Minister for the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), Trevor Manemahaga, and his Permament Secretary, Brian Lenga, at the 2nd World Summit for Social Development that concluded in Qatar.
Solomon Islands Welcomes the Doha Political Declaration 2025
Minister for the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), Hon. Trevor Manemahaga, says Solomon Islands welcomes the Doha Political Declaration 2025.
Minister Manemahaga made the statement when delivering Solomon Islands’ national statement at the 2nd World Summit for Social Development that concluded in Doha, Qatar, on 6th November 2025.
He said the Doha Political Declaration is broad, forward-looking and is responsive to current and emerging global realities.
Minister Manemahaga said the Declaration builds on the legacy of Copenhagen while reaffirming the collective commitment of global leaders to the principles of solidarity, inclusion and shared prosperity.
The Doha Political Declaration was agreed to by world leaders on 5th September 2025 following years of intergovernmental negotiations. It was formally adopted at the summit in Qatar.
It reaffirms earlier global commitments, including the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and its Programme of Action. The Declaration also aligns with other key international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and global commitments on development financing.
The Declaration outlines a wide range of priorities including; poverty eradication, full and productive employment, decent work for all, social inclusion, human rights, peace and justice, human development, technology and the creation of an inclusive economic environment that supports social progress for all.
Minister Manemahaga commended the Declaration for recognising the complex and interconnected nature of global social development challenges.
He noted that since the first summit, the world has changed dramatically, with population growth, protracted conflicts, global uncertainties, pandemics such as COVID-19 and the worsening impacts of climate change and natural disasters which undermined collective progress.
“As a result, poverty reduction has been gradual. According to the Solomon Islands Household Income and Expenditure Survey, 12.7 percent of Solomon Islanders are living below the national poverty line. Youth account for about 70 percent of our population, yet fewer than 60,000 formal jobs exist in the country,” Minister Manemahaga said.
He said these realities highlighted why Solomon Islands requires both patience and partnership.
Minister Manemahaga said the SDGs will remain beyond global leaders’ collective reach if these challenges are not meaningfully addressed.
The MNPDC Minister noted that Solomon Islands life expectancy has increased from 66 to 73 years, and over 90 percent of births are now attended by skilled health workers.
He said maternal and child mortality have fallen significantly since 2000 saying these achievements show that strong policy, committed partners and community spirit can deliver impact even with limited means.
In the spirit of multilateralism, Minister Manemahaga reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to the Doha Political Declaration and its implementation.
He urged global leaders not to wait for another 30 years but to act now.
Minister Manemahaga took the opportunity to acknowledge the state of Qatar for hosting the Summit and their leadership in assisting developing countries to meet the SDGs, in particular for their compassion and humanitarian aid for health and education.
Minister for the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), Trevor Manemahaga, delivering the Solomon Islands statement at the 2nd World Summit for Social Development in Qatar.
The 2nd World Summit for Social Development that concluded in Qatar on 6th November 2025.
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