UN Secretary-General Concludes Historic Visit to Papua New Guinea

Today, UN Secretary-General António Guterres departed Papua New Guinea after a landmark four-day trip—the first by a serving UN chief.

He began his visit in Port Moresby, addressing Parliament and praising PNG’s climate leadership and role in international consensus on climate justice. 

He then traveled to Wewak in East Sepik before heading inland to Mt. Hagen in the Western Highlands. There, he commended PNG’s strong local democracy and celebrated the region’s deep agricultural roots, calling its farming potential “world-class.” 

Next, he visited the remote Nuku District in West Sepik Province, where he met local communities, opened the new Nuku (George Oakes) District Office, and thanked residents for preserving one of the world’s largest rainforests—"two enormous carbon sinks" that benefit the entire planet. 

This visit, aligned with PNG’s 50th Independence celebration, highlighted the nation’s resilience as a democracy and its vital role as a climate leader in the Pacific. 

#PNG50 #ClimateAction #UnitedNations

📹  UN

MSG SECRETARIAT TEAM PAYS COURTESY CALL TO SOLOMON ISLANDS PRIME MINISTER

HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS (13 September, 2025): Our team led by the Acting Director General, Ilan Kiloe paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum Prime Minister, Hon. Jeremiah Manele this morning.

ADG Kiloe congratulated the Chair for a successful 54th PIFLM.

It was also an opportunity to brief the Prime Minister on some of the priorities of the Secretariat including the relocation of the Secretariat building following damages it sustained during the December 2024 earthquake.

PM Manele acknowledged the work done so far under the leadership of ADG Kiloe and assured the support of the Solomon Islands Government to deliver on Leaders' mandates.

Pacific Delegates Discuss “Strengthening Resilience” at PIFS Side Event

HONIARA, Solomon Islands - The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted a side event on "Unpacking Resilience: Strengthening Systems, Capacities and Practical Solutions" in Honiara today with an opening address by the Solomon Islands Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Hon. Rexon Annex Ramofafia.

The event was attended by officials and delegates from PIF member countries, currently converging in Solomon Islands for the largest gathering of Pacific Leaders.

Hon. Ramofafia emphasized the importance of embedding resilience into governance systems, particularly through policy, public financial management, planning, and budgeting.

"Resilience must be made a core principle of governance," Minister Ramofafia said. "We are sending the message of proactiveness to our people and helping to influence behavior and improve proactive readiness to the vulnerabilities that we face."

The Minister highlighted the progress made by Pacific countries, including Solomon Islands and Tonga, in aligning public financial management reforms with climate change and disaster risk priorities. 

"Climate and disaster risk financing must pivot towards tangible on-the-ground investments that improve adaptive capacity, protect lives, safeguard livelihoods and development gains, and create pathways for prosperity," he emphasized.

"We must finance resilience not just in theory but in concrete, steel, and livelihoods," Minister Ramofafia added.

Minister Ramofafia highlighted that as part of Solomon Islands and Tonga’s efforts to strengthen public sector budgeting, “we have embarked on climate budget reforms to make our spending more transparent and to enable policymakers to clearly determine how much we invest in addressing climate risks”.

These budget reforms are anchored in the broader Public Financial Management (PFM) Reform Roadmaps, which guide improvements in fiscal governance by promoting performance orientation and inclusive planning for better service delivery. Taken together, these reforms are critical for strengthening resilience and building public trust.

The event aimed to facilitate peer learning and exchange on strengthening resilience and risk-informed development, with a focus on practical solutions and regional cooperation. 

The Pacific Resilience Facility, which was signed by Leaders yesterday, was also discussed as a key mechanism for leveraging climate and disaster risk financing.

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MSG PAYS COURTESY CALL TO SOLOMON ISLANDS MINISTER FOR POLICE

HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS (11 September, 2025): A team from the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat led by the Acting Director General, Ilan Kiloe, paid a courtesy call to the Solomon Islands Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. Jimson Tanagada.

ADG Kiloe took the opportunity to brief the Minister on some of the major initiatives of the MSG relating to security, including the MSG Security Strategy, proposed establishment of a Regional Police Academy, a Formed Police Unit and Police Cooperation.

He explained that these initiatives serve to complement what already exists in the wider Pacific region.

“Given the geopolitical interest in the Pacific it is important that we respond to our own unique challenges through tailor-made approaches,” he said, further emphasizing the importance of the subregion to work together on a common ground to address these challenges.

At this year’s MSG Leader’s Summit in Suva, Leaders’ made a decision to have the MSG SS finalized this year. Indonesia will host the Police Commissioner’s and Police Minister’s Meeting from 14-18 October in Jakarta.

In the lead up to those meetings, the Working Group on the MSG Security Strategy, chaired by Fiji will convene later this month in Suva.

Hon. Tanagada acknowledged MSG’s efforts and reassured Solomon Islands’ support and that of his Ministry to its important work of advancing regional interests in the said areas.

“We would like to see that these initiatives are quickly developed and implemented in the interest of the MSG and the wider Pacific region given our increasing challenges,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of collaboration amongst Members to contribute to regional security and the need to ensure that these developments are in line with the wider regional strategies.

He added it is important that our relationships continue to be strengthened so that not only can we complement each other but take ownership of our security.

Caption: Solomon Islands Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. Jimson Tanagada (3rd from left) next to Acting DG, Ilan Kiloe, with the MSG Secretariat team. Standing second from left is Permanent Secretary, Karen Galokale.

PM Manele Opens 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Plenary Meeting

Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Honourable Jeremiah Manele MP, officially opened the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Plenary Meeting this morning, reaffirming the region’s unity and commitment to collective progress amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Opening the plenary, Prime Minister Manele emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in the face of intensifying global competition. 

“Our strength lies in our solidarity and how we are able to respond to challenges and capitalize on opportunities as a collective,” he said. 

Highlighting the Pacific Way and shared values, Prime Minister Manele cautioned against the Pacific being seen as a mere arena for external interests, asserting that the member nations are active and united participants in shaping their future. 

He explained, the theme for this year’s Forum, “Iumi Tugeda”, serves as a powerful call for a renewed commitment to deepen regionalism. He acknowledged the numerous sectoral discussions held throughout the year that have shaped the agenda and called on leaders to engage with courage, sincerity, and unity in addressing the region’s collective priorities.

The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Chair, Prime Minister Manele also drew attention to proposed changes in the agenda setting process for Leaders, referencing recommendations from the High-Level Political Talanoa and the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA). These proposals aim to better align the Forum’s agenda with the 2050 Strategy 

Implementation Mechanism, ensuring that the region’s long-term vision is effectively pursued. 

“As we deliberate over the next two days, I encourage all leaders to keep this in mind, and together, let us leave Honiara with decisions that strengthen our Forum, advance our priorities, and secure a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Blue Pacific for generations to come.”

All 18 member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum reaffirm their commitment to regional unity and collaboration by attending this week’s

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

>𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙁𝙞𝙟𝙞 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡-𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙣 𝙄𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨' 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙜𝙖𝙥𝙨, 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜, "𝙒𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚, 𝙬𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙁𝙞𝙟𝙞 𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙡."

HONIARA, Solomon Islands, (9 September 2025) - The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP, and the Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, have signed a bilateral agreement for the deployment of Fijian security personnel to Solomon Islands.

At the signing ceremony on the sidelines of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit in Honiara on Tuesday, both leaders hailed the agreement as a testament to the enduring and growing relations between the two Melanesian neighbours.

"We are connected by the Pacific Ocean, Culture, and our Shared History," Prime Minister Manele said, highlighting the deepening relations between the two Melanesian countries.

Mr. Manele acknowledged the long-standing ties between the two nations, including Fijian missionaries and soldiers who have served in Solomon Islands during pre-colonial times and World War II, and during the recent social unrest events.

“Fijian missionaries have worked in parts of the Solomon Islands, who have served in the colonial days. The deployment of Fijian soldiers goes back to World War II; some have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Solomon Islands pays tribute to them for their service,” Manele said.

Prime Minister Manele noted that Fiji is well-placed to fill Solomon Islands' national critical security gaps, saying, "We hope and pray we will not trigger the Agreement, but should the need arise, we have placed Fiji on our speed dial."

The agreement aligns with the Biketawa and Boe Declarations and reflects Solomon Islands' security strategy of broadening partnerships and deepening relations with Melanesian neighbours.

“This agreement aligns with the ‘Biketawa and Boe Declarations. Given Solomon Islands' special situation as a post-conflict country, we have adopted a security strategy of broadening our security partnerships and deepening our security relations with our Melanesian Wantoks to support national and regional stability,” Prime Minister Manele said.

The signing ceremony, held against the backdrop of a traditional canoe (The Tepuke) and a symbol of peace, highlights the shared blue Pacific identity and commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity, and the importance of cooperation between the two nations.

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Full story is also on the link⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://sbm.sb/𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧-𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬-𝐚𝐧/

𝙎𝙊𝙇𝙊𝙈𝙊𝙉 𝙄𝙎𝙇𝘼𝙉𝘿𝙎 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙏𝙊𝙉𝙂𝘼 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙁𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙈 𝙎𝙏𝙍𝙊𝙉𝙂 𝘽𝙄𝙇𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙍𝘼𝙇 𝙏𝙄𝙀𝙎

Honiara, Tuesday 9 September 2025 – Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Honourable Jeremiah Manele, today held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Honourable Dr. ʻAisake Valu Eke, on the margins of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Eke congratulated Prime Minister Manele for the opening program of the Forum, describing it as a proud showcase of Solomon Islands’ rich and diverse culture. He also pledged Tonga’s full support to Prime Minister Manele as he assumed the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum.

Prime Minister Eke thanked Solomon Islands for its support in reviewing the regional architecture and highlighted the strong historical ties between the two nations, particularly through church connections. He further expressed Tonga’s interest in exploring opportunities for cooperation in the fisheries sector.

Prime Minister Manele welcomed Prime Minister Eke to Solomon Islands and acknowledged Tonga’s leadership of the Forum. He commended Tonga for its stewardship under the previous Prime Minister and since Prime Minister Eke took office in January 2025. He also thanked Tonga for its contribution to the Forum Troika.

Prime Minister Manele reaffirmed the deep and enduring ties between Solomon Islands and Tonga, noting their shared history through church, sports, and people-to-people links. 

He said Solomon Islands looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Tonga and to continued fruitful discussions during the Forum Leaders’ sessions this week.

The bilateral meeting concluded with a gift exchange ceremony, symbolising the reaffirmation of the strong relationship between the two countries.

[ENDS]