AGP Executive Report

Heritage & Identity: Tulagi’s historic Nambawan Haus has reopened as Solomon Islands’ second national museum, with diplomats and local leaders framing it as a living space for colonial and WWII memories and a new heritage tourism anchor. Digital Access: A China-aided national broadband project was handed over in Tenaru, expanding coverage across all nine provinces and boosting connectivity for remote communities. Inclusive Governance: Government officers completed GEDSI training for SOLKAS delivery, aiming to strengthen inclusion and social safeguards in climate resilience work. Maritime Economy: Productive sector officials and SIMA are mapping a 90-day work plan to push GREAT Coalition maritime priorities, including rural shipping, safety, digital transformation, and an international shipping registry. Culture in Action: Guadalcanal will host a traditional feast bringing together all eight provinces on Aug 3, while the province also runs a four-day weaving festival to revive skills and pass them to youth. Community & Livelihoods: Australia opened a second round of its Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships program, and grants are backing indigenous agribusinesses and seaweed expansion in Isabel. Environment & Rights: The Lukulobere Tribe celebrated official protected status for 563 hectares of forest after years of logging threats.

Heritage & Museums: Tulagi officially welcomed the Nambawan Haus Museum, with Prime Minister Matthew Wale cutting the ribbon and diplomats from New Zealand, Japan, the UK and the US reflecting on Tulagi’s colonial and WWII past—while Central Islands Premier Kenneth Sagupari pushes the vision of Tulagi as Solomon Islands’ “heritage capital.” Culture & Skills: Guadalcanal Province is bringing back its Weaving Festival (31 July–3 August) with a mini cultural village, competitions, and free workshops for children and young people. Land & Conservation: The Lukulobere Tribe celebrated official protected area status for 563 hectares of rainforest in Honiara, after years of resisting unwanted logging. Education & Inclusion: Japan pledged support for Solomon Islands’ free education rollout, and para powerlifter Moffat Tolomae won a Commonwealth Sport Athlete Voice Grant for an “MT Art Class” inclusion project. Community & Livelihoods: MALD handed over SBD 1.34m in grants to indigenous agribusinesses, while Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm signed a partnership to expand seaweed production in Isabel. Child Safety: In Isabel, a family of a whipped student pursued cultural settlement, leading police to withdraw the case. Women’s Leadership: WELSI’s Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program is underway in Honiara, aiming to grow women into CEO and board roles. Environment & Climate Memory: A new sculpture, “Solomon Siren,” marks ten years since Kale Island was submerged by rising seas.

Forest Protection: The Lukulobere Tribe has celebrated the official declaration of 563 hectares of protected forest under the Babatana Rainforest Conservation Project, after years of resistance to unwanted logging that cleared about 30 hectares in 2024. Culture & Tourism: Guadalcanal Province will host a four-day Weaving Festival (31 July–3 August) at SINU FOPA Panatina Lower Campus, with competitions and free workshops for children and young people. Heritage in Tulagi: Central Islands Premier Kenneth Sagupari backed a push to make Tulagi the “heritage capital,” as the Nambawan Haus Museum officially opened in a restored colonial-era residence. Policy & Delivery: Fundamental Sector Ministries have started consultations to align priorities and infrastructure with the GREAT Coalition agenda, including free education at the centre of plans. Business & Jobs: MALD handed over SBD 1.34 million in grants to support indigenous agribusinesses, including chocolate processing and kava value-adding. Women’s Leadership: WELSI’s Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program is underway in Honiara, building networks for women aiming for CEO and board roles. Education Support: Japan has pledged funding to help roll out Solomon Islands’ free education policy from January, plus support for a new school via the Sasakawa Foundation. Marine Conservation: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a major transboundary marine protected area initiative. Child Safety: Save the Children launched the second phase of the SIEVAP project in Gizo, calling for every child to be free from violence and harmful practices.

School & Community Justice: The family of an Isabel student reportedly whipped at Sir Dudley Tuti College says police withdrew the case so the matter can be settled culturally with the teacher and school officials, after the boy was taken to hospital and x-rays ruled out a suspected backbone injury. Climate Memory & Culture: A new intertidal sculpture, “The Solomon Siren” by Jason deCaires Taylor, marks the 10-year loss of Kale Island to sea-level rise, honoring a vanished home and highlighting ongoing displacement across Isabel. Women & Safety: A WPS Index roundup ranks countries best and worst for women, while in Solomon Islands child protection advocates say every child deserves to grow up free from violence and harmful practices. Indigenous Livelihoods: MALD handed out SBD 1.34m to support indigenous agribusinesses under the GREAT agriculture push, and Australia-backed expansion plans for Keto Seaweed Farm aim to boost jobs and income in Isabel. Heritage & Learning: Nambawan Haus Museum opened in Tulagi as a flagship heritage tourism site, and Japan pledged support for Solomon Islands’ free education rollout plus a new school concept. Energy Reality: Pacific connectivity efforts are being held back most by power, with solar-plus-satellite approaches highlighted as a practical fix for remote communities.

Museum & Heritage: Solomon Islands has opened its second museum, the Nambawan Haus Museum in Tulagi, restoring a historic British Protectorate residence to safeguard artefacts, photos, documents and oral histories. Education & Skills: Japan has pledged support for Solomon Islands’ free education rollout via a concessional loan, with plans for a new school backed by the Sasakawa Foundation. Women in Leadership: WELSI’s Solomon Islands Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program (Cohort 8) is underway in Honiara, aiming to move women into CEO and board roles. Agribusiness Funding: MALD has handed over SBD 1.34 million to four indigenous enterprises to boost value-adding, farmer-to-market access and post-harvest work. Youth & Digital Giving Back: Kaloka Youth Association in Isabel launched an inclusive website built by a local software engineering student, focused on community visibility and support. Health & Safety for Children: Save the Children launched phase two of the SIEVAP project in Gizo, urging everyone to protect children from violence and harmful practices. Energy & Jobs: Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm will expand seaweed production in Isabel, including equipment, storage and improved staff accommodation. Regional Policy Watch: New Zealand announced RSE worker protections, but accommodation details remain a key question. Culture & Lifestyle: A Fiji-based tradition of reading yams, bees and other nature signs is being used to predict cyclone season.

Pacific Aid Watch: A new Lowy Institute Pacific Aid Map report says Australia shielded the region from the worst of aid cuts, disbursing about US$1.5b in 2024—37% of all development finance—while total Pacific funding is expected to dip in 2025. Culture & Heritage: Solomon Islands has opened its second museum, the Namba Wan Haus Museum in Tulagi, restoring a historic British Protectorate residence to protect artefacts, photos and oral histories. Education & Skills: Japan will fund Solomon Islands’ free education rollout via a concessional loan, and KOICA is backing SINU’s fisheries education by refurbishing its Ranadi complex. Community Life: Ghumu in Ngella celebrated a new co-funded footpath project improving safe access for women, youth and farmers. Jobs & Livelihoods: Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm (Isabel) plan to expand seaweed production with storage, equipment, a boat and better staff accommodation. Governance & Cost of Living: Transparency Solomon Islands is calling for MPs’ recent pay rises to be revoked or reconsidered amid rising household costs. Energy Reality: A Pacific solar push argues reliable power—not just internet—must come to remote communities.

Culture & Heritage: Solomon Islands has opened its second museum, the Namba Wan Haus Museum in Tulagi, restoring the former Resident Commissioner’s residence and aiming to protect artefacts, photos, documents and oral histories for future generations. Public Accountability: Two specialist sexual violence support groups are urging police to review other cases handled by former officer Darren Folau after an internal review criticised the original historical sexual assault investigation and how the complainant was treated. Education & Skills: Japan has pledged funding to help roll out Solomon Islands’ free education policy from January, and plans a new school via the Sasakawa Foundation, with a STEM/skills focus. Health & Safety: Save the Children says every child in Solomon Islands deserves to grow up free from violence, launching the second phase of the SIEVAP project in Gizo. Sports Development: Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) is set to host Australian sports science students under the New Colombo Plan, supporting local athletes with practical placements. Community Life: Ghumu community celebrated the handover of a new 300-metre footpath linking homes to schools, health centres and markets, improving safety and access. Energy & Lifestyle: A Pacific solar push highlights how reliable power—not just internet—keeps schools and services running in remote islands. Regional Links: The U.S. and Solomon Islands move to bring Peace Corps back after more than 25 years, alongside $6m for WWII ordnance removal. Governance & Work: Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says RSE accommodation and protections will be strengthened over two years, though a major court case remains unresolved. Trade & Jobs: Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm (Isabel) will co-invest to expand seaweed production on Keto Island, creating more income opportunities, especially for women and youth. Mining Policy: PM Matthew Wale announces a sweeping mining overhaul, including a sovereign wealth fund and changes to how communities receive royalties. Copyright & Creative Rights: UNESCO-Aschberg support will help Solomon Islands review its Copyright Act 1987 and strengthen artists’ rights and licensing rules. Travel Convenience: HKSAR passport holders get visa-free access to Solomon Islands from August 26, 2026, for up to 30 days.

Indigenous Seaweed Jobs: Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm (Isabel) have signed a new partnership to expand seaweed production on Keto Island, with co-investment in storage, equipment, a boat/engine, and staff accommodation—supporting jobs for women and young people. Diplomacy & Development: PM Matthew Wale says his U.S. and Japan visits strengthened ties, with talks including the Bina Harbour Project and broader cooperation on infrastructure, education, and maritime work. Artists’ Rights & Copyright: UNESCO-Aschberg support is backing Solomon Islands to review the Copyright Act 1987 and draft implementing rules, aiming to better protect creators in a digital era. Education & Child Safety: Save the Children calls for every child to be free from violence as it launches phase two of the SIEVAP project, while the GREAT Coalition reiterates its education agenda and pushes Education for All, Free Education, STEM, teacher welfare, and school infrastructure. Public Pressure on MPs’ Pay: Transparency Solomon Islands demands revoking recent MPs’ salary hikes amid the cost-of-living squeeze. Culture & Community Events: Guadalcanal gears up for 2nd Appointed Day celebrations, and Rennell & Bellona marks its 33rd anniversary with reform-themed unity festivities. US Peace Corps Return: The U.S. signs a letter of intent to bring Peace Corps back after 25 years, alongside $6m for WWII ordnance removal.

UNESCO & Artists’ Rights: UNESCO-Aschberg support is helping Solomon Islands review its Copyright Act 1987 and draft new rules, aiming to strengthen protection, licensing, enforcement and collective rights for artists—especially as digital tech changes how creativity is used. Education & Youth Protection: Save the Children says every child in Solomon Islands deserves to grow up free from violence, launching phase two of the SIEVAP project in Gizo and urging stronger protection for girls’ education. Higher Learning Upgrades: KOICA is funding SINU to refurbish its Fisheries Department complex at Ranadi, while Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes to boost hands-on automotive training at SINU. Women’s Leadership Wānanga: 29 women parliamentarians across the Pacific meet in Wellington for “Tuākana, Tēina, Whenua, Talanoa,” focusing on leadership, online harm and gender-based harassment. Tourism Collaboration: Australia-backed “Tok Stori” brings together indigenous tourism operators and government to grow more sustainable tourism across the Hapi Isles and beyond. Governance & Cost of Living: Transparency Solomon Islands calls for MPs’ pay rise to be revoked, arguing it’s unfair during rising household costs. US Peace Corps Return: The US and Solomon Islands sign a letter of intent to bring Peace Corps back after 25 years, alongside $6m for WWII ordnance removal. Visa News: HKSAR passport holders get visa-free access to Solomon Islands from Aug 26 for up to 30 days, with reciprocal visa-free access for Solomon nationals to Hong Kong.

Women’s Leadership: 29 women parliamentarians from across the Pacific will meet in Wellington for a three-day wānanga on “Decision-making and influencing change across the Pacific,” with sessions on leadership, online harm, and gender-based harassment. Education & Skills: Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering Department to boost hands-on training for apprentices, while SINU representatives shared climate innovation work at a regional forum in Vanuatu. Youth & Culture Online: Kaloka Youth Association in Isabel launched an inclusive website, backed by young leaders pushing youth to dream big and keep digital platforms active. Community Safety: Honiara City Council school bus staff completed first aid training to strengthen student safety on daily routes. Governance & Cost of Living: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls to revoke MPs’ pay rise, arguing it’s unfair amid rising household costs. Peace Corps Return: The US signed a letter of intent to bring Peace Corps volunteers back to Solomon Islands after 25 years, alongside $6m for WWII ordnance removal. Tourism Collaboration: Tourism leaders held a “Tok Stori” to unite indigenous operators and government on more sustainable visitor growth.

Women & Peace Index: A new Women, Peace and Security ranking puts Denmark at the top for women’s inclusion, justice and security, while Afghanistan sits at the bottom—showing how safety and rights vary widely across countries. Climate Justice in the Pacific: Vanuatu’s push for the UN’s top court to clarify governments’ climate duties is gaining momentum, with dozens of countries backing the move as sea-level threats intensify for low-lying island communities. Solomon Islands Politics & Cost of Living: Transparency Solomon Islands is calling for MPs’ pay rises to be revoked, arguing the second increase in two years is unfair while families struggle with higher prices for food, transport, housing and education. Education & Youth: Solomon Islands leaders reaffirm education reform and free education priorities, while a Kaloka Youth Association project highlights community giving through a new inclusive website built by a software engineering student. Skills for Work: Ela Motors donates 12 toolboxes to SINU’s automotive training, and SINU students share climate innovation at a Pacific forum. Culture & Community: Guadalcanal gears up for its Second Appointed Day celebrations with cultural performances, floats and unity events. US Partnership: The Peace Corps is set to return to Solomon Islands after more than 25 years, alongside US$6m for WWII ordnance removal. Film & Climate Storytelling: Mark Ruffalo narrates “Solwata,” an immersive documentary on Solomon Islands climate displacement premiering at Venice.

Climate & Human Rights: Vanuatu’s push for the UN’s top court to clarify governments’ duties to protect people from climate harm is gaining momentum, with 86 countries backing a resolution that could shape future climate negotiations. Local Education & Skills: Ela Motors has donated 12 toolboxes to Solomon Islands National University’s Automotive Engineering Department to boost hands-on training for apprentices. University Climate Work: SINU representatives showcased Solomon Islands climate innovation at the Pacific Islands Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment in Vanuatu, urging stronger links between climate science and traditional knowledge. Digital Youth & Community: Kaloka Youth Association in Isabel launched an inclusive website built by software engineering student Adrian Obadiah, with YECSI urging young people to dream big and keep the site active. Governance & Cost of Living: Transparency Solomon Islands is calling for MPs’ pay rises to be revoked, arguing the increases ignore household hardship and demand more fairness and transparency. Urban Growth & Resilience: Solomon Islands told the UN that rapid, often unplanned urban expansion and climate-driven flooding are reshaping towns, stressing climate resilience in planning. US Partnership & WWII Cleanup: The US has agreed to bring Peace Corps back to Solomon Islands after 25 years and pledged US$6m for WWII ordnance removal. Student Safety: Honiara City Council school bus staff completed first aid training to strengthen emergency response for students. Culture & Community Celebrations: Guadalcanal is gearing up for its 2026 Second Appointed Day celebrations with cultural performances, parades, and unity-focused events. Film & Climate Storytelling: Mark Ruffalo and Human Rights Watch will premiere “Solwata,” an immersive documentary on Solomon Islands climate relocation, at Venice’s immersive program.

Climate Justice Push: Vanuatu’s bid to get the UN’s top court to clarify governments’ duties on climate harm is gaining momentum, with 86 countries backing the resolution. Education & Youth: Kaloka Youth Association in East Honiara launched an inclusive website, with young leaders urging others to dream big and keep it updated. Tech for Training: Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering program to boost hands-on apprenticeship skills. Climate Research in the Classroom: SINU representatives showcased climate innovation at a Pacific forum, stressing the role of traditional knowledge and youth participation. US–Solomons Partnership: The US signed a letter of intent to bring Peace Corps back after 25 years, alongside $6m for WWII unexploded ordnance removal. Local Culture & Community: Guadalcanal gears up for its Second Appointed Day celebrations with cultural performances, parades and community displays. Governance & Cost of Living: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls to revoke MPs’ pay rise, arguing it’s unfair during the ongoing cost-of-living squeeze. Student Safety: Honiara school bus staff completed first aid training to strengthen emergency response for students.

Education & Skills: Ela Motors handed SINU’s Automotive Engineering Department 12 toolboxes to boost hands-on training for apprentices, while SINU also showcased climate research at a Pacific forum in Vanuatu. Climate & Culture on Screen: Mark Ruffalo narrated “Solwata,” an immersive documentary premiering at Venice, focusing on Solomon Islands communities facing relocation from sea-level rise. Community & Safety: Honiara City Council school bus staff completed first aid training with the Solomon Islands–Australia partnership to improve student safety. Politics & Cost of Living: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls to revoke MPs’ pay rise, arguing it’s unfair amid rising household costs. Regional Ties & Development: The US signed a letter of intent to return Peace Corps to Solomon Islands after 25 years and pledged $6m for WWII ordnance removal, as leaders also weigh China and US engagement. Tourism & Local Jobs: Tourism leaders launched “Tok Stori” to grow sustainable visitor numbers, including to the Hapi Isles. Provincial Celebrations: Guadalcanal gears up for Second Appointed Day (July 31–Aug 3) with floats, cultural performances, and community displays.

Music & Youth Culture: Sharzy is set to lead the Nesian All Stars at Lamana Gold Club this Saturday, with PNG and Solomon Islands talent including Kronos, Mal Meninga Kuri, Viginuts and Trabol Sum (Trabol Sum’s first-ever Port Moresby performance). Education & Skills: Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes to Solomon Islands National University’s Automotive Engineering Department to boost hands-on training for apprentices. Climate & Research: SINU representatives showcased Solomon Islands climate innovation at a Pacific forum in Vanuatu, urging universities to blend climate science with traditional ecological knowledge. Politics & Cost of Living: Transparency Solomon Islands is calling for MPs’ pay rises to be revoked, arguing the second salary increase in two years is unfair amid rising household costs. Community & Tradition: Guadalcanal gears up for its 2026 Second Appointed Day celebrations (July 31–Aug 3) with cultural village displays, float parades and performances. US–Solomons Relations: The US plans to return Peace Corps to Solomon Islands after 25 years and announced $6m for WWII ordnance removal. Tourism & Local Livelihoods: Tourism leaders launched “Tok Stori” to strengthen collaboration for more sustainable visitor growth, including for the Hapi Isles.

US–Solomon Ties & Peace Corps Return: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who signed a letter of intent to bring the Peace Corps back after 25 years, with US$6m pledged for WWII unexploded ordnance removal. China–West Balancing: Separate reporting says Solomon leaders are juggling China and US engagement, including a China trade/investment framework and a US ship-rider plan for maritime enforcement. Education & Cost of Living: The GREAT Coalition says it’s pushing ahead on Free Education, Education Reform, STEM, teachers’ welfare and school infrastructure, while students at USP report rising living costs hurting study and wellbeing. MP Pay Backlash: Transparency Solomon Islands is calling for MPs’ pay rises to be revoked, arguing they’re unfair during a cost-of-living crisis. Tourism & Culture: Australia-supported “Tok Stori” brought together indigenous tourism operators and government to boost community benefits and sustainable travel. Provincial Celebrations: Guadalcanal gears up for its Second Appointed Day (July 31–Aug 3) with floats, cultural performances and community displays. Sports & Youth Skills: Australian sports science students are joining SINIS placements, and SINIS cricket reps head to ICC tutor courses in Brisbane. Climate & Land Loss: Solomon Islands told the UN climate change and rapid urban growth are reshaping towns, driving informal settlements and raising flood risks. Women in Markets: Solomon Islands women market vendors graduated from a saver plus initiative and shared culture at a regional expo in Samoa.