AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Women’s Rights: A new report highlights how Pacific Islander women working in Australia’s farms face pregnancy-related injury, debt, secrecy and fear when employers hire them without proper visas. Sports & Community Health: Honiara hosted an Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Programme, with all 26 ministries taking part in games and wellness activities under the “Healthy Workforce, Healthy Nation” theme. Football Culture: Hundreds joined an alcohol-free FIFA World Cup fan parade in Honiara, backing different teams and calling for peace and responsible celebration. Youth & Education: SINU students voted for a new student representative to the university council, with Kevin Olea winning the seat. Culture & Festival Planning: The Culture Division says NATPAN benefits should reach communities, with visiting panpipe groups hosted by relatives and host families in Honiara. Rural Livelihoods (Malaita): SOLKAS made progress in Malaita, training youth for climate-resilient business opportunities, with women strongly represented. Cyclone Recovery: Solomon Islands estimates about $150 million needed for recovery after Tropical Cyclone Maila, focusing on health, education, livelihoods and shelter. Minimum Wage Review: A three-day workshop is underway to strengthen how minimum wages are set and reviewed, with data analysis planned after provincial surveys.

Wartime Heritage Mapping: A Japanese researcher is building an interactive map and website to document Japanese colonial-era sites on Tonoas in Chuuk, highlighting overlooked locations tied to WWII history. Sport for Community Health: The Hook in4Health Solomon Islands initiative is bringing hockey to students and rural communities in North East Guadalcanal, using sport to promote healthy living, education and leadership. Culture Festival Benefits: The Culture Division says this year’s National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) will share benefits directly with Honiara host families and relatives, using utilities and food support to keep gains in communities. Youth, Skills and Jobs: Minimum wage review work is underway across provinces, while SOLKAS in Malaita is training youth for climate-resilient livelihoods with a gender-responsive, inclusive approach. Education Support: SINU students are voting for a new Student Representative, and the Ministry of Education is showcasing new learner and teacher materials under the Free Education Policy. Cyclone Maila Recovery: The government estimates about $150 million is needed for recovery after Tropical Cyclone Maila, focusing on health, education, livelihoods and shelter. Diplomatic Ties & Remembrance: A Solomon Islands–US MOU signed June 3 will support recovery and repatriation of WWII POW/MIA remains. Regional Development: EU officials back the proposed Bina Harbour tuna processing plant as a potential Malaita game-changer—if implementation and partners are right.

Wartime Heritage & Mapping: A Japanese researcher is building an interactive map and website on Japanese colonial-era buildings and sites on Tonoas in Chuuk, highlighting overlooked locations tied to WWII raids. Sports for Health & Values: The Hook in4Health Solomon Islands program brought hockey to Ruavatu Secondary School in North East Guadalcanal, using sport to promote healthy living, learning, and leadership. Culture Festival Planning: The Culture Division says NATPAN (July 1–5) will share festival benefits by hosting visiting panpipe groups with relatives and host families in Honiara, with support for utilities and food. Youth & Climate Livelihoods: SOLKAS is rolling out a Youth Climate-Resilient Livelihoods program in Malaita, with training showing strong women’s participation and inclusive support for youths with disabilities. Minimum Wage Process: The Labour Division has started province-wide surveys for a minimum wage review, with analysis to follow using data work by the National Statistics Office and the ILO. Education Recovery & Materials: After Cyclone Maila, MEHRD is prioritizing school repairs and temporary learning spaces in Western and Choiseul, while new learner and teacher resources are being showcased under the Free Education Policy. Community Clean-Up: Honiara launched a week-long coastal clean-up campaign at Rove Children’s Park, linking land waste habits to pollution washing onto the shoreline. Music & Creative Economy: Tourism Solomons is sponsoring “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara, bringing together Solomon Islands artists and regional acts from PNG, Fiji, and Vanuatu.

Renewable Energy & Fuel Prices: Global oil spikes after the US-Iran conflict are hitting Pacific economies hard, with Solomon Islands and Fiji facing low fuel reserves and rising costs that threaten tourism—renewables are being pushed as the long-term fix. Education & Learning Materials: Minister Stephen Kumi showcased new learner and teacher resources for Years 1–8 under the Free Education Policy, backed by NZ and Australia, aiming to end the “teachers improvise” problem. Minimum Wage Review: Solomon Islands’ minimum wage is under review as Labour Division surveys roll out across provinces, with analysis planned with the NSO and the ILO. Youth, Sports & Ethics: SINU students visited SINIS to discuss ethics in sport, while SINU’s 2026 soccer league was launched to nurture talent and wellbeing; a JICA physiotherapy volunteer also arrived to support athlete rehabilitation. Community & Culture: Multicultural Aoraki kept busy with a new office opening, Samoan Language Week, and cyclone relief fundraising; Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26” to spotlight Melanesian music. Governance & Anti-Corruption: PM Matthew Wale says officials suspected of corruption or misuse of funds will be removed, as he pushes a tougher stance on resource-sector wrongdoing. Women’s Leadership: Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting calls for turning gender equality commitments into practical action amid rising hardship. Disaster Recovery: MEHRD plans to prioritize school recovery in Choiseul and Western after Cyclone Maila, using repurposed funding and safety assessments.

SINU Student Life & Education: Students at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) vote today (June 11) to elect a new Student Representative to the SINU Council for 2026, with five candidates in the race and polling running 8am–4.30pm. Sports & Ethics in Learning: SINU ethics students visited the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) to interview staff on how values shape leadership and behaviour in sport. Youth & Community Development: Kaloka Youth Association (Isabel) received a vehicle through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and YECSI grant partnership, backing youth-led tourism activity. Jobs, Skills & Graduations: Papapi Technical School marked 56 graduates completing training in Gizo, with education leaders urging them to become productive citizens. Education Resources Push: Minister Stephen Kumi showcased new learner and teacher materials in Auckland under the Free Education Policy, including curriculum resources for Years 1–8. Women & Inclusion in the Pacific: Solomon Islands Minister John Maneniaru chaired the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting, calling for action on gender equality as rising costs hit women and vulnerable groups hardest. Environment & Culture in Honiara: A week-long coastal clean-up campaign launched at Rove Children’s Park links inland waste habits to pollution washing onto Honiara’s shores. Regional Ties & Heritage: The U.S. and Solomon Islands signed a Memorandum of Understanding on June 3 to support recovery and repatriation of WWII remains, with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Museum highlighted.

Multicultural Aoraki: The group marked a new office opening in Butler St, celebrated Samoan Language Week at Timaru Christian School with schools from across the region, and ran cyclone relief fundraising after Cyclone Maila. Minimum Wage Review: Labour Division surveys are underway for a new minimum wage, with Honiara data due this month and analysis to be done with the National Statistics Office and the ILO. Youth & Tourism Jobs: Kaloka Youth Association in Isabel received a vehicle through the MCT and YECSI grant partnership, backing youth involvement in tourism-related business. Education Support: MEHRD is prioritising schools damaged by Cyclone Maila in Choiseul and Western Province, while Minister Stephen Kumi showcased new learner and teacher materials under the Free Education Policy. Women’s Leadership: Pacific women leaders urged moving from policy to action as rising costs and global conflict hit women, girls and vulnerable communities hardest. Environment & Culture: A week-long coastal clean-up in Honiara linked rubbish on beaches to poor inland waste habits, with students and community groups leading the effort. Sports & Talent: SINU launched its 2026 Soccer League to nurture student wellbeing and future football talent. Diplomacy & Heritage: Solomon Islands and the U.S. signed an MOU to support recovery and repatriation of WWII POW/MIA remains. Regional Music: Tourism Solomons backed “Aelan Riddim 26,” bringing new artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu to Honiara.

Minimum Wage Review: Solomon Islands’ Labour Division is surveying all provinces to reset the national minimum wage, with Honiara data due this month; analysis will be done with the National Statistics Office and the ILO before the Labour Advisory Board advises the Minister. Youth & Skills in Action: Kaloka Youth Association in Isabel received a vehicle via the MCT–YECSI grant partnership, while Papapi Technical School marked 56 graduates—urging them to become productive citizens and bridge the gap between training and jobs. Education Materials Boost: Education Minister Stephen Kumi showcased new learner and teacher resources for Years 1–8 under the Free Education Policy, funded with support from New Zealand and Australia. Culture & Community: Tourism Solomons signed on as a major sponsor for “Aelan Riddim 26,” bringing regional artists to Honiara and backing the local creative economy. Environment & Health: A week-long coastal clean-up in Honiara links shoreline rubbish to poor inland waste management, as sanitation challenges continue to affect students’ health and attendance. Regional Leadership on Gender: Solomon Islands’ John Maneniaru chaired the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting, calling for practical action as rising costs and conflict pressures hit women and vulnerable groups hardest.

Minimum Wage Review: Solomon Islands’ legal minimum wage is back under review, with the Labour Division running surveys across all provinces (Honiara this month) before the National Statistics Office and the ILO analyse results and advise the Labour Advisory Board. Youth & Tourism Jobs: The Kaloka Youth Association in Isabel received a vehicle through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the YECSI grant partnership, part of a push to back young entrepreneurs in tourism-related work. Education Support: Western Makira constituency handed out 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to 53 students to boost digital learning under its education funding. Education After Cyclone Maila: The government says it will prioritise repairing and reopening schools in Western and Choiseul after Tropical Cyclone Maila, using repurposed education infrastructure funds. Sports & Wellbeing: SINU launched its 2026 Soccer League, while JICA’s physiotherapy volunteer Yuki Nishikawa arrived to strengthen athlete rehabilitation and injury prevention at SINIS. Women’s Voices: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting, Solomon Islands’ John Maneniaru urged moving from policy to action as rising costs and conflict pressures hit women and vulnerable communities hardest. Culture & Community: Tourism Solomons is sponsoring “Aelan Riddim 26,” bringing regional artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside Solomon Islands talent.

Anti-Corruption Push: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says suspected corrupt officials will be removed, warning logging firms against “raping and pillaging” resources as he begins a cleanup in Honiara. Education & Youth Support: ILO and MCILI kick off a three-day minimum wage setting workshop in Honiara, while Education Minister Stephen Kumi showcases new learner and teacher materials under the Free Education Policy, including 533,000 books for Years 1–8. Skills for Work: Papapi Technical School graduates 56 students in Gizo, with calls to become productive citizens and bridge gaps between training and jobs. Digital Learning Boost: West Makira Constituency backs 53 students with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to support digital study. Regional Culture & Sports: SINU launches its 2026 soccer league to nurture talent and campus unity, and Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26” with a stronger Melanesian lineup. Women’s Inclusion: Pacific leaders, including Solomon Islands’ John Maneniaru, urge moving from policy to action on gender equality as rising costs hit women and vulnerable communities hardest. Environment in the Capital: A week-long coastal clean-up in Honiara links shoreline pollution to inland waste habits, calling for community action. Pacific Ties & Diplomacy: Wale heads to New Zealand for talks, and Australia agrees to start negotiations on a new strategic treaty as Solomon Islands reviews its China security pact.

Anti-Corruption Push: New PM Matthew Wale says any public official suspected of corruption or misuse of funds will be removed, warning logging companies against “raping and pillaging” resources. Education & Skills: ILO and MCILI begin a three-day minimum wage setting workshop in Honiara, while Minister Stephen Kumi showcases new Free Education learner and teacher materials for Years 1–8, and Papapi Technical School graduates are urged to become productive citizens. Youth & Sports: SINU launches its 2026 Soccer League to nurture talent and wellbeing, and SINIS welcomes a JICA physiotherapy volunteer to support athlete rehabilitation. Culture & Community: Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26,” boosting a regional music festival in Honiara. Environment & Health: A week-long coastal clean-up targets Honiara’s litter problem linked to inland waste habits, as UNICEF highlights how poor sanitation keeps children and schools struggling. Regional Ties: Wale heads to New Zealand and Canberra, agreeing to negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and review China’s 2022 security pact. Humanitarian Memory: A Solomon Islands–US MOU formalizes recovery and repatriation work for WWII POW/MIA remains.

Solomon Islands–Australia Reset: New PM Matthew Wale has agreed to start negotiations on a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and says his government will review the 2022 security pact with China, after talks with Anthony Albanese in Canberra. Education & Youth: Australia also pledged support tied to education and training, while opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare warns fee-free education must be matched with school quality, teachers, and infrastructure. Women’s Leadership: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in Suva, Solomon Islands Minister John Maneniaru and PIF leaders urged moving from policy to action as rising costs and conflict pressures hit women, girls, youth, and vulnerable communities hardest. Digital Skills: CBSI and Rural Inclusion launched a national digital financial literacy content hub workshop to improve access and consumer protection. Culture & Community: Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26,” bringing regional artists to Honiara and boosting the local creative economy. Environment & Health: Honiara’s coastline clean-up campaign links coastal pollution to inland waste management, while UNICEF highlights sanitation and hygiene gaps affecting students nationwide.

Pacific Football & Youth Pathways: Ghupo Wantoks FC was launched in Honiara with OFC vice president John Kapi Nato calling it a Melanesian “connection” project for young players across Solomon Islands, PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji. EU Fisheries Investment: Malaita’s Bina Harbour tuna processing plant is pitched as a potential jobs and anti-migration boost, but success will hinge on implementation, management and the right commercial partners. Gender Equality at the Pacific Forum: PIF Women Leaders Meeting leaders, including Solomon Islands’ John Maneniaru and Baron Waqa, urged moving from policy to action so women, girls and vulnerable groups get safer homes, stronger livelihoods and better services. Cyclone Maila School Recovery: MEHRD is prioritising damaged schools in Choiseul and Western Province after Tropical Cyclone Maila, with assessments guiding repairs and temporary learning spaces. Honiara Clean-Up & Waste: A week-long coastal clean-up at Rove Children’s Park links shoreline rubbish to inland waste habits, calling for community and business action. Solomons–Australia Reset: New PM Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will negotiate a comprehensive treaty with Australia and review the 2022 China security pact, with development support and education training promises highlighted in Canberra. Digital Learning Support: West Makira constituency backed 53 students with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to strengthen digital education. Sports Medicine Boost: SINIS welcomed JICA physiotherapy volunteer Yuki Nishikawa to support athlete rehabilitation, injury prevention and high-performance care. Education Policy Debate: Opposition warns fee-free education must be matched with quality, teacher support and school readiness—not just removing fees.

Pacific Diplomacy & Honours: Australia’s Order of Australia recognises diplomat Ewen McDonald for renewed Pacific ties and Monash sonographer Peter Coombs for health work across the region. Education & Digital Access: West Makira Gifts Constituency handed out 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to 53 students to boost digital learning. New Leadership Abroad: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale heads to New Zealand for talks with Christopher Luxon, with ministers Rick Houenipwela and Stephen Kumi in tow. Australia Treaty Push: In Canberra, Wale says Solomon Islands will negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and review the 2022 security pact with China, with Australia also pledging cyclone and energy-shock support plus more training scholarships. Sports & Care: JICA physiotherapy volunteer Yuki Nishikawa begins a two-year role at SINIS to strengthen athlete rehabilitation and injury prevention. Women, Youth & Recovery: MEHRD is prioritising school repairs after Cyclone Maila in Choiseul and Western, while Pacific women leaders warn rising costs are hitting women and vulnerable communities hardest. Culture & Community: Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26,” bringing regional artists to Honiara’s contemporary music festival.

Education & Youth Empowerment: West Makira Constituency handed 53 students 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to boost digital learning, funded through its education CDF allocation (SBD$200,500). Sports & Health: SINIS welcomed Japanese physiotherapy volunteer Yuki Nishikawa under JICA to support athlete rehabilitation, injury prevention and high-performance care. Disaster Recovery (Education): MEHRD is prioritizing schools in Choiseul and Western Province after Cyclone Maila, using repurposed funding and safety assessments to get children back to class. Women, Youth & Inclusion: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in Suva, Solomon Islands’ John Maneniaru warned rising fuel costs, conflict impacts and climate pressures are hitting women and vulnerable communities hardest. Environment & Community Action: Honiara’s coastline clean-up campaign linked coastal pollution to inland waste mismanagement, with students and community groups joining the week-long effort. Culture & Music: Tourism Solomons signed on to sponsor “Aelan Riddim 26,” bringing regional artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside Solomon Islands talent. Politics & Regional Ties: New PM Matthew Wale begins a reset with Australia—negotiating a comprehensive strategic treaty and reviewing the 2022 China security pact—while also planning talks in New Zealand with Christopher Luxon.

Solomon Islands–Australia Reset: New PM Matthew Wale has begun talks in Canberra to negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and to review the 2022 security pact with China, after saying he wants a “reset” in relations with Canberra. Education & Recovery: Australia also pledged support for Cyclone Maila recovery and education training, while local debate continues over fee-free education—opposition warns quality and funding must match promises. Women Leading the Response: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in Suva, Solomon Islands’ John Maneniaru urged practical action as fuel, supply and conflict costs hit women, youth and vulnerable communities hardest. Health, Learning, Dignity: UNICEF WASH reporting highlights how poor sanitation and hygiene keep children and especially girls out of school, with diarrhoea outbreaks still a major risk. Culture & Youth: Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26,” bringing regional artists to Honiara, and SINU gears up for an inter-faculty soccer competition. Environment & Community Work: A Honiara coastal clean-up campaign links shoreline pollution to inland waste habits, calling for community and business action.

Cyclone Maila Recovery: MEHRD says it will prioritize damaged schools in Choiseul and Western Province, using repurposed development funds after impact assessments to get children back into safe learning spaces. Gender & Inclusion: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in Suva, Solomon Islands’ John Maneniaru warned that rising fuel costs, supply disruptions, conflict and climate impacts are hitting women, girls, youth and people with disabilities hardest, urging action beyond policy. Environment & Youth Culture: A week-long clean-up campaign in Honiara links coastal pollution to poor inland waste management, with students and community groups restoring beaches and public spaces for World Environment Day and World Ocean Day. Music & Lifestyle: Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara, bringing together Solomon Islands artists plus regional acts from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu. Coastal Conservation: Coral Triangle partners highlight community-led stewardship and Green List progress, including participatory work around Arnavon Community Marine Park. Politics & Education: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale begins talks with Australia in Canberra, while opposition leaders urge caution on fee-free education—demanding quality, teacher support and real implementation capacity.