BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Prime Minister Matthew Wale said wealthy countries are making it too hard for island nations to get climate change funds.
Speaking to local media at a press conference last week Wale said it is deeply unfair that the Solomon Islands must take out loans to protect itself from a crisis caused by big polluters.
He warned that if small islands stop speaking up at global meetings on the issue of climate change, the world will forget about them.
The Prime Minister shared the deep frustration of dealing with international climate funds.
He said right now, the government is trying to secure an additional US$35 million from the Global Climate Fund (GCF) to cover rising costs for the Tina River Hydropower Project.
Wale explained that instead of receiving straightforward grants, the country is often forced to borrow the money.
“To turn to clean energy, we are having to borrow and pay interest on something caused by big polluters. There is no justice in it. Getting the money is too complicated, too difficult, and takes too long,” Wale said.
Wale said that the Solomon Islands cannot back down.
“Climate funds supports is not enough. No, it’s never enough. But that is the exact reason why we must be there to speak up for our local communities,” he said.
He also raised concerns that the world’s richest nations are prioritizing military budgets over saving the planet.
Wale pointed out that countries are spending a massive US$3 trillion globally on their militaries, while giving very little to climate funds or loss and damage initiatives.
He noted that none of the world’s biggest polluters have lived up to the financial pledges they previously made.
Remembering his speech to world leaders at the 2026 UN Climate Summit, Wale didn’t hold back.
“They don’t like us to make them feel guilty. I told them clearly: if you don’t want to feel guilty, just give the money,” Wale said.
When journalists asked if the Solomon Islands secured any immediate funding during the recent UNGA meetings, Wale clarified that nothing is official yet.
However, he did meet directly with the head of the GCF to push for the critical Tina Hydro funding.
Looking ahead to future global climate summits COP31 in Turkey, the Prime Minister said the Solomon Islands will have to do some “heavy lifting” alongside its Pacific neighbours to force big countries to pay attention again.
“If we are not there speaking up, nobody else will do it for us. We have no choice. We have to keep fighting,” Wale said.
[Photo: PM Wale speaking to local media during a press conference last week: Photo John Houanihau]
by Georgina Maka’a Prime Minister Matthew Wale will travel this weekend to join fellow Pacific leaders in Fiji and Tuvalu for major pre-summit climate meetings ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 31) next month. Speaking to journalists in Honiara today, Wale confirmed his attendance and highlighted the regional...
The post PM Wale to Attend Pre-COP31 Gathering in Fiji and Tuvalu appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Prime Minister Matthew Wale announced plans to call Parliament this December to pass the next annual budget and table important constitutional amendment.
PM Wale spoke on this today during his first press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office conference room since returning from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York, USA.
He said parliament will resume following the recent adjournment of Parliament sine die this year.
He told the media that Parliament passed a critical financial resolution to secure government funding for the first quarter of next year, 2027, before its adjournment.
He said that while this resolution ensures the government has a budget available for early 2027, his administration’s preferred situation is to have the full budget passed this year.
“The Ministry of Finance and other government ministries are currently working to finalise the details,” he said.
He adds that a major centrepiece of the upcoming December budget will be the government’s free education initiative.
According to the Prime Minister, the policy is now fully ready to be formally integrated into the national budget.
“In addition to the financial appropriations, the government has prepared important legislative agenda. Parliament is expected to meet in December to address the budget and a number of finalised bills, including the important Mineral Resources Bill and Value Added Tax (VAT) legislation. Parliament may meet in December, adjourn, and then return in January to deal with the remaining bills.
“A key challenge for the upcoming session will be the introduction of approximately twelve constitutional amendments designed to fix recurring systemic issues facing us,” Wale said.
Prime Minister Wale while acknowledging that the government does not have the necessary voting numbers to pass constitutional amendments on its own, he said that his administration will reach across the aisle to discuss the reforms with the opposition and independent groups.
“While democracy will respect the outcome if the opposition disagrees, the government will officially put the constitutional reforms on the table when Parliament resumes,” he concludes.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Prime Minister (PM) Matthew Wale has strongly defended his decision to champion human rights for the indigenous people of West Papua.
Speaking to local journalists today in his first official press conference, at the Prime Minister office conference room since returning from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the Prime Minister clarified that the move is an act of justice rather than political manoeuvring.
Responding directly to questions regarding his emotional UNGA address, about West Papua, Prime Minister Wale acknowledged Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua as an established historical reality.
However, he emphasised that geopolitical boundaries cannot justify turning a blind eye to persistent human rights concerns.
“The human rights situation has been of great concern to all of Melanesia,” Wale said.
He further adds that not all regional leaders feel empowered to vocalize these frustrations.
He also expressed serious concern over demographic shifts in the territory.
He said that reducing the indigenous Melanesian population to a minority in their own ancestral land is simply unjust.
Prime Minister Wale firmly dismissed local critics who have accused him of playing politics with international foreign policy.
He reaffirmed that defending the region’s people is a moral obligation.
Describing the West Papuan population as fundamentally “voiceless,” he emphasised that it is the profound duty of Solomon Islands and its regional neighbours to act as their advocates.
The Prime Minister concluded by highlighting that his position on the matter has been entirely consistent throughout his life.
“I happen to believe this is the right thing to do for our West Papuan Melanesian brothers and sisters, reiterating that the stance is grounded purely in human dignity,” Wale said.
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Honiara, Solomon Islands – 1 October 2026. The 2026 National Youth and Children’s Parliament (NYCP) concluded in Honiara on Thursday, 1st October 2026, with young representatives from the country’s 50 constituencies using the floor of Parliament to call for greater inclusion and stronger action to ensure essential social services reach communities across rural Solomon Islands.
Held under the theme, “Our Voices, Our Future: Decentralization of Inclusive and Accessible Social Services for All,” the programme provided young parliamentarians with an opportunity to debate issues affecting children, young people and their communities, while developing recommendations aimed at bringing services, resources and decision-making closer to the people.
“Decentralization is not just about shifting workers to rural areas. It is also about bringing services down to the rural areas where people need them the most,” said Baegu Asifola constituency NYCP participant Daniel Terry.
Child MP for Temotu Nende, Serahlyn Mewa, said access to basic health services must remain a priority in efforts to improve services in rural communities.
“If we are serious about the future, then we must start with the basics. Health cannot wait; sickness cannot wait for a boat. Therefore, I call on the Government to prioritise the decentralisation of health services,” she said.
Throughout the programme, young parliamentarians highlighted the need for improved access to quality education, healthcare, clean and reliable water, sanitation and hygiene, justice, communication and other essential services, particularly for people living in rural and remote communities.
Child MP for Temotu Nende Serahlyn Mewa called for greater attention to rural health services, saying health services must be accessible to communities.
They emphasised that decentralisation requires proper planning, sustained investment in rural infrastructure and a stronger focus on ensuring that resources, services and decision-making are accessible to communities.
The young parliamentarians also recognised the importance of investing in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) as an investment in the health, dignity and future of children.
Gao Bughotu constituency Child MP Lenrick Jones said young people must continue to be included in discussions and decisions affecting their lives.
“Our voice should not be heard only at special events like this. Our voice should be heard and acted upon. Our voice is calling for inclusion and action,” he said.
The discussions and debates throughout the NYCP reflected the importance of providing children and young people with meaningful opportunities to participate in democratic processes and express their views on issues affecting their communities and the nation.
Recommendations developed during the 2026 National Youth and Children’s Parliament will be presented to the Speaker of the National Parliament for consideration.
The National Parliament of Solomon Islands, through the programme, continues to provide a platform for young people to develop their understanding of Parliament and democracy, strengthen their confidence, public speaking and leadership skills, and contribute constructively to national discussions.
The NYCP is organised by the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, with support from UNICEF and funding from the European Union.
The National Parliament acknowledges UNICEF and the European Union for their continued support towards the successful implementation of the initiative.
BY CHARLES STENNETT
The government has recorded a provisional operating deficit of SBD$37 million dollars in August 2026 widening from the $1million deficit reported in July 2026.
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands’ CBSI, Monthly Economic Bulletin for August.
reported that the wider deficit stemmed from lower revenue collections during the month.
It said total revenue fell by 39 percent to $294 million, due to lower tax and non-tax receipts.
Meanwhile, total expenditure decreased by 32 percent to $330 million, mainly due to reduced spending on payroll and goods and services.
The CBSI Monthly Economic Bulletin said government’s debt stock declined marginally by 0.2 percent to $4,499 million in August, largely due to exchange rate movements.
External debt fell by 0.3 percent to $3,136 million, while domestic debt edged up by 0.1% to $1,362 million, reflecting additional Treasury Bills issuance.
Debt service payments totaled $71.4 million during the month, comprising $66.7 million in principal repayments and $4.7 million in interest charges.
On domestic market the Bulletin said that in August, the preliminary Monthly Production Index increased by 27 points to an index of 137. Gains in the logging and agriculture sectors, which contributed 24 points and 16 points, respectively, more than offset declines in the mining and fishing sectors.
In terms of actual production volumes, output increased across forestry and most agricultural commodities.
Round log production more than doubled to 111,714 cubic meters from 42,711 cubic meters in the previous month. Copra production improved by 48 percent to 4,292 tons, cocoa output rose by 44 percent to 1,201 tons, and coconut oil production expanded by 41percent to 569 tons.
It said these gains were partly offset by a 27 percent decline in fish catch to 1,099 tons, a 25 percent fall in mineral production to 10,526 gold-equivalent ounces and an 8 percent decrease in palm oil production to 1,903 tons.
On the Commodity Price, the Bulletin reported that the index rose marginally by 1 point to 114.4 points in August, reflecting higher prices for several major export commodities.
Fish prices surged by 14percent to US$1,931 per ton, gold prices increased by 8 percent to US$4,411 per ounce, and cocoa prices rose by 6 percent to US$5,950 per ton. Palm oil and timber prices also
On remittances, CBSI said that August 2026, inward remittances processed through money transfer operators declined marginally by 0.2 percent to $52 million, while outward remittances fell by 46 percent to $20 million and as a result, the surplus in net remittances widened to $32 million from $15 million in July.
Gross foreign reserves increased marginally by 0.1% to $6,994 million in August 2026, supported by donor inflows. At this level, reserves were sufficient to cover 12.5 months of imports of goods and services.
BY JOSES SAREN
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government has welcomed the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) as the first national ministry to establish its headquarters within the province’s political boundary.
Speaking on behalf of Premier William Atu, who was unable to attend opening of MCA’s new Aviation Complex Building yesterday, provincial representative Mr. Maesac Suia said the province waived all fees for the project as a sign of support.
“This is the first Ministry office that is situated within the Guadalcanal political boundary.
“We have supported the Ministry. We waived all the fees for the Guadalcanal Province. We do that because of the love of our country,”Mr. Suia said.
The province also used the occasion to invite other ministries struggling with space in Honiara to relocate.
“I also wish to ask my other colleagues, the other Permanent Secretaries... if you do not have any more space in Honiara City, please come to Guadalcanal Province,” Mr. Suia said.
The province sees the move as a step towards making Henderson a recognised township.
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作者:乔斯·萨伦
瓜达尔卡纳尔省政府欢迎通信与航空部(Ministry of Communication and Aviation,MCA)作为首个在该省政治边界内设立总部的国家部委。
省代表梅萨克·苏亚(Mr. Maesac Suia)在无法出席MCA新航空综合大楼开幕式的省长威廉·阿图(William Atu)代表发言时表示,省政府为该项目免除了所有费用,以示支持。
“这是第一个位于瓜达尔卡纳尔政治边界内的部委办公室。
“我们支持该部委。我们为瓜达尔卡纳尔省免除了所有费用。我们这样做是出于对我们国家的热爱,”苏亚先生说。
省政府还借此机会邀请其他在霍尼亚拉面临空间困扰的部委迁移。
“我也希望问问我的其他同事,其他常务秘书......如果你们在霍尼亚拉市没有更多空间,请来瓜达尔卡纳尔省,”苏亚先生说。
省政府将此举视为使亨德森成为一个被认可的城镇的第一步。
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Island SunPolitics & Government政治与政府·2026-10-01Original ↗原文 ↗
The National Consumer Price Index stood at 136.6 in August 2026 after a 1.3 percent increase, according to a statement published on the Solomon Islands Government portal.
Welcoming 50 young delegates from across the nation to the parliamentary chamber yesterday, Speaker of the National Parliament Patterson Oti handed over the floor to a generation ready to claim its seat at the decision-making table. “Your presence here today demonstrates your commitment to leadership, civic responsibility, and the future...
The post Your Voice Matters’: Speaker Oti Welcomes Young Leaders as National Youth Parliament Convenes appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY NED GAGAHE
ACTING Prime Minister Francis Sade has congratulated the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China on its 77th anniversary, praising the country’s transformation, development and growing global role.
Mr Sade conveyed the congratulations on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government and people during a reception at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara yesterday to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
He also acknowledged the 7th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Solomon Islands and China, describing the relationship as a progressive partnership built on mutual respect, sovereignty and shared development aspirations.
“On behalf of the government and people of the Solomon Islands, I wish to extend our warmest and heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency President Xi Jinping for his leadership and the government and people of the People’s Republic of China as the nation celebrates its 77th year of remarkable progress and prosperity,” Mr Sade said.
He said China had undergone remarkable transformation, resilience and progress over the past 77 years, becoming one of the world’s leading economies and an important player in global affairs.
Mr Sade said Solomon Islands valued constructive partnerships that supported its national development priorities and contributed to regional and global prosperity.
He reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ continued commitment to the One China Principle, describing it as a foundation of the bilateral relationship.
The Acting Prime Minister said cooperation between the two countries had expanded across governance, trade and economic development, infrastructure, agriculture, climate action, disaster response, health, sports, education, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
He highlighted Chinese-supported infrastructure projects, including the National Stadium, infrastructure support to Solomon Islands National University, the National Referral Hospital Comprehensive Medical Centre and the National Broadband Network Project.
Mr Sade also pointed to the Auki Road project in Malaita Province as another example of the cooperation between the two countries.
“These are all testament to the friendship and cooperation that we have progressed in the past seven years,” he said.
He said the Solomon Islands Government recognise the tangible benefits the projects had delivered through sports, education, health, digital connectivity and improved access to development.
Mr Sade also highlighted the signing of the Framework Agreement on Enhanced Economic Partnership between Solomon Islands and China earlier this year, saying it reflected a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership.
He said the Government would continue engaging with China to ensure tangible and mutually beneficial outcomes for Solomon Islands and its people.
Looking ahead, Mr Sade said he was confident the partnership would continue to grow through mutual respect, shared interests and a common commitment to sustainable development.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Chinese community to the social and economic development of Solomon Islands.
The Acting Prime Minister concluded by proposing a toast to continued progress, prosperity, friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
“May God bless the people of the Republic of China and may God bless Solomon Islands from shore to shore,” he said.
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Honiara, Solomon Islands – 28 September 2026: The National Youth and Children’s Parliament 2026 begins today at the Paul Tovua Complex at the National Parliament Office in Honiara, bringing together approximately 50 children and young people from across Solomon Islands to learn about parliamentary processes, discuss issues affecting their communities, and present their views and recommendations.
Held from 28 September to 1 October, the programme is organised by the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, with support from UNICEF and funding from the European Union (EU), in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs and the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.
This year’s Parliament is held under the theme, “Our Voices, Our Future: Decentralization of Inclusive and Accessible Social Services for All.”
“Your presence here today demonstrates your commitment to leadership, civic responsibility, and the future development of our nation,” Speaker of the National Parliament, Honourable Patterson Oti, told participants when he officially opened the event today.
“This year’s theme recognizes that the voice of children and young people matters. You will learn about the foundation of our democratic system and the important role played by Parliament, as well as the distinct roles of the Executive and the Judiciary. You will gain a deep appreciation of parliamentary democracy, public policy development, electoral processes, national development priorities, and the delivery of essential services to our people,” the Hon. Speaker said.
The National Youth and Children’s Parliament 2026 kicks off today at the Paul Tovua Complex in Honiara, uniting around 50 children and young people from the Solomon Islands to explore parliamentary processes, address community issues, and share their perspectives and recommendations.
The theme provides an opportunity for children and young people to explore how decision-making and social service delivery can better respond to community needs, including through stronger provincial and local governance.
Discussions will focus on issues affecting children, young people, and their communities, including education, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, the environment, child protection, and social protection.
The programme builds on the National Youth Parliament, first organised in 2009. Similar programmes were also held in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
For 2026, the programme is particularly significant as it has expanded to include both children and youth, with participants from Honiara and the provinces. It aims to provide a more inclusive and representative platform for young people from diverse backgrounds.
Over four days, participants will learn about children’s rights, the Sustainable Development Goals, governance systems, parliamentary procedures, and the roles and responsibilities of Parliament. They will also take part in committee discussions, prepare speeches, and participate in a parliamentary simulation.
The programme will conclude with a mock parliamentary sitting on Thursday, 1 October, where participants will debate motions and present resolutions following parliamentary procedures. Their recommendations will then be presented to the Speaker of the National Parliament.
The programme also recognises children’s right to express their views on matters affecting them, consistent with Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Participants, aged 10 to 35, are drawn from schools, youth networks, and provincial communities, with efforts made to promote gender balance, provincial diversity, and the representation of persons with disabilities.
The National Parliament acknowledges the support of UNICEF and the EU in making the initiative possible. The Parliament sees the Children and Youth Parliament as an important platform for participation and learning, giving young people an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen their public speaking and leadership skills, and contribute their views on issues that are important to their communities and the nation.
A statement on the Solomon Islands Government portal says the Kunkwaikwai customary landholding group of Ward 30, Central Kwara'ae, has moved to the public notice stage of customary land recording.
BY JOSES SAREN
A Washington-based West Papua human rights group has thanked Prime Minister Matthew Wale for raising the human rights situation in West Papua at the United Nations.
The West Papua Human Rights Center (WPHRC) said Wale’s remarks had drawn international attention to the issue and highlighted the importance of Pacific voices in discussions on West Papua and the wider Melanesian region.
The group made the comments in a statement following a meeting between WPHRC co-founder Sister Charity Titiulu and representatives of the Solomon Islands Government on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
WPHRC said it conveyed its appreciation for the Solomon Islands’ continued solidarity with West Papua in regional and international forums.
It also welcomed further regional engagement towards a peaceful resolution of the West Papua situation.
The group called for continued international engagement, including unhindered access to West Papua for international human rights representatives and a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
WPHRC said such engagement could help improve transparency and build confidence in addressing human rights concerns.
It thanked Wale, the Solomon Islands Government and the people of Solomon Islands for their friendship and continued engagement with the people of West Melanesia.
WPHRC is led by Herman Wainggai, a West Papuan activist living in exile in the United States. The organisation identifies Wainggai as its founder and executive director. He is also associated with the West Papua National Authority (WPNA), a West Papuan political advocacy organisation.
WPHRC and WPNA have publicly worked together on international advocacy relating to human rights and self-determination in West Papua.
Wale raised West Papua’s human rights situation while delivering Solomon Islands’ national statement under the decolonization agenda at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on September 25.
He said reports of human rights violations in West Papua had persisted for too long and called for the situation to be independently verified.
Wale also renewed a Pacific Islands Forum call for Indonesia to facilitate a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu thanked the Australian Government for funding the newly handed‐over community hall at Ruavatu Parish in East Central Guadalcanal, describing it as a milestone for rural development.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Thursday last week, Premier Atu said the project reflects Australia’s commitment to support communities in Guadalcanal.
“We thank the Australian Government for making such a wonderful community initiative come into reality for the people of Ruavatu,” he said.
He said the Ruavatu hall is one of nearly 60 projects funded by Australia across Guadalcanal Province.
“Other initiatives include the installation of solar lights in villages, aimed at improving safety and access after dark,” Atu said.
Premier Atu also used the occasion to urge his people to work together and take advantage of the program by applying for more projects.
He said unity and cooperation among communities will ensure Guadalcanal continues to benefit from Australia’s support.
He noted that the broader program demonstrates Australia’s partnership to promote sustainable development and improve living standards in rural areas.
He welcomed the projects as a sign of progress, highlighting that improved facilities and services will help foster resilience and opportunity across the province.
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BY NED GAGAHE
PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has called for greater international cooperation, dialogue and diplomacy, saying there is no substitute for peaceful negotiations in resolving armed conflicts.
Mr Wale made the call while addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he spoke on international peace and security and the challenges facing the global community.
He said the past year had been marked by extended armed conflicts, an energy crisis and disruptions to global trade.
These challenges, he said, had been compounded by destabilisation driven by those pursuing their own interests.
Mr Wale said the impact of these global challenges was particularly significant for small island economies such as Solomon Islands.
“For small island economies, these are not distant events,” he said.
He said increases in fuel prices were felt through higher costs of shipping, electricity, food and essential services.
This, he said, placed a heavy burden on communities that had little buffer against external shocks.
Mr Wale said the situation reinforced an understanding long held by Solomon Islands that peace and security could not be separated from development.
“These tensions confirm what Solomon Islands has long understood: peace and security are inseparable from development. Neither can be secured without the other,” he said.
On armed conflicts, the Prime Minister stressed the human cost of war and the long-term consequences for affected communities.
“There are no winners in war, only graves, orphans and the long labour of rebuilding what conflict has torn down,” he said.
Mr Wale called on parties involved in armed conflicts to protect civilians, return to negotiations and respect international law.
“There is no substitute for dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful negotiation,” he said.
“Solomon Islands calls on all parties to armed conflicts to protect civilians, return to the negotiating table and act in full respect of international law.”
He also called for a stronger and more agile United Nations capable of responding to contemporary global challenges.
“And it is why the world needs a stronger, more agile United Nations, one equipped to respond to the realities of today,” Mr Wale said.
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PM renews call for human rights team to visit West Papua, backs Pacific decolonisation
BY CHARLES STENNETT
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has taken the issue of West Papua and Pacific decolonisation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), calling for greater international attention to human rights concerns and the right to self-determination.
Addressing the UNGA in New York, Prime Minister Wale said Solomon Islands respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Indonesia but maintain that reports of human rights violations in West Papua had persisted for too long and should be independently verified.
He renewed the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ call for the Indonesian Government to facilitate a long-awaited visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua.
“Such a visit is an act of confidence between friends and an affirmation that there is nothing to hide and therefore no fear from the light,” Prime Minister Wale said.
The Prime Minister also used his address to highlight the Pacific’s continuing decolonisation agenda, calling for the decolonisation of New Caledonia and French Polynesia, both of which remain on the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
“Solomon Islands reaffirms its longstanding support for the right to self-determination of the Kanak people of New Caledonia and the Maul Nui people of French Polynesia,” he said.
Prime Minister Wale said the UN decolonisation process must go beyond declarations and provide practical pathways for people in Non-Self-Governing Territories to determine their own political future and development aspirations.
The remarks place West Papua, self-determination and decolonisation firmly among the Pacific issues Solomon Islands is bringing before the international community.
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by Charley Piringi Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has demanded a sweeping overhaul of the UN Security Council, calling its veto power a dangerous “relic of 1945” at the United Nations General Assembly last week. Speaking at the UN, Wale pointed to the “double standards” fueling global wars and...
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
The issue of the Melanesian population in West Papua and the decolonization of territories in the Pacific has once again brought to the attention of the international community when Prime Minister Matthew Wale presented his speech at the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA), in New York last week.
In his speech Prime Minister Wale said that while Solomon Islands respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia, there have been reports of human rights violations in West Papua have persisted for far too long and they must be independently verified.
He therefore reiterated the call by Forum Island leaders for a UN High Commission Human Rights team to be allowed into Indonesia to investigate the alleged human rights violations.
“We therefore renew the call of Pacific Islands Forum leaders for the Government of Indonesia to facilitate, without further delay, the long awaited visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua. Such a visit is an act of confidence between friends and an affirmation that there is nothing to hide and there is nothing to fear from the light” Prime Minister Wale said.
On decolonization, Prime Minister Wale calls for the decolonization of territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia, both colonies of France.
“Solomon Islands reaffirms its long standing support for the right to self-determination of the Kanak people of New Caledonia and the Maui Nui people of French Polynesia. The UN decolonization process must offer more than hope. It must provide practical pathways to the full emancipation of peoples in non-self-governing territories, and to their freedom to determine their own political future and development aspirations.”. Prime Minister Wale said.
[Photo: Prime Minister Matthew Wale presented his speech at UNGA, New York last week. Photo supplied]
BY JOSES SAREN
Children will take part in the National Youth and Children’s Parliament for the first time when the National Parliament of Solomon Islands (NPSI) hosts the four-day programme from September 28 to October 1.
The programme will bring together 23 children and 27 youths representing all 50 constituencies.
Parliaments’s Chief Civic Officer of Civic Education Young Virivolomo said the inclusion of children makes this year’s programme different from previous national youth parliaments.
The initiative was first held in 2009 and was followed by programmes in 2012, 2014 and 2018 before an eight-year break.
Virivolomo said the children, aged 12 to 15 and generally from Forms 1 to 3, will participate alongside youths aged 18 to 35.
He said the programme will give children and young people an opportunity to learn about democracy and parliamentary processes while contributing to discussions on issues affecting their communities.
This year’s programme carries the theme, “Our Voice, Our Future: Decentralization of Inclusive, Accessible Social Service for All.”
Virivolomo said the theme will allow participants to explore how social services can better respond to community needs at the local and provincial levels.
Discussions will focus on education, medical services, water, sanitation and hygiene.
The programme is supported by the Solomon Islands Government, NPSI, UNICEF and the European Union.
Expected outcomes include increasing children’s and youths’ understanding of issues affecting the country, improving their knowledge of parliamentary processes, and generating resolutions that could inform provincial planning and budgeting.
The programme also aims to strengthen child and youth participation in local governance and collaboration between young people, provincial authorities and the national government.
All 23 child participants are from Honiara, while the 27 youths were selected from youth councils and communities across the provinces, including rural areas.
Virivolomo said children from the provinces were not included this year.
He said NPSI could consider bringing children from the provinces if the programme is held again next year.
The programme will also include a participant living with a disability as part of efforts to promote inclusion.
The four-day programme will end on October 1 with a live debate involving the young participants.
The debate will be streamed on the National Parliament’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
[Photo: Chief Officer of Civic Education Young Virivolomo (left) speaks with Acting Manager of the Communications and Media unit at the NPSI, Duane Baiabe (right). Photo NPSI .]
Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela is urging g7+ members to strengthen cooperation and mechanisms to help address conflict, build resilience and increase their influence in global decision-making. Speaking on the theme “Charting Concrete Mechanisms for Stability, Self-Reliance, and Resilience,” at the g7+ High-Level Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in New...
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