Press Release

UN ramps up support to Solomon Islands development efforts, announces US$4m towards Peacebuilding

27 February 2023

The people and Government of Solomon Islands can expect greater support and strengthened partnership from the United Nations (UN) on a range of issues - from peacebuilding, to development coordination and support, on the road to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the country’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC).

This was discussed last week between Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP, and UN Resident Coordinator to Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Sanaka Samarasinha, in Honiara.

As part of this increased support, Mr Samarasinha announced that through the UN Peacebuilding Fund, Solomon Islands will receive US$4m over the next four years aimed at supporting the country’s national capacity to address peacebuilding challenges.

agus andi — Caption: Representatives from civil society in Solomon Islands meet with a team from the UN in Honiara.

Photo: © UNRCO, Fiji MCO

Additionally, the UN has offered support to the country’s democratic elections process, which will be scheduled after the Pacific Games.

“The UN will also lead the first high-level development coordination mission to Solomon Islands in May, with the theme of Building Resilience for the Solomon Islands, by bringing together key actors in the region. We will ramp up our coordination efforts in Solomon Islands and support it to graduate from status of ‘LDC’ following the country’s request to extend LDC graduation to 2027,” said Mr Samarasinha.

There is currently a UN team on the ground in Honiara finalising Country Implementation Plans (CIPs) with national representatives – these CIPs will be the basis for UN assistance in the country for the next two years, incorporating government priorities and aligning with the national development plan.

This CIP will be presented to Cabinet by Prime Minister Sogavare, who will urge support and alignment through the four key pillars - peace, people, planet and prosperity.

SOLIS — Caption: The people and Government of Solomon Islands can expect greater support and strengthened partnership from the United Nations (UN) on a range of issues.

A special request has been made by Solomon Islands Government to the UN to have a dedicated UN Resident Coordinator working solely on Solomon Islands to ensure an effective UN presence.

Additionally, it was announced that Solomon Islands is exploring a venue for the UN House - the first ever UN House to be established in the country to house all UN agencies on the ground.

Mr Samarasinha reaffirmed the UN’s support to Solomon Islands and will continue to return regularly to the country and engage closely with Government, national stakeholders, and civil society.

ENDS