AGP Executive Report

Climate & Ocean Resilience: Island communities shared practical climate and ocean governance ideas at the 8th Virtual Island Summit, but leaders stressed the need for stronger collaboration, finance and partnerships to scale solutions. Human Rights & Governance: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN human rights recommendations in its latest Universal Periodic Review, noting 41 tied to sensitive social and legal issues. Health Services Upgrade: Honiara’s Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre moves to 24/7 operations from 6 October, expanding continuous outpatient care and low-risk delivery services. Aviation & Digital Capacity: The Ministry of Communication and Aviation opened a new US$5.77m aviation complex under SIRAP2, bringing key agencies and digital emergency response functions under one roof. Skills for Inclusion: Australia-backed training with Smart Technology will teach 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders mobile phone repair, aiming for jobs and small business support. Road Safety Knowledge Transfer: A Solomon Islands delegation studied Fiji’s integrated vehicle licensing, enforcement and road maintenance systems to improve local safety and infrastructure. Education & Research Pipeline: USP Solomon Islands Campus graduated 215 students across science, IT, engineering and other fields, urging them to apply skills to community and Pacific challenges.

UN diplomacy and AI: At UN General Assembly High-Level Week, UN chief António Guterres framed the world’s “tests of power” as war, inequality, climate and AI, while Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged that AI benefits be shared by all and governed by an open, inclusive framework. Healthcare access: Honiara’s Naha Birthing & Urban Health Centre will expand to full 24/7 operations from 6 October, with continuous outpatient care and low-risk delivery services, while specialised clinics and diagnostics run on set schedules. Digital inclusion skills: Australia-backed training with Honiara’s Smart Technology will teach 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders mobile phone repair, with tools and mentoring to support self-employment. Aviation infrastructure: Work is progressing on new Honiara and Munda control towers under SIRAP2, with major structural works completed in Honiara and installation works advancing at both sites. Road safety learning: A 14-person Solomon Islands transport delegation studied Fiji’s vehicle licensing, traffic enforcement and road maintenance systems to improve safer, better-managed roads at home. Public health watch: The Ministry of Health says influenza-like illness cases have risen across provinces and urges hygiene and continued vigilance as lab testing continues. Climate and resilience push: Wale used UNGA to call for scaled-up adaptation and resilience finance for Pacific communities facing climate mobility and disaster impacts. Regional media leadership: MASI congratulated journalist Elizabeth Osifelo on her election as Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association.

Health Access: Honiara’s Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre will expand to full 24/7 operations from 6 October, adding continuous outpatient care and low-risk birthing services while keeping high-risk cases referred to the National Referral Hospital. Economy & Investment: Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia says the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) should back the economy through carefully managed long-term investments in areas like infrastructure, housing, telecoms, tourism, fisheries and energy—while protecting members’ retirement savings. Aviation Infrastructure: Work is progressing on Honiara and Munda control towers under SIRAP2, with major structural works completed in Honiara and installation works advancing at both sites. Skills for Inclusion: Australia-backed training with Honiara’s Smart Technology will teach 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders mobile phone repair, with tools and mentoring support after the course. Regional Tech & Governance: SIPA has signed with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a GreenPort Framework to strengthen port sustainability and resilience. Public Health Watch: The health ministry reports a sustained rise in flu-like illness across provinces and urges hygiene precautions while lab testing continues. Climate & Mobility: PM Matthew Wale used UNGA to call for scaled-up climate adaptation and resilience finance and warned that Pacific communities are being forced into climate mobility as impacts worsen.

Health Services: The Ministry of Health says Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre will run 24/7 from 6 October, expanding continuous outpatient and low-risk birthing care while keeping high-risk cases referred to the National Referral Hospital; some specialist clinics and services like dental, lab work, X-ray and ultrasound will still follow set daytime hours. Public Health Watch: MHMS also reports a sustained rise in influenza-like illness across provinces, with influenza A found in most samples tested in July–August, and urges hygiene and vigilance as testing continues. Aviation & Infrastructure: Work on new Honiara and Munda control towers under SIRAP2 is progressing, with major structural works completed in Honiara and installation and finishing steps underway at both sites, supported by the World Bank and supervised by Egis Asia. Digital Skills & Inclusion: Australia partners with Honiara’s Smart Technology to train 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in mobile phone repair, with tools and mentoring. Climate & Policy: PM Matthew Wale used UNGA to push for fair AI benefits and stronger climate adaptation funding, warning that Pacific communities are paying the price for slow global action. Regional Tech Governance: SIPA signed an agreement with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a GreenPort Framework to make Solomon ports more sustainable and resilient. Education & Research: USP’s Solomon Islands campus graduated 215 students across science, IT, engineering, and natural sciences, reinforcing a push to keep skills and leadership in the region.

Climate & Ocean Precaution: Fiji urged a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, with local fishers warning that sacred knowledge and reef-to-deep ocean signals could be lost. Forestry Crime Crackdown: The Asia Pacific Forestry Crime Network met at James Cook University to push enforcement against illegal logging, spotlighting monitoring gaps affecting Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. AI & Digital Inclusion at UNGA: Prime Minister Matthew Wale told UN leaders AI benefits must be shared by all, backed by an open governance framework and stronger connectivity for Solomon Islands’ remote communities. Health Watch: Solomon Islands’ health ministry reported a sustained rise in influenza-like illness across multiple provinces, urging hygiene and noting lab tests found influenza A while more testing continues. Skills for Disability Employment: Australia partnered with Honiara’s Smart Technology to train 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in mobile phone repair, with tools and mentoring. Transport Safety Learning: A 14-person Solomon Islands delegation studied Fiji’s vehicle licensing, traffic enforcement and road maintenance systems. Green Ports Planning: SIPA signed with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework for more resilient, lower-impact ports. Education & Research: USP’s Solomon Islands campus graduated 215 students, while a drone-and-LiDAR research effort is exploring WWII battlefields on New Georgia. Media Leadership: MASI congratulated journalist Elizabeth Osifelo on her election as PINA Vice-President.

Forestry Crime Crackdown: Regional lawmakers and regulators met at James Cook University to push from dialogue to enforcement against illegal logging networks, with heavy focus on Solomon Islands and PNG and gaps in timber tracking. Disability Skills Training: Australia partnered with Honiara’s Smart Technology to train 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in mobile phone repair, with tools and mentoring to boost jobs. Climate Finance at UNGA: PM Matthew Wale urged the world to turn climate promises into grant-based, predictable, accessible support for climate-vulnerable communities, warning Solomon Islands is paying the price for impacts it didn’t cause. AI for Everyone: Wale also called for fair AI governance so benefits and oversight reach all nations, not just a few, alongside efforts to close Solomon Islands’ connectivity gap. Health Watch: The Ministry of Health reported a sustained rise in influenza-like illness across provinces, with influenza A found in most samples and more testing underway. Road Safety Learning Trip: Solomon Islands transport officials studied Fiji’s vehicle licensing, enforcement, road safety and maintenance systems to improve an integrated approach at home. Green Ports Plan: SIPA signed with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework to make ports more sustainable and resilient. Women’s Online Safety: A regional initiative, Face Forward, will provide real-time protection from online abuse for women and gender-diverse political candidates, including in Solomon Islands. Flu and Digital Media Training: PACMAS and partners ran digital skills sessions for Pacific newsrooms, focusing on mobile-first content and audience needs. Education Milestone: USP Solomon Islands Campus graduated 215 students across science, IT, engineering, and other fields, urging them to apply skills to community challenges.

AI Governance at UN: Prime Minister Matthew Wale told the UN General Assembly that AI benefits and risks must be shared and governed by all countries, warning the digital divide could widen unless oversight is inclusive. Digital Connectivity for Rural Solomon Islands: On UNGA sidelines, Minister Peter Kenilorea met US officials to expand rural internet access, including satellite options, and to use AI-assisted tools for teacher training and digital learning. Climate Finance Push: Wale also urged grant-based, predictable, accessible climate funding at the UN “Just Transition” summit, saying Solomon Islands faces severe impacts despite contributing almost nothing to global emissions. Health Watch: The Ministry of Health reported a sustained rise in influenza-like illness across Honiara and several provinces, with lab testing showing influenza A in most samples while more testing continues. Road Safety Learning Trip: Fourteen Solomon Islands transport and enforcement representatives studied Fiji’s integrated vehicle licensing, inspections, and road maintenance systems. Ports Sustainability Plan: SIPA signed an agreement with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework to improve port resilience and protect the environment. Women’s Online Safety: A regional initiative called Face Forward will offer real-time protection from online abuse for women and gender-diverse political candidates and teams, including in Solomon Islands. Education & Skills: USP Solomon Islands Campus held a graduation for 215 students, encouraging graduates to apply skills to community and Pacific challenges. Media Leadership: MASI congratulated journalist Elizabeth Osifelo on her election as Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association. Science for the Past: A research team using drones and LiDAR is working to locate lost WWII servicemen on New Georgia, supporting DPAA recovery efforts.

AI Governance at UN: Prime Minister Matthew Wale told the UN General Assembly that AI benefits and risks must be shared and governed by all countries, warning that an exclusive digital oversight could widen the digital divide for Pacific nations. Health Watch: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health reports a sustained rise in influenza-like illness across multiple provinces, with lab testing finding influenza A in most samples so far, and urges hygiene and vigilance while further testing continues. Road Safety Learning Trip: Fourteen Solomon Islands traffic and transport officials studied Fiji’s integrated approach to vehicle licensing, inspections, enforcement and road maintenance, as Australia supports upgrades to improve safety across the road network. Education Milestone: USP Solomon Islands Campus held its graduation for 215 students, spanning science, IT, engineering, business and more, with leaders urging graduates to apply skills to community and regional challenges. Climate Finance Push: Wale also called for grant-based, predictable climate finance at the UN “Just Transition” summit, stressing Solomon Islands faces severe impacts despite contributing almost nothing to global emissions. Ports Sustainability Planning: SIPA signed an agreement with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a GreenPort Framework to strengthen port resilience while protecting the environment. Women’s Online Safety: A new regional initiative, Face Forward, will provide real-time protection from online abuse for women and gender-diverse political candidates and teams, including in Solomon Islands. Media Leadership: MASI congratulated journalist Elizabeth Osifelo on her election as Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association. Meteorology Tech Support: China’s MAZU AI meteorological early-warning solutions are reported to be used in countries including the Solomon Islands, with scholarship funding and cloud platform support expanding training and alerts.

Road Safety Upgrade (Fiji study tour): Fourteen Solomon Islands traffic and transport representatives travelled to Fiji to learn how to run safer vehicle licensing and inspection, stronger traffic enforcement, and better road maintenance as one connected system, supported by Australia. Public Health Watch (flu-like illness): Solomon Islands’ health ministry says influenza-like illness cases have risen across multiple provinces, with influenza A found in most samples tested and more lab work underway; MHMS urges hygiene and vigilance. Education & Skills (USP graduation): The USP Solomon Islands Campus in Honiara graduated 215 students across agriculture, IT, engineering, law, ocean sciences and more, with leaders stressing research, leadership and applying skills to community challenges. Digital Safety for Women: A regional initiative called Face Forward will give women and gender-diverse political candidates in Solomon Islands and other Pacific countries real-time protection from online abuse. Ports Sustainability (GreenPort): SIPA signed an agreement with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework to improve port resilience and reduce environmental impacts. Climate & Weather Context: A regional climatologist links recent Pacific maritime tragedies to turbulent conditions during El Niño, urging extra caution by boat operators. Media Leadership (PINA): MASI congratulated journalist Elizabeth Osifelo on her election as Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association.

Health Watch: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health and Medical Services reports a sustained rise in influenza-like illness across Honiara and several provinces, with influenza A found in most July–August samples and more testing underway. Education & Skills: USP Solomon Islands Campus held its 25 September graduation, awarding qualifications to 215 students across agriculture, IT, engineering, law, ocean sciences and more—urging graduates to apply skills to Pacific community challenges. Digital Safety for Women: The Face Forward initiative will give women and gender-diverse political candidates and teams free real-time protection from online abuse across Fiji, NZ, Australia, Tonga, Samoa and Solomon Islands. Ports & Climate Resilience: SIPA signed an agreement with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a Solomon Islands GreenPort Framework to strengthen port sustainability and resilience. Road Safety Tech: Speed hump works on Henderson–Mberande Road continue, but MID warns vandalised road signs could endanger motorists and pedestrians. Meteorology & Early Warning: China’s MAZU AI meteorological early-warning solutions are reported as already used in the Solomon Islands.

Digital Development & Connectivity: Solomon Islands’ Minister Peter Kenilorea met US Assistant Secretary Michael Dosembre in New York to push rural connectivity, satellite internet for schools and clinics, and AI-assisted teacher training. Port Sustainability: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) signed with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework to boost resilience and cut environmental impacts. Meteorology & Early Warning: China’s MAZU AI meteorological early-warning platform—already trialled in over 40 countries including the Solomon Islands—received new scholarship funding to expand disaster prevention capacity. Road Safety Tech: Guadalcanal’s Henderson–Mberande corridor is seeing speed hump works, with MID warning that vandalised road signs threaten safety. Health Watch: The MHMS reported a sustained rise in influenza-like illness across provinces, with influenza A detected in most samples so far. Education & Research: USP Solomon Islands Campus graduated 215 students, including in ocean and natural sciences, while a drone-and-LiDAR research effort aims to locate lost WWII battle sites in the Solomon Islands. Regional Media Leadership: MASI congratulated journalist Elizabeth Osifelo on her election as Vice-President of PINA.

Health Watch: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health and Medical Services reports a sustained rise in influenza-like illness across Honiara and several provinces, with lab testing finding influenza A in most samples while more testing continues. Education & Skills: 215 students graduated from the USP Solomon Islands Campus in Honiara, spanning agriculture, IT, engineering, law, and more—urged to turn qualifications into community and Pacific solutions. Road Safety & Transport Systems: A Solomon Islands delegation studied Fiji’s vehicle licensing, traffic enforcement, road safety and road asset management, while Guadalcanal’s Henderson–Mberande corridor continues speed-hump works—amid warnings that vandalised road signs can undermine safety. Climate & Public Safety: A regional climatologist links recent Pacific maritime tragedies to turbulent weather during El Niño conditions, urging extra caution for boat operators. Ports & Sustainability: SIPA signed with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a Solomon Islands GreenPort Framework to strengthen port resilience and environmental protection. Regional Tech & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands formalised ties with Kenya and Ghana, including cooperation in farming, climate resilience and digital technology. Media Leadership: Journalist Elizabeth Osifelo was elected Vice-President of PINA, boosting Solomon Islands’ voice in regional newsroom leadership.

Health Watch: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health and Medical Services reports a sustained rise in influenza-like illness across Honiara and several provinces, with influenza A found in most July–August samples while further lab testing continues. Climate & Safety: A regional climatologist warns that El Niño-linked turbulent weather is behind recent Pacific maritime tragedies, urging extra caution from boat operators. Digital Protection: The Face Forward initiative will give women and gender-diverse political candidates in Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Tonga, Samoa and the Solomon Islands real-time protection from online abuse using Areto Labs technology. Ports for Resilience: SIPA signs with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework to strengthen port sustainability and resilience. Research for WWII Recovery: A Solomon Islands drone-and-LiDAR project is helping researchers search for lost WWII battle sites on New Georgia. Marine Planning: MFMR and MECDM, with New Zealand support, are mapping marine protection priorities in Temotu and Makira-Ulawa using community workshops plus scientific and traditional knowledge. Diplomacy & Tech Links: Solomon Islands expands ties with Kenya and Ghana, including cooperation in farming, climate action and digital technology.

GreenPort for Solomon Islands: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) signed an agreement with Australia’s National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) to co-develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework aimed at making ports more sustainable and resilient, with a stakeholder engagement phase now starting. Digital safety for women in politics: The Face Forward initiative, powered by Canadian tech firm Areto Labs, will offer real-time online abuse protection for women and gender-diverse candidates and their teams across Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Tonga, Samoa and the Solomon Islands until March 2028. Flu-like illness watch: Solomon Islands’ health ministry reports a sustained rise in influenza-like illness cases from 24 August to 13 September across Honiara and several provinces, with lab testing underway to identify the viruses driving the increase. Rural connectivity push: Minister Peter Kenilorea met US Assistant Secretary Michael Dosembre to expand rural digital access, including interest in satellite internet for schools and clinics and AI-assisted teacher training. Climate science in Honiara: The 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (5POPCCC) in Honiara closed with ten proposed takeaways focused on Pacific agency, keeping 1.5°C alive, and strengthening adaptation and scientific priorities. Health tech milestone: Qure.ai says its AI clinical decision support system Aira has received EU Class IIb CE certification, designed to reduce paperwork burdens and support primary care decisions. Ocean exploration opportunities: Ocean Exploration Trust opened paid 2027 internships for students and fellowships for educators aboard the Nautilus, including roles in ocean science and seafloor mapping. Road safety works: Night closures are scheduled on the Tandai Highway for street lighting installation under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project, with daytime travel unaffected.

Climate Finance & Action: PM Matthew Wale told the UN “Just Transition” summit that climate commitments must become grant-based, predictable, accessible finance for climate-vulnerable countries like Solomon Islands, warning that communities are already facing sea-level rise, king tides, saltwater intrusion, cyclones, drought and extreme rainfall. Rural Connectivity & AI Learning: Planning Minister Peter Kenilorea met US Assistant Secretary Michael Dosembre in New York to push stronger Solomon Islands–US cooperation on rural digital connectivity, satellite internet for remote schools and clinics, and AI-assisted teacher training. Pacific Climate Conference Takeaways: Honiara hosted the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (5POPCCC), ending with ten proposed priorities urging Pacific agency, keeping 1.5°C alive, and carrying Pacific science and adaptation practice into global climate processes. Women Protected From Online Abuse: The Face Forward initiative will give women and gender-diverse political candidates in Solomon Islands and the region real-time protection against online harassment using Areto Labs technology. Health Watch: The Ministry of Health reported a sustained rise in influenza-like illness across Honiara and several provinces, with influenza A detected in earlier lab testing and more testing underway. Road Safety Works: LMCP projects are installing speed humps and street lighting on Guadalcanal’s Henderson–Mberande and Tandai highways, with MID warning about vandalised signs and advising night-time traffic detours. Marine & Forest Management: MFMR and MECDM, with New Zealand support, are mapping marine protection and livelihood priorities in Temotu and Makira-Ulawa, while MOFR and JICA signed a community-based forest management cooperation project. Education & Research Capacity: SINU council approved a new Centre for Teaching and Learning to boost teaching quality, digital learning and academic support. Border Security Training: RSIPF officers completed ADF-led border surveillance and small boats training, including use of Parrot drones for monitoring.

Pacific Media & Digital Innovation: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka urged Pacific media to amplify the “Ocean of Peace” vision, saying remote communities must be heard through digital tools that connect islands to national and global audiences. Solomon Islands–Africa Diplomacy: Solomon Islands formalised ties with Kenya and Ghana at UNGA, aiming for cooperation in farming, climate resilience, digital technology, education and skills training. AI for Weather Early Warnings: China’s MAZU AI meteorological early-warning system—using satellite data and multi-hazard alerts—has been applied in countries including the Solomon Islands, expanding disaster preparedness under UN Early Warnings for All. Road Safety Works (Guadalcanal): LMCP speed hump installations on Henderson–Mberande Road continue, while MID warns vandalised signs threaten road safety. Night Closures for Street Lighting (Tandai Highway): The landside carriageway will close 9pm–5am on set nights for street lighting installation, with detours enforced. Ocean Science & Skills: Ocean Exploration Trust opened paid 2027 internships and educator fellowships aboard research ship Nautilus, including ocean mapping and remotely operated vehicle training. Forestry & JICA Project: The Forestry Ministry and JICA signed a community-based sustainable forest management cooperation project to strengthen MOFR capacity and support local land-use and livelihood planning. SINU Teaching Upgrade: SINU council approved a Centre for Teaching and Learning to boost teaching quality, staff development, digital learning and academic quality assurance. Marine Protection Planning: MFMR and MECDM, with New Zealand support, are mapping marine resource protection priorities in Temotu and Makira-Ulawa using community workshops, traditional knowledge and scientific inputs. Border Surveillance Training: RSIPF officers completed ADF-led Exercise Coastwatchers training, including Parrot drone use and small boats skills for remote border monitoring. Climate Research Publication: A Pacific Climate Change Journal was launched in Honiara to publish Pacific-generated climate research and strengthen links to global science processes. Financial Inclusion Survey: CBSI and partners will run a second National Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct 2026), including Makira-Ulawa, to track access, usage, quality and climate-related financial needs. Health AI Milestone: Qure.ai’s Aira received EU Class IIb CE certification as a clinical decision support system designed for frontline primary care with limited connectivity and heavy administrative loads.