Dr Samson Viulu Chair of the 11th Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services Meeting and MALD Permanent Secretary chairing the meeting
Solomon Islands Assumed Chairmanship and Chairs the 11th Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services Meeting
Solomon Islands has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services (PHOAFS), leading its first regional meeting following the formal handover from the Kingdom of Tonga during the opening of the 11th PHOAFS virtual meeting yesterday.
The three-day regional meeting brings together Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services, technical experts, development partners, regional organisations, and stakeholders from across the Pacific to discuss priorities for strengthening agriculture and forestry systems in the region.
Speaking during the opening session, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Samson Viulu, said Solomon Islands is honoured to take on the leadership role at an important time for the Pacific region.
“It is an honour for the Solomon Islands to assume the Chair of the Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services. Today marks the beginning of important discussions focused on measuring our progress, strengthening regional cooperation, and ensuring the commitments made under the Growing the Pacific Regional Agriculture and Forestry Strategy 2050 continue to translate into action at the national level,” Dr Viulu said.
Dr Viulu highlighted that agriculture and forestry remain central to Pacific livelihoods, economies, food systems, and cultural identity, while acknowledging the growing pressures posed by climate change, emerging pests and diseases, supply chain disruptions, and food security challenges.
“As incoming Chair, the Solomon Islands emphasises strengthening regional governance and coherence, supporting science and traditional knowledge in decision-making, and ensuring youth and women remain at the centre of our regional vision,” he said.
The outgoing Chair, the Kingdom of Tonga, formally handed over the chairmanship to the Solomon Islands during the opening ceremony.
Chief Executive Officer of Tonga’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, congratulated Solomon Islands and expressed confidence in its leadership.
Dr Samson Viulu Chair of the 11th Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services Meeting and MALD Permanent Secretary and Karen Mapusua Director Land Resources Division, Pacific Community
“Solomon Islands comes to this role at a time of real momentum. The decisions made at the 10th PHOAFS have set a bold course, and we know Solomon Islands will carry that forward with purpose,” he said.
He added that Solomon Islands’ rich biodiversity, strong communities, traditional knowledge, and commitment to resilient agriculture and forestry would strengthen regional cooperation during its leadership.
Dr Samson Viulu Chair of the 11th Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services Meeting and MALD Permanent Secretary and Karen Mapusua Director Land Resources Division, Pacific Community
The Solomon Islands will chair PHOAFS through the current meeting cycle and is expected to host the next Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services Meeting in-country next year, providing an opportunity for Pacific leaders and technical experts to gather in the Solomon Islands to continue advancing regional priorities.
Solomon Islands is also expected to host the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry, a week-long event at the end of May 2027 here in Honiara.
Co-chair and representative from the Ministry of Forestry and Research, Mr Paul Hatamane, welcomed delegates and acknowledged the importance of regional solidarity in addressing shared challenges.
“The spirit of Pacific cooperation and solidarity remains strong. Through this platform, we continue working together toward sustainable and resilient agriculture and forestry systems for our Pacific people and future generations,” Mr Hatamane said.
The meeting is supported by the Pacific Community (SPC), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and regional development partners.
The Virtual meeting which will conclude on Thursday is currently being hosted from Honiara at the MALD Headquarters with support from the SPC Land Resources Division.
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MALD Press Release
Karen Mapusua Director Land Resources Division, Pacific Community