AGP Executive Report

Police Academy Update (Rove): The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services says recent works at Rove were only geotechnical investigations for the planned RSIPF Police Academy, with no demolition and no immediate evictions; relocation options and renovations for vacant staff houses are underway. Maritime Safety: MV Pelican 3 cut short its maiden voyage after a control and monitoring system fault in Marovo Lagoon; passengers were transferred to Pelican 1, and the ship will return to Honiara for a full engineering inspection before re-entering service. Mining Disaster Response: Police report more than 10 people missing after a Gold Ridge Mining Limited ground collapse; the unstable area is out of bounds and recovery will require careful civil engineering assessment. Culture & Heritage: Solomon Islands opened its second museum, the Namba Wan Haus Museum in Tulagi, restoring the former Resident Commissioner residence and designed to protect artefacts, photos, documents and oral histories. Education & Skills: KOICA will fund SINU to refurbish its Fisheries Department complex at Ranadi, while Ela Motors donated automotive toolboxes to SINU to boost practical training. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific climate ministers, co-chaired by Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu, pushed a united COP31 agenda and Pre-COP preparations.

Climate Diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu co-chaired the Pacific Climate Ministers Talanoa in Sydney, pushing a united Pacific position for Pre-COP31 and COP31 to boost negotiating power and coordinate action. Disaster Forecasting with AI: China says its MAZU AI-powered multi-hazard early warning system will be rolled out to 30 developing countries in five years, building on satellite data and AI forecasting to improve preparedness. Road Resilience in Malaita: Malaita communities are being consulted ahead of north and east road upgrades under the World Bank-funded SIRAP2, including 12 km of DBST sealing and 21 km of regravelling, with contractors and safeguards teams visiting villages. Higher Education & Fisheries Training: KOICA is funding SINU to refurbish its Fisheries Department complex at Ranadi, upgrading facilities for practical training, research and innovation. Automotive Skills Boost: Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering Department to strengthen hands-on apprenticeship training. Digital Connectivity Reality Check: A Pacific-wide report highlights that reliable electricity—not just internet access—is the main barrier to connecting remote communities, with Starlink solutions needing power support. Invasive Species Research: A new study on brown tree snakes suggests their rapid spread can be linked to unexpected genetic diversity, challenging assumptions about inbreeding limiting invasions.

Animal Health: FAO has unveiled a blueprint for tackling transboundary animal diseases, pushing a country-led partnership model to prevent outbreaks that can hit food security, livelihoods, trade, and even spill into human health. Copyright & Culture Tech: UNESCO-Aschberg support is helping Solomon Islands review its Copyright Act 1987 and draft implementing rules, aiming to strengthen protection, licensing, enforcement, and rights management for artists in a digital era. Climate & Forecasting: China says its AI-powered MAZU meteorological early warning system will be rolled out to 30 countries over five years, linking satellite monitoring and AI forecasting to impact-based alerts for sectors like transport, agriculture, and energy. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Pacific climate ministers, co-chaired by Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu, agreed to push a united COP31 position and coordinate preparations for Pre-COP31 in Fiji. Education & Skills: KOICA is funding SINU to refurbish its Fisheries Department complex for better practical training and research; Ela Motors donated automotive toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering for hands-on apprenticeships. Roads in Malaita: MID and SIRAP2 teams have started community consultations for north and east road upgrades, including sealing and drainage works, with contractors introduced to residents. Sports Science Exchange: Macquarie University students completed a placement with SINIS to support high-performance training and knowledge exchange for local athletes.

AI & Music: At the Nesian All Stars in Lamana Gold Club, Pacific artists say AI is now a production tool, improving audio and sparking ideas, but can’t replace the “soul” and stage presence of real performers—listeners will still spot the difference. Climate Tech: China says its AI-powered MAZU meteorological early warning system will be rolled out to 30 countries over five years, aiming to help communities prepare for extreme weather through multi-hazard forecasting and impact-based alerts. Roads & Resilience (Malaita): Malaita road upgrades are moving ahead under SIRAP2, with consultations underway and works approved for DBST sealing, drainage upgrades, and steep-section concreting to cut rainy-season damage. Skills & Training (SINU): SINIS is boosting high-performance sport with a Macquarie University sports science placement, while Ela Motors donates automotive toolboxes to strengthen SINU apprenticeship training. Connectivity Reality Check: Across the Pacific, satellite internet is spreading, but power is the missing link—providers are pairing Starlink with solar generators to keep schools and basic services online. Forests Under Pressure: Solomon Islands faces life after logging as tree cover loss accelerates, with primary forests hit hardest and communities and government racing to change land-use before commercial forests disappear. Renewables Pipeline: Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan confirmed as a keynote for the Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland, spotlighting solar, wind, grid integration and storage.

Sports Science Boost: SINIS is strengthening its high-performance training after a four-week New Colombo Plan placement by five Macquarie University Exercise and Sports Science students, who worked with local strength and conditioning coaches and joined community outreach. Youth Tech for Community: A software engineering student from Isabel, Adrian Obadiah, helped the Kaloka Youth Association build a new website as a “give back” project inspired by community support after his mother’s passing. AI Weather Early Warnings: China says its AI-powered MAZU meteorological early warning system will be rolled out to 30 countries over five years, aiming to support multi-hazard forecasting and faster disaster preparation. Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP31: Pacific climate ministers, co-chaired by Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu and Australia’s Chris Bowen, agreed to push a united Pacific position for Pre-COP31 and COP31. Road Resilience in Malaita: MID and SIRAP2 teams have started Malaita community consultations ahead of north and east road upgrades, including DBST sealing and drainage improvements. Training Tools for Automotive Skills: Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering Department to expand practical apprenticeship training. Connectivity Reality Check: A regional report highlights that reliable electricity—not just satellite internet—is the missing link for remote Pacific schools and health services to actually use connectivity. Forests After Logging: A new look at Solomon Islands forest loss warns natural production forests are nearly gone, with major tree cover decline since 2001 and pressure to change land and logging practices fast.

Sports Science Boost: SINIS welcomed five Exercise and Sports Science students from Australia’s Macquarie University for a four-week New Colombo Plan placement, strengthening strength-and-conditioning support and athlete training while students gained hands-on experience. Youth Tech for Community: Isabel’s Kaloka Youth Association credited software engineering student Adrian Obadiah for building its new website, driven by a “give back” mindset after community support during his family’s grief. Climate Diplomacy (COP31 prep): Pacific Climate Ministers met in Sydney, with Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu co-chairing, agreeing to push a united Pacific position ahead of Pre-COP31 in Fiji and COP31 in Türkiye. Road Resilience in Malaita: MID and SIRAP2 teams began Malaita community consultations for north and east road upgrades, including DBST sealing and drainage improvements under World Bank funding. Training Tools for Automotive Skills: Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering Department to upgrade practical apprenticeship training. AI Weather Early Warning: China says its MAZU AI meteorological early warning system will be deployed in 30 countries over five years, supporting multi-hazard alerts aligned with UN Early Warnings for All. Connectivity Reality Check: A Pacific report highlights that reliable electricity—not just satellite internet—is the missing link for remote schools and health services to actually use connectivity.

Sports Science Boost: SINIS says five Exercise and Sports Science students from Australia’s Macquarie University completed a four-week New Colombo Plan placement, working with local strength and conditioning coaches and supporting athletes through training and community outreach. Youth Tech Giving Back: Isabel’s Kaloka Youth Association credited software engineering student Adrian Obadiah for building its new website, driven by a personal commitment to return support to his community. AI Weather Early Warnings: China announced it will extend its AI-powered MAZU meteorological early warning system to 30 countries over five years, aiming to help vulnerable communities prepare for extreme weather. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific climate ministers met in Sydney, with Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu co-chairing, to push a united Pacific position ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Road Works for Resilience (Malaita): MID and SIRAP2 teams began Malaita community consultations for north and east road upgrades, including DBST sealing, drainage improvements, and contractor introductions. Skills for Automotive Training: Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering Department to strengthen hands-on apprenticeship training. Connectivity Reality Check: A Pacific report highlights that reliable electricity—not just satellite internet—is the missing link for remote community tech use.

Land & Security: A Pacific Security College paper warns land governance is being sidelined in regional peace and security planning as climate change, displacement and food insecurity intensify risks to social cohesion and sovereignty. Deforestation Pressure: A new look at Solomon Islands forest loss says the country lost about 250,000 hectares of tree cover from 2001–2025, with most loss in primary forests, as government and communities race to change land use before commercial forests disappear. Climate Diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu co-chaired the Pacific Climate Ministers Talanoa in Sydney, pushing a united Pacific position ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Road & Connectivity (Malaita): MID and SIRAP2 teams have started community consultations for north and east road upgrades, with DBST sealing, drainage improvements and regravelling planned under World Bank funding. Skills & Training (SINU): Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering Department to boost hands-on apprenticeship training, while SINU also showcased climate research at a regional innovation forum. Renewables & Energy: Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan confirmed as a keynote at the Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland, focusing on solar, wind, grid integration and storage. Health Systems: A global study finds people are living longer but not necessarily healthier, with more years spent in poor health—an issue for health planning across the Pacific.

Climate Diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu co-chaired the Pacific Climate Ministers Talanoa in Sydney, pushing a united Pacific position for Pre-COP31 and COP31 and coordinating shared priorities through the Pacific Senior Officials Taskforce. Forestry & Land Governance: “The Last Trees” reports Solomon Islands is racing to change land and logging practices as natural production forests near depletion, with Global Forest Watch data showing major tree-cover loss since 2001. Roads & Resilience (Malaita): MID and SIRAP2 teams have started community consultations for North and East road upgrades, including DBST sealing, drainage improvements, and local employment opportunities. TVET & Skills (SINU): Ela Motors donated 12 automotive toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering Department to boost hands-on apprentice training. Connectivity Reality Check: A Pacific-wide connectivity story highlights that reliable electricity—not internet access—is the missing link for remote communities using satellite services. Education Reform (SI): The GREAT Coalition’s PIMEU reaffirmed progress on education priorities including Free Education and STEM, aligning policy commitments with MEHRD work plans. Research & Training (SINU): SINU showcased climate innovation at PIFCE in Vanuatu, urging stronger research networks and more youth and community participation.

Connectivity bottleneck: Satellite internet is spreading across the Pacific, but power is still the missing link—Lightspeed says it’s pairing Starlink with portable solar generators to keep schools and basic devices running for days. Climate diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu co-chaired the Pacific Climate Ministers Talanoa in Sydney, pushing a united Pacific position for Pre-COP31 and COP31. Road upgrades in Malaita: MID and SIRAP2 teams have started community consultations for North and East road works, with CCECC sealing about 12 km on the North Road and TTCL maintaining and regravelling about 21 km on the East Road. Education reform follow-through: Honiara’s GREAT Coalition, via PIMEU, met MEHRD to track progress on Free Education, STEM, teachers’ welfare and school infrastructure. Local science capacity: Australian sports science students are on placement with SINIS to support Solomon Islands athletes. Renewables pipeline: Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan confirmed as a keynote for the Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland (Oct 7–8). Health reality check: A Lancet study finds people are living longer but not necessarily healthier, with more years spent in poor health.

Road Upgrades in Malaita: MID and SIRAP2 teams have started community consultations for North and East road works, including bituminous sealing on about 12km of North Road and maintenance/regravelling on about 21km of East Road, with contractors CCECC and TTCL explaining timelines, safeguards, traffic plans, and local jobs. Education Reform Push: The GREAT Coalition’s PIMEU met MEHRD to track delivery of Free Education, STEM, teachers’ welfare, and school infrastructure, with most priorities now reflected in MEHRD’s annual work plan. Energy & Renewables: Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan confirmed as a keynote for the Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland (7–8 Oct), alongside Solomon Power’s Joshua Suiramo, as the region discusses grid integration and storage. Climate Diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu co-chaired Pacific Climate Ministers’ talks in Sydney, urging a united Pacific voice ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. University & Skills: SINU is reviewing its Bachelor of Fisheries Studies with industry input, and reports progress on governance, research, and systems upgrades. Tech & Sports Science: Australian university students began a New Colombo Plan placement with SINIS to support athlete performance and build local sports science capacity. Governance Appointments: Three acting Permanent Secretaries were sworn in, including Mike Qaqara (MID) and Dr Gregory Loki Jilini (Health).

Climate Diplomacy: Pacific Climate Ministers met in Sydney, with Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu saying regional unity is now a “strategic necessity” as countries prepare common positions for Pre-COP and COP31. Sports Science: Five Australian university students joined SINIS under the New Colombo Plan to support Solomon Islands athletes with practical sports science training. Infrastructure Leadership: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Infrastructure Development welcomed acting Permanent Secretary Mike Qaqara, while three acting heads were sworn in across Police/National Security, Infrastructure, and Health. Road Works in Honiara: Bitumen spraying and prime coat work is underway on Auki town’s 9.2 km road upgrade, and the Riffle Range Roundabout upgrade is reported fully completed under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project. University & Fisheries: SINU outlined governance and systems progress in its leadership report and is reviewing its Bachelor of Fisheries Studies with industry input to strengthen hands-on training. Renewables Pipeline: Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan confirmed as a keynote for an Oceania renewables summit, with Solomon Power’s Joshua Suiramo also listed.

Sports Science Boost: Four Australian university exercise and sports science students are on placement with SINIS under the New Colombo Plan, aiming to help Solomon Islands athletes train smarter and reach higher performance. Infrastructure Leadership: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has welcomed acting Permanent Secretary Mike Qaqara, while three acting secretaries were sworn in across police, health and infrastructure—moves that could shape delivery of transport and public services. Road Works in Honiara & Malaita: Bitumen spraying and prime coat work has started on Auki’s 9.2km road rehabilitation, and the Riffle Range Roundabout upgrade is fully completed under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project. Climate & Resilience: Pacific Climate Ministers advanced a united regional agenda ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31, with Solomon Islands’ environment minister co-chairing. Marine & Food Security: SINU is consulting to strengthen its fisheries programme, and local reporting highlights how fish aggregating devices can support lagoon catches as warming shifts tuna patterns. Tech & Media Capacity: SIBC is inviting consultants for a nationwide audience survey to guide radio, TV and digital growth.

Renewables Summit Confirmations: Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for the Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland (7–8 October), joining Solomon Power’s Joshua Suiramo among regional leaders focused on solar, wind, grid integration and battery storage. University Governance & Systems: Solomon Islands National University (SINU) says it has made progress on governance, accreditation, student welfare, research and infrastructure, including rolling out a Technology One ERP system and mapping priorities in a Strategic Leadership Overview report. Fisheries Skills Upgrade: SINU is reviewing its Bachelor of Fisheries Studies with industry and government input, aiming to reduce overlapping units and boost hands-on training for community and vessel work. Road Works in Auki & Honiara: Bitumen spraying and prime coat work has started on Auki’s 9.2 km road rehabilitation (Kwaibala Bridge to Kilu’ufi Hospital), while Honiara’s Riffle Range Roundabout upgrade is reported fully completed with drainage improvements to cut flooding risk. Climate Storytelling Tech: Human Rights Watch and Mark Ruffalo will premiere “Solwata,” an immersive documentary on Solomon Islands climate-driven relocation, at Venice Immersive (2–12 September). Health Infrastructure: Japan has handed over the upgraded Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita, adding emergency, imaging, operating theatre and sterile services, with plans for future lab and biomedical support.

Road Works in Malaita: Bitumen spraying and prime coat work has started on Auki Town’s 9.2 km China-aid road stretch (Kwaibala Bridge to Kilu’ufi Hospital), after drainage and utility line relocation, with designs for safer speeds and longer-lasting asphalt. Honiara Transport Upgrade: The Riffle Range Roundabout Upgrade is now complete under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project, adding new drainage to cut flooding risk and improve traffic flow. SINU Governance & Research: Solomon Islands National University says it has advanced governance, accreditation, teaching systems and research priorities in a Strategic Leadership Overview, including progress on its 2026–2030 plan and a Technology One ERP rollout. Fisheries Training for Jobs: SINU is also reviewing its Bachelor of Fisheries Studies with industry and government input to reduce overlap and boost hands-on learning for community-based work. Health Infrastructure: Japan has handed over the upgraded Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita, adding emergency, imaging, operating theatre and other services, with plans to expand lab and biomedical support. Public Service Leadership: Three Acting Permanent Secretaries were sworn in, including MID’s Mike Qaqara and MHMS’s Dr Gregory Loki Jilin. Climate Storytelling Tech: Human Rights Watch and Mark Ruffalo’s immersive XR film “Solwata” will premiere at Venice Immersive, spotlighting Solomon Islands communities facing relocation from sea-level rise.

University Governance & Research: Solomon Islands National University (SINU) says it has made progress on governance, accreditation, teaching quality, student welfare, financial reform and research, outlining priorities in a Strategic Leadership Overview report for March 16–July 18, 2026, including work on its 2026–2030 strategic plan, SITESA registration, programme reviews and a Technology One ERP system. Fisheries Training: SINU is also reviewing its Bachelor of Fisheries Studies after a stakeholder consultation with government, industry, alumni and academia, aiming to reduce overlap in course units and boost hands-on learning for community-based fisheries work. Maritime Survey Skills: Australia’s HMAS Leeuwin has deployed to Papua New Guinea for a five-week hydrographic survey with PNGDF, combining seabed mapping for safer navigation with mentoring and training using local knowledge. Health Infrastructure: Japan has handed over the upgraded Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita, adding an emergency and outpatient department, operating theatre, imaging and pharmacy, with plans to expand lab and biomedical services. Climate Storytelling: Human Rights Watch says Mark Ruffalo will narrate “Solwata,” a Venice Immersive extended reality documentary on Solomon Islands communities facing relocation due to rising seas. Public Media Planning: SIBC is inviting consultants to run a nationwide National Audience Survey covering radio, TV and digital engagement to guide programming and commercial growth.