services: A new WASH facility has improved water and sanitation at Gifu Primary School in Guadalcanal. Culture & Events: Popondetta’s arts and music festival kept Oro culture alive through local talent, dance and music. Governance & Safety: Japan funded electoral support via UNDP, and the US announced airport fire-rescue vehicles plus a plan to assess Parliament building rehabilitation. Sports & STEM: STEM Science Showcases in Honiara encouraged students with hands-on learning. Regional Rights Pressure: Pacific leaders increased pressure on Indonesia over a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua. US Peace Corps Returns: The US and Solomon Islands signed to renew Peace Corps after more than 20 years.

Literacy Push: Children across Tonga, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu marked International Literacy Day with reading activities, spotlighting the gap where many Year Four students still miss basic reading standards. Education Funding & Politics: Solomon Islands’ free education plan is back in the spotlight after Australia-linked leaked treaty details and local debate over whether the government is ready to fund and deliver the rollout nationwide in 2027. Trade & Culture: Honiara’s 2026 National Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) will turn FOPA Village into a hub for local products, enterprise, culture and performances. Border Reform: A new electronic visa system is now live to speed up applications and strengthen immigration security. US Partnership Returns: Solomon Islands and the United States signed to renew the Peace Corps programme, with volunteers set to support schools and community services. Gender & Inclusion in Fisheries: MFMR launched a GEDSI strategy (2026–2030) to boost women, youth and people with disabilities across the fisheries sector. Climate Voices: Child delegates from across Solomon Islands delivered climate solutions to leaders, warning about flooding, food and water insecurity, and cultural loss. Regional Pressure on West Papua: Pacific leaders urged Indonesia to allow a UN human rights visit to West Papua, with membership consequences discussed.

Political Crisis & Governance: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale survived a no-confidence attempt, with parliament adjourned indefinitely after the motion was withdrawn—giving the government time to push mining reforms and free education, while US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau arrived to back closer ties including the return of the Peace Corps. Australia Deal Leaks: Leaked messages say Australia is preparing a sweeping new treaty package, including major funding linked to visa improvements and support for Wale’s free school education push. Free Education Funding Debate: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare questioned whether the government is properly prepared to fund nationwide free education in 2027, warning it needs new appropriations, costing, and readiness across schools and provinces. Border & Mobility: A new electronic visa system is now live, aiming to speed up online applications and strengthen immigration security. Culture, Business & Youth: Honiara will host the 2026 National Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) at SINU, spotlighting local products, enterprise, culture, and innovation. STEM & Learning: STEM Science Showcases in Honiara encouraged secondary students with hands-on sessions on medicines, genomes, plants, and the environment. Gender & Inclusion in Fisheries: MFMR launched a GEDSI strategy (2026–2030) to better include women, youth, and people with disabilities across the fisheries sector. Commemoration & Reconciliation: Wale marked 84 years since Bloody Ridge with a message focused on remembrance and reconciliation. Food Culture: The “Tuna Bites” campaign celebrates Pacific tuna through a country-by-country culinary competition, including Solomon Islands.

Peace Corps Returns: Solomon Islands and the US have signed an agreement to restore the Peace Corps programme in Honiara, after it was suspended following ethnic tensions around 2000; Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela signed with visiting US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau, with talks also covering broader development support. No-Confidence Drama: A no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Matthew Wale was withdrawn by East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga, who said the move wasn’t about ambition, while Wale’s Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet called the motion political opportunism. Gender & Family Violence: Rev. Dr Cliff Bird urged men and fathers to rethink traditional gender roles, saying harmful expectations can fuel gender-based violence and even show up inside churches. Inclusive Fisheries Push: The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources launched its GEDSI Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to better include women, youth and people with disabilities across fisheries management and value chains. Children Lead Climate Solutions: Child delegates from across Solomon Islands presented climate policy recommendations to national leaders after Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini, highlighting threats to education, food and water, and cultural ties. Schools Built for Shocks: A new EU-UNICEF programme will help Pacific schools, including in Solomon Islands, stay open during disasters with climate-resilient water, sanitation, energy and maintenance support. Tuna Bites Culture & Food: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with a country-by-country tuna dish competition celebrating food security and Pacific cuisine. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Solomon Islands’ Bronwyn Kanainiu was named to the World Taekwondo Oceania council after John Kotsifas’ re-election, while Air Niugini backed the Hiri Hanenamo quest with winners travelling to Solomon Islands and other Pacific stops.

No-Confidence Drama: East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga has withdrawn his no-confidence motion against Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale, saying he acted under Parliament’s standing orders while stressing the move wasn’t about personal ambition. Bilateral Diplomacy: Wale met visiting US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Honiara, with talks including the planned return of the US Peace Corps and broader people-centred cooperation. Gender & Violence Prevention: Rev. Dr Cliff Bird urged men and fathers to rethink traditional gender roles, warning that rigid expectations can fuel violence against women and girls, including within churches. Inclusive Fisheries: The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources launched its GEDSI strategy 2026–2030, aiming to better include women, youth and persons with disabilities across fisheries management and development. Climate & Children: Child delegates from across Solomon Islands delivered climate solutions at Klaemet Tok Stori, linking sea-level rise and flooding to threats to education, health, and cultural identity. Culture on the Move: Solomon Islands is set to host teams for the POP48 Film Challenge, with short films made in 48 hours and public voting across Pacific media platforms.

GEDSI in Fisheries: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has launched its Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion strategy 2026–2030, aiming to boost women, youth and persons with disabilities across fisheries management and value chains. Climate & Children’s Voices: Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini (1–2 Sept) brought 23 child delegates from Makira, Malaita and Honiara to present climate policy recommendations to leaders, warning about sea-level rise, food and water insecurity, and cultural loss from relocation. Safer Schools Funding: The EU and UNICEF unveiled a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme, targeting around 15,000 children in Solomon Islands and training teachers and administrators for disaster-ready schooling. Culture on the Move: Air Niugini is sponsoring Papua New Guinea’s Hiri Hanenamo quest, with winners set to travel to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands on a cultural cruise. Learning & Work Readiness: SINU’s School of Business and Tourism orientation urged new students to take studies seriously and prepare for real-world leadership and problem-solving. Sports & Community: SINU will host the 2026 National Trade Fair (Sept 7–14) at SINU Village, with upgrades to facilities ahead of the event.

Sports & Culture: World Taekwondo Oceania re-elected John Kotsifas, with Solomon Islands’ Bronwyn Kanainiu joining the council—an international win that keeps Pacific sport leadership in view. Food & Identity: The “Tuna Bites” campaign is rolling out across Pacific countries, including Solomon Islands, using a local tuna-dish contest to celebrate tuna’s role in Pacific cuisine, livelihoods, and food security. Gender, Disability & Inclusion: Solomon Islands’ fisheries ministry launched its GEDSI strategy 2026–2030, aiming to boost women, youth, and persons with disabilities across fisheries management and development. Climate & Children: Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini gathered child delegates to deliver climate solutions to leaders, warning about sea-level impacts, food and water insecurity, and cultural loss from relocation. Education Resilience: A new EU-UNICEF programme will help make Pacific schools more climate-resilient, with Solomon Islands among the direct beneficiaries. Church & Community Links: UCSI and ACOM ties continue to deepen through shared pastoral work and study opportunities. Learning & Youth: SINU’s School of Business and Tourism urged new students to take studies seriously and prepare for real-world leadership and careers. Politics: Cabinet reshuffles continue as Wale’s coalition adjusts portfolios.

Sports Leigh-Out: The Sports Leigh-Out (Aug 29–Sept 4) spotlights off-island and home-turf action, from softball and track-and-field to the latest local results. Aviation & Culture: Air Niugini backs the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo quest, with winners set for a cultural cruise that includes Solomon Islands. Inclusive Fisheries: MFMR launches its GEDSI Strategy 2026–2030 to boost women, youth and people with disabilities across fisheries management and value chains. Climate & Children: Child delegates from Makira, Malaita and Honiara present climate solutions to leaders, warning about sea-level rise, food and water insecurity, and cultural loss from relocation. Education Resilience: EU-UNICEF announces a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems push to make schools safer during disasters, including in Solomon Islands. University & Youth: SINU business and tourism students are urged to take studies seriously and prepare for real-world leadership and careers. Church Links: UCSI and ACOM partnership deepens, including more theological study pathways through ACOM’s Kohimarama campus. Governance & Politics: OPMC rejects the no-confidence motion against PM Matthew Wale, calling it opportunism and arguing reforms are only just starting. Regional Diplomacy: MSG leaders press Indonesia to facilitate a UN human rights visit to West Papua, with associate status review flagged for 2027.

GEDSI in Fisheries: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has launched a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion strategy for 2026–2030, aiming to better include women, youth and people with disabilities across fisheries management and development. Climate & Kids’ Voices: Child delegates from Makira, Malaita and Honiara presented climate solutions to national leaders after Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini, warning that rising seas and flooding are also eroding culture and forcing relocations. Safer Schools Funding: A new EU–UNICEF programme worth €17m will help Pacific schools, including in Solomon Islands, stay open during disasters with resilient water, sanitation, renewable energy and disaster-preparedness training. Education & Work Readiness: SINU’s School of Business and Tourism urged new students to take studies seriously, build discipline and think beyond exams. Culture on the Move: Air Niugini is sponsoring the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo quest, with winners travelling by cruise to Fiji, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. Inclusive Learning in Practice: RAAF maritime surveillance supported regional fisheries monitoring, helping spot vessels of interest across Solomon Islands waters. Politics Watch: Cabinet reshuffles continue as Wale’s government swears in new ministers, while OPMC rejects a no-confidence motion as political opportunism. Trade & Community: SINU will host the 2026 National Trade Fair, with upgrades planned for SINU Village ahead of September 7–14.

West Papua Human Rights: Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders say Indonesia is “on the right path” to allow a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit to West Papua, but warned associate-member status could be reviewed in 2027 if the visit isn’t facilitated. Cabinet Shuffle: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale swore in Harry Kuma (Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration), Nestor Ghiro (Agriculture and Livestock) and Isikeli Vave Jnr (Home Affairs) as the GREAT coalition continues reshaping its front bench. Climate-Ready Schools: A new EU-UNICEF €17m programme launched in Palau will help Solomon Islands and other Pacific states upgrade schools so they can stay open during cyclones, floods and sea-level impacts. Education & Culture: Solomon Islands National University will host the 2026 National Trade Fair (Sept 7–14) at SINU Village, with facility upgrades planned. Church Links: UCSI and ACOM partnership is deepening in the Diocese of Ysabel, including shared training and theological study pathways. Mining Governance: Transparency Solomon Islands urges stronger consultation and fairness in the proposed Mineral Resources Bill, calling for changes to “constructive consent.” Regional Politics: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, China warns of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence, while leaders also stress climate threats and drug crime as top priorities. Maritime Security: RAAF surveillance supported Forum Fisheries Agency operations, spotting vessels of interest across a wide Solomon Islands patrol area. Business Finance: SICCI welcomed the relaunch of Fiji’s SME credit guarantee scheme—highlighting the need for accessible finance for local entrepreneurs.

Pacific Diplomacy in the Spotlight: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, China warned of “consequences” for Taiwan after Beijing and Taipei officials attended a ceremony, while leaders’ absences and big-power rivalry threaten to drown out local priorities like climate and crime. Education for Climate Resilience: A new EU-UNICEF programme worth $43.4m will help around 15,000 children in Solomon Islands and other Pacific states through safer, climate-resilient schools, plus training for teachers and community disaster preparedness. Solomons-Japan Cooperation: Japan reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands’ development priorities, including continued work via the education task force and possible help for aviation and airport infrastructure. Maritime Security Support: RAAF surveillance flights backed fisheries patrol efforts, spotting 19 vessels of interest across a wide Solomon Islands area during Operation Solania. Church Partnership & Community Life: UCSI and ACOM say their growing partnership is strengthening pastoral work in the Diocese of Ysabel, including shared training and theological study pathways. VAT Readiness Push: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo urged businesses to start preparing now for VAT, stressing registration, invoicing, record-keeping, and input tax claims. Mining Bill Transparency Call: Transparency Solomon Islands urged stronger consultation and removal of a “constructive consent” idea from the Mineral Resources Bill, after landowner concerns. Local Business Boost: SICCI welcomed the relaunch of the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, saying it can unlock finance for indigenous and growing enterprises. Culture & Faith on Screen: A documentary on Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s justice-and-forgiveness journey opens FIFDA Paris, with Solomon Islands reconciliation featured in the film’s story.