UNDP and Solomon Islands Government Launch Landmark Resilient Office Construction in Auki to Bolster Climate Action

AUKI, MALAITA PROVINCE (March 20, 2026) — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), has officially concluded an introductory mission in Auki to facilitate the construction of a new, state-of-the-art provincial field office. This facility will serve as a critical hub for the SAFE Project, an initiative dedicated to enhancing community resilience against climate and environmental risks through integrated ecosystem management.

The mission, taking place from March 20–21, 2026, serves as a formal introduction between the project leadership, the appointed construction contractor, and the Malaita Provincial Government. During the visit, officials provided updates on the SAFE Project’s 2026 implementation plan and conducted a site visit at the construction location on Sigitae Road.

The new office building is designed to be a model of sustainability and climate resilience for the Pacific Island environment.

The building will serve as an Integrated Multi-Agency Hub that will house three dedicated office spaces for MECDM, the Malaita Provincial Government, and the SAFE Project Provincial Coordination Unit.

It will provide a specialized technical room that will house a solar photovoltaic (PV) system with high-capacity battery storage to ensure sustainable, uninterrupted power.

The building is designed to mitigate flood risks with an elevated structure on reinforced concrete piles using sustainably sourced, termite-treated local hardwood and features a hipped roof design optimized for natural ventilation and daylighting

As a multi agency hub  the building will provide a multi-purpose conference room fully equipped for hybrid meetings with advanced audio-visual capabilities, alongside a communal sitting area to foster staff collaboration.

This mission to Auki reinforces that the Malaita Provincial Government is a key stakeholder and partner in the work in the Solomon Islands government and UNDP in the country.

By aligning with provincial development priorities and local planning regulations, the MECDM through the SAFE Project ensures that this infrastructure will directly support the region’s long-term environmental and administrative needs.

The construction phase follows a comprehensive planning period, with the mission team handing over the final designs and Bills of Quantities (BOQ) to the Malaita Provincial Development Board during the visit.

Team on site visit

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