Commissioners, representatives from line ministries and members of the Secretariat during the Solomon Islands National Commission for UNESCO Commissioners Meeting.
PS Rodie Opens Solomon Islands National Commission for UNESCO Commissioners Meeting
Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Dr Franco Rodie, this morning officially opened the Solomon Islands National Commission for UNESCO Commissioners Meeting at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.
Dr Rodie, who also serves as Secretary-General of the Solomon Islands National Commission for UNESCO, welcomed Commissioners, representatives from line ministries, members of the Secretariat and partners to the meeting. He acknowledged the newly appointed Commissioners and thanked them for their willingness to serve the country through their respective sectors and ministries.
In his opening remarks, Dr Rodie said Solomon Islands has benefited significantly from UNESCO’s support and global partnerships since becoming a Member State of UNESCO in 1993. He highlighted UNESCO’s continuing contribution to education, culture, science, communication, peacebuilding, environmental sustainability, capacity building and sustainable development.
“These partnerships have contributed meaningfully to our national progress. They have strengthened inclusive education initiatives, promoted cultural preservation and protection of our rich heritage, supported sustainable environmental management, advanced peace and reconciliation efforts, and encouraged the development of a free and responsible media environment,” Dr Rodie said.
Dr Rodie said the National Commission plays an important role as a bridge between UNESCO and national institutions, ensuring that UNESCO initiatives are integrated into national priorities and sector plans. He also encouraged Commissioners to provide leadership, strengthen coordination and support the implementation and monitoring of UNESCO-related initiatives and commitments.
The meeting brought together Commissioners representing key areas of national development, including culture, environment, peace, communication, children, women and education. The meeting also provided an opportunity to induct newly appointed Commissioners, discuss the Terms of Reference for Commissioners, share information on current UNESCO country programmes and projects, and identify practical ways for line ministries and stakeholders to work more closely with UNESCO.
Dr Rodie emphasised that many national development issues – including education, environmental sustainability, youth development, cultural preservation and peacebuilding – are interconnected and require an integrated response.
“Our expected outcome today is to strengthen cross-sectoral coordination and improve the implementation of UNESCO programmes and conventions in our country in a manner that aligns with our national development priorities,” Dr Rodie said.
The meeting programme included presentations on the Solomon Islands National Commission for UNESCO, current UNESCO country programmes and projects, group discussions on potential areas for collaboration, review of Commissioners’ Terms of Reference, and the development of recommendations and actions to guide future work.
MEHRD acknowledges UNESCO and the Solomon Islands National Commission for UNESCO Secretariat for their continued partnership and support to national development, particularly in strengthening education, culture, communication, peace, environmental sustainability and inclusive development priorities in Solomon Islands.
The current Commissioners appointment in UNESCO NATCOM include:
- Commissioner for Culture- Denis Marita Director Ministry of Culture
- Commissioner for Environment- Joseph Hurutarau Director Environment
- Commissioner for Peace- Morris Mataki Director Policy Ministry of Traditional governance Peace and Ecclesiastics
- Commissioner for Communication-
- Commissioner for Children- Loretta Ta’ake Ministry of Women, youth Children and Family affairs
- Commissioner for Women- Afu Billy President of National council of Women.
- Commissioner for Education- Dr. Franco Rodie – Ps Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.
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MEHRD Permanent Secretary and Secretary-General of the Solomon Islands National Commission for UNESCO, Dr Franco Rodie, delivers his opening remarks at the Commissioners Meeting at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara
Participants discuss ways to strengthen coordination and improve the implementation of UNESCO programmes and conventions in Solomon Islands.
