AGP Executive Report

Pacific diplomacy: New Zealand is moving quickly to strengthen ties with Solomon Islands’ new government after Matthew Wale’s election, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters saying talks in Auckland will focus on development, climate resilience and shared Pacific priorities. Marine conservation & community stewardship: WWF held its quarterly meeting for Community Facilitators across seascape regions, helping local groups share lessons and plan next steps for conservation work in the Western Seascape and Central Solomons. Clean water for health: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in schools across Central Islands and Guadalcanal, reaching over 12,000 children, while noting big gaps remain in sanitation and hygiene services. Urban water infrastructure: Solomon Water says construction of three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara is progressing, with testing and commissioning underway to improve water security and reduce reliance on rainfall. Coral Triangle LNG pressure: A global insurance watchdog says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG cover in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks—only one firm, SCOR, introduced new restrictions. Coastline pollution push: Solomon Islands’ environment ministry launched a week-long clean-up in Honiara, linking coastal litter to poor inland waste management and urging community action.

Climate Resilience in Practice: A new report argues adaptation must be built into everyday systems, not treated as a future add-on, linking resilience to infrastructure, jobs, and private investment. Water Security & Health: Solomon Water is progressing on three new Honiara concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina, moving from completed structures into testing and commissioning. Clean Water for Communities: UNICEF’s WASH work in North Guadalcanal is easing long-standing water and sanitation struggles, with media visits highlighting safer facilities and community ownership. School WASH Gaps: UNICEF also reports upgrades in 26 Central Islands and 39 Guadalcanal schools, but notes many schools still lack basic sanitation, water and hygiene services. Coastal Pollution Cleanup: Solomon Islands launched a week-long clean-up in Honiara tied to World Environment Day and World Ocean Day, blaming inland waste mismanagement for rubbish washing onto beaches and harming wildlife. EU Support for Resilience & Fisheries: The EU reaffirmed commitment to Solomon Islands, pointing to renewable energy and water projects, and discussed potential support for Malaita’s Bina Harbour tuna processing plant. Coral Triangle LNG Cover: Insure Our Future says many major insurers have not ruled out LNG support in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity concerns that include the Solomon Islands. Youth & Child Protection: A new phase of a youth and child protection initiative will focus on young people and children, combining livelihoods, leadership and safer reporting systems.

Clean Water & Health: UNICEF’s WASH work in North Guadalcanal is easing daily struggles in Popoloi, Mbebe and Bubulu, improving safe water and sanitation for families and schools. School Resilience: Save the Children’s SOLKAS outreach in Malaita’s East Fataleka is helping school staff identify hazards and push for safer, climate-ready learning spaces, including water support. Urban Water Upgrade: Solomon Water is progressing on three new Honiara concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina, moving from completed structures into testing and commissioning. Coast Pollution Watch: A week-long clean-up in Honiara is tackling rubbish washing onto beaches, linking coastal litter to inland waste management gaps and urging community action. EU Support for Growth & Fisheries: The EU reaffirmed its partnership with Solomon Islands and discussed investment priorities, including the Bina Harbour tuna processing plant, while EU food-safety rules training targets compliance for freezer vessels exporting to the EU. Climate-Linked Jobs & Skills: A youth and child protection plus entrepreneurship initiative is set to expand support for young people, while education recovery funding is being prioritized after Cyclone Maila in Choiseul and Western. Coral Triangle LNG Pressure: Insurers largely stopped short of ruling out LNG support in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity concerns that include the Solomon Islands. Trade & Energy Pathways: A Pacific dialogue is pushing investment-ready solar and storage across island economies, including Solomon Islands.

Climate Resilience via EU Support: The EU says its renewable energy, water and sanitation work is building Solomon Islands’ climate resilience, including Honiara’s water security and wastewater upgrades. School WASH Gaps: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in 65 schools across Central Islands and Guadalcanal reached 12,000+ students, but 64% of schools still lack basic sanitation and water scarcity is linked to absenteeism. Malaita Jobs & Fisheries Value: EU officials met Solomon Islands leaders on the proposed Bina Harbour tuna processing plant, pitching it as a potential economic game-changer if implementation and partners are right. Food Safety for Market Access: EU training in Suva prepares Pacific authorities for new freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels exporting to the EU. Coastal Pollution Warning: A Honiara clean-up campaign ties worsening shoreline litter to poor inland waste management, aiming to protect wildlife and improve public spaces. Cyclone Recovery for Education: After Tropical Cyclone Maila, MEHRD is prioritizing damaged schools in Western and Choiseul, using repurposed funding to restore learning. Youth & Child Protection: World Vision launches a new phase focusing on youth leadership, entrepreneurship and child protection systems. Community Renewable Power: Rae’ao in Malaita thanks MMERE for cable support to keep its long-running hydro system running. Tuna Sustainability Lesson: A new FFA report highlights how regional cooperation keeps tuna stocks healthy while supporting Pacific economies.

Pacific governance and ocean security: Former Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Dame Meg Taylor warned that growing geopolitical rivalry and foreign funding dependence could weaken Pacific-led decision-making, urging stronger economic independence to protect ocean governance as militarisation and external interests rise. Australia–New Zealand backing for Pacific-led climate and security: Leaders reaffirmed support for the Pacific Islands Forum as the “apex” of Pacific-led regional architecture, with climate action central to their security and cooperation agenda ahead of the 55th Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. EU climate resilience support in practice: EU officials say renewable energy, water supply and sanitation projects in Solomon Islands are building resilience by cutting emissions and improving water security and wastewater treatment, even when not labelled “climate” projects. School WASH upgrades, but gaps remain: UNICEF reports WASH infrastructure upgrades in 65 schools across Central Islands and Guadalcanal reached 12,000+ students, yet 64% of schools still lack basic sanitation and water/hygiene access remains limited. Bina Harbour tuna processing push: EU representatives say the proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant could transform Malaita’s economy and jobs, but success will hinge on implementation, management quality and finding the right commercial partners. Fisheries market access under pressure: EU freezer vessel food-safety rules are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with regional training in Suva aimed at helping authorities meet new requirements to keep EU access. Honiara pollution linked to inland waste: A week-long World Environment Day clean-up targets coastal litter, with officials stressing that rubbish washing ashore reflects poor waste handling on land. Cyclone recovery for schools: MEHRD is prioritising education in Western and Choiseul after Tropical Cyclone Maila by repurposing development funds and assessing which school buildings are safe or need repairs/temporary learning spaces. Renewables and resilience: A community hydro upgrade in Malaita (Rae’ao) received electrical cable support to keep a long-running renewable system operating. Youth and child protection programme: World Vision launched a new phase focusing on youth leadership, entrepreneurship, economic resilience and child protection, funded by New Zealand.

World Environment Day clean-up: Honiara’s coastline pollution is being blamed on poor inland waste management, as MECDM officials and volunteers launched a week-long clean-up tied to World Environment Day, Coral Triangle Day and World Ocean Day, targeting beaches and public areas to protect wildlife and keep the city’s shores cleaner. Cyclone recovery for schools: After Tropical Cyclone Maila, the MEHRD says it will repurpose development funding to prioritize safe school restoration and temporary learning spaces in Western and Choiseul. Renewable energy for communities: In Malaita, the Rae’ao community thanked MMERE for overhead and service line cables to help maintain a long-running community hydro system. Solar investment push: ISA and the World Bank held a Pacific SIDS solar dialogue in Bali to speed up investment-ready solar and storage projects, including support for bankable pipelines in Solomon Islands. EU seafood rules hit exporters: EU training in Suva prepared Pacific national authorities for new freezer-vessel requirements that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels exporting tuna. Food safety capacity: The same EU-funded programme is strengthening certification and oversight skills to help keep access to the EU seafood market. Women leaders call for climate action: Solomon Islands’ Minister John Maneniaru urged a people-centred Pacific response as fuel costs, supply disruptions and climate impacts strain communities, with women and youth hit hardest. Climate resilience funding: GEF councils approved new LDCF/SCCF projects worth over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Solomon Islands, focusing on flood/coastal risk, food and water security, ecosystems and disaster preparedness. Tourism threatened by sanitation: UNICEF warned that open defecation and weak waste disposal are damaging visitor experiences and could undermine tourism growth.

Education & Digital Access: West Makira Constituency backed 53 students with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones, funded through its CDF education allocation, to support digital learning needs. Disaster Recovery for Schools: After Cyclone Maila, MEHRD is prioritizing damaged schools in Choiseul and Western Province, using repurposed funding and safety assessments to get children back into learning. Coast Pollution & Waste: Honiara’s coastal litter is being blamed on poor inland waste management, as a World Environment Day clean-up targets beaches and public areas to protect wildlife and marine life. Renewable Power Upgrade: Rae’ao community members in Malaita thanked MMERE for overhead and service line cables to maintain and upgrade their long-running hydro system. Fisheries & EU Rules: EU training in Suva prepares Pacific authorities for new freezer-vessel food safety requirements that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, with implications for market access. Tuna Processing Investment: An EU delegation met Solomon Islands fisheries officials to discuss potential support for the Bina Harbour tuna processing plant in Malaita. Climate Finance for Resilience: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF work program approved new projects including Solomon Islands, aiming to cut flood and coastal risks and strengthen disaster preparedness. World Environment Day Mobilisation: Solomon Islands plans tree planting, radio talk-backs, and multiple clean-up sites across Honiara and provinces for World Environment Day, World Oceans Day, and Coral Triangle Day.

World Environment Day in Honiara: Solomon Islands is marking World Environment Day 2026 with clean-ups, tree planting at Bloody Ridge National Park, and radio talk-backs, with events also tied to World Oceans Day and Coral Triangle Day. Coast pollution link to waste: MECDM says litter washing onto Honiara’s shores reflects poor inland waste management, as a week-long clean-up targets beaches and public areas to protect wildlife. Cyclone Maila recovery for schools: MEHRD will prioritize repairing and restarting schools in Choiseul and Western Province after Tropical Cyclone Maila, using repurposed development funding and safety assessments. EU seafood rules hit exporters: New EU freezer vessel requirements under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449 are expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels, with training for national food safety authorities in Suva. Clean energy progress: A Rae’ao community hydro upgrade in Malaita received overhead and service line cables from MMERE, supporting long-running renewable power. Tourism under threat from sanitation: UNICEF warns open defecation and weak waste disposal are damaging visitor experience and could hurt tourism growth. Climate finance: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF work program approved new resilience projects including for Solomon Islands, focusing on flood/coastal risks, food and water security, and disaster preparedness. Regional solar push: ISA and the World Bank launched a Pacific SIDS solar dialogue in Bali to move from policy to investment-ready solar and storage projects, including support for Solomon Islands.

Pacific climate resilience & recovery: Solomon Islands’ MEHRD is prioritizing damaged schools in Choiseul and Western after Cyclone Maila, using repurposed development funding and safety assessments to get students back into learning spaces. Honiara environment: A week-long clean-up campaign for World Environment Day, Coral Triangle Day and World Ocean Day targets Honiara beaches and public areas, with officials linking coastal rubbish to poor inland waste management and warning that it harms wildlife and tourism. Clean energy: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large private solar-plus-battery system, cutting diesel and grid dependence and keeping power steady during outages. Ocean governance & marine protection: Arnavon Community Marine Park advances its IUCN Green List process through community-led training and co-management planning, reinforcing local stewardship. Fisheries & trade rules: EU food-safety freezer vessel requirements are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with national authorities trained in Suva to maintain access to the EU seafood market. Regional security pivot: New PM Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and review its China security pact—while both leaders reaffirm climate action and Pacific-led cooperation. Youth & child protection: A new phase of a youth and child protection initiative (YSED+CP/SIEVAP) focuses on young people and children, combining livelihoods, leadership and safer communities. Food security: Rice experts from JAAS begin a two-month mission with MALD to support mechanized commercial rice farming and reduce reliance on imported rice. Energy finance: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF package approves new resilience projects including for Solomon Islands, targeting flood/coastal risks, food and water security, ecosystems and disaster preparedness.

Pacific security & health warning: Experts say illicit drugs are showing “warning signs” of spreading beyond Fiji, with meth traces in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” washed up in the Solomon Islands, alongside low but rising HIV and TB concerns. Clean energy investment push: The ISA and World Bank launched a Pacific SIDS solar dialogue in Bali, aiming to unlock bankable solar and storage projects, including support for Solomon Islands clean-energy pipelines. Cyclone recovery focus: MEHRD is prioritizing damaged schools in Choiseul and Western Province after Tropical Cyclone Maila, using repurposed funding and safety assessments to get students back learning. EU fisheries compliance: New EU freezer-vessel food safety rules could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific tuna exporters, with training for national competent authorities in Suva. Coastal pollution spotlight: Honiara’s coastline litter is linked to poor inland waste management, as a World Environment Day clean-up campaign targets beaches and public areas. Community renewable power: Rae’ao in Malaita thanked MMERE for cable support to upgrade its long-running hydro system. Tourism & sanitation: UNICEF warns open defecation and weak waste disposal are hurting Solomon Islands tourism growth and visitor appeal. Climate resilience & early warnings: Solomon Islands reaffirmed support for Weather Ready Pacific, citing a new radar build, meteorology training, and remote early-warning connectivity. Solar for hotels: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel use and keep power running during outages. Regional tuna governance: A new FFA report highlights two decades of Pacific-led tuna management, keeping major stocks healthy while sustaining large economic returns. Australia reset talks: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale says he will negotiate a strategic treaty with Australia and review the China security pact.

Cyclone recovery for schools: The Solomon Islands’ MEHRD says it will prioritize education infrastructure in Choiseul and Western Province after Tropical Cyclone Maila, using repurposed development funding and safety assessments to get children back into learning. EU fisheries rules hit exporters: New EU freezer- vessel food safety requirements are being rolled out via training in Suva, with the changes expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels—raising pressure on compliance for tuna trade. Marine protection progress: Solomon Islands communities and partners are advancing IUCN Green List work for the Arnavon Community Marine Park through participatory training, self-assessment and co-management planning. Weather readiness support: Honiara hosted the Weather Ready Pacific steering meeting, with Minister Wayne Ghemu reaffirming full government backing, including a new Honiara radar build and early-warning connectivity for remote areas. Tourism and sanitation: UNICEF warns that open defecation and poor waste management are undermining Solomon Islands tourism growth by harming visitor experience and damaging coastal and reef attractions. Climate finance boost: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new adaptation projects, including for Solomon Islands, targeting flood/coastal risk, food and water security, ecosystem protection and disaster preparedness. Australia-Solomons reset: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and review its China security pact, while both leaders also flag climate action and regional security cooperation. Clean energy for tourism: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar system to supply up to 95% of its electricity, cutting diesel use and supporting more sustainable operations.

Australia–Solomon Islands Reset: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra and says Honiara will negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia while reviewing the 2022 China security pact, citing a non-disclosure clause and limited access to the full text. Pacific Security & Climate Cooperation: The two leaders also reaffirmed Pacific-led solutions via the Pacific Islands Forum, including closer work on climate action and transnational crime. Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects for vulnerable countries including Solomon Islands, targeting flood and coastal risks, food and water security, ecosystem protection, and disaster preparedness. Subsea Cable Risk for Islands: New research finds most subsea telecom faults affecting island-connecting cables happen within 300 km of coastlines—raising urgency for monitoring and resilience planning. World Environment Day in Honiara: Solomon Islands will mark June 5 with clean-ups, tree planting at Bloody Ridge National Park, and radio and social media activities calling for climate action. Tourism Threatened by Sanitation: UNICEF warns open defecation and poor waste management are hurting tourism growth by damaging visitor experiences and coastal ecosystems. Clean Energy Push: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel use and keep power running during outages.

World Environment Day in Honiara: Solomon Islands is gearing up for World Environment Day 2026 with clean-ups across key sites, tree planting at Bloody Ridge National Park, and radio talk-back and social media activities calling for climate action. Climate finance for resilience: The GEF’s Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund council has approved new projects worth over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Solomon Islands, targeting flood/coastal risk, food and water security, ecosystem protection, and disaster preparedness. Australia–Solomon Islands reset: New PM Matthew Wale is in Canberra to negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and review the 2022 security pact with China, with leaders also discussing climate change and regional stability. Cyclone and energy support: Australia has committed a $35m package linked to Solomon Islands’ response to Cyclone Maila and impacts from global energy shocks. Weather Ready Pacific backing: The environment minister says Solomon Islands will fully support Weather Ready Pacific, citing a new Honiara radar under construction, training for meteorological staff, and connectivity kits for early warnings. Climate insurance expands: TrigaCash parametric microinsurance is already paying out after heavy rainfall, and more than 300 people have enrolled with plans to roll out across all provinces. Solar for cleaner power: Heritage Park Hotel has commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to supply up to 95% of its electricity, cutting diesel and grid reliance. Local markets built for resilience: Australia-funded Buala Market Building includes water storage, solar lighting, accessible toilets/showers, and coastal protection features designed for climate resilience.

Australia–Solomon Islands Reset: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra, agreeing to negotiate a comprehensive treaty and boost police co-operation, while also reviewing Solomon Islands’ China security agreement. Climate Resilience Finance: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects for Solomon Islands and other vulnerable states, targeting flood/coastal risk, food and water security, ecosystem protection, and disaster preparedness. Weather Ready Pacific: Honiara hosted the Weather Ready Pacific steering meeting; Minister Wayne Osopo Ghemu reaffirmed full support, citing a new Honiara radar under construction, training for meteorology staff, and connectivity for early warnings. Climate Insurance Takes Hold: TrigaCash parametric microinsurance has reached 300+ enrolled customers, with early payouts proving the system works fast after heavy rainfall triggers. Solar for Cleaner Power: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel and grid reliance, supporting more reliable low-carbon operations. Coastal Market Upgrade: Buala’s new market building was handed over with climate-resilient features like water storage, solar lighting, and a seawall. Community Adaptation: Tulagi Ward 4 residents trained on community-led adaptation planning, focusing on food security, healthier reefs, and steadier incomes.

Australia–Solomon Islands reset: New PM Matthew Wale says Honiara will negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and review its China security pact, after earlier concerns over China-linked policing and secrecy clauses. Climate finance push: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects for vulnerable countries including Solomon Islands, targeting flood/coastal risks, food and water security, ecosystem protection, and disaster preparedness. Community climate resilience: Rural Solomon Islanders begin receiving payouts from TrigaCash, the country’s first parametric microinsurance, with fast payments triggered by heavy rainfall thresholds. Local adaptation planning: Tulagi Ward 4 residents trained on Community-Led Adaptation Pathways, prioritising food security, healthier reefs, and steadier income. Clean energy for tourism: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel use and keep power running during outages. Youth and sustainability in Isabel: Isabel youth and leaders urged sustainable, village-level development that protects forests, fisheries, and natural resources. Resilient infrastructure: Australia-funded Buala Market Building was handed over as climate-resilient, with water storage, solar lighting, and coastal protection.

Climate Finance & Biodiversity: IUCN says new GEF funding will back ecosystem restoration and resilience work, with Solomon Islands among countries receiving support to protect habitats and reduce climate impacts. Climate Insurance (TrigaCash): Solomon Islands’ first parametric microinsurance payouts are already reaching people fast after heavy rainfall triggers; the Central Bank says the system worked end-to-end, and rural policyholders are now getting automated relief while expansion to all provinces is planned. Community Adaptation: Tulagi Ward 4 residents trained under a Community-Led Adaptation Pathway to plan for food security, healthier reefs, and stronger incomes as sea-level rise and climate pressures grow. Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to push for ocean rules built on national authority, Indigenous stewardship, and implementation-ready steps. Weather & Climate Services: Pacific NMHS directors met in Honiara to review the region’s weather and climate strategy and draft the next plan through 2036. WASH in Schools: New Zealand and UNICEF-backed WASH upgrades at Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal are improving safe water, sanitation, and menstrual hygiene for students. Pacific Media for Resilience: A regional push to strengthen Pacific weather and climate reporting is underway, with training and media support planned around upcoming meteorology meetings. Solomon Islands–Australia Talks: Prime Minister Matthew Wale begins an Australia visit focused on regional stability, development, climate resilience, and security cooperation.