MNPDC Minister, Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr, during his address at the UN’s High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York, USA, on 13th July
Minister Kenilorea calls for accelerated action on water, energy, infrastructure, cities & communities and partnerships at UN’s HLP
The Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Hon. Peter Kenilorea, has called for urgent global action to accelerate the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which was adopted by all United Nations member States since 2015.
In his address at the UN’s High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York (USA) on 13th July, Minister Kenilorea said peace and resilience are critical to the survival of Small Island Developing States (SIDSs).
Representing the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Chair, Minister Kenilorea delivered a joint statement on behalf of the PIF and a national address on behalf of the Solomon Islands.
In his address as the representative of the PIF Chair, Minister Kenilorea highlighted the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
“For island nations, sustainable development is a practical necessity,” Minister Kenilorea said.
He noted the need for collective regional effort to improve water security, transition to 100% renewable energy and establishment of the Pacific Resilience Facility to support climate and disaster preparedness.
In his national address, Minister Kenilorea said that in the Solomon Islands only 35 percent of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets are on track or showing moderate progress.
He said his country’s efforts are hindered by domestic challenges and external shocks.
Solomon Islands is still in recovery mode following devastations caused by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Maila.
He noted that such disasters are draining resources and threatening the country’s progress toward graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status scheduled for December 2027.
Minister Kenilorea also provided a list of priorities that must be addressed including water and sanitation, energy, and infrastructure to better connect remote communities with the mainstream economy and partnerships to address these priorities.
He emphasized that for Solomon Islands and other vulnerable nations, access to concessional finance, technical assistance and technology transfer is essential to achieving sustainable development.
With only three years remaining until the 2030 deadline, he urged international partners to uphold the shared commitment to leave no one behind.
“The stakes are higher than ever, and the call to action rests on all of us. This is a responsibility we owe to humanity,” Minister Kenilorea said.
The 2026 High-level Political Forum is reviewing progress on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Hon. Kenilorea with government officials who also witness HLPF in the United States.
MNPDC Minister, Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr, during his address at the UN’s High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York, USA, on 13th July