AGP Executive Report

Weather & Climate Services: Solomon Islands is using the Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC-8) in Tonga to push for better equipment, sustainable funding, and regional partnerships to strengthen forecasts, warnings, and climate information. Health Tech & Training: A Solomon Islands MHMS delegation met India counterparts to advance health cooperation, including recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia. Elections & Digital Integrity: UNDP says it will back technology-linked innovations to reduce electoral malpractice and boost trust ahead of the 2028 joint elections. Skills for a Tech Workforce: The first five students under the “1,000 students per year to China” initiative have departed for vocational studies, with a focus on science teaching and TVET instructors. Education Support Systems: MEHRD launched a three-day induction for professional development facilitators, including digital technology, to better support teachers in rural and remote areas. Marine Science Collaboration: SINU is exploring cooperation with China’s Island Research Center on marine disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and data-sharing tools. Conservation Spotlight: World Dolphin Day highlights how research and protections are responding to dolphin threats, including bycatch.

Health Tech & Cooperation: Solomon Islands’ MHMS delegation met India officials in New Delhi to advance health MOUs, including recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and closer hospital and pharmaceutical links. Climate & Data for Resilience: At PMC-8 in Tonga, Pacific meteorology leaders pushed for stronger early warnings and investment in weather, climate, water and ocean services—key for Solomon Islands’ forecasting and warning needs. Education & Skills Pipeline: MEHRD launched a three-day induction for professional development facilitators to better support teachers in rural and remote areas, while PM Matthew Wale reiterated plans to roll out free education from ECE to SINU/TVET with an estimated extra $1.1b needed. Workforce Development Abroad: The first five students left for China under the “1,000 students per year” initiative, targeting vocational skills and future science teacher training. Governance & Digital Integrity: UNDP says it will use technology to reduce electoral malpractice and strengthen trust ahead of 2028 elections. Marine & Environment Awareness: World Dolphin Day coverage highlights how bycatch and fishing gear threaten dolphins, with calls for stronger protections. Regional Finance Collaboration: CBSI Governor Luke Forau reaffirmed the Wansolwara central bank collaboration with PNG and Vanuatu to modernise payments and tackle cybersecurity and climate risks. STEM in Practice: SINU heavy vehicle students toured GPPOL workshops for hands-on training in steering and suspension systems. Health Workforce Partnerships: Solomon Islands and the Philippines explore a twinning partnership to strengthen nursing education through PhilPac. Local Innovation Showcase: Honiara’s National Trade Fair runs Sept 9–16, spotlighting innovation, entrepreneurship and technology innovators.

Weather & Climate Capacity: Solomon Islands is using the Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC-8) in Tonga to push for better meteorological equipment, sustainable funding, technology and regional partnerships, with the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service calling for stronger early-warning reach for remote communities. Skills & Training for Work: Heavy vehicle students from SINU got hands-on workshop training at GPPOL, while MEHRD launched a three-day professional development facilitators induction to better support teachers in rural and remote areas, including digital technology and coaching. Education Pipeline: Five Solomon Islanders have departed for China under the “1,000 Students Per Year” initiative to build technical and vocational capacity, and the government reiterated plans to roll out free education from ECE to SINU/TVET—while noting major costing and preparation needs. Health & Research Links: SINU is exploring marine disaster and climate resilience cooperation with a Chinese research delegation, and Solomon Islands universities are also looking at nursing education twinning with the Philippines via PhilPac. STEM in Schools: SINU’s STEM Science Showcases brought practical sessions on medicines, genomes, plants and the environment to secondary schools across Honiara. Local Innovation & Resilience: The Australia-funded Malu’u Market project in North Malaita reached a key milestone with a completed 120-metre seawall and mangrove planting to strengthen climate resilience. Professional Development for Accountants: ISIA will host its 3rd annual congress in Honiara (Sept 17–18) urging employers to back accountants’ upskilling as the role shifts toward tech, risk and governance.

Education Scholarships: Four Solomon Islanders have been awarded the UK’s Chevening Scholarships and will head to the UK later this month for fully funded master’s study at over 150 universities. Skills for Science & Tech: The first five students under Solomon Islands’ “1,000 Students Per Year to China” initiative have departed for China for vocational training, aimed at building technical capacity, including science teacher and TVET instructor development. STEM in Schools: SINU-led STEM Science Showcases brought hands-on sessions on medicines, genomes, plants and the environment to secondary schools across Honiara. Teacher Support: MEHRD has launched a three-day Professional Development Facilitators Induction Programme to strengthen coaching and support for teachers in rural and remote communities, including digital technology skills. Health Cooperation: Solomon Islands and the Philippines are exploring a twinning partnership to strengthen nursing education through PhilPac, with WHO facilitation. Disaster & Marine Research: SINU is discussing marine disaster preparedness and climate resilience cooperation with a Chinese research delegation, including plans for shared tools and data partnerships. Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: Malaita road upgrades moved closer to construction after community consultations, while North Malaita’s Malu’u Market seawall milestone supports climate-proofing for local livelihoods. Policy Watch: Opposition leaders question whether the government is ready to fund and resource nationwide Free Education from 2027, warning it needs costing, classrooms, teachers and learning resources. Regional Science & Safety: Pacific meteorological leaders meeting in Tonga pushed for stronger early-warning systems and more investment in weather, climate, water and ocean services. Local Events: Honiara’s National Trade Fair runs Sept 9–16, spotlighting innovation and sustainable enterprise. Earth Update: A 5.9-magnitude quake hit Solomon Islands, according to GFZ.

Education & Skills: MEHRD has started a three-day Professional Development Facilitators Induction Programme in Honiara to strengthen support for teachers, including coaching, inclusion, assessment and digital technology—especially for rural and remote schools. Free Education Debate: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says free education will roll out from ECE to SINU and TAFE/TVET, with STEM strengthened, but Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare questions readiness and costing, warning it needs new funding, classrooms, teachers and resources. Trade & Innovation: Honiara’s National Annual Trade Fair runs Sept 9–16 at FOPA Village under “Innovating Today for a Sustainable Greater Solomon Islands Tomorrow,” aiming to showcase local products, investment ideas and entrepreneurship. Roads & Community Prep: Malaita road upgrades under SIRAP2 have moved closer to construction after community consultations; contractors are finalising environmental and social plans before mobilisation. Health & Research Links: SINU is exploring marine disaster cooperation with a Chinese research delegation, while Solomon Islands and the Philippines discuss strengthening nursing education through PhilPac twinning. STEM in Schools: SINU’s STEM Science Showcases brought hands-on sessions on medicines, genomes, plants and the environment to secondary schools. Accounting for the Future: ISIA will hold its 3rd Annual Congress Sept 17–18 on building a workforce that thinks, leads and creates, urging employers to back professional development.

Roadworks in Malaita: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, via SIRAP2 with World Bank funding, has wrapped community consultations for major North Road upgrades in Malaita. Teams met landowners and residents on timelines, safeguards, traffic plans, and local participation, while contractors CCECC and TTCL finalise Environmental and Social Management Plans before mobilisation. Nursing education partnership: Solomon Islands universities and the Philippines’ Silliman University are exploring a PhilPac twinning to strengthen nursing education and clinical teaching, with WHO support and a focus on faculty development, curriculum work, and continuing professional development. SINU and China on marine disasters: SINU is discussing marine disaster preparedness and climate resilience cooperation with China’s Island Research Center, including joint research, an “Island Management Toolkit,” and data-sharing plans. Free education push faces cost questions: PM Matthew Wale reaffirmed free education from ECE to SINU and TVET, but Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare questioned whether the government is ready on funding, classrooms, teachers, labs, and full costing. STEM in schools: SINU ran hands-on STEM Science Showcases in Honiara, covering medicines, genomes, plants, and the environment. Healthcare cooperation talks: A Solomon Islands delegation explored clinical knowledge exchange with Yashoda Medicity, including centres of excellence and technology-enabled care. Accounting skills drive: ISIA will hold its 3rd annual Congress in Honiara (Sept 17–18) urging employers to back professional development as accountants take on tech, data, risk, and governance roles.

Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale left the 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting in Palau after a no-confidence motion was filed then withdrawn, with attendance gaps and claims of foreign influence swirling around security and treaty talks. Diplomacy & Influence: Opposition accused Australia of using leaked messages to sway the vote as Australia discussed a major security-and-aid package; analysts say Honiara’s instability is a strategic risk for US-Australia plans. China-Taiwan Tensions: China’s envoy threatened “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence at PIF, but backed down after pushback from Pacific leaders. Education Policy Debate: Wale reiterated free education from ECE to SINU/TVET, while Sogavare warned Parliament must fund new classrooms, teachers, labs and resources. STEM in Schools: SINU ran hands-on STEM Science Showcases on medicines, genomes, plants and the environment. Local Tech & Skills: ISIA set its 3rd annual congress (Sept 17–18) urging employers to back accountants’ tech and data skills. Trade & Innovation: Honiara hosts the National Trade Fair Sept 9–16 at SINU’s FOPA Village. Health Cooperation: A Solomon Islands delegation explored clinical and technology-enabled healthcare collaboration with India’s Yashoda Medicity. Climate Resilience Build: North Malaita’s Malu’u Market seawall is complete, with mangrove planting and local jobs. Science Note: A 5.9 quake hit Solomon Islands, and a fossil leatherback sea turtle was reported off Taiwan.

Regional STEM & skills push: Secondary students in Honiara took part in hands-on STEM Science Showcases (Aug 24–Sep 2) covering medicines, genomes, plants and the environment, led by SINU with University of Otago and Ecological Solutions Solomon Islands support. Accounting workforce upgrade: The Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) will hold its 3rd Annual Congress in Honiara on Sep 17–18 at Heritage Park Hotel, urging employers to back staff professional development as accountants take on tech, data, risk and governance roles. Free education debate: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare questioned whether the government has fully costed and prepared for nationwide Free Education rollout in 2027, warning it needs classrooms, teachers, labs and new funding approvals. Trade & innovation spotlight: Honiara hosts the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair Sep 9–16 at FOPA Village, SINU, with a sustainability and innovation theme and daily public activities. Climate-resilient infrastructure: North Malaita’s new Malu’u Market project reached a milestone with a completed 120-metre seawall and mangrove planting, employing 44 local workers. Blue Pacific security & fisheries tech: Solomon Islands’ FM Rick Houenipwela called for a future-fit Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre with modern technology and stronger Pacific analytical capacity. Earth science update: A 5.9-magnitude quake struck Solomon Islands on Sep 5, according to GFZ.

Education Policy: Solomon Islands’ free education push is back in focus as PM Matthew Wale reiterates rollout from ECE to SINU and TAFE/TVET, while the Opposition questions whether the government has the funding and groundwork for classrooms, teachers, labs and learning materials. STEM & Skills: A STEM Science Showcase programme in Honiara encouraged secondary students with hands-on sessions on medicines, genomes, plants and the environment, backed by SINU and partners. Health Cooperation: A Solomon Islands delegation explored healthcare collaboration with India’s Yashoda Medicity, discussing specialised care and clinical knowledge exchange. Trade & Innovation: Honiara will host the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) at SINU’s FOPA Village, aiming to spotlight local products, enterprise, culture and technology. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: North Malaita’s new Malu’u Market project is advancing with a completed 120-metre seawall and mangrove planting, employing local workers. Governance & Tech in Services: SIEC is strengthening election capacity through an Australian Electoral Commission knowledge exchange that includes e-learning and training systems. Science & Safety: A 5.9-magnitude quake hit Solomon Islands, according to GFZ.

Fisheries & Governance: FAO marked the 10th anniversary of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) at COFI37 in Rome, highlighting how the treaty helps stop illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by blocking IUU vessels from using ports and landing catches. Healthcare Cooperation: A Solomon Islands delegation met Yashoda Medicity to explore specialised care, clinical knowledge exchange and technology-enabled treatment pathways. Free Education Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale told Parliament the government will roll out free education from ECE to SINU and TAFE/TVET, with STEM strengthened to build a skilled workforce, and noted an estimated extra $1.1b cost. Disaster & Safety: A 5.9-magnitude quake struck Solomon Islands, according to GFZ. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Australia-funded work on North Malaita’s Malu’u Market reached a milestone with a completed 120-metre seawall and mangrove planting, employing 44 local workers. STEM in Schools: SINU-led STEM Science Showcases in Honiara brought hands-on sessions on medicines, genomes, plants and the environment to secondary students. Regional Science: Solomon Islands National University will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) from Sept 14–18. Maritime Security: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela urged investment in a future-fit Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre to tackle evolving illegal fishing and maritime threats.

Pacific Islands Forum wrap: The 55th PIF summit in Palau ended Sept 4 amid heavy US, Australia and New Zealand pressure for a joint statement condemning a Chinese missile test, while several leaders—including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale—were absent or delayed by domestic politics and regional tensions. Solomon Islands focus: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela urged leaders to turn years of Forum commitments into real outcomes, warning the region must sharpen priorities as geopolitics, climate and technology accelerate. Climate science at home: Solomon Islands National University will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (Sept 14–18), bringing Pacific researchers together under a 1.5°C action theme. Maritime tech for fisheries: Houenipwela also called for a modern, future-fit Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara, with resilient infrastructure, secure technology and stronger analytical capacity. Earthquake alert: A 5.9 quake struck Solomon Islands (GFZ), epicentre about 10 km deep. Capacity building: The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission is in Canberra for an AEC knowledge exchange on election workforce training and e-learning. Health & gender: A Pacific health symposium urged fathers to rethink traditional gender roles to help curb gender-based violence.

Gender & Safety: Rev. Dr Cliff Bird urged men and fathers across the Pacific to challenge traditional gender roles, saying violence against women and girls can be linked to household expectations—and even shows up inside churches. Earth Science: A 5.9-magnitude quake hit Solomon Islands (depth 10 km), according to GFZ. Capacity Building: The Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) will hold its 3rd annual Congress (Sept 17–18) on building a tech-ready accounting workforce. Elections & Tech Training: Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) is in Canberra for an AEC knowledge exchange on election workforce planning and e-learning training methods. Climate Research at Home: Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (Sept 14–18), bringing Pacific climate scientists to Honiara. Maritime Security: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela called for a modern regional fisheries surveillance centre in Honiara to tackle illegal fishing and upgrade RFSC technology and capability. Regional Partnerships: Solomon Islands and Serbia discussed practical cooperation in renewable energy, education, digitalisation, sports, tourism and community projects.

Disaster Watch: A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Solomon Islands on Saturday, with the GFZ reporting a shallow 10 km depth and an epicentre near 4.79°S, 154.17°E. Climate Science in Honiara: Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) from Sept 14–18, bringing Pacific researchers together on action to “stay alive” at 1.5°C. Elections & Tech Skills: The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) is boosting election management and workforce training through a three-day knowledge exchange with Australia’s AEC in Canberra, including e-learning approaches. Fisheries Surveillance Upgrade: Foreign Affairs Minister Rick Houenipwela urged investment in a future-fit Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara, calling for resilient infrastructure, modern technology and stronger analytical capacity. Bilateral Development: Solomon Islands and Serbia are exploring community-focused cooperation in renewable energy, education, digitalisation and sports, aiming for tangible local benefits. Pacific Forum Pressure: Solomon Islands called on Pacific leaders to turn Forum commitments into concrete action, warning that geopolitical, climate and technological change demand a sharper regional strategic posture.

Earthquake Alert: A 5.9-magnitude quake struck Solomon Islands at 1412 GMT on Saturday, with the epicentre about 10 km deep, according to Germany’s GFZ. Pacific Climate Science: Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) from Sept 14–18, bringing Pacific researchers together on action for 1.5°C. Local Governance & Elections: The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) is running a three-day knowledge exchange with Australia’s AEC in Canberra, including election workforce training and e-learning approaches. Fisheries & Maritime Tech: Foreign Affairs Minister Rick Houenipwela urged investment in a modern regional fisheries surveillance centre (RFSC) to tackle illegal fishing and upgrade secure tech and skills in Honiara. Bilateral Development: Solomon Islands and Serbia are exploring community-focused projects in renewable energy, education, digitalisation, sports, tourism and community development. Regional Security Debate: Civil society is calling for a pause on plans to integrate police, military and intelligence agencies into a new regional security architecture as PIF leaders meet in Palau. Digital & Inclusion: MFMR staff completed Gender, Disability and Social Inclusion training, linking it to the ministry’s 2026 fisheries fact sheet and GEDSI strategy rollout.

Malaria Diagnostics: A new Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific study reports Cambodia’s first validation of a blood-test panel that can flag hidden Plasmodium vivax carriers using antibody fingerprints from a finger-prick sample, pointing to serology as a key tool for elimination. Pacific Climate Science: Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) from Sept 14–18, bringing Pacific researchers together under the theme “Amplifying One Pacific Voice for Action on 1.5°C to Stay Alive.” Regional Fisheries Tech: Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Minister Rick Houenipwela calls for a modern, future-fit Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara, stressing resilient infrastructure, secure technology, and stronger Pacific analytical capability to tackle illegal fishing. Electoral Capacity Building: The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) is strengthening election management through a knowledge exchange with Australia’s AEC in Canberra, including workforce planning and e-learning training methods. Digital Infrastructure: Tonga is set to receive US technical support for secure cloud migration and data-centre/network modernisation, aiming to boost cybersecurity and resilience for digital public services. Forum Politics & Tech Priorities: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Solomon Islands urges leaders to turn commitments into action as the region reviews its architecture amid climate, security, finance and rapid technological change.

Climate Science in Honiara: Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) from Sept 14–18, bringing Pacific researchers to focus on action to stay within 1.5°C. Fisheries Tech & Surveillance: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela urged investment in a future-fit Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara, calling for resilient infrastructure, modern technology and stronger analytical capacity to tackle illegal fishing. Electoral Capacity Building: The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) is in Canberra for a knowledge exchange with Australia’s AEC, including workforce planning, temporary election worker training and e-learning approaches. Digital Infrastructure (Regional): The US is funding a feasibility study for Tonga’s data centre modernisation and secure cloud migration, aiming to strengthen cybersecurity and digital services. Energy & Development Partnerships: Solomon Islands and Serbia are exploring community-focused cooperation in renewable energy, education, digitalisation and tourism. Pacific Unity on Coral Reefs: Palau and other Pacific Forum members back a climate-resilient coral reefs commitment ahead of Pre-COP31/COP31. Forum Politics & Security Debate: Research and civil society groups are calling for scrutiny of proposed changes to Pacific security structures as leaders meet in Palau. Culture & Travel: Air Niugini will sponsor the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo winners’ cruise, including visits to Fiji, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.