Solomon Islands Steps into Pacific Leadership Role

Sponsored Advertisement

Solomon Islands Steps into Pacific Leadership Role: PM Manele Participates in Pacific Islands Forum Troika Meeting

Solomon Islands has taken a significant step in advancing its regional leadership, as Prime Minister Honourable Jeremiah Manele, MP, returned from Nadi, Fiji, where he participated in the Second Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum Troika on 14 April 2025.

This marked the first face-to-face meeting of the Troika — the governing body made up of the outgoing, current, and incoming Forum Chairs — since its virtual session held on 25 March 2025.

“I left the country on Saturday 12th April to participate in the second meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum TROIKA in Nadi on Monday 14th April 2025. This was the first face-to-face meeting of the PIF TROIKA,” Prime Minister Manele said.

Solomon Islands is a member of the Troika by virtue of hosting the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara, scheduled for 8–12 September 2025.

“By virtue of the fact that we will be hosting the 54th meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in Honiara from 8-12 September this year we [the] Solomon Islands is a member of TROIKA,” he explained.

Regional Stability and Support for New Caledonia

The meeting’s agenda included a key update on New Caledonia, which experienced violent unrest in May 2024 resulting in loss of life, destruction of businesses, and severe economic impacts.

“Troika visit was initiated following a break out of violence from May 2024 violence of which 13 people were killed. Some 800 businesses were destroyed, 25,000 unemployed and 20% retraction of New Caledonia’s territory’s GDP,” the Prime Minister said.

The Forum Troika had conducted an assessment mission to New Caledonia in October 2024, and the leaders reviewed its findings and endorsed recommendations aimed at supporting a peaceful resolution.

“The TROIKA reviewed the report by its mission in October 2024 and endorsed the recommendations to offer the support of the Pacific Islands Forum to the resolution of the impasse and to assist as appropriate with the way forward,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that the Forum had welcomed recent dialogue between the French State and the new New Caledonian government toward a post-Noumea Accord agreement.

“The TROIKA received a welcome update from the Secretariat that a lot [of] activities had occurred since its October 2024 mission, between the French State and the new government in New Caledonia that is working toward a post Noumea Accord agreement that could map the future direction for New Caledonia.”

Supporting Pacific Resilience

Another major topic was the advancement of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), a fund designed “by the Pacific, for the Pacific” to build infrastructure that can withstand climate and disaster challenges.

“The Pacific Resilience Facility is designed by the Pacific for the Pacific to address regional climate and disaster challenges. It is owned, led and driven by the region,” the Prime Minister stated.

With a goal of raising USD 500 million by 2026 and USD 1.5 billion by 2030, the PRF is on track to become a critical financial mechanism. Solomon Islands is expected to host the signing of the PRF Treaty during the Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara.

“Once the PRF Agreement is open for signature in Honiara we are expected the region will open a dedicated Account for pledged funds will be deposited,” Prime Minister Manele said.

Responding to Global Changes: Implications of U.S. Policy

The Troika also deliberated on changes in U.S. foreign policy and their implications for Pacific development priorities and partnerships.

“Troika took the time to discuss the changing international landscape, United States new Foreign Policy, its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, UN Human Rights Council, World Health Organization, UN Education and Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA),” the Prime Minister said.

The leaders agreed on the importance of engaging the United States on aid flows and commitments to Pacific regional mechanisms and agencies.

“Troika also discussed US various Trade covering the Pacific Islands countries and agreed to reach out to the US on Aid freeze on the delivery of Pacific priorities and commitments made on regional entities, facilities and mechanisms.”

Looking Ahead to Honiara 2025

As Solomon Islands prepares to host the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, the country stands ready to shape meaningful outcomes for the region.

“The TROIKA agreed to circulate the October mission report and recommendations to all leaders for their information and feedback. The TROIKA also agreed to pursue the possibility of meeting with the French President and the New Caledonia President at the sidelines of the United Nations 3rd Oceans Conference in Nice, France, in June this year.”

Prime Minister Manele also confirmed Solomon Islands’ intention to engage with fellow Melanesian countries on New Caledonia through the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

“As members of the MSG Solomon Islands will be speaking with its Melanesian members on the matter.”

With the Pacific facing complex challenges and evolving geopolitics, Solomon Islands stands ready to not only participate in but lead the regional dialogue — grounded in Pacific values, and focused on Pacific priorities.

Ends///