Solomon Islands Welcomes UNFCCC Technical Expert Review Team to Honiara
Honiara, Solomon Islands – 13 July 2026
The Government of Solomon Islands, through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), has officially welcomed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Technical Expert Review (TER) Team to Honiara for the country’s first Technical Expert Review of its Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1).
The review mission, taking place from 13–17 July 2026, marks a significant milestone in Solomon Islands’ implementation of the Paris Agreement. It is the country’s first review under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), which requires Parties to regularly report on greenhouse gas emissions, progress towards Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate change adaptation, and the support received and needed to address climate change.
The Technical Expert Review is a key element of the Paris Agreement that helps ensure climate reports are transparent, accurate, complete, consistent and comparable. Rather than serving as an audit, the review provides an opportunity for countries to strengthen their national reporting systems, improve data quality, and enhance institutional capacity through constructive dialogue with international experts.
Speaking at the opening of the review, Permanent Secretary of the MECDM Mr David Hiriasia, welcomed the distinguished representatives from the UNFCCC Secretariat and members of the Technical Expert Review Team, emphasizing the importance of the process for Solomon Islands.
“Today marks an important milestone for Solomon Islands as we participate in our first Biennial Transparency Report review under the Paris Agreement. We see this review not merely as an assessment exercise, but as a valuable opportunity to learn, improve, and strengthen our national transparency system. The recommendations and technical exchanges will help guide our future reporting efforts and further strengthen our national capacity for climate action.”
Mr. Hiriasia acknowledged the collective efforts of government ministries, agencies, technical experts, development partners and stakeholders who contributed to the preparation of Solomon Islands’ First Biennial Transparency Report.
“As a Small Island Developing State on the frontline of climate change, Solomon Islands remains firmly committed to meeting its obligations under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. Transparent and credible reporting is essential for informing climate policy, demonstrating progress towards our Nationally Determined Contributions, and supporting access to climate finance and international cooperation,” he said.
Throughout the review week, the Technical Expert Review Team will engage with officials from MECDM and relevant government ministries and agencies to discuss the information contained in the Biennial Transparency Report, seek technical clarifications where necessary, and provide recommendations to strengthen future reporting.
The review will also contribute to improving Solomon Islands’ national systems for greenhouse gas inventory preparation, monitoring progress towards climate targets, and implementing the country’s long-term climate commitments.
MECDM extends its sincere appreciation to the UNFCCC Secretariat and the Technical Expert Review Team for their continued support and collaboration. The Ministry also thanks all national institutions and partners whose contributions have enabled Solomon Islands to successfully undertake this important milestone under the Paris Agreement.
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MECDM Press
Representatives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Technical Expert Review Team with the Deputy Director of the Climate Change Division Mr. Henry Tufah and officers of the Climate Change Division following the official opening of Solomon Islands’ first Technical Expert Review of its Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) in Honiara
Permanent Secretary Mr. David Hiriasia delivers his opening remarks during the official opening of Solomon Islands’ first Technical Expert Review of the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) in Honiara