Solomon Islands Welcomes United Nations Delegation and Calls for Enhanced Partnership to Support National Development Priorities

The Government of Solomon Islands has welcomed United Nations Resident Coordinator, His Excellency Mr. Dirk Wagener, and a senior United Nations delegation to Solomon Islands for their joint mission from 16 to 19 August 2026, describing the visit as an important opportunity to strengthen the longstanding partnership between Solomon Islands and the United Nations.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to balanced, constructive and nationally driven international engagement and encouraged stronger and more strategic United Nations support for Solomon Islands’ foreign policy and development priorities.

Solomon Islands expressed its appreciation to the United Nations Resident Coordinator, participating UN agencies and the wider UN system for their continued cooperation and assistance, particularly in climate resilience, sustainable development, health, education and other key national priorities.

During discussions, Solomon Islands highlighted its regional leadership role and stressed the importance of Pacific solidarity, unity and consensus in addressing common regional challenges, including peace and security and growing geopolitical competition in the Pacific.

The Government also noted its preparations for the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau and underscored the importance of continued United Nations support for Pacific priorities, regional cooperation and collective action.

A key area of discussion was the need for an enhanced United Nations presence in Solomon Islands. The Government reiterated its longstanding call for an elevated UN presence, including a dedicated Resident Coordinator based in Solomon Islands, to provide more timely, effective and responsive support to the country’s growing development needs.

While acknowledging the valuable contributions delivered under the previous five-year strategic framework, the Government emphasized the need for greater investment in transformative and tangible development projects under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023–2027 and the new Country Implementation Plan. Such investments should complement national efforts towards sustainable economic growth, inclusive development and long-term economic transformation.

The Government encouraged greater UN support for the reform agenda of the GREAT Coalition Government, particularly in economic transformation, decentralisation, accountability and improved service delivery. Assistance should remain aligned with national priorities while strengthening national systems and institutions.

Solomon Islands further emphasized the importance of ensuring that the benefits of United Nations assistance reach provinces and communities across the country. Greater support for provincial service delivery, local governance and community-level programmes would help translate development assistance into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

To strengthen coordination, Solomon Islands encouraged closer engagement with the United Nations Resident Coordinator and reaffirmed the importance of the Joint UN–Solomon Islands Government Steering Committee as a key platform for aligning UN programmes and activities with national development priorities.

The Government also called for practical follow-up to the outcomes of the High-Level Government–Development Partner Summit, including clearly defined responsibilities, regular engagement and stronger coordination among Government, United Nations agencies and development partners.

Solomon Islands acknowledged the important role of the United Nations in supporting progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. At the same time, the Government emphasized that UN programmes and interventions should remain closely aligned with the National Development Strategy and the priorities of the GREAT Coalition Government, including sustainable economic growth, development cooperation and national economic transformation.

The Government also highlighted the importance of coordinated United Nations support for Solomon Islands’ graduation from Least Developed Country status. Such support will be critical to ensuring a smooth and sustainable transition while minimizing potential impacts on development financing, trade opportunities and other forms of international assistance.

Looking ahead to COP31 and other key international processes, Solomon Islands encouraged the United Nations to continue supporting the country’s climate diplomacy and climate resilience priorities, including improved access to climate finance, enhanced disaster resilience and stronger linkages between ocean and climate action.

The Government thanked the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office for organizing the joint mission and co-hosting the High-Level Government–Development Partner Summit, which provides an important platform for strengthening coordination, partnership and alignment of development assistance with Solomon Islands’ national priorities.

—MFAET PRESS RELEASE