AGP Executive Report

El Niño Impacts Livelihoods: In Western Province, seaweed farmer Wilfred Luiramo says nonstop rain and shifting tides are slowing drying and sales, on top of damage from Cyclone Maila. Climate Push Ahead of COP31: Prime Minister Matthew Wale will travel to Fiji and Tuvalu for pre-COP31 meetings, urging leaders to see sea-level rise impacts and secure loss-and-damage funding. West Papua at the UN: Wale defended his West Papua human rights stance, saying geopolitical sovereignty can’t justify ignoring abuses, while the Opposition urged diplomatic restraint after Indonesia’s response. Education Reform: Teachers’ groups and the Government marked World Teachers’ Day with calls for a 1:35 teacher-student ratio and improved salaries, housing and leave ahead of free education in 2027. Fisheries Update: The beche-de-mer fishery is set to close from 31 October. Security Training: Australia’s Exercise Coastwatchers concluded with 173 RSIPF personnel completing safety-focused courses. Energy Costs: Solomon Power launched a new non-fuel electricity tariff framework for 2026–2028, aiming to cut charges while sustaining renewables and reliability.

UN Diplomacy & Pacific Security: New Zealand told the UN General Assembly it wants a more effective, representative Security Council and stronger UN action on conflict prevention, while Pacific states pushed for sea-level rise protections and renewed diplomacy. Sports (MSG Prime Minister’s Cup): Fiji’s Bula Boys chase MSG glory at home in the men’s final today, while Vanuatu takes on Solomon Islands in the Women’s final. Maritime Security: Australia joined Pacific partners in Operation Nasse to crack down on illegal fishing and boost regional coordination, with Solomon Islands among participating nations. West Papua & Foreign Policy: FSM President David Panuelo urged Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale to consider long-term risks of any China security presence, as Wale defended his West Papua advocacy at the UN. Education Reform: SINTA calls for a 1:35 teacher-student ratio ahead of free education in 2027, while government highlights improved teacher pay and working conditions. Climate Prep: Wale will attend pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu to press for loss and damage funding and stronger action to keep 1.5°C within reach. Police Training: Exercise Coastwatchers wrapped up with 173 RSIPF personnel completing safety-focused courses with Australia’s support. Economy & Food: Beche-de-mer fishery closes 31 October; Solomon Power says new non-fuel electricity tariffs aim to cut charges while sustaining renewables and reliability. Local Development: Makira Ulawa begins mineral mapping; CBSI backs Su’u School with rice for fundraising. Sports & Youth: Team Solomon returns from the chess Olympiad with a new national record.

Climate & Oceans: Prime Minister Matthew Wale will travel to Fiji and Tuvalu this weekend for major pre-COP31 meetings, pushing leaders to see sea-level rise impacts firsthand and to secure loss-and-damage finance, keep the 1.5°C goal within reach, and protect maritime sovereignty. Human Rights & West Papua: Wale defended his West Papua stance after returning from the UN, saying human rights advocacy is justice even while recognising Indonesia’s sovereignty. Fisheries: The beche-de-mer fishery will close from 31 October, with all harvesting, landing, processing, selling and export activities to stop. Energy & Cost of Living: Solomon Power launched its 2026–2028 non-fuel electricity tariff framework, pledging lower charges while maintaining investment in renewables and reliability. Security Training: Australia’s Exercise Coastwatchers concluded with 173 RSIPF personnel completing 22 courses, with safety a key focus. Education & Inclusion: SINU graduation highlighted women’s strong overall representation (63%) while noting gaps in Science and TVET; a youth MP with disability called for equal access and accessibility in Parliament. Sports & Culture: Team Solomon returned from the FIDE Chess Olympiad with a new national record; Solomon Islands athletes also continue preparations for the Summer Youth Olympics. Economy Watch: Government’s operating deficit widened to SBD$37m in August as revenues fell. Earthquake: A 5.1 quake was reported 176 km SE of Lata.

Climate & COP31: Pacific leaders are meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of COP31 in Turkey, pushing to keep 1.5°C within reach as UNEP warns the world is on track to cross it within five years—an issue that hits low-lying atolls hardest. Earthquake: A 5.1 quake struck 176 km southeast of Lata, Solomon Islands, at 2000 GMT (USGS). Climate finance pressure: New analysis says Pacific countries need about US$3.3b a year for adaptation, but current finance covers only around a third, with disbursements even lower. Integrity in climate talks: Transparency International urges Pacific governments to back COP31 integrity rules—independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest safeguards, and disclosure of fossil fuel ties. Education & jobs: SINU Vice Chancellor Transform Aqorau calls for responsible AI use in education and highlights women’s strong representation in graduates, while also urging more women into science/tech/trades. Security training: Exercise Coastwatchers concluded with 173 RSIPF personnel completing 22 courses, with safety a key theme. Economy: Solomon Islands’ operating deficit widened to SBD$37m in August as revenue fell. Human rights: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, noting 41.

West Papua Diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ Opposition urged Prime Minister Wale to use “diplomatic restraint” after Indonesia pushed back on UN West Papua remarks, saying advocacy is one thing but government leaders must manage the foreign-policy fallout. UN Human Rights: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review recommendations, but noted 41 on sensitive issues like decriminalising same-sex relations and legalising abortion, citing limited capacity to implement new commitments. Security Training: Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program wrapped up Exercise Coastwatchers 2026, with 173 RSIPF personnel completing 22 courses focused on maritime safety, emergency response and vehicle maintenance. Economy Watch: The government’s operating deficit widened to SBD$37m in August as revenue fell sharply; CPI rose 1.3% in August. SINPF Update: SINPF set a 5.5% crediting rate for members (down from 8%), citing weaker overall performance from revaluation losses, while also announcing it will sell Tavanipupu Island Resort as a liability. Agriculture & Food Security: MALD’s rice trial of varieties MAL 1 and MAL 2 is in its final field stage ahead of harvest, with yield and quality tests to follow. Community & Inclusion: A youth MP at the National Youth and Children’s Parliament called for equal access for children with disabilities, saying even Parliament must be accessible. Sports & Youth: St. Dominic Athletics Club dominated the national championships with 47 medals; Solomon Islands’ hopes in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup ended after a 1-1 draw with PNG. Regional Links: Honiara market vendors travelled to Fiji to learn from other women vendors and build trade connections.

Universal Education Push: Solomon Islands told the UN it is backing free universal education by 2027, alongside steps on transnational crime and a plan to raise the legal marriage age to 18. Human Rights Update: The country supported 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations, but noted 41 on sensitive issues including same-sex relationships, abortion and the death penalty. Energy Reform: The UK and MMERE agreed the next stage of work to create an independent energy regulator, aiming to cut power costs and reduce reliance on imported diesel. Retirement Savings: SINPF announced a 5.5% crediting rate for the year to June 2026, down from 8% last year, and the finance minister committed to bringing a new SINPF Bill to Parliament. Local Services & Infrastructure: The Ministry of Communication opened a new US$48m aviation complex to end costly office rentals and bring key agencies under one roof. Community Livelihoods: SIART invested $8.7m into 20 community pig farming groups across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, targeting better incomes for 532 households. Sports: Solomon Islands’ MSG Prime Minister’s Cup hopes ended after a 1-1 draw with PNG, while St. Dominic dominated the national athletics championships with 47 medals. Water & Health: Mothers in Moli, Choiseul say water shortages are disrupting cooking, washing and even school attendance, with “water is life” at the centre of daily struggle.

Energy Reform: The UK has agreed the next stage of its energy programme with MMERE to help Solomon Islands set up an independent energy regulator, aiming to cut power costs and reduce reliance on imported diesel by enabling more independent and solar power providers. Human Rights at the UN: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UPR recommendations but noted 41, saying cultural traditions and Christian values must guide how human rights obligations are interpreted, while also calling for UN engagement on sensitive issues. Health Services: The Ministry of Health is reviewing health indicators and reporting forms to reduce “clutter” and ease workload for staff, alongside plans for Naha Birthing & Urban Health Centre to expand to 24/7 from 6 October. Finance & Pensions: SINPF members will receive a 5.5% crediting rate for the year to 30 June 2026, with the interest to be credited on 30 September. Agriculture: SIART invested $8.7m into 20 community pig farming groups across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, supporting 532 households. Sports: Solomon Islands’ men’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup campaign faces a crucial PNG clash in Suva, while the women’s side was beaten 5-1 by PNG. Education & Scholarships: China handed SINU $150,000 for 37 students under the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship.

UN Human Rights: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 recommendations in its fourth UN Universal Periodic Review, while noting 41 on sensitive issues including consensual same-sex relationships, abortion, and death-penalty abolition. The government said cultural traditions and Christian values should guide how human rights are interpreted and implemented. Energy Reform: The UK and Solomon Islands’ MMERE agreed on the next step of an energy programme to set up an independent electricity regulator, aiming to cut reliance on diesel and lower power costs. Education Support: China handed SINU $150,000 for scholarships for 37 students. Mining Transparency: Solomon Islands rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to strengthen accountability as gold and nickel projects expand. Health Access: Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre moves to 24/7 operations from 6 October, expanding outpatient and low-risk delivery services. Agriculture Jobs: SIART invested $8.7m into community pig farming via 20 ABPOs across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa. Sports: Solomon Islands’ women’s MSG Cup hopes ended with a 5-1 loss to PNG in Suva. Governance & Trust: SINPF 50th anniversary speech winner McArthur Bird urged leaders to stop political instability, warning “shifting the foundation” breaks public trust.

Health Services Expansion: Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre in Honiara will move to full 24/7 operations from 6 October, with continuous outpatient care and low-risk delivery services, while specialised clinics keep set weekday hours. World Heart Day: The Ministry of Health and partners marked World Heart Day with a push to prevent rheumatic heart disease, stressing early treatment of sore throats and follow-up care. Health Data Reform: The MHMS has started a national review of health indicators and reporting forms to cut “clutter” and reduce workload for health workers. Economy & Livelihoods: SIART says copra production is expected to rise after rehabilitating 771 hectares of coconut plantations across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa. Public Finance: Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia urged responsible, commercially sound SINPF investment that protects members’ retirement savings. Governance & Law: SINU VC Dr Transform Aqorau told the Attorney-General’s Conference that public institutions must put merit and accountability ahead of connections. Crime: Police in Auki, Malaita arrested a 30-year-old over a kitchen-knife stabbing on Lalana Island; the victim remains in critical condition. Diplomacy & Rights: Indonesia rejected claims of systematic rights violations in Papua at the UN, responding to Solomon Islands and Vanuatu remarks. Sports: PNG Bilums stayed undefeated in the Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup with a 5-1 win over Solomon Islands in Suva.

Extractives Transparency: Solomon Islands has rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), with the Finance Minister saying the move will boost confidence that mining revenues are managed transparently as gold and nickel projects expand. Public Service Integrity: SINU Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau told the Attorney-General’s Conference that appointments and public power must be merit-based, warning that connections and wantokism should not decide who gets state roles or contracts. West Papua at the UN: Prime Minister Matthew Wale renewed calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to be allowed into West Papua for independent verification, while Indonesian lawmakers criticised his UN remarks over how claims were sourced. Climate Finance Push: Wale also urged UN members to scale up adaptation and resilience funding, arguing the world has the resources but lacks political will. Governance & Community: North Guadalcanal provided $100,000 to two churches ahead of consecrations, and the government portal says a Malaita customary land group has reached the public notice stage for land recording. Weather & Safety: SIMS issued a strong wind warning for several provinces and confirmed a 4.9 quake near Vella Lavella poses no tsunami threat.

Police & UK Training: Two senior RSIPF officers, including Western Province commander Wilken Miriki and close protection director Aipo Kabwere, have left for a month-long UK College of Policing leadership programme. Weather & Safety: SIMS issued Strong Wind Warning 231, with winds 15–25 knots and seas up to 3.0m across Temotu, Makira, Rennell/Bellona, East Malaita and South Guadalcanal; a separate 4.9 quake near Vella Lavella brought no tsunami threat. Disability & Skills: Australia is funding training for 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in mobile phone repair through Honiara’s Smart Technology. Land Records: The Kunkwaikwai customary landholding group in Ward 30, Central Kwara’ae (Malaita) has reached the three-month public notice stage for customary land recording. Media & Trust: Pacific media leaders in Savusavu warned that AI and misinformation are eroding public trust, calling for better media literacy and access to climate loss and damage information. UN Climate & West Papua: PM Matthew Wale urged stronger climate adaptation finance and renewed calls for a UN human rights chief to visit West Papua. Youth & Democracy: National Youth and Children’s Parliament opens today, with children joining for the first time alongside youths to discuss inclusive social services.

UN diplomacy & human rights: Prime Minister Matthew Wale used the UN General Assembly to call for an end to UN Security Council veto powers, calling them a “relic of 1945,” and renewed Solomon Islands’ push for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua so alleged abuses can be independently verified. Climate finance & action: Wale also told world leaders the resources to tackle climate change exist, but “what is missing is the will,” urging full funding for Pacific resilience and loss-and-damage mechanisms. Media accountability: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely access to climate loss and damage information and stronger government accountability. Local governance & compliance: Makira-Ulawa moved to tighten shipping rules, barring a vessel over unpaid provincial licensing, while MUPG and RSIPF roll out public transport compliance stickers. Sports & community: Children join the National Youth and Children’s Parliament for the first time (Sept 28–Oct 1), and ADF Sports returns to Honiara with volleyball, hockey, netball and tennis.

West Papua at UNGA: PM Matthew Wale used the UN General Assembly to urge independent verification of reported human rights abuses in West Papua, and renewed calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit—while stressing Solomon Islands respects Indonesia’s sovereignty; Regional diplomacy: PNG’s PM James Marape remains a key Pacific envoy engaging Indonesia, with MSG setting a Dec 31, 2026 deadline and warning it could review Indonesia’s associate status in 2027; AI and digital divide: Wale also told world leaders that AI benefits must be shared by all nations, not a “small circle,” and warned the Pacific risks falling further behind without inclusive global oversight; Transport compliance: Makira-Ulawa Province is tightening shipping and public transport rules—barring a vessel from unloading over unpaid licensing, and rolling out compliance stickers for operators meeting revenue and safety requirements; Sports—MSG PM’s Cup: Fiji’s Bula Boys face PNG tonight needing a win to stay in the race, while PNG women booked the final after beating Vanuatu 2-0; Media leadership: Solomon Islands journalist Lisa Osifelo was elected PINA vice president, with PNG’s Neville Choi taking the presidency; Climate pressure: Pacific leaders again pushed hard at UNGA for real climate action and fair finance, with Solomon Islands warning a single disaster can erase years of development.

Cyclone recovery & care support: Point Cruz Yacht Club (PCYC) donated SBD$65,000 after its fishing competition—SBD$20,000 each to Tenaru and Auki Care Centres, plus SBD$25,000 for Tropical Cyclone Maila victims in Western Province. Youth & democracy: National Parliament will host the National Youth and Children’s Parliament for the first time (Sept 28–Oct 1), bringing 23 children and 27 youths from all 50 constituencies to discuss education, health, water and sanitation. Road safety study tour: A 14-person Solomon Islands delegation travelled to Fiji to learn safer vehicle management, enforcement and road maintenance systems. UN push on drugs & crime: PM Wale told the UN General Assembly Solomon Islands is tightening its Dangerous Drugs Act, strengthening law enforcement and joining UNTOC, calling for stronger international cooperation. Climate pressure at UNGA: Pacific leaders, including PM Wale, urged real climate action and better climate finance as sea-level rise becomes a present reality. Regional media leadership: Papua New Guinea journalist Neville Choi was elected President of PINA, with Solomon Islands journalist Lisa Osifelo as Vice-President. Sports: MSG Prime Minister’s Cup—Solomon Islands drew 3-3 with Vanuatu, keeping the race tight.

UNGA Climate Push: Pacific leaders told the UN General Assembly climate change is a present, existential threat, with Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo warning sea-level rise is already here and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale stressing the need for real action, not promises. Transnational Crime: PM Wale also used UNGA to call for stronger international cooperation against illicit drugs and organised crime, announcing tougher steps including amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act and joining UNTOC. Diplomatic Links: Indonesia and Solomon Islands agreed to boost trade, development cooperation and capacity building, including fisheries and agriculture, while expanding diplomatic representation in Jakarta. Women’s Rights: Minister John Maneniaru urged stronger partnership with UN Women, highlighting a national strategy to end violence against women and girls (2026–2038). Regional Media Leadership: Neville Choi was elected President of PINA, with Solomon Islands journalist Lisa Osifelo as Vice-President. Security Training: The US handed RSIPF a new UXO/EOD training classroom at Hell’s Point. Development Milestone: Solomon Islands received a three-year UN extension to prepare for LDC graduation (2024–2027). Sports: MSG Prime Minister’s Cup race stayed tight after Solomon Islands drew Vanuatu 3-3.

Climate Action at UNGA: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands leaders told the world to stop “empty promises” and cut emissions now, as sea-level rise is already threatening Pacific survival and development. UN Legal Push: Pacific Forum SG Baron Waqa hailed the ICJ climate advisory opinion as a “legal roadmap” for climate justice. Security & UXO Training: The U.S. handed RSIPF a new demining and EOD training classroom at Hell’s Point to expand capacity and make communities safer. LDC Status: Solomon Islands was granted a three-year extension to prepare for Least Developed Country graduation (2024–2027). Regional Media Leadership: Neville Choi was elected PINA president, with Solomon Islands journalist Lisa Osifelo elected Vice-President. Sports (MSG Cup): Solomon Islands drew 3-3 with Vanuatu, keeping the race for the final wide open. Community Development: Australia-backed water supply and solar lighting projects improved daily life in Kolombangara communities, while health officials urged people to use local clinics for non-emergency care.