AGP Executive Report

Surveillance and rights: A New York Times report says China’s AI-enabled “Fengqiao” policing model—using face and gait recognition plus biometric data harvesting—has been exported to authoritarian and weak-democracy states, including the Solomon Islands, raising concerns about dissent and privacy. Education sovereignty: Solomon Islands National University Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau questions heavy reliance on foreign consultants in curriculum reviews, arguing children’s futures “cannot be outsourced” and that curriculum reflects national identity. Pacific climate media: SPREP-backed training will boost Pacific journalists’ ability to report weather and climate impacts, with selected reporters covering key Pacific meteorology meetings in Tonga. Ocean governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to push ocean rules built on national authority, Indigenous stewardship, and implementation-ready domestic processes. Road tech and transport: Sealing works at Yacht Club Junction on Mendana Avenue are completed, while major Mendana Avenue roadworks continue into late July, with lane closures and congestion expected. Agriculture research: Japan’s SATREPS project starts in Honiara to improve sweet potato seedling management for national food security, led by MALD and SINU with Japanese universities. Health and capacity: A U.S.-Solomon Islands Investment Incentive Agreement was signed to unlock private capital for infrastructure, ICT connectivity, and energy.

Climate & Media Resilience: SPREP is running a regional media workshop (17–18 Sept) to train Pacific journalists to report on weather and climate, with selected reporters covering PMC8 and ministers’ talks in Tonga. Education Sovereignty: Solomon Islands National University Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau says the country’s curriculum “cannot be outsourced,” arguing curriculum is nation-building, not just a technical document. Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to push ocean rules grounded in Indigenous stewardship and national authority, with consultation and Cabinet clearance before any regional framework. Honiara Roads: Yacht Club Junction sealing on Mendana Avenue is open to the public, while further CBD sealing works continue with lane closures and traffic delays expected until July. Geopolitics & Infrastructure: The Quad’s New Delhi push highlights ports, maritime surveillance, minerals and undersea cable resilience—issues that shape Pacific connectivity and security. Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after 61 vessel inspections and four vessels of interest, showing more intelligence-led regional action against IUU fishing. Agriculture Research: Japan’s SATREPS sweet potato seedling management project begins in Honiara, with MALD and SINU partnering on a 5-year research plan. Procurement Barriers: Local firms say donor “tick-box” bidding rules and high qualification thresholds block them from major infrastructure contracts. Connectivity Reality Check: A Solomon Islands-focused report argues the main barrier to internet use is often affordability and local access models, not just missing cables. US Investment Deal: The US and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement to unlock private capital for infrastructure, ICT connectivity and energy.

Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Pacific leaders and scientists gathered on Rapa Nui for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, with Solomon Islands among participants, to share wayfinding knowledge and push high-seas marine conservation. Fisheries Policy Debate: An op-ed argues the WTO’s fisheries-subsidy deal could be weakened if India, Indonesia and the United States stall the next “Fish 2” phase. Regional Security & Ports: Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi signalled renewed momentum, including a Fiji port-infrastructure plan that analysts say could challenge China’s supply-chain influence. Solomon Islands-US Investment: In Honiara, the U.S. and Solomon Islands signed an investment incentive agreement aimed at unlocking private capital for jobs, connectivity and energy. Health & Research: Japan’s SATREPS sweet-potato seedling project formally starts in Honiara, pairing MALD and Solomon Islands National University with Japanese research partners. Connectivity Reality Check: A Pacific-focused report highlights that in Solomon Islands and beyond, the main barrier to internet use is affordability and local access models—not just infrastructure. Maritime Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up with 61 vessel inspections and regional action against IUU fishing across multiple Pacific EEZs, including Solomon Islands.

Quad & Pacific Infrastructure: Foreign ministers from the U.S., India, Japan and Australia agreed to jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji after a New Delhi meeting, alongside plans covering maritime surveillance, energy security and emerging tech like 6G, Open RAN and undersea cable resilience. Local Transport Disruption: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue roadworks are set to continue through the CBD until end of July, with lane closures, drainage and pavement works, and traffic controllers on site. Food & Farming Research: Japan’s SATREPS programme officially kicks off in Honiara with a five-year project on a sweet potato seedling management system to strengthen national food security, led by MALD and Solomon Islands National University with Japanese research partners. Regional Fisheries Tech: Pacific governments wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week, intelligence-driven fisheries surveillance push that included vessel inspections and follow-up investigations across multiple EEZs. Connectivity & Policy: A U.S.–Solomon Islands Investment Incentive Agreement signed in Honiara aims to mobilise private capital for jobs and priorities including ICT connectivity and energy. Bidding Rules: Pacific firms say strict “tick-box” qualification requirements in donor procurement are blocking local companies from major infrastructure contracts despite strong proposals. Marine Life Policy: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will stop sourcing wild dolphins from the Solomon Islands and suspend captive breeding, with a panel to decide the dolphins’ future. Capacity Building: Solomon Islands officials attended a China seminar on building capacity for sustainable special economic zones, including field visits to science and industry sites in Hainan.

Health & Training: Vanuatu’s acting health chief Dr Santus Wari says a recent MOH trip to Solomon Islands and PNG focused on non-communicable diseases, especially cancer screening and care—pushing for oncology services at Vanuatu National Hospital but flagging a major nursing and specialist workforce gap. Ports & Geopolitics: The Quad (US, Japan, India, Australia) plans to jointly develop Fiji port infrastructure, a move analysts say could challenge China’s Pacific supply-chain dominance and become a new flashpoint. Road Tech & Mobility: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue roadworks will cause CBD traffic delays until end of July, with lane narrowing, pipe crossings, drainage works and pavement/surfacing changes. Fisheries Surveillance: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks, with 61 vessel inspections and four vessels of interest identified across 10 Pacific EEZs, supported by regional partners. Agriculture Research: Japan’s SATREPS project in Honiara begins implementing a sweet potato seedling management system (2025–2030) with MALD and Solomon Islands National University. Connectivity Lessons: A report highlights Solomon Islands’ Starlink workaround as a practical connectivity lesson for the Pacific. Local Business & Procurement: Pacific firms say donor bidding “tick-box” qualification rules are blocking local contractors from major infrastructure work, even when bids score better. Investment Deal: The US and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement enabling DFC-backed private capital for infrastructure, ICT connectivity and energy. Maritime Partnership: Deputy PM Francis Sade says the UK Royal Navy’s HMS Tamar visit strengthens ties on security, fisheries protection and regional cooperation. Bidding for Innovation: FAO-backed Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for SIDS-focused agrifood innovators, with Solomon Islands among reserved finalist spots. Animal Welfare: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will stop sourcing wild dolphins and suspend captive breeding, noting dolphins previously sourced from the Solomon Islands.

Pacific Infrastructure & Geopolitics: India, the US, Australia and Japan (the Quad) say they’ll jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, a move Beijing warns against as “bloc confrontation,” raising fresh questions for Pacific connectivity and security. Honiara Transport Disruption: Roadworks along Mendana Avenue in Honiara (Hot Bread roundabout to HCC roundabout) will cause lane narrowing and traffic delays through July as pipe crossings, drainage and pavement works progress. Food & Research for National Security: Japan’s SATREPS project in Honiara begins implementation of a sweet potato seedling management system, with MALD and Solomon Islands National University working alongside Japanese research partners through 2030. Agrifood Innovation Call: The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for innovators targeting agrifood solutions in Small Island Developing States, with reserved finalist spots for Solomon Islands. Regional Fisheries Tech & Enforcement: Pacific governments completed Operation Tui Moana 2026, using coordinated maritime surveillance and inspections to target IUU fishing across multiple EEZs, including Solomon Islands. Marine Conservation: Experts warn dugongs are among Solomon Islands’ most at-risk marine mammals as hunting and habitat loss push them toward local extinction.

Roadworks Disrupt CBD Travel: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue (Hot Bread roundabout to HCC roundabout) will see lane narrowing and possible closure of one carriageway through end-July 2026, with pipe crossings, drainage and pavement works underway and traffic controllers directing vehicles and pedestrians. WWII Recovery Update: Jackson native Lt JG Thomas Arthur Ruth was laid to rest with full military honours after being missing since his 1943 crash; a 2013 crash-site discovery led to DNA identification in 2025 and final burial this week. Agritech Innovation Call: The UN FAO-backed Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for agrifood innovators targeting Small Island Developing States, with Solomon Islands among the reserved finalist slots and a Hangzhou pitch week in August. Health & Research Partnership: Japan’s SATREPS project on sweet potato seedling management for national food security officially begins in Honiara, with MALD and Solomon Islands National University working alongside Japanese research institutions through 2030. Connectivity Lessons from Starlink: A report highlights how Solomon Islands’ Starlink workaround is shaping practical connectivity thinking for the wider Pacific, pointing to institutional barriers beyond the tech itself. Fisheries Surveillance Boost: Pacific nations completed Operation Tui Moana 2026, including Solomon Islands, conducting 61 vessel inspections and identifying four vessels of interest to strengthen action against IUU fishing. US Investment Framework Signed: The Solomon Islands and the United States signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara, aiming to mobilise private capital for jobs, infrastructure, ICT connectivity and energy. Dugong Conservation Warning: Experts warn dugongs are highly endangered locally due to opportunistic hunting and habitat loss, urging stronger protection for the slow-breeding marine mammal.

US–Solomon Islands Investment Deal: The U.S. and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara on May 23, with the DFC able to mobilise private capital for jobs, infrastructure, connectivity and energy. Fisheries Surveillance: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of regional patrols across 10 Pacific EEZs, with 61 vessel inspections, 200+ detections verified and four vessels of interest flagged. Agricultural Research: Japan’s SATREPS project officially begins in Honiara to build a sweet potato seedling management system for national food security, running April 2025–March 2030 with MALD, Solomon Islands National University and Japanese research partners. Connectivity Lessons: A report highlights that Starlink workarounds in Solomon Islands show the real bottlenecks are often institutional and affordability, not just access to technology. Procurement Barriers: Heavy “tick-box” qualification rules in donor-funded bidding are blocking local firms like Hatanga Ltd from competing for major infrastructure contracts. Marine Life Watch: Experts warn dugongs are at high risk in Solomon Islands due to opportunistic hunting and habitat loss. Infrastructure Update: Mendana Avenue sealing works are opening to the public, with remaining sections to follow under staged traffic controls.

Maritime Tech & Security: Pacific governments wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week, intelligence-driven fisheries surveillance push across 10 countries’ waters and nearby high seas, with 61 vessel inspections, 200+ detections verified, and four vessels of interest flagged. Infrastructure & Trade: The U.S. and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara, aiming to unlock private capital for jobs, infrastructure, connectivity (including ICT), and energy via the U.S. DFC. Agriculture Research: Japan’s SATREPS project officially starts in Honiara for a sweet potato seedling management system (April 2025–March 2030), led by MALD and Solomon Islands National University with Japanese research partners. Local Business & Procurement: Pacific procurement “tick-box” rules are being blamed for blocking local firms from donor-funded infrastructure work, even when technical bids and pricing are strong. Agri-Innovation Opportunity: The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for innovators tackling agrifood problems in Small Island Developing States, with Solomon Islands teams eligible for reserved finalist spots. Connectivity Lessons: A report highlights that in Solomon Islands, the main barrier to internet use is often affordability and local access models—not the availability of cables or satellites. Marine Conservation: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will stop sourcing wild dolphins and suspend captive breeding, after dolphins were previously obtained from Solomon Islands. Science & Community: A World Biodiversity Day panel warns dugongs are highly endangered locally due to hunting and habitat loss. Construction Update: Preparations for the Ahanga Wharf Project in Renbel/Bellona are progressing, with site facilities set up and precast components largely fabricated ahead of major works.

Subsea Security: A new report warns grey-zone sabotage of undersea cables is a growing Pacific risk, citing incidents that targeted telecommunications links around Taiwan and highlighting how the region—including the Solomon Islands—faces high vulnerability. Mining Worker Rights: China Railway faces fresh backlash after claims about poor treatment of local workers at a mining camp, including allegations about inadequate meals and unequal conditions. Investment & Connectivity: The U.S. and Solomon Islands signed a new Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara, aiming to unlock private capital for jobs, infrastructure, ICT connectivity and energy. Agricultural Research: Japan’s SATREPS project officially starts in Honiara to build a sweet potato seedling management system for national food security, running to 2030. Fisheries Surveillance: Pacific partners completed Operation Tui Moana 2026, conducting 61 vessel inspections and identifying vessels of interest to strengthen action against IUU fishing. Bees & Livelihoods: Solomon Islands marks World Bee Day with renewed focus on beekeeping training, pest and disease research, and coordination to protect pollinators. Infrastructure Works: Ahanga Wharf preparatory works are progressing, with site facilities set up and key equipment delivered ahead of major construction.

Undersea Cables & Grey-Zone Pressure: A new report spotlights how ships linked to China have repeatedly targeted submarine telecom cables around Taiwan—one case led to a Taiwanese court conviction of a captain for damaging equipment, while another cable cut reportedly went unreported and without immediate consequences—adding to a wider pattern of interference that Pacific countries, including Solomon Islands, are exposed to. Investment & Connectivity: The U.S. and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara, aiming to unlock private capital for jobs, ICT connectivity, energy, and infrastructure. Regional Trade Talks: India and Solomon Islands explored a new investment corridor at the WASME forum, pushing business-to-business partnerships. Health Capacity in Remote Areas: Chinese medical teams are expanding beyond treatment to build longer-term capacity in Solomon Islands’ remote communities. Environment & Trade-offs: Singapore says it will halt sourcing and captive breeding of dolphins, while Solomon Islands continues work on beekeeping and pollinator support for rural livelihoods. Maritime Security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up with regional fisheries surveillance results, including inspections and vessels of interest.

Dolphin Policy Shift: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will stop sourcing wild dolphins for its aquarium and suspend its captive-breeding program, while assembling an expert panel to decide the future of more than 20 dolphins already held there—after the resort previously sourced 27 dolphins from the Solomon Islands. Investment & Connectivity: In Honiara, the U.S. and Solomon Islands signed a Solomon Islands–U.S. Investment Incentive Agreement, paving the way for the U.S. DFC to mobilise private capital for jobs, infrastructure, ICT connectivity and energy. Regional Fisheries Security: Pacific partners wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, running May 4–22, with 61 vessel inspections and four vessels of interest flagged as the region pushes more intelligence-led enforcement against illegal fishing. Capacity Building: Solomon Islands officials are in Haikou for a seminar on building capacity for sustainable special economic zones, including field visits across Hainan and exchanges in Shenzhen.

Maritime & Security: The UK’s Royal Navy HMS Tamar is in Honiara, with Deputy PM Francis Sade saying the visit underlines deeper UK–Solomon Islands cooperation on maritime security, fisheries protection, and regional coordination. Fisheries Enforcement: Pacific governments wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week, intelligence-driven fisheries surveillance push across 10 countries’ EEZs and nearby high seas—61 vessel inspections, 200+ detections verified, and four vessels flagged for follow-up. US–Solomon Islands Investment: In Honiara, the US and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement, with US DFC-linked financing aimed at unlocking private sector projects in jobs, infrastructure, connectivity, and energy. Regional Diplomacy: Solomon Islands also took part in the 8th ROK–PIF Senior Officials Meeting in Nadi, highlighting Korea’s support for resilience, maritime and fisheries work, and digital connectivity. Agriculture Research: Japan’s SATREPS sweet potato seedling management project formally kicked off in Honiara, running to 2030.

Fisheries Security: Pacific nations just wrapped Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week, region-wide surveillance push led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency to deter illegal fishing and other maritime crimes—Solomon Islands joined patrols and checks across 10 countries’ EEZs and nearby high seas, with authorities carrying out 61 vessel inspections and verifying 200+ detections. Diplomacy & Funding: Solomon Islands also took part in the 8th ROK–PIF Senior Officials Meeting in Nadi, highlighting Korea’s support for fisheries, digital connectivity, youth and renewable energy, and pushing regional work toward Pre-COP31. Food & Research: Japan’s SATREPS sweet potato project officially kicks off in Honiara, aiming to improve seedling management for national food security through a five-year research partnership. Connectivity Lessons: A new Pacific-focused look at Starlink workarounds argues the biggest barrier isn’t access anymore—it’s affordability and local shared models that keep services usable. Infrastructure: Ahanga Wharf preparations are advancing, with site facilities set up and key equipment delivered ahead of foundation pile work.

Connectivity & Access: A new Pacific-focused look at Solomon Islands’ Starlink workaround says the hardest part isn’t getting internet in—it’s making it affordable and usable through shared local models, not just cables or satellites. Marine Conservation & Research: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has formalised a Coral Triangle role with Malaysia’s natural resources ministry, underlining how universities are becoming the backbone of regional marine protection. Regional Watch on Leadership: Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister Matthew Wale is drawing close Pacific attention, with analysts expecting a careful “recalibration” on China ties rather than a sudden break. Security Diplomacy: Japan is pushing deeper Indo-Pacific stability with the U.S. as Washington and Tokyo coordinate ahead of major China talks, while U.S. planners float integrated “kill web” concepts across allied forces. Local Progress: Honiara’s Hot Bread Corridor sealing is now open, and Ahanga Wharf preparations are advancing with equipment and precast works moving into the next phase. Environment & Food Security: Operation Tui Moana wraps up with regional fisheries surveillance results, while dugongs face renewed warnings over hunting and habitat loss.

Regional Watch: Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister Matthew Wale is drawing close attention across the Pacific after winning a tight 26–22 parliamentary vote on 15 May, with analysts expecting a careful “modest recalibration” rather than a sudden break—especially around the country’s China security pact and calls for more transparency. Infrastructure Push: In Renbel, work is moving ahead on the Ahanga Wharf project, with site facilities set up, precast units largely fabricated, and extra piling equipment now in place for foundation work. Ocean Security: Pacific fisheries partners wrapped up Operation Tui Moana (4–22 May), conducting 61 vessel inspections and flagging four vessels of interest to deter illegal fishing. Conservation Spotlight: Solomon Islands is also weighing dugong survival as habitat loss and opportunistic hunting threaten the species. Local Roads: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue landside sealing is finished, with remaining sections now set to tackle congestion-heavy works.